Valiant for the Truth - Phil. 1:27
We are called to stand firm in our faith, like the warriors of Sparta, and form a solid wall against the inroads of false teaching.
Bernard Fell preaches on the importance of unity and solidarity among Christians, drawing inspiration from the story of the noble King of Sparta who showcased his army as the walls of the city. He emphasizes the need for believers to stand together, like bricks in a wall, against false teachings and spiritual dangers, echoing the call to be strong in faith and unwavering in their commitment to Christ. Through tribulations and challenges, Christians are encouraged to rely on God's grace and stand as living stones in the ramparts of true witness.
Text
Stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind,
striving together for the
faith of the gospel.
Philippians 1:27
"He's a brick"!-a word oft spoken
Of a brave and generous man.
Let us contemplate a moment
How this saying first began.
Once a noble King of Sparta,
From his youth a man of war,
Entertained a foreign caller,
Named by rank--Ambassador,
Who, when trav'lling round the kingdom,
Saw no ramparts, towers, or forts.
With concern he sought the monarch
To express his candid thoughts--
"Sire, I make this observation,
Though I scorn to give offence,
I perceive in your dominions
No stout walls reared for defence;
I observe with trepidation,
This proud city you expose
To the many lurking dangers,
And destruction by your foes".
But the King replied, serenely,
"You have looked, and looked in vain";
Then he led his guest distinguished
To his army on the plain.
Pointing to ten thousand warriors,
Valiant, mailed, for chivalry,
"There, behold the walls of Sparta,
Ev'ry man a brick you see"!
God today needs Spartan Christians
Who will form a solid wall,
'Gainst the inroads of false teaching;
Hear the Captain's stirring call!
We may pass through tribulation,
'Tis the path the martyrs trod;
Grace sufficient is provided,
With the panoply of God.
Strong in faith, with colours flying,
Stand for truth, for Christ alone;
In the ramparts of true witness,
Ev'ry saint's a living stone!
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Solid Walls
- The Reality of True Strength
- The Call to Stand for Truth
- The Path of the Martyrs
- Tribulation is the path the martyrs trod
- Grace sufficient is provided with the panoply of God
Key Quotes
“You have looked, and looked in vain” — Bernard Fell
“There, behold the walls of Sparta, Ev'ry man a brick you see!” — Bernard Fell
“In the ramparts of true witness, Ev'ry saint's a living stone!” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of danger and tribulation.
- We must be aware of the dangers that surround us and take action to protect ourselves and our faith.
- We must be strong in our faith, with the colours of God flying, and be a living stone in the ramparts of true witness.