Stand firm in the faith

Wisdom In All Things Special Series

In the first chapter of Corinthians, you’ll find these two verses, tucked in there, seemingly as a random stream of consciousness, part of Paul’s closing in his first letter to the church in Corinth:

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

This has always struck me as odd: Why did God have Paul just stick in these two verses at this point of his letter to the Corinthians?

On one hand, it seems randomly inserted betwixt a concern for Apollos and Stephanas. But on the other hand, it does make sense, given that this section of the letter is titled, in some versions of the Bible, the “final instructions.”

Paul’s word choice in these two verses seems more fitting of an officer directing a soldier:

“The terms in this verse are all military… be continually on your guard… keep in your ranks… when you are attacked, do not flinch… summon up all your courage, sustain each other; fear not, for fear will enervate you.”

Adam Clarke (1760-1832) was an Irish Methodist theologian and biblical scholar 

However, we should not discount the part they play in living the Christian life. In this 5-part Wisdom In All Things Special Series, we’ll unpack the implications of these two short verses from Paul, as they highlight 5 essential factors for living a life of purpose, wisdom, and impact.

EXPOSE | Stand firm in the faith

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (emphasis mine)

EXPLORE | Unwavering commitment to the truth

When the children of Israel arrived at the edge of the Promised Land, they sent in twelve men to spy out the land. Among them were Joshua and Caleb.

Ten of the spies returned to Kadesh-Barnea terrified by what they’d seen. They looked at the land through eyes of unbelief and concluded, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31). They were paralyzed by fear.

Joshua and Caleb, however, brought back a favorable report. Caleb told them, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

But the people were swayed by the majority. They allowed the fear and paranoia of ten people to influence them rather than the words of faith and belief brought to them by two people. They were so angry with Joshua and Caleb for even suggesting that they go into the land that they wanted to kill them.

However, Joshua and Caleb held their ground. They didn’t do what the other ten spies did. Instead, they stood firm at the risk of being ostracized and losing their friends–even their lives.

At this point, God had a message for the people: “…not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun” (Numbers 14:30).

If we want to truly follow the Lord and finish the race well, we need to stand firm–even when your whole country is against you! After all, whose approval do you seek? (Gal. 1:10)

The Hebrew word commonly translated as “stand firm” is “עָמַד” (amad). It is pronounced as “ah-mad.” This word is often used in the context of “standing, being steadfast, or remaining firm.” It captures the idea of being resolute, unwavering, and committed, especially in the context of faith and obedience.

In the New Testament, the Greek word commonly translated as “stand firm” is “στήκω” (stēkō). It is pronounced as “stay-koh.” This word is used to convey the idea of “standing, being fixed, or holding one’s ground.” It reflects the sense of being steadfast and unwavering in various contexts, particularly in matters of faith and endurance.

This call to “stand firm in the faith” is echoed across Scripture. Here are several other instances in the New Testament that fleshes out our phrase, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, steadfastness, and commitment to the faith:

• 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV):
  “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
• Galatians 5:1 (NIV):
  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
• Philippians 4:1 (NIV):
  “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
• Colossians 4:12 (ESV):
  “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”
• 1 Thessalonians 3:8 (NIV):
  “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV):
  “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
• James 5:8 (NIV):
  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
• 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV):
  “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

However, “standing firm” is conjoined with “being watchful.” Paul is not listing 5 separate things that the Corinthians are to do, but that together, they would be watchful and stand firm.

“There will be no keeping our ranks, or keeping our feet… unless there has been the preceding watchfulness (i.e. “Be Watchful”)… If there has not been any watchfulness, it is not at all likely that there will be much steadfastness… in order that we may stand fast, we must watch.”

Alexander MacLaren

By being watchful we will see where the opposition is coming from and better understand what the opposition consists of.

Standing firm in our faith is a gift

Our faith is a matter of grace. R.C. Sproul explains that our faith “comes to us as a gift from God—something that we cannot buy, earn, or merit in any way. The usual definition for grace that we have in theology is “God’s unmerited or undeserved favor.” So faith is a manifestation of the grace of God.” That we can stand firm–by faith–is by God’s grace.

“…for standing in this grace, and in such a constant exercise of it, greatly glorifies God, is what is well pleasing in his sight; and in this way saints have communion with God, peace and comfort in their souls, and much spiritual joy and pleasure: it is the grace by which they stand, and therefore should stand in it, and by which they overcome the world.”

John Gill

At the same time, coupled with the “grace of faith”, there is also the “doctrine of faith.” We are to remain steadfast by His grace, and steadfast in our faith. As Matthew Henry notes, we are to “adhere to the revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor suffer it to be corrupted by it—stand for the faith of the gospel, and maintain it even to death; and stand in it, so as to abide in the profession of it, and feel and yield to its influence.”

This is something that the Corinthians especially needed to heed. They lacked the fundamentals of the doctrines of the faith. As MacLaren points out, “Their slothful carelessness as to the discipline of the Christian life, and their consequent feebleness of grasp of the Christian verities, made them loose-braced and weak in all respects, and incapacitated them for vigorous warfare.”

In other words, it’s not just that you believe (trust), but what you believe in (Gospel, truth).

“But remember that it is not because I have faith that I stand fast, but because of that in which I have faith. My feet may be well shod but if they are not well planted upon firm ground I never shall be able to stand the collision of the foe. So then, it is not my grasp of the blessed truth, God in Christ my Friend and Helper, but it is that truth which I grasp at, that makes me strong. Or, to put it into other words, it is the foothold, and not the foot that holds it, that ensures our standing firm.”

