God wants His children to have a oneness in the spirit that stands fast (i.e. unmovable) and on a position that we are prepared to protect at all cost (yet when in error, we apologise) without compromising on truth, morals and ethics. When there is spiritual oneness in the church, all in the church will experience happiness, peace and tranquility with no tension, and with a clear conscience. But this oneness cannot be instilled just by a statement in the Church Constitution. It has to involve the whole being of everyone. It is not just oneness in mind (e.g. believing in the same doctrines), but oneness in spirit.

The basis of standing fast is Christ (Phil 1:25-26): Paul knew that he needed to remain in order to help the Philippian believers to stand fast in the spirit. Some among them preached the gospel with the wrong motive, causing tension within the church. There was no spiritual oneness in the church. Our knowledge of biblical doctrines must result in a real change in our lives. Example: God, the only living and true God, transcends space and time, implying that He is everywhere and we cannot hide from Him. Thus, we must live our lives according to this truth. This standing fast in the spirit can last only when we stand in Christ. He must be the basis of our standing fast. Any other bases (eg: man) will not last. Christ has made it possible for us to have that oneness in spirit. We must protect it. Bitterness, envy, an unforgiving spirit, etc in the church will destroy this oneness in spirit.

To stand fast to the end is to stand fast in all areas of our lives (Phil 1:27): In verse 27, “conversation” refers to what we think, say and do. Our lives are to be a true reflection of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our lives must be holy, godly and righteous, according to Scripture. We are to share the gospel through our motives, words and conduct, to those around us, including our children, that they want to be like us. And when they do so, they will be with us in one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. There must be no other agenda in sharing the gospel but to exalt Christ (John 3:30). This attitude of promoting Christ only must be so especially for leaders of the church. Otherwise, there will be no oneness, but contention, quarrels, tension, etc.

Courage is needed to stand fast (Phil 1:28): When we strive for the faith of the gospel, and point out the errors of others (eg: the charismatics, the health-and-wealth gospel), we will have adversaries, who may even be our loved ones, relatives, etc. Their actions against us are signs of their condemnation; but to us, it is a proof of our salvation. We must have the courage to keep facing persecution as we stand fast for the faith.