II Corinthians 1:23 “Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.”
In this context, to “stand” is to, without compromise, accurately maintain the doctrine and practice and behavior Commanded by our Lord; for we are exhorted to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). Oftentimes, our military personnel are Commanded to “stand” their ground, even in the face of a much larger enemy force. By “faith” we believe the truth of God and our Lord Jesus Christ as He has given it to us in His Holy Word. By “faith” we believe and declare that our Eternal Salvation is entirely by our Lord’s Blessed Grace (Acts 15:11). By “faith” we believe that Church Practice and Behavior must be simple and sincere (II Corinthians 1:12) as prescribed in the Word of God. By “faith” we strive to maintain a “good report” (Philippians 4:8) of honesty, integrity, kindness, brotherly love, and faithfulness to our Lord in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (II Corinthians 5:7); that is, whatever our Lord has Commanded us to do, we stand up straight and tall and press forward in obedience, even when we cannot see a way to proceed; for, we believe that the Lord will make a way for us to accomplish those things that He has Commanded us to do. And, we believe that remaining faithful to the Lord, even in the very face of great tribulation, is a blessed testimony of our love toward our God and faithfulness to Him. As we face opposition and troubles, let our cry be, BY FAITH WE STAND!