Rev. Jackson B. Powers
June 23, 2023

Standing firm on biblical truths can be challenging, especially when we face opposition from those who do not share our beliefs. As Christians, we are called to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against spiritual forces of evil, relying on the truth of God's word even when the world around us seems to be moving in a different direction.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul encourages us to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. By putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we can stay rooted in God's truth and stand firm against any attack.

In 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul charges Timothy to preach the word of God, to be prepared in season and out of season, to correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. He reminds Timothy that a time will come when people will not endure sound teaching but will turn away from the truth and wander off into myths. In those moments, we must be vigilant, sober-minded, and endure suffering, fulfilling our ministry.

However, standing firm on God's word can be difficult, and we may feel alone or isolated at times. We may face opposition from friends, family members, or even colleagues who do not share our beliefs. In these moments, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. As Christians, we are part of a larger community of believers who are also standing firm in their faith. We can also turn to God's word for encouragement and support. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." By staying rooted in the truth of God's word, relying on the support of our fellow believers, and following Paul's charge to Timothy to preach the word of God, we can stand firm in our faith even in the face of opposition.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul reminds us that our work in the Lord is not in vain, and we must stand firm and not be moved by the world around us. We must always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that we are serving a higher calling and that our efforts will be rewarded in eternity.

Finally, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are reminded that all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. This passage emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God's word and using it as a guide for our lives.

As we face the challenges and uncertainties of life, let us remember to stand firm on the truth of God's word. By putting on the full armor of God, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, relying on the support of our fellow believers, following Paul's charge to Timothy to preach the word of God, and using scripture as our guide, we can be confident in our faith and stand firm against any attack that comes our way.