Firm In The Lord
‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ‘
Philippians 4:1
Paul was concerned for the Believers at Philippi that they could possibly wander from their faith. So he eagerly challenged them to stand firm in the Lord.
The New Living Translation interprets this verse to say, “stay true to the Lord.” With that challenge in mind he gave some practical application as to how to stand firm or stay true to God.
The word therefore refers us back to chapter 3:20-21where Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…” We must remember this world is not our eternal home.
While we walk this Earth we must keep our focus on Jesus. One day He is coming back and everything will be under His authority. If we are going to stand firm in our faith we must keep our focus on Heaven.
In chapter 4:6-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” God wants us to confide in Him. Tell Him all about your troubles, but also thank Him for all your blessings.
Paul says in verse 8 to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If we fill our minds with the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, it will give us strength to stand firm and stay true to the Lord.
Standing firm and staying true to the Lord is not going to happen naturally or easily. This is why we need Jesus. This is also why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly do it on our own. But we can stand firm and stay true to God through Christ who gives us strength.
Pray
Lord, strengthen me through Your word today. Give me power through the Holy Spirit and confidence to face whatever comes my way.
