Description:

This five-lesson study guide examines the five commands given by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, and how we can learn to enact them in our lives on a daily basis.

Message from Marsh: “May your personal walk with the Lord lead you to be transformed, renewed, and blessed.”

Marsh

Founder/President

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Five Challenges for Men

Lesson 2 – Stand Firm in the Faith

(www.mensgroup.org – “Original Study”)

Lesson focus: We will make a distinction between being on your guard and standing firm. Both are recognized as important, but each have uniqueness in their application.

“Blessings on every man who is standing firm in the faith. May it bring confidence and joy to his life in Christ.” –C. Marsh Bull

Starting Prayer: Dear Father, we want to stand firm in the faith. We want to understand what it means to do that, then put it into practice and never turn back from doing it. Help us to keep this promise to you.

Opening Questions:

1.      What would you imagine the root system of a mature tree to look like?

2.      Why are deep and wide roots important?

3.      When was the last time you stood up to someone else who was speaking untruths?

Scripture Passage: “Stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Story: Peter wrote a letter to believers in Asia Minor [central Turkey today] to address the abuse and persecution they were continually experiencing. He encouraged them to endure and live holy lives in their cities. He told them to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 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.” And, “I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” (1 Peter 5:8-9, 12) Peter is encouraging them to stand firm and stay in the battle, keeping focused on Jesus.

 

Challenge Explanation: 

Besides the defensive stance of being “on your guard” noted in 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul suggested a positive, engaged stance in the second admonition. He challenged them to “stand firm,” not sit or walk. He meant for them to keep on standing firm, the way they had begun.

The military emphasis would relate to a broad stance that helps you keep your balance in the battle. You don’t sit or lay down if you’re fighting. The picture is applied to our lives as we stand firm when the winds of circumstances and false doctrines blow on us. We stand facing the enemy, more than just on guard, we anticipate a battle, as Peter noted above in his comments. Paul encouraged the church to not waver, be uncertain, or doubtful which illustrated a lack of faith. He wanted them to grow deep roots so that they would be able to stand in the fight.

There is a second phrase in this command. It is the words “in the faith” which is not your personal faith or a faith which is not specific, but your relationship to a larger body of belief that is common to all believers, and which finds its roots in Christ Jesus. This is a challenge to believe by faith totally, live by it daily, and trust it for your eternity.

Many commentators have suggested that this part of the second challenge should be included in the other commands. If it was added to them, they would say, “Be on guard in the faith,” “Be courageous men in the faith,” “Be strong in the faith,” and “Do all things in love in the faith.”

Discussion Questions:

1.      What is happening when in your spiritual life you find yourself sitting rather than standing?

2.      How well can you hold your ground and defend the truths of the faith?

 

3.      If you could rate your ability to stand firm on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being best and 1 being lowest, how confident are you in God’s ability to help you stand firm?

Application:                                                                          

1.      How deep are your roots in the faith?

2.      In what area are you not standing firm? How could you bring back its integrity?

3.      What would you suggest to grow your spiritual roots deeper and wider?

4.      What would you suggest to grow your spiritual roots deeper and wider?

Closing Prayer: God, thank you for all you have done and are doing and will do in my life. Help me to deepen my roots in the faith and get more serious about standing firm every day.

 

Additional Resources:

Read similar “stand firm” verses for a better understanding of these two words together:  Isaiah 7:9; Ezekiel 13:5; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 24; Ephesians 6:13-14; Philippians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

Continue to Lesson 3 – Stand Firm in the Faith

Or use these links to navigate to various parts of this study:

Intro | Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Lesson 5 | Summary

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