Articles
“Stand Fast”
The phrase “stand fast” is found 8 times in the NKJV Bible. In Psalm 111:8 it speaks of God’s works standing fast forever and ever because they are done “in truth and uprightness.” In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul exhorts Christians to, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” Christians are to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…” He admonished the Philippian brethren, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
In Philippians 4:1-4 Paul exhorts all Christians about where to stand as they stand fast.
Vs. 1 Christians are to stand fast in the Lord.
The words, “in the Lord,” are found 9 times in Philippians. We are “brethren in the Lord” (1:14). Paul trusted “in the Lord” (2:19, 24). Paul urged the brethren to “Receive him [Epaphroditus] in the Lord” (2:29). In chap. 3:1 Paul urged the brethren to “rejoice in the Lord.” In chap. 4:10 Paul rejoiced greatly in the Lord because of their care for him.
In chap. 4:1 the phrase, “so stand fast in the Lord,” refers to all of Jesus’ examples and teachings concerning New Testament Christianity.
Vs. 2 Christians are to stand fast in “the same mind in the Lord.”
Division among Christians is not God’s will. We are to do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit (Phil. 2:3). We are to esteem others better than ourselves. In Philippians 2:2 Paul writes, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” In chap. 1:27 he writes, “that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
Vs. 3 Christians are to stand fast together as we labor in the gospel.
Christians are to be “striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 4:3). Christians are to look out for the interests of others (2:4). In the same chapter, verses 12-14 they were continuing to be obedient, God working in them the works of His good pleasure. Therefore they were to do those good works without complaining.
Vs. 4 When a Christian stands fast in the Lord in these things it will bring about rejoicing.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4). In chap. 1:25 there is the “joy of faith.” In chap. 2:2 there is true and lasting joy in being like-minded, of one accord and being of the same love. Although he was under house arrest in Rome, Paul thought of his “longed-for brethren” in Philippi as, “my joy and crown” (4:1).
Joy of heart is truly a great reason to stand fast in one mind and one heart with your brethren in the church.
