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I Corinthians 16:13-14
Excerpted from: A Place of Safety? (Part 5)Doesn't that pretty much sum it up? That's being faithful. The way that Paul wrote this, these were not in his mind to be momentary attitudes, but continuous states. Brethren, this is what is developed and produced in us by God's spirit because of the relationship with Christ. And so when he says "watch," he's not talking about an occasional absence of sleep but a determined effort at wakefulness. It means being vigilant so that our spiritual liberty won't be endangered by compromising with anything in our environment.
It means not playing with temptations. He is telling us to be stable and not to be flitting from one fad and fashion to another like the people in this book (I Corinthians) were shown to be. He says, "Be like men." He means, "Be mature, stable, responsible to duty." He wants us to understand that nothing fine and good can be built if it's treated in a casual and informal, easygoing spirit.
He wants us to understand that being strong in God is not something inherent within us. Remember it doesn't come naturally. Human nature is at war against God. It resists seeking God. Being strong in God is derived from the relationship with Him, and this relationship must be worked at, even as a good relationship with another human being must be worked at.
Finally, "love" he says. He's talking here about the love of God. This is not a syrupy affection with a lot of hugs or charm or social graces (though it may include those things). The bible in fact says that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. He is not saying that they are evil, He is saying that they have the power to deceive us and others into thinking that because one is charming or beautiful, that they are somehow converted. He is warning us that those things might be nothing more than a carnal façade. Brethren, what is love?
Love is doing what is right from God's perspective. Remember this is the same apostle who admonished Timothy to rebuke people before all, even right before the congregation. If that's what it took, that was what was to be done, and it was an act of love. Love is being responsible, love is being honest, love is being loyal, trustworthy, faithful, love is being zealous toward God and it is other things as well.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
Excerpted from: PreparePretty good advice for the end time. Watch, because you have many enemies out in this world, in a sense, that want to destroy you. There are many demons that want to, if they can, cause you to leave the truth. Watch against evil, do not be slack. Control yourself. Cause your mind to change, discipline yourself, watch what you are doing. Watch for opportunity to receive good. Go to Bible studies, and I stress this, when you can. Make sure you get your study from God.
Watch for opportunities to serve others, to help them when they are down and need bolstering up. And watch that none of you are drawn away. That is what Paul is saying.
Stand fast in the faith and “quit you like men.” They say that the coward dies a thousand deaths, but the brave man dies but once, so stand that way. Even if it costs you your life, you stand for what God wants, and do not be afraid. You stand upright in faith and trusting God.
Paul says do not be tossed to-and-fro by every wind of doctrine. Set your mind on never letting the truth of God go, even if it should cost you your life.
Paul says something interesting, he says “be strong.” Be strong in vigor, be full of energy, it will establish you. If you are not strong, then you are weak. But when you handle weights and pick up weights, gradually your body begins to strengthen. The same thing happens when you draw close to God, and start to study and pray, and put your back into it. You start to be strengthened. Then a wonderful thing begins to happen: the more effort you exert, the closer you draw to God. The more effort you exert, the stronger you get.
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