Stand Firm

9-4-2009
Stand Firm

Just how much influence does the world have in your life? Do you make decisions based on what the world thinks or based on what’s right by God? We’re all influenced by the world at one point or another in our lives, and as we grow in our relationship with Christ we become aware of this problem, and we seek to remedy this way of thinking. When we continue to grow spiritually, we become more and more bold for Christ no matter what environment we may be in at the time. It isn’t what we say that has the influence, it’s what we ARE.

Jesus prepares the disciples for persecution in Matthew 10:17-42. It’s amazing to me that the disciples didn’t change their minds about following him! Focus on the words of Christ in the following passage.

17"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Living for God often brings on persecution, and it’s during these times you have the opportunity to be bold and tell the news of salvation. Most wither away during these times in order to satisfy the world. Christ followers speak truth in a loving way. In the above passage Christ informs the disciples that they will be persecuted, and to stand firm as he will lead them through. Do you have the faith in Christ to stay focused on the gospel? Do you remain faithful during times of weakness? Do you allow the world to influence your decisions in a way that goes against what we’ve been taught as Christ followers? Remember, the only opinion that matters is that of your Father in heaven!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 10:17-20
2. Stand firm!