Stand Fast
The sermon exhorts believers to stand fast in their faith, be strong in God's love, and beware of novelties in religion that can lead to instability and uncertainty.
Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith amidst the instability and confusion of the last days, where many are swayed by various doctrines and empty promises. He warns against the dangers of being like 'clouds without water,' highlighting the need for believers to be rooted in God's love and grace. Bonar encourages Christians to resist the temptations of novelty in religion and to hold fast to the steadfast anchor of Christ, reminding them that true peace and fulfillment can only be found in Him. He calls for patience and strength, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite the storms of life.
Text
"Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." --1 Corinthians 16:13.
IN the last days many shall be as "clouds without water, carried about of winds." And this is one of the special perils of these "perilous times." The winds are let loose, and are now performing their awful work of tossing hither and thither these empty clouds.
Hence the instability that prevails. Men are "carried about with every wind of doctrine." They are not "rooted and grounded in love;" and having never "tasted that the Lord is gracious," nor rested their weary souls upon Him, they go about seeking they know not what. They want something that will fill them, but not going to the Divine fulness of the incarnate Word for it, they wander on in sadness of spirit, vainly trying to soothe their uneasy souls with every new doctrine or device that meets them in the way! All in vain. For what can be a substitute for God and His free love?
Amid all this instability, let us "stand fast in the faith." Let us be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Let us beware of novelties in religion. Let us guard against fickleness of opinion and hastiness of decision. Satan will let loose his blasts and call up his storms; let us only moor our vessel firmer, and keep faster hold of the anchor, which is sure and steadfast, "and which entereth into that which is within the veil." Thus, in patience shall we possess our souls, for "he that believeth doth not make haste."
-Taken from Words of Peace and Welcome, 1851.
Sermon Outline
- Stand Fast in the Faith
- Quit you like men, be strong
- Be rooted and grounded in love
- Taste that the Lord is gracious
Key Quotes
“Men are carried about with every wind of doctrine.” — Horatius Bonar
“He that believeth doth not make haste.” — Horatius Bonar
“In patience shall we possess our souls.” — Horatius Bonar
Application Points
- Be strong in your convictions and rooted in God's love, despite the challenges and uncertainties of life.
- Take time to seek God's guidance and wisdom before making decisions, rather than acting hastily or impulsively.
- Rest in the sure and steadfast hope of salvation that we have in Christ Jesus, and let it give you stability and peace in the midst of uncertainty.