– Alexander MacLaren

There are several ways we will see this play out in our lives:

• The importance of doctrinal fidelity. Standing firm in the faith involves an unwavering commitment to the foundational beliefs and teachings of Christianity. This could include maintaining a steadfast adherence to biblical truths and resisting doctrinal compromise.
• A resilient trust in God. Standing firm in the faith involves a deep and unshakable confidence in God’s promises and a resolute trust in His sovereignty. It’s about staying rooted in the truth of God’s Word, especially during challenging times.
• The importance of perseverance. Standing firm involves enduring through trials, trusting God’s faithfulness, and remaining steadfast in one’s commitment to follow Christ.
• Remaining committed to the community of believers. Supporting one another in faith and collectively upholding the truth of the Gospel. Standing firm involves a shared commitment to the faith within the context of Christian community.
• The importance of biblical discernment. Standing firm involves a discerning spirit that can distinguish between sound doctrine and false teachings. It’s about being rooted in the Word of God and resisting doctrinal compromises that may threaten the purity of the faith.
• A transformed heart. Standing firm involves not just intellectual assent to doctrines but a heart transformation that leads to a genuine and lived-out faith. It’s about the integration of faith into every aspect of life, from attitudes to actions.

Standing firm in the faith is a courageous commitment to unwavering conviction amidst the ebb and flow of life’s challenges. It requires that we anchor ourselves in the timeless truths of Scripture.

Just as Joshua and Caleb’s courage to stand firm was rewarded by God, we too can see the implications of our remaining true to the truth in verse 3 of Psalm 1. The first two verses set the stage: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” In verse 3, we see the outcome: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

Addressing societal pressures and conflicting opinions

No doubt, standing firm will draw strong opposition. Our unwavering adherence to biblical principles will be met with, potentially significant societal pressures or opposing interpretations.

When faced with conflicting opinions that may challenge our beliefs and convictions, standing firm in the faith is not a stubborn refusal to engage with diverse perspectives but a courageous conviction to hold fast to biblical truths amidst the cacophony of differing voices.

It involves engaging in respectful dialogue, being open to understanding alternative viewpoints, yet not compromising the foundational principles of faith. As believers, we need to navigate the delicate balance between humility and steadfastness, recognizing that standing firm doesn’t mean isolation but rather a robust engagement with the world.

Ultimately, our approach should center around, intellectual fortitude, steadfast adherence, and discernment and growth:

• Ground yourself in scripture: Study, learn, and allow it to transform your life.
• Engage thoughtfully: Don’t shy away from difficult questions or opposing viewpoints.
• Live authentically: Apply your convictions to your life, even when it’s challenging.
• Seek a supportive community: Find others who share your faith and can offer encouragement and accountability.

Ultimately, standing firm means maintaining allegiance to biblical principles regardless of ridicule, and contending for Scripture not by being dogmatic but by graciously appealing to the doubter’s conscience. As some have said, “God’s truth can take their hits.”

“If Christianity should happen to be true, then it is quite impossible that those who know this truth and those who don’t should be equally well equipped for leading a good life.”

C.S. Lewis

Standing firm wins by living well with peace and moral power.

EXECUTE | The ability to stand firm in the faith

Of course, the cornerstone of a strong foundation of faith is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The transformative power of this genuine connection with Christ is the means by which we surrender our lives to Him, understand His grace, and actively participate in the redemptive work of the Gospel.

Standing firm in the faith is a dynamic and intentional process of spiritual growth that can withstand the storms of doubt, challenges, and conflicting worldviews.

In essence, our foundation of faith is solidified by drawing upon these principles:

1. Immersing ourselves in Scripture

Like the Bereans commended in Acts 17:11, diligently study the Bible, seeking understanding and applying it to your life, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture, guiding our interpretation, and strengthening our convictions. Scripture reveals that human reason alone cannot access such truths—so relying wholly on the Bible is critical (Prov. 3:5). Saturating our minds in God’s promises also bolsters the fact that God’s plans, while mysterious, are good and powerful.

2. Cultivate critical thinking

While upholding core biblical principles, remain open to learning and refining your understanding of biblical truth. Engage honestly with opposing viewpoints, seeking to understand their arguments and defend your own through reasoned discourse. This includes encouraging open dialogue within the faith community, fostering intellectual growth, and discerning truth from differing interpretations.

3. Live authentically

Apply biblical teachings to your actions and decisions, demonstrating the impact of your faith on your life. Don’t shy away from living your faith in everyday life, even when the world is likely to disapprove. Stand firm in your convictions and be prepared to articulate them. In addition to scriptural study, prayer and worship reinforce our conviction and spiritual strength to enable us to endure life’s fiery tests.

4. Cultivate a community that shares similar beliefs

Find fellow believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and intellectual stimulation, fostering growth and strengthening your faith. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your convictions and can provide support when facing external pressures. Christian fellowship also gives us the opportunity to be challenged toward deeper faith while gaining support and perspective when times get hard. The concept of “iron sharpening iron,” underscores the idea that a strong community encourages mutual growth and accountability.

Our convictions, rooted in biblical principles, provide a stable foundation for spiritual maturity and provide a source of resilience in the face of challenges. As we flourish, we guide others toward a life characterized by depth, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to the faith.

Here is a short list of how our standing firm in the faith can have an impact:

Fluid beliefs make life chaotic, while conviction brings moral clarity and purpose. By not standing firm in the faith, we risk being driven by our emotions or circumstances. It is when we establish ourselves on biblical truth that we grow steadily in wisdom, righteousness, and hope.

To stand firm in the faith is not a passive stance but an active engagement with God’s Word and a steadfast commitment to living out these principles daily, urging others to remain unshaken by the prevailing cultural currents. This is a call to be a beacon of light in a world engulfed by darkness.

Part 3 of this Wisdom In All Things Special Series will focus on “acting like men.”

Further Reading:

The Grace of Faith

Additional versions of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” (The Message)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (NIV)

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” (KJV)

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