Standing Firm

1Corinthians 16:13-14: “13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.14 Let all that you do be done in love.”

As Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian church, he leaves them with some final words. He tells the Corinthians to be on alert for the temptations that surround the believer in that city. With Corinth being extremely sinful and wicked, it would be very easy to slip into sin at the slightest temptation, especially if one was not alert to the subtle ways sin sneaks into our lives. Being alert to the ways of the flesh prepares us to be able to handle sin when we are faced with it. Sin is not something to play with. Sin causes pain and hurt, and it never leaves you better then it found you, always worse. The issue with sin is that it is momentary. It may bring a “moment” of pleasure; however, it could leave you with a lifetime of pain. That is why God wants you not to be given to sin. He wants the best for you.

Paul tells the Corinthian church also to stand firm in the faith. He was telling the church to stand by their convictions and let them guide you. Be strong when trials come along. Paul knew that just because they may be Christ-followers that did not mean that they were immune from trials and heartache. It just means that the trials and heartaches do not have the same gravity as they once did when they were not Christ-followers. We now have a friend who understands what we are going through and who is able to heal those hurts.

Paul leaves with this last command, “Let all that you do be done in love.” This application would be so practical to the church today if we really practiced this concept, doing all in love. That is why we share the Gospel, teach, gather in fellowship, worship, rebuke, and listen to one another. It is because of love. If we do not walk, talk, and act in love we are not fulfilling the command of Christ.

Application – Gain strength from the lessons of Godly men and women teach you.

Challenge – Let all that you do, be done in love.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Proverbs 15-16 New Testament II Cor. 1