Stand Fast in the Lord

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-20-2022

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Introduction: 

 

A.  Change and decay all around I see as we live in the light of the eminent return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. What a blessed hope! We will be raptured out of this present, evil world into an eternity too wonderful to describe.

 

B.  Chapter 4:1 begins with the word "Therefore," so we will take a look at what its therefore.  It ties our verse for this morning with the preceding chapter. 

 

C.  We need to stand fast in these last days because so many of God’s people are already casualties in the spiritual warfare of these last, perilous days.

D.  Our Nation is under attack as the godless continue to shift our nation from its biblical foundation to the socialistic, humanistic, Globalistic left! 

 

E.  Our Churches are under attack as the liberalism of the "new paths" have taken the place of the conservative way of the "old paths."

 

F.  God's people are under attack as morals have decayed, faithfulness has waned, and biblical authority has become a matter of choice.

 

Jeremiah 5:30-31  A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;  (31)  The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

 

G. In order to stand in these last days, it will take the help of the Lord:

1. It will take His Power - Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (His power is available.)

2. It will take His Grace - 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (His grace is sufficient.)

HOW TO STAND 

1. Stand Fast Where You Are - Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2. Stand in Unity - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

3. Stand in Rejoicing - Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

4. Stand in Pray - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

5. Stand in Peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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6. Stand in Purity - 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

 

7. Stand in Service - Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

8. Stand in Contentment - Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.