According to the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, the phrase ―stand fast means, ―to be firm or unyielding. It also reveals that: ―This idiom, dating from the early 1600s, originally was applied to an army holding its territory against the enemy. The phrase ―stand fast occurs in our English Bibles, as well. Actually it is translated from the Greek word ―steko which is defined as, ―to stand firm, to persevere, to persist, to keep one’s standing (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon).

With all this in mind, let’s examine a few of the ―stand fast passages in the New Testament and notice the different ways we are to ―stand fast in holding our territory against our enemy – Satan.

Stand fast for the Lord. “…so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Phil. 4:1). First and foremost, we must stand for the Lord. If we don’t stand for Jesus, then we stand for the world. Christ must come first in everything in our lives.

Stand fast in your Christianity. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1). Christianity is about maturing and moving forward. Standing fast in this mindset and lifestyle keeps Satan at bay.

Stand fast with the brethren. “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Standing fast with the brethren in fellowship, worship, and work strengthens our ties and helps all.

Stand fast on the Bible. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15). We must be those who stand upon the Bible and stand by its teachings. We must learn them, live them, and defend them. This keeps us safe.

Stand fast through faith. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). It is only through faith and trust in God that we will do any of these. It is only by standing through thick and thin with our faith intact that we will persevere all the way to heaven.

If we always stand fast in God’s ways, we will be in good standing with Him and He will make sure we stand in heaven forevermore. So Christian – stand up – stand fast – stand your ground – don’t let Satan get any headway.

• Edd Sterchi, Broadway church of Christ, Campbellsville, KY