“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord“
For now
Now, under the state of affairs of seeing the vigorous faith of the Thessalonians, the gospel team engenders a certain outcome — spiritual animation in the form of encouragement.
we live,
The news of the vitality of the faith of the Thessalonians put life and vigor in Paul’s own ministry. This was a further catalyst for Paul’s future ministry.
if you stand fast in the Lord
The condition for the flourishing and reviving of Paul’s ministry is the Thessalonian steadfastness in the Lord. The words “stand fast” carried the idea of standing firm. Standing in the Lord gives sustaining power.
Standing also carries the idea of standing on guard against falling. It is Paul’s heart to see the Thessalonians stabilized under pressure.
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
Principle:
Stability comes from the Lord, not self.
Application:
God often puts cheer into our hearts just at the time we need it. When life seems dark, God puts someone or something into our lives to encourage us. Because of this encouraging word, we can move on to further challenges.
We cannot allow people to move us off our spiritual moorings. If we keep our eyes on the Lord, that is 20/20 vision. Things will get blurry if we try to focus on people.
Christians stand firm because of God’s promises.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” (Ephesians 6:13-14).
Standing in faith is standing in the Lord. Faith looks to the Lord, and the Lord gives us the strength to move on.
“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…” (Philippians 1:27).
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Philippians 4:1).
