1 Corinthians 16 - 11.8.24
SCRIPTURE
For God’s people. 1 Corinthians 16:13 -14: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
OBSERVATION
In the book of 1 Corinthians Paul is recognizing the needs of the Christians in the towns mentioned; giving them encouraging words; recognizing what they have done, and telling them he would come to these churches as soon as he can. But IN THE MEANTIME he is giving them instructions to be ready, stand fast and to love.
In these scriptures, Paul is encouraging Christians to:
WATCH—
1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith"
( Matthew 24:42, 26:41, Mark 13:37 )
STAND FAST—
Liberty in Jesus: Galatians 5:1
Christian unity: Philippians 1:27
The Lord HIMSELF: Philippians 4:1
The teaching of the apostles 2 Thessalonians 2:15
BE STRONG—
Power of His might Ephesians 6:10
His grace 2 Timothy 2:1
DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE—
In a sense, each of these mean the same thing, simply saying it in a different way. Christians are to be like strong soldiers, on guard, watching for their Lord’s return but also being aware of temptation to choose something not good for us with bad consequences. And to do it all with Love.
APPLICATION
But what does it mean to us? It all is accomplished through FAITH. Stand firm in Faith, be courageous and do it all in LOVE.
TWO Lessons: be prepared for His returning for us and the hope of our salvation
Be prepared for temptation that brings us harm.
Here are three ways to stand firm in your faith:
Praise God. Praise God for who He is and what He has done in your life. Praise can renew your strength and activate power in your life.
Pray for others. Praying for others is a way to turn your heart toward others. Intercession is the highest expression of love.
Spend time with God. Quiet time with God is a way to be intentional with your relationship with God. You can go to a secluded place to hear God more clearly or rest in His presence ANYWHERE.
Standing firm in your faith is an active position, not a passive one. It's when you let God take over and live out His principles daily. And spending time with other believers to share your conflict and your life’s journey and ASK FOR PRAYER. All of these show our love for HIM and others.
PRAYER
Lord, there is so much to consider BUT this we ask that we Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. Because of your promises we TRUST IN YOU AND YOUR GRACE that YOU WILL!!! And we give you the glory of your word with humble adoration. And Lord, give us the opportunity to share your words to others in our daily walk so that they come to know YOU. WE know someone plants a seed and another one waters it…So today Jesus let us be gardeners of your word. Amen.
- Charleen Zakarian
