“Stand firm.” These words of Paul are repeatedly echoed throughout his letters to the early churches. To the Thessalonians, he encouraged them in their continued sanctification and their rejection of false teaching. Concerning the Galatians, he instructed them on their newfound freedom in Christ and, further, the circumcision of the heart. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks at length about knowing Christ and reaching for the goal of perfection found in Him.

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Therefore, we too must stand firm in our faith. Likewise, we must remain rooted in the teachings of the Scripture, unwavering in the convictions of Christ, and surrounded by brothers and sisters who sharpen us.

The Principle of Endurance

Through persecution, Paul continued to minister and disciple. He surrendered to the will of God, faithfully sharing the Gospel everywhere he was sent. His life became about mission, not comfort. Consequently, what he taught the churches was the principle of endurance. For he knew that endurance produces character, and character hope. Ultimately, our reward would not be found in this life but in the one to come.

So I too echo the words of Paul – stand firm. Avoid putting your trust in earthly crowns; rather, strive for your heavenly crown, which will be cast at His feet. Do not lose sight of the one we should above all seek: Christ.

With Love,

Tamara

Scripture To Meditate On

“For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote.”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬

“For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬

“So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬

“There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing. ,”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬

“Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬

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References:

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.