Chico Alliance Church
November 20, 2016
Stand Firm in the Lord Part 4
“Stand Firm in the Storms of Life”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers some key elements to “Maintaining the Joy of the Lord No Matter What”.
I. ADOPT THE RIGHT AXIS – Passion to praise exalt Christ
II. MAINTAIN THE RIGHT ATTITUDE – Passion to please Christ
III. PURSUE THE RIGHT AIM – Passion to pursue Christ
IV. PRACTICE THE RIGHT ACTIONS – Passion to practice Christ
A. Stand firm in the Lord 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, dearly loved.
APPLICATION OF STAND FIRM IN THE LORD
Stand firm against persecution and false teaching
Stand firm in the storms of life.
These struggles include things like deteriorating health, severe loss and unexplainable tragedy, broken relationships, job loss, addictions, demonic oppression and temptation, dealing with emotional health, fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, bitterness, physical and emotional fatigue, stress, depression, loss of motivation, feelings of distance from God, weariness in doing good, feelings of insecurity and being unappreciated, etc.
Life includes all manner of struggle. In all these things, Scripture urges us to STAND FIRM IN THE LORD.
Stand firm by maintaining a close connection to the LORD. Scripture addresses all manner of difficulties we must face because we live in a broken, rebellious, devil-directed and driven world.
Several passages that offer help in the struggle fall under three basic categories.
Embrace a Biblical perspective
Entrust your soul to a faithful Father
Encourage one another
1. Embrace a Divine perspective
Embracing a divine perspective, I guess depends first on seeking one. Right living depends first on right thinking. Stinking thinking results in stinking living. Right belief breeds right behavior.
And do not be conformed to this world (or its way of thinking), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:2
Knowing facilitates doing. The Scriptures prevail as the ultimate source for Divine perspective and encouragement.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Here a few key perspective adjusters. Many times, the perspective relates to embracing the ultimate purpose of the struggle beyond the immediate pain of the struggle.
Stand firm despite unnoticed service or unfair treatment by considering future reward.
Paul told those under slavery to serve their masters as if they were serving Christ by focusing on (knowing) the ultimate payback would come from the Lord. Eph 6:5-8 and Col 3:22-15
Stand firm in present ministry by looking to future reward.
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9-10
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Stand firm in present difficulty by considering the higher purpose.
Are we willing to give up something now to reap some better later? Paul reminded the Roman readers that God causes all things to work together for God. Rom 8:27-28
James instructed his readers to consider it joy when difficult things invade your life by focusing on the end result of a godly response to those difficulties. Paul told the Romans the same kind of thing. Exalt in tribulations by focusing on the development of character that comes about through a godly response to those trials. Rom 5
Paul considered the future glory to far outweigh the present gloom. Rom 8:18 Paul stood firm in affliction by focusing on the eternal results. Jesus endured the grueling suffering and death by focusing on the ultimate joy of what it would accomplish. The writer of Hebrews calls all followers of Jesus to run with endurance the difficult race set before us by focusing on Jesus. Jesus endured suffering by a future focus.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3
Peter told his readers not to be surprised at or thing strange the “firey ordeal” but actually rejoice by focusing on the future reward. 1 pet 4:12-13 This is a critical aspect of dealing with trials. Not until we seek God’s perspective can we discover the means to cope. The disciples faced a major life-threatening storm. Jesus came walking on the water. Peter boldly asked if he could join him. Everything was fine until he diverted his focus form Jesus to the storm.
Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened. Mark 6:51-52
2. Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator.
Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
It is one thing to know God uses everything to bring about His purposes but quite another to climb out of the boat. What is our initial response to life difficulties? We want to escape. We want it to go away. We want someone to rescue us. Rather than view it as the opportunity to grow in Christ we resist it as an intrusion. It the need arose to take a trip somewhere without my children I would find someone to entrust my children. The more precious the possession, the more careful the selection of who I would entrust them. Are we willing to entrust our spiritual well-being into God’s hands? Does He care? Is He able to do what is necessary?
Entrusting is equal to standing firm. Entrusting is to exercise trust or faith in God’s love and ability to take care of me. The evidence of that trust will be evidenced by the level of peace, surrender, gratitude, thanksgiving, lack of grumbling or disputing when the storm hits. Once when we fully entrust our soul in to God’s loving and capable hands we will be able to “give thanks in everything” as Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers.
