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As each of us remembers who we are in Jesus, we begin to stand firm.
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“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
The Lord must have gave Paul great insight as he lived day by day chained to a member of the imperial Roman guard. Every day, every few hours, the guard chained to him would change, and a fresh replacement would take his place. As Paul watches each Roman guard, representing the entire Roman empire, stand – not budging from his post, he realizes Christ followers must persistently stand firm as well – standing together in unity to represent the body of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Paul exhorts his beloved Philippian friends to stand together in the battles they face. When the believers stand in spiritual solidarity false teachers retreat. Paul encourages the Philippian church to build unity as they stand on the firm foundation of God’s Word, to continue listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice, to know the Father’s heart, and to remain immovable in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Paul prays fervently because he desires them to be steadfast in faith, firmly committed in conviction and belief.
Standing firm is not an occasional activity or accidental event but must be intentional for every believer. Pastor Ryan suggested Sunday reading God’s Word every day will bring benefits. Paul is convinced that spreading the Good News of Jesus will result from the Philippian church being united and grounded in the truth. We, too, can stand in the truth of who we are in Christ and the result will be transformational. As each of us remembers who we are in Jesus, we begin to stand firm, together, for the cause of the gospel in one mind and one spirit. Neil Anderson compiled a helpful list describing who we are in Christ. Choose one of the truths to meditate on and allow it to enable you to stand strong today.
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By Donna Burns
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