Paul loved the church at Philippi and prayed often for them. Notice that in this verse he calls them “beloved” twice. As the book of Philippians reveals, he greatly enjoyed his time spent with the people that made up this church.

The church was doing many things right and this brought joy to Paul – even though he was writing this letter from prison. He knew very well the temptations that Christians might face and that they could turn hearts away from the Lord. Although they were doing well at the time, Paul exhorts them to keep on doing well – “stand fast in the Lord.”

Every believer today needs to “stand fast in the Lord.” Over time, it is easy to begin to grow lax in the things of God. Trials and temptations come into every believer’s life. None are exempt. This can make it easy to slow down in service for God or even quit altogether – as many have done when Covid hit our churches (or threatened to).

The only way you can determine whether you have slowed down and ceased to “stand fast in the Lord” is to consider your past Christian service. Has there ever been a time when you were more active for Christ? Have you lost your “first love?” Can you honestly say that you are doing your best for Christ?

The fact that God tells believer to “stand fast” means that He is both ready and prepared to enable you to “stand fast.” There is nothing that can come your way that He cannot help you with and enable you to have victory.

If so, perhaps now would be a good day to surrender afresh to do the Father’s will and seek to bring glory to Him. He is able to sustain and direct you in service for Him.