Chapter 36

Standing Firm

Sections

The Bible contains numerous exhortations to be faithful to God and to hold to the Christian faith. It is a persistent challenge for every Christian to do so, until the end. This chapter provides important insights and instructions on this topic, for every believer.

Be Faithful to God

Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ

[Solomon, to the people:] May you, his people, always be faithful to the Lord our God, obeying all his laws and commands, as you do today.   1 Kings 8:61 GNT

When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts.   Acts 11:23 GNT

Do not forget God

[Moses, to the Israelites:] Be sure you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today. … 18You must remember the Lord your God …   Deuteronomy 8:11, 18a NET

Persist until the End

Stand firm until the end

[Jesus, to his disciples:] All people will hate you because you follow me, but those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.   Matthew 10:22 NCV™

Persist so that you will receive the reward

So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. 36For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised.   Hebrews 10:35-36 NET

Be ready for Jesus Christ’s return

So you, too, must be ready, because at an hour you are not expecting him the Son of Man will come.”   Matthew 24:44 ISV

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

Resist Satan

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.   1 Peter 5:8-9 CEV

Use spiritual weapons and armor

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, 15by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, …   Ephesians 6:13-15 NET

Verse 15 is most likely speaking of believers having a strong grasp of the truths of the gospel so as to be ready for action. Possibly a readiness to proclaim this gospel is in view. (Note that other spiritual weapons follow.)

Have Faith

At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.   Ephesians 6:16 GNT

Use God’s word

Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   Ephesians 6:17 NCV™

Pray

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.   Ephesians 6:18 CEV

Pray for persecuted Christians