STANDING FAST IN THE LORD

TOPIC: STANDING FAST IN THE LORD

TEXT: 1THESS.3:1-13


MEMORY VERSE “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. (1Cor. 15:58)

CENTRAL TRUTH: Growing in faith and love helps keep us steadfast in the Lord.

 INTRODUCTION

What did Paul mean by “standing fast in the faith” or “standing fast in the Lord”? For one thing he was telling the Thessalonians to make the best of any situation in which they found themselves and seek to glorify God. We can find this principle illustrated in nature. The beauty lotus bloom in some of the most dismal swamps. In the midst of a crowded metropolis, with the smoke of industries hanging in the air and with thousands of busy feet steeping, striding, and shuffling along the sidewalks, you may look down in wonder and see tiny flowers protruding from cracks in the concrete.
        Witness the trees along our coastlines, bent and blasted by the stormy winds that sweep in from the sea yet they continued to bud of life. Bushes cling to the walls of the Grand Canyon, vibrated with life and color, despite their precious positions. The lesions can learn from the nature of these,
        Christians can blossom like the beautiful lotus even in the midst of the mud pools and swamps of society. Let the stormy winds of life blast us! We can firmly stand our ground. There may be times when we feel our position is precarious, but even the life of Christ within can cause us to bring forth radiant blossoms whose fragrance can minister to the multitudes. 
          Like the Thessalonians coverts, we can stand fast and firm in faith.

POINT 1

UNMOVED BY TRIALS: 1THESS. 3:1-5

Paul was not content to win people to the Lord, then go off and leave them. He knew that new Christians must be established and strengthen in their daily Christian walk. We must keep this truth in mind ourselves as we seek to lead people to accept Christ as Savior. Does your church have a systematic discipleship program for new Christians? Do they receive basic spiritual training and encouragement? When children from non-Christian homes are saved in your church, what provision is made to follow up on these conversations as win the family? These are important questions to consider. A soul-winning effort is only as effective as the discipleship efforts that follow. What can you as a class or individuals do to help your church make progress in these area? Soul winning and discipleship is every Christian’s business.

 

POINT 2

GROWING IN FAITH AND LOVE: 1Thess. 3:6-10


If we were to begin listing all the characteristics and qualities of a Christian who is “Standing fast” we would soon find ourselves in a treasure hunt through the Bible. The purpose of scripture is to thoroughly equip us for the work of God. Through each revelation of himself, God has progressively revealed more of what He expect from man in response to Him. The epistles climax, the Biblical teaching on man’s responses to God. They give detailed instructions and inspirations for living a mature Christian life. God’s plan is for His people to grow “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph.4:13). When we are growing in Him and “stand fast”, we will not be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Eph.4:14)

 

POINT 3

STRENGTHENED IN HOLINESS: 1Thess.3:11-13


In the last three verses of chapter 3 Paul breathed another prayer for the Thessalonians. It is often in the hectic and frustration times that we forget to allow God’s love to work through us. Yet scriptures plainly teach we are to live a godly live at the time – not just when we feel holy. How can we “stand fast” when someone spills the milk, or when we are going to be late for an appointment, when traffic conditions are maddening, or someone treats us unfairly? “thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind stayed on thee” (Isa. 26:3). Keeping our thoughts centered on God is the key to Holy living. As we practice living in His presence, our actions will reflect our thought of life. The Psalmist gave practical instructions for living in the presence of God: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4) God is always worthy of our praise. When we offer Him a “sacrifice of praise” (when we least feel like it), we bring our lives into the tune with God and His purposes. Praise and worship of God will lead to a consistent, Godly life. Proverb 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and not our own understanding. We are to acknowledge God in all our ways, he will guide us. So often God is disregarded in ordinary things, men think they can manage by themselves. But let an emergency arise, they cry out to God knowing they cannot get by without Him. Standing fast in the Lord, living a holy life, letting God’s love in us overflow to others – this is what the Christian life is all about.
              A daily commitment is required to stand fast in the Lord. Are you willing to make this commitment? Do you desire to grow to spiritual maturity? Determine to set yourself apart for God’s service and glory.
My name is Ubong Kingsley Nsini. I am a preacher in Bible Christian Evangelical Church Inc. I am called by God to preach His good news and to help other preachers spread the good news all over the world.

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