“Stand Firm”

Galatians 5:1

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

I believe many Christians do not fully understand what it means to “Stand Firm.” This is because I see many Christians who believe they must do everything in their own power and strength. Consequently, they are stuck in a cycle always ending in failure. These Christians do not realize God is waiting and wanting to help them walk through this world living as salt and light so the world will know the truth of Jesus.

            Many Christians give in to temptation simply because they have not learned how to “Stand Firm” in their faith in Jesus. We must remember it is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to give in to the temptation. The only way people will overcome this world is by learning to “Stand Firm” each day in their faith in Jesus and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, I perceive many Christians are not aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit within their lives. Or perhaps they are unsure of the guiding power of the Spirit and therefore do not trust in the Spirit.

            What does it mean, then, to “Stand Firm” within the Christian context? How does the Holy Spirit help us in this regard? In our post-Christian world many people are seeking spiritual guidance and strength in assisting them to live their lives. Christians are also looking for answers to help them each day. They seek spiritual answers to their questions. Many are looking for a “higher power” or some form of spiritual guide. Those who search without guidance are often looking in the wrong places.

            God already provides a way for us to stand firm in our faith and to guide those who belong to Jesus. This guide is the third part of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit. So what does the Holy Spirit do for the people of God?

            The Holy Spirit helps us overcome the war of two natures: There is a terrible war raging in the body of every believer. It is the war between the flesh and the Spirit. Jesus declares, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). Apart from the Holy Spirit we live in bondage to (in) the flesh: “… By what a person is overcome, by this are they enslaved” (2 Peter 2:19).

            Our freedom is only in Jesus: “For the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

            Love is the key to fulfilling the Law: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

            God, indeed, provides a way for us to stand firm in our faith and to guide those who belong to Jesus.