Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:20–22, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “Stand firm.” Paul uses this term another nine times in his epistles.
In service to Christ’s call – Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV 1984).
In our commitment to our faith – Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13–14, NIV 1984).
In our joyful fellowship with other believers – We work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. (2 Corinthians 1:24, NIV 1984).
Against slavery to sin – 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, NIV 1984).
Against the devil’s schemes – 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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:13–18, NIV 1984).
In the face of opposition of men– Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (Philippians 1:27–28, NIV 1984).
In anticipation of Christ’s return – We eagerly await a Savior from [heaven], the Lord Jesus Christ, Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! (Philippians 3:20–4:1, NIV 1984).
As we work towards maturity in the faith – Always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. (Colossians 4:12, NIV 1984).
In our allegiance to the truth of scripture – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV 1984).
Standing firm is not something we do in our own power. “It is God who makes…us.” So, “stand firm” for He is “guaranteeing what is to come” from it. Although He already paid for it in full through His Son’s death on the cross, the earnestness of His guarantee is still secured by a deposit of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. “His seal of ownership [is] on us.” No person or power has any claim whatsoever on us.
My Musings – Being a Christian is tough these days. But do not grow weary. Continue to “stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 