HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND

HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

Key Verse: “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 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:58; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:8-10; Hebrews 10:35-39; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Romans 8:31-39.

Description: This message teaches believers the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, having fulfilled their spiritual responsibilities and endured the battles of life.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is a journey of faith that requires commitment, endurance and steadfastness. Every believer will encounter situations that test their convictions, challenge their patience and demand spiritual strength. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesian Christians, reminds them that the Christian battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Therefore, he instructs them to put on the whole armour of God so that they may withstand the evil day and, having done all, stand.

The expression “having done all, to stand” carries a powerful message. It speaks of a believer who has fulfilled every necessary responsibility, fought the good fight, resisted the enemy, remained obedient to God and refused to surrender under pressure. It is not enough to begin well; we must also finish well. It is not enough to pray when trouble comes; we must continue trusting God even when the answer seems delayed. It is not enough to receive the Word; we must remain faithful to it when circumstances become difficult.

Many people know how to begin their Christian journey with enthusiasm, but not everyone understands the importance of remaining steadfast until the end. Some give up when they encounter opposition, others become discouraged when prayers are not answered immediately, while some compromise their convictions because of pressure. However, God's desire is that we remain standing regardless of what comes against us. After we have prayed, fasted, believed, obeyed, resisted and endured, we must still stand in faith.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND

The phrase “having done all, to stand” means fulfilling every responsibility required of us as believers and remaining firm in our faith despite opposition, temptation, trials and difficulties. It describes a Christian who refuses to abandon God's purpose after doing everything necessary to remain faithful.

Standing is not a passive attitude of doing nothing. It is a deliberate spiritual position of confidence, obedience and perseverance. It means refusing to surrender what God has established in our lives.

a. It Means Fulfilling Your Spiritual Responsibilities (Colossians 4:12)

Paul commended Epaphras, who laboured fervently in prayer so that believers might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This demonstrates that standing requires spiritual effort and responsibility.

Every Christian has a responsibility to pray, study God's Word, obey His instructions, live in holiness and remain committed to the work of the Kingdom. We cannot neglect these responsibilities and expect to remain spiritually strong.

Practical Application: Examine your spiritual life and identify areas where you have become careless. Return to consistent prayer, Bible study, worship and obedience.

b. It Means Resisting Every Attempt of the Enemy (James 4:7)

The Bible commands us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. This means that standing requires active resistance against every influence that seeks to draw us away from God's will.

The enemy may use temptation, fear, deception, discouragement and opposition. However, the believer must not cooperate with anything that contradicts the Word of God.

Practical Application: Refuse to entertain sinful thoughts and ungodly suggestions. Submit your decisions and desires to God, and resist every temptation with His Word.

c. It Means Remaining Faithful Under Pressure (Revelation 2:10)

Jesus encouraged the church in Smyrna to remain faithful even unto death, promising the crown of life. Their faithfulness was not dependent on favourable circumstances.

True faithfulness is revealed when obedience becomes costly. It is easy to declare our commitment to God when everything is comfortable, but genuine devotion remains firm even when we face pressure.

Practical Application: Make up your mind that no circumstance will make you deny Christ or compromise your biblical convictions.

d. It Means Refusing to Abandon Your Position in Christ (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Paul instructs believers to watch, stand fast in the faith, be courageous and strong. This command shows that standing is a conscious decision.

The believer must refuse to abandon the truth of the gospel because of criticism, persecution or disappointment. Our position in Christ must not be determined by changing circumstances.

Practical Application: Hold firmly to your salvation, convictions and commitment to Christ. Do not allow temporary problems to make you abandon eternal values.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:1-23)

Daniel continued his regular prayer practice even when a decree was issued forbidding prayer to anyone except the king. He knew the consequences, but he refused to abandon his relationship with God. He fulfilled his spiritual responsibility and remained standing in faith. God preserved him in the lions' den.

2. YOU MUST DO EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO REMAIN STANDING

Standing in the faith does not happen accidentally. It requires deliberate spiritual preparation and consistent obedience. Paul did not simply say, “Stand”; he instructed believers to put on the whole armour of God so that they would be able to withstand the evil day.

