As Soldiers in Christ, We Stand

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2: 3-4)

We bear evil treatment -- suffer hardships, because we are righteous (Matthew 5: 10) and children of light (1 Thessalonians 5: 5))

Jesus even related to his disciples that they would receive eternal life, great riches, but with persecution (Mark 10: 30)

Now, as soldiers with Christ, we are not striving with people:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5)

In two places, Paul exhorts his readers to stand:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5: 1)

and

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."" (Ephesians 6: 13)

Why do we stand? Because our enemies have already been defeated:

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 13-15)

We are called to rest in the place of authority, seated in high places in Christ (Ephesians 2: 6), and seated in Christ, we receive the same guarantee:

"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

"From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10: 12-14)

We reign in life through Christ (Romans 5: 19), and so like Christ, as soldiers of faith, we rest in Him and witness are enemies fall!