Standing on the Promises

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Standing on the Promises
A Sermon based on the Hymn “Standing on the Promises” by Russell Kelso Carter

Introduction:
The Christian life is grounded in the unshakable Word of God. His promises are certain because they come from the One who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The hymn “Standing on the Promises” proclaims the believer’s confidence in God’s faithfulness and the victory we have through Christ. Each verse encourages us to trust, obey, and remain steadfast, no matter what challenges arise. Standing on God’s promises means more than merely knowing them—it means living by them. It is an active faith that shapes decisions, strengthens perseverance, and fuels hope. In times of trial, His promises bring peace. In moments of joy, they lead us to gratitude. From His promise of salvation (John 3:16) to His assurance of eternal life (1 John 2:25), the believer’s foundation is firm. This hymn calls us to reject fear and doubt, resting completely on the steadfast words of the Lord. When we choose to stand on His promises, we are unmovable in faith and unstoppable in our pursuit of holiness. As we walk through each stanza, let us renew our confidence in every word God has spoken and be encouraged to live as people whose hope cannot be shaken.

Stanza 1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

This verse exalts Christ as our King and declares our resolve to stand firm in His promises forever. Psalm 145:13 reminds us that God’s kingdom is everlasting, and His promises endure through all generations. Praise naturally flows from a heart anchored in the reliability of His Word.

Stanza 2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

This verse speaks to the believer’s security in the midst of life’s fiercest trials. God’s promises “cannot fail” because they are rooted in His unchanging nature (Hebrews 6:17–18). When storms of fear or uncertainty arise, victory comes through the “living and powerful” Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:39), He speaks peace into our hearts through His promises, enabling us to endure.

Stanza 3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

This stanza celebrates the believer’s freedom from sin through the cleansing blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). We stand in spiritual liberty because Jesus has broken the chains of sin (John 8:36). God’s promise of forgiveness is not a distant hope—it is a present reality, giving us confidence to walk in holiness today.

Stanza 4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Here we are reminded that our connection to Christ is secured by His enduring love (Romans 8:38–39). We overcome temptation and trials daily through “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Our steadfastness rests in a deep, unbreakable relationship with our Savior.

Stanza 5
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

The final stanza assures us that those who walk closely with God, attentive to His Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:25), will remain secure in His care. To rest in Christ as “all in all” (Colossians 3:11) is to live in full surrender, confident that His promises will sustain us until the end.

Chorus
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

The chorus is a joyful declaration of resolve. It affirms that our stance of faith is not passive but active, rooted in unshakable trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Standing on the Promises Sermon Outline:

• Introduction – Trusting God’s unshakable promises (Titus 1:2; John 3:16)

• Stanza 1 – Praise rooted in Christ’s eternal kingship (Psalm 145:13)

• Stanza 2 – Victory over fear through God’s unfailing Word (Hebrews 4:12; Mark 4:39)

• Stanza 3 – Present cleansing and freedom in Christ (1 John 1:7; John 8:36)

• Stanza 4 – Eternal bond through love; overcoming with the Spirit’s sword (Romans 8:38–39; Ephesians 6:17)

• Stanza 5 – Listening to the Spirit and resting in Christ (Galatians 5:25; Colossians 3:11)

• Chorus – Active, joyful declaration of trust

Call to Action:
Live each day as one firmly planted on God’s promises. Study them, believe them, and put them into practice. In every season—whether calm or storm—let His Word be your foundation, and your heart will remain unshaken until faith becomes sight.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s promises never fail (Hebrews 6:17–18).

• The Word of God overcomes fear and doubt (Hebrews 4:12).

• Christ’s blood cleanses and frees us (1 John 1:7; John 8:36).

• Love binds us eternally to the Lord (Romans 8:38–39).

• The Spirit guides and sustains us (Galatians 5:25).

Scripture Reference List:

• Titus 1:2 – God’s promises are certain

• John 3:16 – Promise of salvation

• Psalm 145:13 – God’s everlasting kingdom

• Hebrews 4:12 – The living Word of God

• Mark 4:39 – Jesus calms the storm

• 1 John 1:7 – Cleansing through Christ’s blood

• John 8:36 – Freedom in Christ

• Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing separates us from God’s love

• Ephesians 6:17 – The sword of the Spirit

• Galatians 5:25 – Walking by the Spirit

• Colossians 3:11 – Christ our all in all

Song History:
“Standing on the Promises” was written in 1886 by Russell Kelso Carter, a Methodist minister, teacher, and physician. Carter penned the hymn during a time of personal crisis, reaffirming his trust in God’s Word. It quickly became a staple in revival meetings and church services, inspiring countless believers to anchor their lives on God’s unchanging promises.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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