There are spiritual responsibilities that must be fulfilled if we are to remain steadfast. We must be willing to do what God requires, even when it demands discipline, sacrifice and patience.

a. You Must Build Your Faith Through God's Word (Romans 10:17)

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The Word of God gives believers the foundation upon which they can stand when circumstances become difficult.

A Christian who neglects Scripture may become vulnerable to doubt, deception and discouragement. But the believer who is rooted in God's Word has a reliable foundation.

Practical Application: Make the study and meditation of Scripture a daily habit. Do not depend only on what you hear in church; develop a personal relationship with God's Word.

b. You Must Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life (Luke 18:1)

Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Prayer is an essential part of spiritual endurance.

There are battles that require persistent prayer. Sometimes, the answer may not come immediately, but delayed answers should not become reasons to abandon prayer.

Practical Application: Establish a regular prayer schedule and remain consistent. Continue to seek God even when you do not immediately see visible results.

c. You Must Walk in Obedience to God's Word (James 1:22)

James warns believers not to be hearers of the Word only, deceiving themselves, but to be doers of the Word.

Spiritual strength is developed through obedience. It is not enough to know what God says; we must practise what He commands.

Practical Application: Identify instructions from God's Word that you have neglected and begin to obey them. Let your daily conduct reflect your confession of faith.

d. You Must Put on the Whole Armour of God (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Paul identifies the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit. Each part has a spiritual significance.

The instruction to take the whole armour means that no aspect should be neglected. We must be grounded in truth, committed to righteousness, established in peace, protected by faith, confident in salvation and equipped with God's Word.

Practical Application: Examine your spiritual preparedness daily. Do not neglect any aspect of your Christian walk, because every part contributes to your ability to stand.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-11)

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He responded with the Word of God. He did not compromise His obedience or surrender to the enemy's suggestions. His knowledge and application of Scripture enabled Him to overcome every temptation.

3. STANDING AFTER THE BATTLE REQUIRES ENDURANCE

One of the greatest challenges of the Christian life is remaining faithful after prolonged battles. Some people can withstand a short season of difficulty but become weary when the struggle continues. However, the Bible teaches that endurance is necessary for those who want to inherit God's promises.

The fact that a battle has lasted longer than expected does not mean that God has forgotten you. The fact that you have experienced disappointment does not mean that your faith has failed. You must learn to remain steadfast even when the journey becomes difficult.

a. Do Not Become Weary in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9)

Paul encourages believers not to become weary in well-doing because they will reap in due season if they do not faint.

There is a season for sowing and a season for reaping. Sometimes, the results of our labour are not immediately visible. Nevertheless, we must not abandon what God has called us to do.

Practical Application: Continue serving God faithfully, even when appreciation or immediate results are absent. Remember that God sees every labour of love.

b. Let Patience Complete Its Work in You (James 1:2-4)

James teaches that the testing of faith produces patience and that patience must have its perfect work so that believers may become mature and complete.

God can use difficult experiences to develop spiritual maturity. Some qualities, such as patience, perseverance and deeper dependence on God, are developed through seasons of testing.

Practical Application: Do not waste your difficult seasons through complaints and bitterness. Allow God to develop your character and strengthen your faith.

c. Keep Your Confidence in God's Promises (Hebrews 10:35-36)

The writer of Hebrews warns believers not to cast away their confidence because it carries a great reward. He reminds them that they need patience to receive the promise.

When answers seem delayed, the temptation is to lose confidence. But faith does not depend on how quickly circumstances change; it depends on the faithfulness of God.

Practical Application: Keep declaring God's promises over your life. Do not allow delay to destroy your confidence in the One who promised.

d. Draw Strength from the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)

Paul begins his teaching on spiritual warfare by instructing believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Our ability to stand does not come from human strength alone. There are battles that exceed our natural ability, but God's strength is sufficient to sustain us.

Practical Application: Do not depend entirely on your intelligence, experience or physical ability. Learn to draw daily strength from God through prayer, worship and His Word.

