Galatians 5.1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Standing firm is a constant message in the NT. Throughout scripture the Lord repeatedly tells us to stand firm in the faith as we live and work in a fallen world. In this passage Paul admonishes the Galatians (and us) to stand firm in response to false doctrine, in particular to resist the false teaching of legalism.
A distinguishing characteristic of those who faithfully follow the Lord is the discipline to “stand firm” in response to the challenges of life. Another place where Paul gives this admonition is Philippians 4.1: “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.” In the original Greek text, the word for “stand firm” is steko. It is a military term that defines the heart of the warrior ethos. It defines the warrior spirit. Steko describes three attributes — three disciplines — of a true warrior, and by extension three characteristics of a true follower of Jesus.
1) Be Prepared.
Steko describes a warrior who has been trained to stand firm in battle; it is a warrior who has prepared himself to fight and win. The true warrior is skilled in the use of his weapons, and he stands firm as a result of hours of disciplined training. Standing firm in today’s world requires training. It requires building discipline and skill into your life so that you are prepared to fight and win the battles you face. The Galatians were fighting the false doctrine of the Judaizers, and it was a must-win battle.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6.10-11)
Never forget the admonition of 1 Timothy 4, which instructs you to strive (agonizomai) and train yourself (gumnazo) and do so with great effort (kopos).
2) Hold Your Point.
Steko describes a warrior who — in the midst of a battle — holds his position and defeats his opponent. It’s a warrior who holds his point. A warrior is part of a unit, and in that unit he has a position. He has an assignment. The true warrior does his job. He holds his point. He stands firm in the battle.
“Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20.17)
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” (Proverbs 24.10)
3) Be Relentless
Steko describes a warrior who is relentlessly persistent and continues to stand firm and hold his point not just once, but again and again and again. True warriors are tenacious and unrelenting. They do not quit. Ever.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16.13). The verbs in this verse express ongoing, continuous action. “Be continuously watchful; keep on standing firm in the faith; keep on acting like men; keep on being strong.” Standing firm is something you continuously do. Never give up. Never give in. Never stop. Ever.
Committed Christians stand firm. They live the Christian life without compromise. They are clear about God’s truth, intentional about living the truth, and stand strong against the attacks of the enemy.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith …” (1 Peter 5:6-9).
Here is what does not work. Being self-centered, mentally weak, distracted and not paying attention, untrained/unprepared, and getting complacent / feeling entitled. This is the pathway to painful defeat.
As followers of Christ, we are in the arena every day. We are in the battle. Let us trust in our God, stand firm, and hold our position at the point of attack. In what area of your life do you need to be stronger? Where in your life do you need to hold your ground and stand against the enemy?
“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.” (Philippians 4.1)
