What more can we say, but “Amen! Hallelujah!” What an encouragement to stand
fast in the Lord!
WE
ARE EXPLAINED THE PRACTICALITY OF STANDING FAST — vv. 3-9
What
does “standing fast” look like? That is the question. It is not merely a theoretical
position, for our Christian faith must always be fleshed out in the attitudes
and relationships of life in a practical way.
The apostle immediately addresses a conflict in the Philippian church and tells
two women to work out their differences and make up. These were not peripheral
participants in ministry, for they had labored with the apostle in propagating
the gospel. But Christian service is no substitute for Christian unity. To
stand fast, we must be united in heart and purpose.
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Serving one another is involved in standing fast. The imperative to “help”
suggests continuous repeated action. Therefore, the idea of guarding against
conflict and doing what is necessary to assist one another is to become a lifestyle.
Joy and cheerfulness is to be a way of life because it is rooted in an abiding
relationship with Jesus Christ.
The expectancy
of the Lord’s return results in a witness of gentleness and moderation
He
continues to address practical applications of standing fast in the Lord. Don’t
worry. Be prayerful. Dwell on the right thoughts. One’s thought life will
determine whether one stands or falls. “Sow a thought, reap an deed. Sow a
deed, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a lifestyle. Sow a lifestyle, reap a
destiny.”
In Florence, Italy, a young artist labored long and hard over a marble statue
of an angel. When finished, he asked Michelangelo to examine it. The young
artist concealed himself. No Master looked over the work more carefully — it
was perfect in every way. The young artist waited. But his heart nearly broke
when he heard, “It lacks only one thing.”
For days the artist could not eat or sleep, until a friend called on Michelangelo
at his studio and asked him what he thought. “It lacks only life.”
We have been placed on earth with all that’s needed for a wonderful life of
service to God, others, and a life of fulfillment. It is the breath of God,
provided through Jesus Christ our Lord, that is the essence of the life that
stands fast. (Larry Gilmore)
______________________
Sermon
brief provided by: Larry Gilmore, Group Leader of the Evangelism
Strategies Group for the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Brentwood, TN