Standing Firm

Philippians 3:17-4:1


The Apostle Paul needed to rally the believers in Philippi to stand firm in their faith in spite of persecution from the wider society as well as internal conflicts and false teachers in the church itself. There were plenty of challenges that could destroy the new congregation in Philippi. Paul needed to give them a rallying cry to motivate them and the tools to empower them to hold on to their faith in Jesus Christ. We can read that cry that he chose in Philippians 4:1, "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord. dear friends." 

"Stand firm in the Lord." Tat's his rallying cry. That's his challenge to the Philippian church 2,000 years ago, and it's his challenge to us today." "Stand firm in the Lord." Not a bad motto.

The late Seminary professor Fred Craddock once told the story of being invited to preach at a little rural church many years ago. When he walked in the door of the church, he saw the strangest thing hanging behind the pulpit. Instead of a cross or other religious imagery, there was a picture of an English bulldog. And beneath the bulldog's jowly face was the caption , "Get a bulldog grip on your faith." The pastor was obviously a sports nut.

Paul might not agree with the idea of hanging a picture of a dog behind the pulpit, but he would certainly agree with the sentiment: "Get a bulldog grip on your faith." That's exactly what the believers were told to do. The same advice he gave the church at Philippi is still relevant today. 

Questions to Ponder

• Are you standing firm in your faith?

• Is the church standing firm in its faith in the midst of a secular society?

In His Service,
Terry Phillips