Biblical Example: Caleb (Joshua 14:6-14)

Caleb waited for many years before receiving the inheritance promised to him. At the age of eighty-five, he remained strong in faith and was still ready to possess the mountain God had promised. He did not allow the passage of time to destroy his confidence. His life teaches us that endurance keeps our faith alive until God's promises are fulfilled.

4. DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR FAITH AFTER YOU HAVE COME THIS FAR

One of the saddest experiences in the Christian journey is to abandon faith after making significant spiritual progress. Some people begin with passion, serve God faithfully for years and then allow temporary difficulties to draw them away from their commitment.

The enemy understands the value of persistence, so he often intensifies pressure in an attempt to make believers give up. But we must not surrender the ground we have gained through faith, prayer and obedience.

a. Do Not Allow Trials to Separate You from Christ (Romans 8:35-39)

Paul asks what can separate believers from the love of Christ and mentions tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and the sword.

His conclusion is that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our relationship with Christ must remain stronger than the difficulties we experience.

Practical Application: When trials come, draw closer to Jesus rather than withdrawing from Him. Let your relationship with Christ remain your greatest priority.

b. Do Not Exchange Your Spiritual Inheritance for Temporary Relief (Hebrews 12:16-17)

Esau exchanged his birthright for a single meal because he gave greater attention to his immediate appetite than to his inheritance.

Many people make destructive decisions because they want immediate relief from pressure. They compromise their faith, character and spiritual values to satisfy temporary desires.

Practical Application: Never sacrifice your salvation, integrity or calling for temporary pleasure, money, position or acceptance.

c. Do Not Allow Offences to Destroy Your Commitment (Hebrews 12:14-15)

The Bible warns believers to pursue peace and holiness and to ensure that no root of bitterness springs up and troubles them.

Offences can become a dangerous source of spiritual weakness. Some people abandon church, ministry and fellowship because of disagreements and disappointments.

Practical Application: Refuse to allow bitterness to take root in your heart. Forgive those who offend you and pursue peace without compromising biblical truth.

d. Do Not Turn Back After Putting Your Hand to the Plough (Luke 9:62)

Jesus declared that anyone who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.

Following Christ requires commitment and perseverance. The believer must not allow the attractions of the world or the pressures of life to draw him away from the path of discipleship.

Practical Application: Renew your commitment to Christ daily. Do not return to the sinful habits and ungodly lifestyle from which God has delivered you.

Biblical Example: Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)

Paul sadly reported that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world. Demas had been associated with Christian ministry, but his story warns us that previous involvement does not guarantee future faithfulness. We must guard our hearts and remain committed to Christ until the end.

5. STAND FIRM IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN POSITION

Standing is more than surviving a battle. It also means remaining in the position God has established for you. The enemy wants believers to abandon their spiritual identity, lose their confidence and surrender their God-given responsibilities.

But God expects us to remain rooted in Him. We must not allow opposition to determine our position, nor allow circumstances to change our commitment.

a. Stand in the Grace of God (Romans 5:1-2)

Through Jesus Christ, we have access by faith into the grace in which we stand. Our Christian life is sustained by God's grace, not by human achievement.

We must never become so conscious of our weaknesses that we forget the sufficiency of God's grace. His grace enables us to continue even when we face challenges.

Practical Application: Depend on God's grace every day. Do not trust in your own strength, but look to Christ for the ability to remain faithful.

b. Stand in the Liberty Christ Has Given You (Galatians 5:1)

Paul commands believers to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made them free and not become entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Christ has delivered us from the dominion of sin. We must not return to the bondage from which He has set us free.

Practical Application: Reject every habit, relationship and influence that seeks to draw you back into sinful bondage. Walk in the freedom Christ has provided.

c. Stand United with Other Believers (Philippians 1:27)

Paul encourages the church to stand fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Christian fellowship strengthens believers. When we stand together in love, prayer and unity, we encourage one another to remain faithful.

Practical Application: Promote unity in your church and family. Refuse unnecessary divisions and become a source of encouragement to other believers.

d. Stand in the Victory of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

Paul declares that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. On this foundation, he encourages believers to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Our standing is based on Christ's victory, not merely on our personal ability. Because Jesus has conquered sin, death and the powers of darkness, we can remain confident in Him.

