STAND FAST

The Greek word used for stand fast is steko which means stand firm, steadfast, determined, constant, faithful, not easily moved. In order for the Christian to do this, it is a real fight. Are we not called to “fight the good fight of faith”? The indifferent Christian knows little of this “good fight.” To stand fast it takes a real determination and godly walk ordered by the Spirit.

We are to “stand fast” in “the liberty.” What does this mean? Some say this liberty allows them to do as they please. God does not say this. Liberty means freedom and it is Called “the glorious liberty (or freedom) of the children of God.” Have we not been liberated (made free) from the bondage of sin and given the liberty or freedom of worship and serve God? This liberty of our goes no further than this. Today there seems to be a spirit of indifference and lawlessness among some church people. The walk of obedience and oneness that God requires is lost amid the rubble of modern Christian behavior. Many think it smart to dabble a little in the things of the world. Do this, do that, be seen at the world’s entertainment places for you must go where the sinner is if you want to win the world for Christ, etc.

Did Christ every say we were to win the world? Should we sin that good may abound? “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” An ambassador takes orders from those he represents. He has no voice in the affairs of the country where he resides. So it is with the Christian. He is called upon to faithfully represent his Sovereign at all costs.

“For brethen, you have been called unto liberty only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.” Again, “As free and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness but as the servants of God.” Isn’t this what we have been trying to say? We read further, “Being than made free from sin [set at liberty] you became the servants of righteousness.” Cannot we say again this liberty does not give us license to do as we think or please?

“Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ — that you stand fast in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

What a beautiful picture. What a desired condition for God’s people to be in. What a goal to strive for. Alas, the gospel of oneness is seldom heard in the land any more. What a shame! Time and effort for everything else the human mind invents but standing fast on one spirit with one mind, striving together seems to be old fashioned. Thus the power of the gospel is lost. “Therefore my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord.”

It is only as we stand fast in the Lord will we be able to stand fast in this liberty and oneness which is ours. There is no substitute for the successful Christian life apart from standing fast in the Lord. “Believest thou this?”

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast [firm] and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.” What were the traditions? What did Paul and the rest teach? Did they teach anything different than Christ taught?

May we strive together to stand fast not in our own ways, but in HIS ways, for we read, “Behold the judge standeth before the door.” Time is drawing near when “we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

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