Time for Us to Stand
Notes
Transcript
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength.
11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil.
12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.
13 Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand.
14 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate,
15 and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace.
16 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.
18 Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.
Time for Us to Stand
Time for Us to Stand
In December 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, a woman named Rosa Parks made a decision that would change the course of history. After a long day of work, she boarded a bus and sat in the section reserved for Black passengers. As the bus became crowded, the driver demanded that she give up her seat for a white passenger, as was the law at the time.
But Rosa Parks, weary of the constant injustice and racial discrimination, decided that she had had enough. She quietly refused to give up her seat. Her simple act of defiance wasn’t loud or violent but powerful. She was arrested and fined for her resistance, but her courageous stand sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, offering a beacon of hope for change.
Rosa Parks’ stand wasn’t just about a seat on a bus but about standing firm in the face of systemic injustice. It was about holding to her convictions, even when the pressure to conform was immense. Her actions, along with those of many others who stood with her, eventually led to significant changes in the laws and attitudes of the country.
Just like Rosa Parks stood firm against injustice, we are called to stand firm in our faith. We may not face the same kind of external pressures, but we encounter challenges that test our convictions and commitment to live out the Gospel every day. Whether it’s standing against moral compromise, resisting the temptations of this world, or holding fast to our faith in times of trial, the call to stand firm is as relevant today as it was for Rosa Parks, offering us encouragement and support.
Over the past five weeks, we have delved deeply into the theme "We Are the Church: Standing in Power and Purpose." We began by exploring the incredible power available to us through the Holy Spirit—a power that equips us to live out our faith with boldness and effectiveness. We then shifted our focus to understanding our purpose as the Church, individually and collectively, in God's grand design. We have reflected on how we are called not just to exist, but to actively engage in the mission of spreading the Gospel, embodying the love of Christ, and being a light in a dark world.
Throughout this series, we've been reminded that we are not powerless or purposeless. Instead, we are empowered by God's Spirit to fulfill a divine purpose, a purpose that makes each one of us significant and valued. We've talked about how this power and purpose are not just for our benefit but are meant to be shared with the world around us. As the Church, we stand as representatives of God's kingdom, charged with the responsibility to carry His message of hope, love, and salvation to every corner of the earth.
As we conclude this series, it's time to bring everything we've learned together. It's time to consider how we can stand firm in the faith we've been given, using the power and purpose we've discussed over these past weeks. Standing firm is not just about holding onto what we believe; it's about standing strong in the strength of the Lord, ready to face the challenges that come our way, and prepared to resist the schemes of the enemy.
First, let's explore what it means to stand firm in the strength of the Lord. This is where our journey begins—recognizing that our strength doesn't come from ourselves, but from the One who has called us, equipped us, and empowered us. We are not left to face the battles of life alone; we have access to the very strength of God Himself, a source of reassurance and comfort in our journey.
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength.
Standing firm in our faith is not about relying on our abilities, determination, or willpower. These human qualities, while valuable, are finite and fragile. They waver when faced with the storms of life, and they falter when the weight of the world presses down upon us. But the call to stand firm in our faith transcends our human limitations. It begins and ends with a deep, unwavering reliance on God's strength. This strength is infinitely greater than anything we could ever generate within ourselves.
When Paul exhorts the Ephesians to "be strong in the Lord," he is issuing a command beyond mere encouragement. This is not a suggestion to dig deeper or try harder. It is a call to a radical shift in perspective, to recognize that the source of our strength is not found within our hearts, minds, or bodies. Instead, it is rooted in the very essence of God Himself. Our strength comes from the Lord, and this divine strength enables us to stand firm in the face of life's greatest challenges.
The strength of God is not like our strength. It is not limited by time, circumstance, or fatigue. It does not ebb and flow with the changing tides of our emotions or circumstances. God's strength is eternal, unchanging, and always available to us. It is the same strength that spoke the universe into existence, parted the Red Sea, and raised Jesus from the dead. This is the strength offered to us—a strength that knows no bounds.
When we encounter challenges, temptations, or spiritual battles, our natural inclination might be to rely on our wisdom, experience, or resources. We might try to fight with the weapons we know—our intellect, willpower, and past experiences. But Paul, with divine wisdom, redirects us to a higher, better way. He urges us to consciously and continuously draw on the strength of God, recognizing that His might is far greater than anything we could ever muster on our own.
