STAND FAST IN THE FAITH

“Watch, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, be brave, be strong” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

No matter the storms that may come in life, God would have His children STAND FAST IN FAITH: “Watch, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Cor.16:13-14). These were the opening words of Paul’s Final Exhortations and Farewell Greetings to the Corinthian Believers. Final words are often vital words! Paul began with the admonition to WATCH, in alignment with the words of the Lord: “WATCH and PRAY, lest you enter into temptation” (Mt.26:41a; Mk.14:38a); “And what I say to you, I say to all: WATCH!” (Mk.13:37). Paul wrote elsewhere: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us WATCH and be sober” (1The.5:6). Watching precedes Standing, which enables the Believer to be brave and strong in the Lord.

Only the Watchful can Stand Fast in the Faith! Believers are in constant danger; hence should ever be on the watch. However, the danger is greater at some times and in some circumstances. The Corinthians were in apparent danger on many fronts: their feuds ran high, the errors among them were great, they accommodated deceivers who strove to corrupt their faith in the most fundamental truths, those without which the practice of piety could not subsist. In such perilous conditions it was their concern to watch. If we as believers would be secure, we must be on guard; and the more the danger the greater vigilance is needful for our security.

In the place of watching, Believers are to Stand Fast in the Faith, keep their ground, adhere to the revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor allow it to be corrupted by human errors or satanic deception. To Stand Fast is also to Stand Firm. As Believers in Christ, we are to Stand Fast and Firm in the Faith: anchored, persevering, and convicted of our beliefs. We are to stand for the Faith of the Gospel, and maintain our stand even in the face of danger or death. We abide in the profession of our Faith. This means we are not wavering, stumbling, or easily moved. Our feet are planted on the Foundation that can hold us, which is in the Word of God, in the Gospel of Christ, in the help of the Holy Spirit, and the Communion of the saints – the Church.

We must be fixed in the Faith of the Gospel and never desert, denounce, or renounce it. It is by Faith that we can keep our ground in the hours of temptations and trials. By Faith we stand (2Cor.1:24). By Faith we overcome the world, whether it tempts or terrifies (1 Jh.5:4). Standing Fast in the Faith dislodges and drives out Fear, and stirs Bravery and Strength. We are called to “be brave”: to be courageous and act like men. This is not so much in a physical sense as in the convictions of our spiritual life. Rather than being terrified, we are to act with resolve against adversaries who would divide, corrupt, or seduce us from the faith; be solid footed!

We must be firm in all contests against the enemies, in defending our Faith, and maintaining our Integrity, especially on issues that buttress sound doctrine and practice, such as were attacked among the Corinthians. We must be steadfast and firm in resolution. The Grace of God is ever-present and abundant to enable us. Our Faith is a response to God’s Grace, demonstrated in Christ’s finished work of Redemption from Sin, Sickness, Satan, and the Curse, as revealed in the Word of God. Even when circumstances appear contrary, we must stand fast, firm, steady, and sure on what the Word says; be brave, courageous, and strong in the Lord!

It takes watching, standing fast in the faith, being brave and strong, to walk in Love: “Let all that you do be done with love” (v.14). Now, we can declare: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen” (vv.23-24).