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Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
A Sermon based on the hymn by
George Duffield, Jr.
Introduction
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” is a
powerful call to spiritual courage and unwavering devotion. Written by
George Duffield, Jr., a Presbyterian minister, in 1858, the hymn arose
from the dying words of fellow preacher Dudley Tyng, who urged: “Let us
all stand up for Jesus.” These words inspired Duffield to pen this hymn
of Christian valor, rooted in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.”
The hymn speaks to every believer
facing trials, persecution, and spiritual warfare. It calls us not to
retreat, but to rise in faith, equipped with God’s armor and grounded in
the victory of Christ. As soldiers of the cross, we are not passive
observers—we are called to action, obedience, and perseverance. Each
stanza speaks to the Christian’s battle, strength, and reward.
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” is a
charge to remain faithful. In a world that mocks truth and silences
righteousness, the church must stand. This hymn reminds us that we do
not fight alone, and the battle is not in vain. Let us walk through each
stanza and be stirred to rise, speak, and serve in the strength of the
Lord.
Stanza 1
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye
soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.”
This stanza identifies us as
“soldiers of the cross,” echoing Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 2:3–4 to
“endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” We are not at war
with flesh and blood but with spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Our
task is to “lift high His royal banner”—a reference to Christ’s
authority and triumph. The banner must not be lowered in fear or shame.
Victory belongs to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57), and His faithful will
triumph with Him.
Stanza 2
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the
trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day:
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.”
This stanza is a summons to battle.
Like a trumpet calling soldiers to arms (Numbers 10:9), Christ calls us
to engage in the spiritual war. It is “His glorious day”—a day of
service, not slumber. The phrase “ye that are men” calls all Christians
to courage (1 Corinthians 16:13). When evil advances, we don’t shrink—we
respond with faith. Psalm 27:1 asks, “Whom shall I fear?” The answer: no
one, if the Lord is our strength.
Stanza 3
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand
in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own:
Put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.”
Here, the hymn reminds us of our
true strength—it is not from ourselves. Proverbs 3:5–6 warns us not to
lean on our own understanding, and Ephesians 6:10–11 tells us to “be
strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The “gospel armor”
(Ephesians 6:13–18) is our only defense. Each piece is essential: truth,
righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God,
and prayer. Duty may lead us into difficulty, but we are never alone
when we stand in Him.
Stanza 4
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the
strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song:
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.”
The final stanza offers hope. The
Christian’s battle is temporary, but the reward is eternal. Revelation
2:10 says, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of
life.” After the conflict, we will hear the “victor’s song,” echoing
Revelation 15:3. This world is not our home. Those who overcome will
reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12). The hymn closes with the promise of
eternal triumph for the faithful.
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
- Author: George Duffield, Jr.
- Inspired by the dying words of
preacher Dudley Tyng
- Theme: Courageous Christian
living
- Key Verse: Ephesians 6:13
Stanza 1 – Soldiers of the Cross
- 2 Timothy 2:3–4 – Endure
hardship as a soldier
- Ephesians 6:12 – Our spiritual
battle
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 – Victory
through Christ
Stanza 2 – Answering the Call to
Battle
- Numbers 10:9 – The trumpet call
to war
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 – Stand
firm in faith
- Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my
light and salvation
Stanza 3 – God’s Strength, Not
Ours
- Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the
Lord
- Ephesians 6:10–18 – The armor
of God
- Romans 13:12 – Put on the armor
of light
Stanza 4 – Hope Beyond the Battle
- Revelation 2:10 – The crown of
life
- Revelation 15:3 – The victor’s
song
- 2 Timothy 2:12 – Reign with
Christ
Call to Action
Will you stand up for Jesus? In a
world that bows to compromise, silence, and fear, now is the time for
unwavering faith. Obey the gospel—believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent
(Luke 13:3), confess Him (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the
remission of sins (Acts 2:38). And then, stand firm till the end.
Scripture Reference List
Ephesians 6:13 – Take up the whole
armor of God
2 Timothy 2:3–4 – Endure as a good soldier
1 Corinthians 15:57 – Victory through our Lord
1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be courageous and strong
Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and salvation
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord
Romans 13:12 – Put on the armor of light
Revelation 2:10 – Be faithful unto death
Revelation 15:3 – The song of the Lamb
2 Timothy 2:12 – Reign with Christ
Song History
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” was
written in 1858 by George Duffield, Jr., in honor of his friend Dudley
Tyng, who died from a tragic accident shortly after preaching a stirring
sermon on standing for Christ. The hymn became a rallying cry for
Christian courage, particularly during revival movements. Though
originally from a denominational background, the message has transcended
borders and been embraced by churches of Christ for its solid biblical
message and call to commitment.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
