1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
I love Paul’s Spirit-inspired writing. Practical advice and always giving us guidance that we can use in our lives to glorify God with everything that we do.
Today’s verses are no exception. Let’s break it down:
“Be on guard.”
What are we to be “on guard” for?
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Please make no mistake about it, there is an enemy, and he is out for blood. He is taking people down all around us, and he would have us if it weren’t for the protection that we have in Jesus Christ.
If we find ourselves walking outside of God’s Will, we leave ourselves open for attack, and our witness to those around us could be affected if we walk into temptation.
“John, why do you say walk into temptation?”
It is God’s promise that He will give us a way out of our temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
If we find ourselves in trouble, it is because of the thoughts that we entertain in our minds. When we allow God’s Word to affect our thinking, we build a hedge of protection against the temptations put in front of us. But if we neglect to be in God’s Word, or going to Bible Study, not going to church, we shouldn’t be surprised if we face moments of temptation.
It is moving away from the source of our strength that starts to make us weak to the power of temptation.
Staying connected is a key! Connected to God through our daily devotions, through prayer, and in fellowship with others in the church.
“Stand firm in faith.”
What does it mean to “stand firm in faith?”
We’ve all been given talents that God wants us to use. He has work that He wants us to complete while we are here on this earth.
For most, they are confused about this. Some want positions that are in the limelight; others are scared even to get going. This will be different for everyone.
A key here is to start right where you are at, giving God the faithfulness to the position that He currently has you in. It could be working with your wife and kids at home, teaching them the Word of God. It could be welcoming people into your church, teaching Sunday School, or hosting a Life Group in your home.
Whatever it is, do it with all the enthusiasm you can muster for God’s glory.
Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
Stay doing what you are doing with faithfulness to God. He will make it clear to you when it is time to move in another direction.
Luke 16:10 NLT
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
“Be courageous. Be Strong.”
This is only possible with God centered in our hearts. We can not be courageous or strong in our own strength, this can only happen with God’s strength.
Joshua 1:7 NLT
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
Following God’s Word comes with a promise of success. The thing that stops us from following God’s Word is pride. We have to be on guard against that in our lives. When we think that we have it all figured out, we leave ourselves exposed to temptation and sin in our lives.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
I’ve heard it explained that it is like washing your mind when you read God’s Word. With repeated exposure to God’s Word, it starts to affect our minds, our thinking and eventually will manifest into what we do.
With this in mind, I find it hard to think that anyone would go for any period of time with our washing their bodies but this is exactly what it is like when go for any period of time without being in God’s Word.
“And do everything with love.”
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13. Its sole purpose is to describing Godly “love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
How would your relationships be if you were to treat those around you with these attributes? Do you think your relationships would be improve?
This is the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. This is the reason that He sent His son to die for us. This is unconditional love.
Paul goes on to say later in the chapter:
1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
And he starts chapter 14 with this verse:
1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT
Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.
And our Savior said this in John 15:
John 15:13 NLT
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and Your promise.
I pray for the hearts of those around me, I pray that they get to know Your unconditional love through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
I thank You for Your grace, mercy and forgiveness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
