Stand Firm in the Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Act like men. Be strong. And do everything with love." In this post we'll focus on the second command.

2. Stand firm in the faith

Here Paul tells the Corinthians they must be adamant and resolute in their determination to live their lives for Jesus. The Corinthian church was doing a number of things wrong, which is one of the reasons Paul wrote to them. Here at the end of his letter he exhorts them to stand firm in the faith, which is the opposite of what they were doing. 

I think Paul's advice to the Corinthians is most appropriate for us who live today. We live in a culture that embraces a worldview and values that are blatantly anti-Christian. As a result when you go to work you may find yourself in the minority. And maybe you've been tempted to compromise what you believe or to keep quiet so everyone doesn't start making fun of you. Paul's advice to you? Stand firm in the faith! You might think this is impossible, but it's not! 2 Corinthians 1:21 says, “...it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” That is - God will help you! 

Let me give you three motivations for standing firm. 

1. The Lord is coming soon. 

James 5:8 says, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Friends - there is nothing keeping Jesus from returning this very minute. Keeping the imminent return of Christ in mind will motivate us to stand firm in the faith. 

2. Your determination will be rewarded. 

Jesus said in Luke 21:19, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” That is, if you don’t give up, your reward will be life eternal. Remember friends “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) 

3. Others are standing firm with you. 

The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:9, “Resist him [Satan], standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” It's discouraging to think you're all alone, but the truth is, you're not. Christians all around the world are fighting the same battle. 

I love Ephesians 6:14. It simply says "Stand firm then.." The Christian life is not for the weak of heart. It takes good old fashion determination! Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-13 that in the last days, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” So stand firm! Keep your spiritual fervor in serving the Lord (Romans 12:11). Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23). Stand firm! Let nothing move you (1 Corinthians 15:58).