1 Corinthians 15:1: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preach to you – unless you believed in vain.”
Paul was telling the Corinthians that the gospel is of benefit if we stand in it and hold faithful to the Word of God. We must have discernment in living the day to day stuff within our culture and realize what is right and what is false thinking from God’s point of view. I have to ask myself, as I am going about my workday and I run into conflict, roadblocks, and seemingly impossibilities, what am I standing in as the basis of my motivation and life’s purpose? What are the root issues? Am I standing in the benefit of the gospel and in having my future – getting to see and be with Jesus for eternity, as the prime importance of life or in just a moment? There will be no enemies in Heaven – no more conflict, no more sorrow, and no more diseases. Our whose we are determines our who we are.
1 Thessalonians 3:8 declares: “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the LORD.” The Thessalonians’ faith was encouraging news to Paul, brought to him by Timothy. The Thessalonians were standing firm due to their hope in the Lord. I have to ask myself if my love and faith are an encouragement to someone else? Am I standing in steadfast, firm endurance in my trust in God, despite any circumstances?
Then there is the verse in 1 Corinthians 10:12, where Paul warns: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall.” The word “stands” is used in this verse as well. Paul was warning the Corinthians that many Old Testament examples have been given to us to remember that we are not incapable of sinning ourselves but we have both the Old and New Testament to give us instruction, knowledge, and the Holy Spirit indwelling us and empowering us with everything that we need. I wonder how Joseph became so merciful, forgiving, and didn’t hold any grudges against the cruelty done to him by his brothers. Who did he learn this from? His family was dysfunctional and had some problems yet God was sovereign and over ruled the bad for good time and time again yet God was faithful and used imperfect people for His ultimate good in His redemptive plan. Joseph is a picture of Christ’s forgiveness despite our sin.
What verse has God given you that has given you courage, comfort, and reassurance to keep keeping on that you stand on?
Remind yourself of verses in Scripture that have been of comfort to you in the past and stand up and stand firm in them. The promises of God will keep you secure in your faith and be of benefit. Standing firm in the Lord, despite irritations and disappointments in our expectations, gives proof that our faith is genuine and not empty. One’s future with the Lord is of prime importance. Christ is risen, He is risen indeed, and He is LORD. This other stuff isn’t. Stand up and stand firm on the promises of God our Savior. Overcome daily with the Spirit’s sword, which is the Word of God. Stand firm.
Listen to Lauren Daigle’s Rescue (Official Music Video).