This divine strength is not something we earn or achieve. It is a gift freely given, but it requires a posture of humility and dependence. It demands that we acknowledge our insufficiency, surrender our need to control, and trust in the One whose power is made perfect in our weakness. When we stand in God's strength, we are not standing on the shifting sands of human capability but on the solid rock of God's omnipotence. This is a strength that does not waver, a strength that does not fail.
So, as we consider what standing firm in our faith means, let us remember that the foundation of our strength is not our own. It is found in the inexhaustible power of God Almighty. Let us make it our daily practice to seek His strength, to rely on His power, and to rest in the assurance that when we are weak, He is strong. In His strength, we can stand firm, unshaken, and victorious in our trials or battles.
Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This is one of the most profound and empowering statements in all of Scripture. To fully grasp the weight of these words, we must consider the context in which Paul wrote them. He was not sitting in a comfortable home or enjoying the freedom to preach openly. No, Paul penned these words while he was imprisoned in Rome, chained and surrounded by uncertainty, facing the prospect of trial and possibly even death.
Paul didn’t allow his circumstances to dictate his faith in this dark and difficult moment. Instead, he boldly proclaimed that his strength did not come from his environment, physical condition, or personal resolve. His strength came from Christ alone. This was not just a fleeting moment of optimism or a positive mindset to boost his morale. It was a deep-seated, unshakeable reliance on the living Christ who empowered him to endure the harshest of trials, to persevere in his calling, and to stand firm in his faith, no matter what.
Paul’s life serves as a vivid and powerful illustration of what it truly means to stand firm in the strength of the Lord. From the moment of his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life was marked by relentless opposition. He faced persecution, beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and countless other hardships. Yet, through all of these trials, Paul’s resolve never wavered. Why? Because his strength was not his own. The strength of the Lord sustained him, empowered him to continue preaching the Gospel with boldness, and enabled him to write letters of encouragement and instruction to the early churches even while he was in chains.
Consider the sheer magnitude of what Paul accomplished through Christ’s strength. He spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire, planted numerous churches, and wrote much of the New Testament—all while enduring suffering that would have broken most people. Paul didn’t just survive; he thrived in his mission because he was utterly dependent on the strength of Jesus Christ. This wasn’t theoretical for Paul; it was his lived reality.
Even in his final days, as Paul awaited execution, he remained steadfast. His final letters reflect a man who was filled with hope and confidence in the Lord despite knowing his end was near. He could say with certainty,
7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
How could Paul maintain such strength and resolve? Because he knew that his strength was rooted in Christ and that Christ’s strength was more than sufficient to carry him through to the end.
Paul’s life and testimony challenge us to examine where our strength lies. Do we rely on our abilities, resources, or circumstances to stand firm? Or do we, like Paul, draw our strength from Christ, trusting that He will empower us to endure, persevere, and fulfill the mission God has given us? Paul’s words and life are a powerful reminder that when we are connected to Christ and rely on His strength, there is nothing we cannot endure, no trial we cannot face, and no mission we cannot complete.
So, as we reflect on Paul’s example, let us be inspired to live with the same deep-seated reliance on Christ. Let us draw our strength from Him daily, knowing that His power at work enables us to stand firm in faith, regardless of what life may throw our way.
For us today, standing firm in the strength of the Lord is not just a lofty ideal—it’s a practical, daily necessity. In a world that constantly pulls at our attention and challenges our faith, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or insufficient. But what if, instead of relying on our limited resources, we began each day with a conscious acknowledgment of our deep need for God’s power in our lives? What if we made it a daily, intentional practice to draw on the limitless strength that God freely offers us?
Imagine waking up each morning and turning your heart to God in prayer before your feet even hit the floor. It is not just a quick, routine prayer but a heartfelt cry for His strength to fill, guide, and sustain you throughout the day. This act of reaching out to God empowers you to face whatever challenges may come with the confidence that He is with you and that His strength is not just available but sufficient for every need. This kind of prayer can transform your day, shifting your focus from your limitations to God’s boundless power, and instilling in you a sense of confidence and capability.
