Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TO STAND

                                                                                                     

  

                                       TO STAND

As we go through life we often hear the phrases “stand on our own two feet” or “to stand tall.” We are encouraged “to stand up for ourselves,” “to stand firm,” or at least “to take a stand.” All of this essentially means that we are to have a sufficient degree of faith in ourselves; in what we believe and in what we desire to achieve. And at the very least, to try and withstand any deterioration of what we already enjoy.

In the Bible, the situation is really no different. We are requested many times to take a stance for beliefs and situations that have and will develop over time. In Ephesians, we are requested to:

Put on the whole armor of God, 

that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(6:11)

We can have an impressive ability in this regard if we focus on the Lord and trust in the One who: 

…will not allow your foot to be moved… 

(Psalm 121:3)

We have this ability because we can stand in grace.

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, 

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

(Romans 5:2)

We can stand in the gospel.

…I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, and in which you stand… 

(1 Corinthians 15:1) 

We can stand in courage and strength.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 

(1 Corinthians 16:13)

We are able to stand in faith.

Not that we have dominion over your faith,

 but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. 

(2 Corinthians 1:24)

We have the ability to stand in Christian liberty.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, 

and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 

(Galatians 5:1)

We should also stand in a unity of Christians.

…let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…that you stand fast in one spirit, 

with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…

(Philippians 1:27)

We can stand in the Lord.

Therefore…stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

(Philippians 4:1)

And overall so

…that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

(Colossians 4:12)

And as we see what is going on around us these days, being able and willing to stand is something we may all have to soon think carefully about.