Stand Firm!
Let nothing move you
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work
of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”. 1 Cor 15:58 NIV
The theme scripture asks believers to stand firm in the face of challenges and situations that is capable
of moving and breaking others. Every person will experience situations in life that will shake him but we
can only remain firm and fruitful if we are people of the right quality and rooted on strong foundations.
Every one will face some tough shakings in their life, especially in these end times
Matthew 7:24-27, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:10, Daniel 3
Jesus stated that both the house built on the Rock and that built on sand would face the storms of life.
Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:10 Question 1: Describe some circumstances that can move a
person from faith eg sicknesses, opportunities, troubles, marriage issues, etc.
2 Timothy 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 4:1-5 The Bible describes end times as particularly perilous times. This
is because they are times of great change; when ungodliness has matured and grown in influence to
seek to control all spheres of life and even found itself in places of authority in nations and the world at
large. People who oppose such evil systems are targeted, stigmatized and punished unjustly. However,
end-times are also periods of great harvest. The ways of the world can never satisfy the deep hunger of
people. So as there would be a great falling away from faith, there would also be a great opportunity for
harvest. As there would be great increase of wealth there would also be pitiful poverty.
Daniel 3 Question 2: Describe how end-times can become perilous times eg When Gambia was
declared an Islamic state. Ungodliness can be legalized and godliness would become punishable. God’s
people should continue to live for the values of God’s kingdom.
The effect of the times of shaking on some individuals in scripture
1. Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:1-6) – In the face of the treat of a more powerful king and stronger nation,
Hezekiah cried desperately to God. God diverted the huge threat of invasion by the much
stronger army on Judah.
2. Saul (1 Samuel 28:3-25) –Challenging times made Saul to go back on his spiritual dedication to
root out diviners in Judah. This sin was one of the reasons for his downfall.
3. David (Psalm 59:1-9) – David faced so much adversities but these made him cling closer to God
and gain strength and victory.
4. Peter and the disciples (Matthew 26: 40-41, 47-56) _ Jesus warned his disciples of coming hard-
times asking them to pray. They did not and when they faced the tough times, they ran away
from him.
5. The early Church - Acts 8:1-7 – When the authorities turned against the early Church, they
scattered but rather than die, they spread in the places they went to, birthing several new
churches.
Conclusion: Everyone would face some challenging situation sometime in this life. Such times often
define how our life would turn out. It destroys some people but those who wait on God and follow His
guidance in tough times often see God use such times to build a beautiful story of their lives. He built up
David; He enlarged and extended the early Church. He will equally show His glory in our own lives.
Standing Firm in the face of Challenges :
Psalm 27:1-6, Psalm 46:1-7
Introduction:
Our relationship with God gives us strength in the face of adversities and diverse shakings. David said in
the key scripture text that God is the stronghold of His life. God is His safe hiding place. The Psalmist
Korah said, “God is the strength of my life” No wonder David was unfazed or undaunted in the face of
numerous troubles that he passed through. This study explores seven important factors that can help us
stand firm in these perilous times of our world.
How to stand firm in the midst of shakings:
a) Genuine Faith, a sure foundation John 3:3, John 1:12, Psalm 40:2 – Are you born again? Have
you surrendered your life to Jesus? Salvation is key to God’s kingdom. Salvation makes our life to be
founded on the immovable Rock that will make a person’s life stable. It is only the life founded on the
Rock of Ages that can draw from Divine Strength in the midst of the storm and remain stable.
b) Build life on the Word of God Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 11:28, Joshua 1:8 – Read God’s word. Get
an overview of God’s word; Understand the doctrines of our faith; Memorize scripture; What promises
run your life; what principles has formed you; what are your life values. Form these from God’s word
and your life will be stable in the midst of shakings. Life that is built on the word of God will stand
despite the storms and the quakes.
c) Develop Spiritual Disciplines – Hebrews 5:14, Titus 2:12, 1 Timothy 4:7,8 Disciplines make a
man. What you do regularly are what determines your shape. If you eat regularly and large quantities,
you will become fat and unmovable. If you do not eat, you become thin and shaky. What disciplines are
making up your life. If you will not be shaken, you must have a regular intake of God’s word and God’s
ways; Pray regularly; regular fellowship; Give generously, serve diligently and evangelize consistently.
We must bring our life into
d) Develop communion with the Holy Spirit – 2 Corinthians 13:14, Romans 5:14,15 We are born
of God’s Spirit. Our fellowship with the Holy Spirit enables us to live for God and to fulfil His purpose for
our lives.
e) Live for God’s kingdom and not the glamours of this world 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 13:44,45 –
We must treasure God’s kingdom above the riches of this world. Without a kingdom vision people life
can be moved by the changing values of this world. Love not the world. If you do not live for a
worthwhile purpose, you may die for a trivial, cheap, worthless pursuit.
f) Be part of a Church - Hebrews 10:25 . Grow in a godly community where you will be built up in
faith, encouraged but also held accountable. God commits Himself to building His Church. He will build
His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
g) Give yourself wholly to the work of God - God desires that the earth would be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. You must give yourself wholly to seeing
other people come to know Jesus. This passion would both build up your faith as well as enable you to
stand against the storms of life.
Conclusion: He that is born of God overcomes the world. End times may be a time of serious shaking in
personal lives or against God’s people. Our faith enables us to stand firm and equips us with Divine
ability to overcome the storms of life.