And it doesn’t stop there. As you move into your day, picture yourself feeding your spirit with the Word of God. Make it a priority to immerse yourself in scriptures like Ephesians 6:10 and Philippians 4:13, allowing these powerful truths to sink deep into your heart. These are not just words on a page; they are promises from the Creator of the universe, meant to fortify your spirit and equip you for whatever lies ahead. Meditate on these verses, let them echo in your mind, and carry them with you as a shield against doubt, fear, and temptation. The transformative power of these scriptures will inspire and uplift you, guiding you through your day with renewed strength and purpose.
Consider the difference this could make in your life. By consciously drawing on God’s strength every single day, you are not just preparing yourself to survive the day—you are positioning yourself to thrive, to stand firm no matter what comes your way. Just as Paul found strength in Christ to endure imprisonment, hardship, and persecution, you, too, can find the strength to stand firm in your faith. You can overcome obstacles, resist temptations, and live out your God-given purpose with a determined focus and courage.
This is not just a call to action; it’s an invitation to a deeper, more intimate walk with God. It’s an opportunity to experience His power in a personal, transformative, and sustaining way. When you begin each day by seeking God’s strength through prayer and His Word, you build a foundation that cannot be shaken, no matter what storms may come. You are stepping into the fullness of life God has for you, equipped and empowered to stand firm in every situation.
So, I encourage you, don’t let another day go by without tapping into your strength in Christ. Make it your daily habit and joy to seek Him first, rely on His strength, and walk in the confidence that comes from knowing that you are not alone. With God’s strength, you can face anything, endure anything, and stand firm in your faith, living out the purpose He has placed on your life.
In a world that often encourages self-reliance, the Christian walk calls to something profoundly different—a deep, unwavering reliance on God’s strength. When we stand firm in the Lord’s might, we are not standing on shaky ground, susceptible to shifting circumstances or emotions. Instead, we are rooted on the solid rock of His power and faithfulness. This foundation is unshakeable, allowing us to face life’s challenges confidently.
But the reality of our spiritual journey is that we don’t stand alone on this solid ground. We are engaged in a battle, a spiritual conflict that requires us to be vigilant and aware of the forces that seek to undermine our faith. It’s not enough to stand firm in the strength of the Lord; we must also be prepared to stand firm against the very real schemes of the devil, who seeks to deceive, distract, and destroy.
The next crucial aspect of standing firm in our faith: standing firm against the schemes of the devil. This requires reliance on God’s strength and a deliberate and proactive stance against the enemy’s tactics. Paul warns us of this in Ephesians 6:11, where he calls us to put on the full armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the devil’s schemes. Let’s explore what it means to be equipped and prepared for this spiritual battle.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
As we journey through life, we must recognize that we are not merely bystanders in a peaceful world. We participate in a spiritual battle that rages around us, often unseen but very real. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul brings this reality into sharp focus, reminding us that we have an adversary who is cunning, deceptive, and relentless in his efforts to undermine our faith. The devil's schemes are subtle and varied, tailored to exploit our weaknesses, sow doubt, and lure us away from the truth of God's Word.
But Paul leaves us with hope and defense. He instructs us to "put on the whole armor of God" to stand firm against these schemes. This is not a casual suggestion but an urgent call to action. We are called to be vigilant, prepared, and equipped with the spiritual tools necessary to withstand the enemy's attacks.
The armor of God is not just a metaphor; it represents the very real and practical ways that God protects and empowers us in this spiritual battle. Let's take a moment to consider each piece of this divine armor, as outlined in Ephesians 6:14-17:
The Belt of Truth: The truth of God's Word is what holds everything together. It is the foundation upon which we stand, enabling us to recognize and reject the lies of the enemy. When we wrap ourselves in truth, we are protected from the deception that so easily entangles us.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: Our righteousness is not of our own making; it is a gift from God, bestowed upon us through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness guards our hearts, protecting us from the guilt and shame that the devil tries to use to weaken our resolve.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The gospel brings us peace with God and within ourselves. With our feet firmly planted in the good news of Jesus Christ, we are ready to stand our ground and move forward, no matter the obstacles.
The Shield of Faith: Faith is our defense against the fiery darts of the enemy—doubts, fears, and temptations meant to destroy our confidence in God. With the shield of faith, we extinguish these attacks, standing firm in the assurance that God is with us.
The Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects our minds, our thoughts, and our identity in Christ. It reminds us of the hope of our salvation and guards us against the enemy's attempts to lead us into despair and confusion.
The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our offensive weapon. It is alive, powerful, and sharper than any double-edged sword. With it, we can cut through the lies of the enemy, declaring the truth that sets us free.
Peter wrote the following words:
8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world.
Peter's warning echoes Paul's call to vigilance. The enemy is not passive; he is actively seeking to devour those who are unprepared, those who are unaware of the spiritual battle. But Peter, like Paul, encourages us to resist the devil, standing firm in our faith. This resistance is not done in our own strength but in the strength that God provides through His armor. By being sober-minded, watchful, and fully equipped with God's armor, we can withstand the enemy's attacks and emerge victorious.
So how do we, in our everyday lives, actively stand firm against the schemes of the devil? It begins with a daily, intentional choice to put on the armor of God. This is not something we do once and forget about; it is a daily practice, a spiritual discipline that prepares us for the challenges we face.
By actively putting on the armor of God each day, you position yourself not just to survive the spiritual battles you face, but to stand firm in victory. You are not alone in this fight; God is with you, empowering you to resist the enemy and stand strong in your faith. Just as Paul and Peter encouraged the early Church to be vigilant and steadfast, so too are we called to take up the armor of God, standing firm against every scheme of the devil.
We’ve seen how crucial it is to stand firm in the strength of the Lord and to guard ourselves against the schemes of the enemy. But this battle is not one we fight alone. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. Our strength is magnified when we stand together, united in prayer, faith, and purpose.
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
In the midst of spiritual warfare, it’s easy to feel isolated, as though we are fighting our battles alone. But God never intended for us to stand alone. The power of the Church lies not just in individual believers but in the collective strength we find when we stand firm together in unity. Paul, in Ephesians 6:18, calls us to pray “at all times in the Spirit” and to be vigilant in our prayers not just for ourselves, but for all the saints. This is a powerful reminder that prayer is not just a solitary activity—it is a corporate effort, a unifying force that binds us together in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Unity in the body of Christ is essential as we face the challenges and battles of life. The enemy knows that a divided Church is a weakened Church, but when we stand together, united in prayer and purpose, we become an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God. Our prayers, when combined with the prayers of others, create a spiritual synergy that strengthens our resolve, encourages our hearts, and magnifies our impact.
So, how do we stand firm together in unity? It starts with a commitment to support one another in prayer and in fellowship. Imagine the impact when we, as a Church, come together in unified prayer, lifting each other up, interceding for one another, and standing in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not just a nice idea; it’s a call to action.
As we come to the end of this sermon and indeed this entire series, I want to leave you with a challenge that echoes the Apostle Paul's call: Stand firm.
We have explored the profound truths of what it means to be the Church—empowered by the Holy Spirit, rooted in God's purpose, and equipped with the strength to face any battle. We've been reminded that our strength comes not from ourselves but from the Lord, that we must stand vigilant against the schemes of the devil, and that we are strongest when we stand together in unity.
But now, it's time to put these truths into action. It's time to make a decision that will define not just this moment but the course of your spiritual life moving forward.
Will you stand firm?
Will you begin each day by drawing on the strength of the Lord, refusing to rely on your limited resources? Will you put on the full armor of God, recognizing that the battle is real and the stakes are high? Will you commit to standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters in Christ, united in prayer, in purpose, and in love?
This is not a call for the faint of heart. It's a call to a deeper level of commitment, a higher level of faith, and a more intense level of spiritual warfare. It's a call to reject complacency, to step out of the shadows of doubt and fear, and to stand firm in the light of God's truth.
As we conclude this series, I urge you to reflect on our journey together and ask yourself: How will I stand firm in my faith?
Starting today, what steps will you take to live out the truths we've explored?
Remember, you are not alone in this. God has provided you with everything you need—His strength, His armor, and His people. But it's up to you to take hold of these resources and to stand firm in the calling God has placed on your life.
So, I challenge you today to stand firm in the strength of the Lord, stand firm against the schemes of the devil, and stand firm together in unity.
And as you do, watch how God will move in and through you, transforming your life, strengthening the Church, and advancing His Kingdom in ways you could never have imagined.
The time for hesitation is over. The time for standing firm is now. Will you rise to the challenge?