I Corinthians 16:13-14

I Corinthians 16

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

As Paul is winding down his first letter to the church at Corinth, he gives some parting directions that I think still apply to us as believers today.

Be watchful- What are we watching for? A few things. We should be on the lookout against temptation and the attacks of the devil, cutting sin off before it even arrives. We should also be watching for the return of Christ- spreading the gospel to all that we can, knowing that his return is near. Finally, we should always be watching for opportunities to serve and encourage others.

Stand firm in the faith- This kind of sounds like ‘don’t doubt’ your beliefs, but I think it is more than that. How can you stand firm in your faith if you don’t know what you believe or why you believe it? Seek out Scriptural truths and grow in God. You also can’t stand in your faith if you aren’t being enriched, fed, and encouraged regularly through prayer, time in God’s word, and time with other believers.

Act like men, be strong- Be courageous, bold, and strong in your faith. Don’t fear man or the attacks of the devil, but rest confidently in the power of your Father in Heaven.

Let all that you do be done in love­- Paul is reminding the Corinthians that the Christian life isn’t just about your own beliefs, thoughts, or actions. Its also about how you treat others and the heart behind all you do. Love others. In all that you do, reflect the love God has for you.