… stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Summary: As we consider the rest of this passage, we rediscover the wisdom Paul shared in Chapter 3.
In the first part of our meditation on this passage, we looked at the phrase, “in the Lord.” In this meditation, let’s look at the phrase, “in this way.”
What does Paul mean?
Which “way” is he talking about?
Let’s return to the beginning of Chapter Three and review what Paul has just told us:
- 1. Rejoice in the Lord and be vigilant against false teachings. (vs. 1-3)
- 2. Don’t rely on the “flesh,” instead put your confidence in Jesus. (vs. 4-6)
- 3. Value Christ above all else. (vs. 7-11)
- 4. Press on toward the goal, the call of God in Christ Jesus. (vs. 12-14)
- 5. Keep striving toward maturity in faith in Jesus. (vs. 15-16)
- 6. Follow godly examples, not earthly ones. (vs. 17-19)
- 7. Remember your heavenly citizenship. (vs. 20-21)
“In this way…” refers back to the seven key points Paul made in the prior chapter.
The picture Paul paints of Christ living is clear. Each example Paul lists points us back to Jesus. Rejoice in him! Be confident in him. Hold Jesus close and never lose sight of him. Follow him and keep pressing forward. Grow in maturity. Be careful who you follow, and remember who you belong to.
This is the way Paul wants us to live. It is also the way Christ wants us to live.
So now that we have considered what it means to be “in the Lord,” and what Paul means by “in this way,” what does he mean by “stand firm?”
In the book of Luke, Jesus explains, using a house as an example. Jesus says, “…the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation” (Luke 6:49).
What happens to a house without a foundation?
Again, Jesus explains: “The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete” (ibid).
Jesus’ illustration is rather blunt.
Paul is encouraging us to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus. In another letter, he reminds us of what this means:
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Stand firm … in the Lord … in this way.
Application: Take Paul’s advice. His “way” leads to Jesus.
Food for Thought: Why is it important to “stand firm” if we are saved by grace? (Ephesians 2:8)
In a spiritual battle if you don’t stand firm you are more likely to get hurt. Referring to our spiritual armor – Paul talks a lot about standing firm. Notice the “stand” statement’s below:
Ephesians 6: 10 – 14: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
A Roman soldier in hand to hand combat would need to keep his footing. The general thought was – if you fall you die. I think Paul is using this analogy to remind us that in the spiritual battle we also need to stand firm to battle the foe. Saved by grace. Then live by standing firm.
Thank you, Rich!
Beautifully said! 🙂
Why is it important to “stand firm” if we are saved by grace? (Ephesians 2:8)
The call of Christ is more than just being saved; it is becoming Christ-like and sharing the Gospel both in word and in deed. The imperative to “stand firm” does not mean to stand still, it means to stand upright while traveling against a river of ideologies and behaviors in the world that are contrary to Christ.
We are a new creation in Christ, we must stand firm in Him so that we do not revert to a life under sin and the old self.
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
We must stand firm to resist the schemes of the enemy.
Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
We must stand firm so that others can see Christ living within us.
Philippians 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Chris,
Thank you! Excellent summary!
Great medication and responses this morning!
Why is it important to “stand firm” if we are saved by grace? (Ephesians 2:8)
Our receiving Jesus Christ is receiving life, and is to become our way of life, leading to active moment by moment growth in obedience to God, living in His power, doing His will as we remain on this earth. It is not a retirement program leading to kicking back and enjoying the sunshine.
James 1:22, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 4:11-12, And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ. .
Thanks Ron!
I had to laugh when I read your comment about our life in Christ not being a “retirement program.” Amen to that!!
Little rushed this morning, hope all will enjoy the “medication!” Proof reading after posting is not the best way to send a response.
Never even caught it.
LOL!!
Been there done that!