When was the last time you took a stand for something? I’m not talking about yelling at the TV when you see something you don’t agree with. I’m talking about standing up for what was right even though you knew it was going to cost you something. For some of us, it’s been a very long time since we’ve taken a stand for anything.
Philippians 4:1 gives us a command to “stand firm in the Lord.” No matter our circumstances, we must remain true to the gospel and not fall prey to those who would add to or take away from it. Paul was teaching against the Judiazers who sought to add works to the gospel by teaching that believers must not only trust Christ for salvation, but also keep the law to be saved. This is a heresy (false teaching) that Paul constantly rebukes in the New Testament and we must constantly beware of it and rebuke it when found in the church today.
We see in 3:15-21 that we should stand firm in the Lord by striving for unity though humility for the sake of the gospel. We must understand that our citizenship is in heaven and that we should eagerly wait for the Lord Jesus to come and take us there. This world is not our home. We are just pilgrims passing through, so don’t get so comfortable here that you don’t long for heaven. Don’t be content with eating the pods thrown to the swine while the feast awaits you in the dining hall.
So brothers and sisters, let us look to heaven and stand firm in the Lord while we still have time on this side of eternity. Share the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Teach it to your children, proclaim it to your neighbors and co-workers. Stand firm in it even in the midst of trial and persecution, the whole time keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the prize that awaits us in our heavenly home.
Blessings to you and your family,
Pastor Ryan
