It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first instalment that guarantees everything he has promised us. (NLT)

We often hear stories in these days, about Christians ‘deconstructing’ their faith. Do you ever worry that you might not stand firm to the end, especially when assaulted by doubts, temptations and fears? I think every genuine Christian faces such things. Well, these verses highlight vital keys to standing:

  • Above all, it is God who ‘’enables’’ this;
  • He does it by ‘placing’ the Holy Spirit within us;
  • Verse 21 also highlights the importance of Christian fellowship: ‘’along with you’’. He gives us fellow travellers for the journey. When people start to distance themselves from the church fellowship they put themselves in danger. The ministry of fellow-believers is a ‘means of grace’ the Lord uses to keep us going. Don’t isolate yourself!

As I reflected on this, I remembered that 4 times in Eph.6:10- 14 Paul commands the church to ‘’Stand’’:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour 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. 14 Stand firm then…

Here, then, is a paradox of the Christian life: we are told to stand but only God can make us stand . Our part is to be strong in Him and ‘’put on the full armour’’ He supplies.

‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in his strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own…’ (George Duffield)