Thinking About Standing

Jun 7 2015

Thinking About Standing

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (NIV)

Standing fast or firm in your faith is a vital part of the ‘Christian walk.’ The primary word for ‘walk’ in the New Testament is peripateo. It was used in the physical sense in the Gospels and Acts. Paul used the word in a figurative sense.

The Greeks understood the figurative definition to be: ‘live, conduct yourself.’ The way a person ‘walked’ meant the way they lived their lives and conducted themselves.

We find six Greek words translated by the English word ‘walk.’ Paul used perpiateo more than 80% of the time.

Even as there is a natural order to the physical life, there is a natural order to the spiritual life.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to livewhen you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” Ephesians 2:1-3

The word ‘dead’ is vekrous. It means ‘without life, lifeless.’

Here’s how the physical and spiritual compare:

• Both begin with the planting of the seed.
• Both grow as they receive water and nourishment.
• Both reach a point of maturity that brings on the labor of birth.
• Both are born as new into the world.
• Both grow as they receive water and nourishment.
• Both grow from babyhood to childhood to adulthood.

Part of that growth process is the increased ability to stand and walk. The ability to stand spiritually is to have the strength to face opposition and not be moved. The word ‘stand’ is stekete. It means ‘to continue, endure, persist.’ The word carries with it the idea of standing against opposition.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of Paul’s advice about standing firmly.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.” 1 Corinthians 15:1

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:13-15

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospelwithout being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” Philippians 1:27-28

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:1

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Colossians 4:12

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15

An important prerequisite to walking effectively as a Christian is “standing” firmly and by faith. Physical and spiritual children crawl, sit, stand, then walk. Standing in God’s strength is paramount to a powerful walk in Christ.

Here’s Paul’s list. We encourage you to print it, tape it where you will see it during the day, and ask God to give you the courage to do it every day.

1. Stand in God’s Grace
2. Stand in the Gospel
3. Stand in ‘the’ Faith
4. Stand in Freedom
5. Stand against Satan’s Schemes
6. Stand in the Evil Day
7. Stand in Truth and Righteousness
8. Stand in ‘the’ One Spirit
9. Stand in the Lord
10. Stand in ‘all’ of God’s Will
11. Stand in Paul’s Teachings

“Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”