Get an open/shut case

 What is an open/shut case?

A legal case or other matter that is easy to prove or decide because the facts are very clear.

Topic:

STAND.

JUST STAND!

What does Stand mean?

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: to stay in a specified position. Persist or persevere. To continue unchanged. To be fixed or set; steadfast. To continue to endure. To be at a stationary point. To be on its foundation not to be overthrown or demolished.

The Greek Dictionary has the same meaning.

Stand How? 

Stand Why? 

Stand When?

Stand Where?

Ephesians 6:10-18

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Stand How?

     • Strong in the Lord.

     • Firm. Immovable.

      • Stand your ground. Don't be moved from your          solid position.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable.

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

     • Wearing the full armor of God.

Stand Why?

      • We are fighting against evil powers in unseen             realms.

      • So we can resist the strategies of enemy in the          time of evil.

     • So, when the battle has ended you will still be           standing.

Stand When?

     • All the time, be ready!

Luke 21:36 - But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 4:13 - And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 - With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

Stand Where?

     • Strong in the Lord

     • Firm in faith, in the stability of your faith

Colossians 2:5 - For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong

1 Peter 5:9 - But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

This morning, I was pondering these things. Stand How? Why? When? Where?

These are the things I thought....

HOW? I wouldn't be doing very well if I was not standing firm. Standing wobbly is not much of a stand. In that position I am easily knocked down. I must stand firmly fixed in position. 

WHY? Seemed pretty obvious and not at all surprising. We have enemy forces that we cannot physically see, but their efforts are clearly seen. They have strategies to take us down and cause us to no longer be strong in the Lord or firm in our faith. Really, what impact can we be for good and Righteousness wuthout being strong in the Lord and standing firm in our faith.

WHEN? So, my question was, "when is the enemy going to be on attack?" Who knows? Whenever he sees an opportunity....so, I must be on guard. Stay alert, firm in faith and remain strong in the Lord at all times, fully in the armor God gives me.

WHERE? Yes, of course....strong in the Lord and firm in faith. But what does that mean practically? How does that look. How do I get in that position and how do I stay there?

It must be a big deal since many of the seven churches in Revelation had issues with some aspect of staying strong in the Lord and remaining firm in faith, not going off track by many things. Read Revelations Chapters 2 and 3 and identify the issues that pertain to Standing Strong in the Lord and Firm in faith. Additionally, read Luke 8:11-15 and ponder how this applies to "Standing".

The final thing that I thought about regarding this issue of standing relates to How do I know Where exactly to Stand?

This seems to be a big issue with many people, Christian and Non -Christian alike. There seems, in many people's mind, a lack of clarity regarding where is the right place to stand?

The short answer is: "Stand where Jesus stands". Where is that? "Stand in agreement with the Word of God". Until you know God's position regarding any issue you will not have a case in which to stand solidly.

You have an opinion. You may have particular feelings or arguments on which you base your "Stand". However, without knowing what God has to say and Standing firmly on that knowledge you are on unstable ground, with no evidence to base your case and cause those enemy powers to flee. 

Study God's Word to know that you know His position on any given issue. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and Pray for wisdom, understanding and insight into God viewpoint. His ways are the only right ways. They are the only ways to be able to remain on solid ground and come out victorious. Do not go with any arguments, doctrines of man, opinions, feelings or what others say or how it looks to make up your mind regarding where to Stand. The only answer that works is the answer God has. If you search for His answer, you will find His answer. Then, Stand, immovable, steady and unshaken in agreement with God, firm in your confident trust in Him. You have the evidence of the right way to stand. You have an open/shut case. No arguments can prevail  You are now on His side, Standing. Who then can succeed in their efforts of opposing you?