PHILIPPIANS 4:1

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Being an American football fan, I love a good ballgame. My beloved Georgia Bulldogs have given me many hours of enjoyment over the years. My heart gets to racing when their defense is faced with a particular challenge like a goal line stand when the opposing team is poised to score. When the defense stands firm against that team and keeps them out of the end zone, it is truly something worth cheering about.

Okay, enough about football. Paul is telling his “beloved brothers and sisters” to stand firm. This is a verb he has used more than once in his epistles. It means to be stationary or to persevere. In other words, don’t be moved. Just like my Bulldogs’ defense in the face of their “enemy,” they must stand firm. Paul writes this in the Present Tense which means to keep doing it. It is also in the Imperative Mood which means it is a command. Another interesting thing about this Greek word is it comes from the Perfect Tense of another related word for “stand.” I was taught that the Perfect Tense carries lasting results.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul uses this verb when he writes, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” It’s almost like he’s saying, “Buck up, buttercup.” No, not really. But he is encouraging the believers in Corinth to be strong and to persevere. Do you ever need to be told that? I do. When I have prayed about something long and hard and I still see no movement from heaven, it is good to hear those words. Just persevere.

I recently heard a quote which was in reference to Daniel praying. It said, “One man praying on earth can move angels in heaven.” Wow! That’s powerful. We have to keep praying. We have to stand firm in the face of our enemies. That is what Paul is telling his beloved Philippian church.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Don’t go back to your previous way of living. Don’t let your enemy drag you back into a lifestyle of sin and depravity. Stand firm! Don’t fall back. Face your enemy and declare victory in the devil’s face. Praise the Lord!

Lord, we already have the victory. Help me to stand firm against all attacks.