Paul struggled with a severe demonic attack. He called it a “thorn in the flesh” caused by “a messenger of Satan.” Ever had a sliver? It is very painful. God intentionally allowed a demon to cause some sort of debilitating physical event to bring about a higher purpose in Paul’s life.
Understanding God’s hand in this calamity Paul adopted this attitude.
God’s grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Paul understood that God does remove such difficulties in life and readily prayed for its removal.
He even persisted in his prayer for its removal until God specifically revealed a higher purpose for its persistence. He fully accepted God’s denial of his urgent request. The question is whether we are not only willing to endure the storm but to gladly glory in it to highlight the power of Christ to accomplish his ultimate purpose. The term translated endurance literally means to “remain under”. The concept goes beyond a tooth-gritting toughness but a willingness to continue under the difficulty to realize god-honoring results.
This Faithful Creator grants grace for living well.
God’s grace refers to God’s enabling blessing provided to live in a difficult world.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession (Stand Firm). For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope (perspective adjustment) fully on the grace being brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
There are numerous passages that reference God’s strengthening. Paul prayed for such strengthening for the Colossians.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and long-suffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:11-12
Paul prayed for the Ephesians that...
the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might Ephesians 1:15-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
This faithful Creator promises to provide a way of escape.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to ENDURE it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
This faithful Creator can keep us from stumbling.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24
This faithful Creator directs our hearts into steadfastness.
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
This faithful Creator equips us to stand.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
This faithful Creator will finish the work He started in us.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
This faithful Creator promises the wisdom necessary to face trials.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
This faithful Creator cares deeply about me.
Therefore (because God promises grace to the humble) humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
This faithful Creator continually prays for me.
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:23-25
Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit interceded for us before the Father.
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:33-34
Jesus prayed for Peter.
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32
Ever seen a threshing machine. Ouch! Not a pleasant experience. Jesus didn’t pray he wouldn’t be sifted.
God has not promised to coddle us. He has promised to pray for us and strengthen us and restore us. Compile a growing list of God’s promised provision for life’s storms; perspective adjusters.
3. Encourage one another
The word encouragement is an all-encompassing term. Scripture uses it to reference the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our life. The core meaning relates to coming along side someone. I will expand on this broader concept of unity when we move on to Philip 4:2-3. We have an individual responsibility to renew the mind. We have a personal responsibility to entrust out souls. God also designed the body to support and serve each other evidenced by the number of commands which reference “one another”.
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God (Failure to stand firm). But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13
Here the key to standing firm is the daily encouragement drawn from the community of Jesus followers. There are a multitude of “one another passages” which reinforce the responsibility of the body of Christ regarding one another.
There are commands such as:
Love one another.
Receive one another. Don't reject one another or judge one another.
Greet one another. Don't avoid one another.
Be kind to one another. Don't bite and devour one another.
Be hospitable to one another. Don't isolate from one another.
Forbear with one another. Don't murmur against one another.
Forgive one another. Don't go to court against one another.
Be at peace. Don't provoke one another or challenge one another.
These preserve the unity of the body in the bond of peace.
Speak truth in love with one another. Don't lie to one another.
Build up one another. Don't tear down or defile the temple.
Speak to one another. The truth in in music.
Teach, exhort, admonish one another.
These reflect the diversity within the community necessary for health.
Bear one another's burdens. Don't turn away.
Stimulate one another to love and good deeds.
Submit to one another in the fear of Christ
Serve one another.
Have the same care for one another. Don't think more highly.
These reflect the principle of mutuality necessary to effectively function as Christ’s body. We sometimes assume that because someone is absent they have defected when, in reality, they have been wounded by the enemy and are unable to get back to the base.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2
How do we stand firm in the storms of life?
Embrace a divine perspective derived from Scripture.
Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator.
Encourage one another.
Here is part of King David’s prayer in the context of a horrendous failure in his life.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:6-7
I encourage you to glean perspective adjusters not only from these passages but any passage you encounter. Ask yourself what the passages says about God. Ask yourself how that affects how you should view life’s struggles.
Stand firm in the LORD
Declaration = In Christ Alone.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand.
‘Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand,
PRAYER TIME
