Challenge For The New Year: Stand Fast!

Uplook – January 2011 – Grace & Truth Magazine

CHALLENGE FOR
THE NEW YEAR
Stand Fast!

“Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV

“Stand fast ... in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” Galatians 5:1

“Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27

“Stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” Philippians 4:1

“For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15

I love the phrase “Stand fast.” It has such purpose, such resolve and such strength resounding in it! Above are the six “stand fasts” that appear in the New Testament. Let’s look briefly at each of them.

First, we are to stand fast in the faith, for faith in Christ is the foundation for our life. Then we are to stand fast in liberty, for it is the freedom to be moved and used by the Spirit of God. Third, we are to stand fast in unity, for that is how He would have us work together for the Lord. Fourth, we are called to stand fast in the Lord, for He is our firmness, our rock of resolve and the confidence that we are loved. Fifth, we are to stand fast in the Lord, for it is His faithfulness that sustains us. Lastly, we are to stand fast in doctrine, for it gives us the fortitude to withstand every wind of deceitful doctrine and craftiness of men seeking to turn us away from Christ.

Will you be standing fast in the New Year?

By Tom Steere