Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
Resolved to Stand
Intro.
1. Resolve: “to reach a firm decision about” (M-W); “decide firmly on a course of action” (lexico.com).
2. God expects us to have the resolve of faith to stand with Him and His truth – in every relationship, in every circumstance, in every intent of the thought of our hearts, 1 Kgs. 18:21; 1 Cor. 15:58.
I. Where We Must Resolve to Stand.
A. Stand Fast in the Faith, 1 Cor. 16:13.
1. Fast: Secure, stable, rooted, grounded, Col. 2:6-7.
2. In the gospel, 1 Cor. 15:1-2.
a. By faith, 2 Cor. 1:24; Rom. 16:20.
b. In grace, Rom. 5:1-2 (1 Pet. 5:12).
B. Stand Fast in the Liberty of the Gospel, Gal. 5:1. Free from justification by law – we have the hope of righteousness by faith, 5:5-6 (a working faith, cf. 2 Jno. 9).
C. Stand Fast in the Strength of the Lord, Eph. 6:10, 13, 14.
D. Stand Fast in United Spirit and Purpose, Phil. 1:27-30.
E. Stand Fast in Spiritual Maturity, Col. 4:12 (Heb. 5:12-14).
F. Stand Fast in Apostles’ Traditions, 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:4 (1 Thess. 1:6).
G. Stand Fast in the Gap (breach) for God’s People, Ezek. 22:30.
1. Who cares truly for souls of others, Phil. 2:20-21.
2. Spend and be spent for souls of brethren, 2 Cor. 12:15.
3. Teach, preach, lead, serve, give, Rom. 12:5-8.
II. Where We Will all Stand One Day.
A. Before the Judgment Seat of Christ, Rom. 14:10-12 (2 Cor. 5:10).
-Now is the day of salvation and preparation, 2 Cor. 6:1-2; Rom. 13:11-14.
III. WHERE WE HOPE TO STAND ONE DAY, 1 Pet. 1:3-5.
A. Before the Throne of God and Before the Lamb in Eternal Glory, Rev. 7:9-17.
1. Persevered through trials, 7:14 (1 Pet. 1:6-8).
2. Washed by blood of Lamb, 7:14; Rom. 6:3 (1 Pet. 1:19; Rev. 5:9); 1 Jno. 1:7-9.
3. Reward: Eternal life and service, needs fully met, peace, safe, and comfort, 7:14-17 (21:4-7; 22:1-5).
B. This is Where Sinners Will Not (be Able to) Stand, Rev. 6:12-17.
1. No escape from the wrath of God, which will be just, full, complete, and eternal (6:15-17).
2. The impenitent hearts of sinners treasure up wrath, Rom. 2:5-6.
Conclusion
1. We rely on the strength of the Lord to stand – never on ourselves (Eph. 6:10, 13).
2. This resolve of faith compels us to be faithful servants, steadfast soldiers, maturing Christians and obedient followers of Christ, Col. 3:17.
3. “I am Resolved.”
By: Joe R. Price
Posted February 8, 2020