Practical Application: Face every challenge with the assurance that Christ has won the ultimate victory. Remain committed to His work and refuse to be moved by temporary circumstances.

Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:1-30)

These three Hebrew men refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, even when threatened with death in a fiery furnace. They declared that God was able to deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not worship the idol. Their position was clear: they would rather face the fire than abandon their faith. God honoured their commitment and preserved them in the furnace.

6. FINISH WELL AND REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE END

The ultimate goal of the Christian journey is not merely to begin well but to finish faithfully. Many people celebrate the beginning of a journey, but the greatest testimony belongs to those who remain faithful until the end.

Paul understood this truth when he declared that he had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. His life demonstrates that the Christian race requires endurance, sacrifice and unwavering commitment.

a. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The writer of Hebrews instructs believers to lay aside every weight and sin that easily besets them and run with patience the race set before them, looking unto Jesus.

Jesus is our example and the source of our faith. When we become distracted by circumstances, we may lose focus and become discouraged.

Practical Application: Keep Christ at the centre of your life. Remove distractions and sinful habits that hinder your spiritual progress.

b. Remain Faithful in Your Assignment (1 Corinthians 4:2)

The Bible declares that it is required of stewards that a person be found faithful. God values faithfulness in the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.

Your assignment may be in the church, family, workplace or community. Whatever God has committed into your hands, remain faithful.

Practical Application: Do not abandon your God-given responsibilities because of difficulties or lack of recognition. Serve faithfully as unto the Lord.

c. Hold Firmly to Your Confession of Hope (Hebrews 10:23)

The Scripture commands believers to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering because the One who promised is faithful.

Our hope is not founded on human promises or changing circumstances. It rests on the unchanging character of God.

Practical Application: Continue to confess God's faithfulness. Do not allow temporary disappointments to silence your testimony or destroy your hope.

d. Be Faithful Until the End (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul declared that he had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. He looked forward to the crown of righteousness which the Lord would give him.

This is the testimony every believer should desire. We must not merely be known for how passionately we began, but for how faithfully we finished.

Practical Application: Live each day with eternity in view. Make decisions that honour God and prepare you to finish your Christian race faithfully.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Paul faced persecution, imprisonment, hardship and opposition throughout his ministry. Yet, at the end of his life, he could confidently testify that he had fought the good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. His life demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful until the end.

CONCLUSION

The instruction “having done all, to stand” is a call to spiritual responsibility, endurance and unwavering faith. God expects us to pray, study His Word, obey His instructions, resist the devil, put on the whole armour and remain faithful through every season of life. Standing does not mean that we will never experience difficulties; it means that difficulties will not make us abandon our faith in Christ. When we have done everything God requires of us, we must refuse to surrender.

Therefore, beloved, do not give up after coming this far. Do not allow temptation to destroy your testimony, discouragement to weaken your commitment or opposition to make you abandon your assignment. Keep your eyes on Jesus, remain rooted in His Word and depend on His grace. The battle may be fierce, but your responsibility is to stand. May your testimony at the end of your journey be that you fought the good fight, finished your course and kept the faith.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me grace to remain steadfast in every season, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen my faith against every attack of the enemy, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every spirit of discouragement and weariness, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to fulfil every spiritual responsibility faithfully, in Jesus name.

5. Father, keep me from every temptation that could destroy my testimony, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me the strength to resist every scheme of the enemy, in Jesus name.

7. Father, uproot every bitterness and offence from my heart, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, establish me firmly in Your Word and grace, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to finish my Christian race faithfully, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my final testimony be that I kept the faith, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not give up in the day of adversity.

2. Your faith shall remain strong in every season.

3. You shall overcome every temptation and opposition.

4. You shall not lose your God-given position.

5. Your strength shall be renewed by the Lord.

6. You shall not abandon your divine assignment.

7. Every scheme of the enemy against your faith shall fail.

8. You shall remain steadfast in Christ.

9. You shall finish your race with joy and victory.

10. You shall fight the good fight, finish your course and keep the faith, in the mighty name of Jesus.