

Not just for self, but for the Christian community and the kingdom of God. Without love standing firm in the faith would be an oxymoron. It would only produce a paranoid schizophrenic. Without love, being alert would amount to nothing. It is the kind of love that acts as a verb, not a feeling. Several generations ago, 'quit you like men' was a frequently heard phrase in English-speaking countries. Let all your things be done with charity' ( I Corinthians 16:13-14 King James Version). Let all that you do be done in love (emphasis mine) It is worth noting that the NIV renders the phrase I italicized as be courageous the NET goes with show courage. Verse 14 literally says, All of you in love be The Greek word for love in v. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Paul instructs us: 'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. We must fight against the external enemies who would seek to deceive and defeat us, and we must fight against the internal enemies of our own bad habits and impulses.Ī mature adult fights for what is important. So what does he mean when he writes to everyone, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. However, the spiritual conflict is producing profound and disturbing cultural and political challenges for the 21 st century church, and the societies in which we live and work.Īnd the enemy is both internal and external. As Ephesians 6 reminds us, the battle is primarily spiritual. Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 New American Standard Bible 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. We are experiencing a time of intense spiritual, cultural, and political conflict. Neglect these commands and you will be defeated. It’s as if Paul is saying, “ Follow these commands and you will defeat the enemy. These are commands to soldiers who are fighting a battle. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Second, there is a strong military feel to this passage. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. There is a way I want you to live and work every day. Paul is telling the Corinthians, “ There is a way I want you to Respond to the challenges and opportunities of life. So what does he mean when he writes to everyone, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. If we are going to be intentional and Christ-like in the way we Respond to the events and situations we experience, then we must do these five things. There are several things about this passage that deserve our attention. 1 Corinthians 16:13 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

The passage provides neither narrative nor explanation. 'Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Amplified Bible Let everything you do be done in love motivated and inspired by God’s love for us. In Scripture, God can be like a tender mother and like a bold warrior. In either case, these characteristics are based in strength, for they ultimately stem from the character of God. In this brief passage at the end of his letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthians believers with five very brief and direct commands. This call to men from God's Word was delivered by Dr. Legacy Standard Bible Let all that you do be done in love. In fact, 1 Corinthians 16:14 reads, Let all that you do be done in love.

Put away passivity.“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Answer the call to be a man of God with great passion and enthusiasm.
#Stand firm act like men let all that you do be done in love full#
Be full of passion and fire for God and for others. This is “agape” love, which is sacrificial and unconditional. Gain mastery over your appetites and desires, so that you have self-control.ĥ) “Love” – Let love be the motive for all action. Lord help us not to become easily angered. Lord thank you that true love is not provoked. Lord help us not to live selfishly, looking only to our own interests. Lord thank you that true love does not seek its own. Exercise your body and mind to be strengthened for defense of your family and faith. Help us to lay aside a critical tone and tearing down with our words, so that we can truly walk in peace. Stop acting like little boys still playing with their toys. Be spiritual leaders who never give up.ģ) “Act like men.” – This is a call to biblical masculinity. Protect your families, churches, and neighborhoods.Ģ) “Stand firm in the faith.” – Persevere and grow in faith. The apostle Paul closed his epistle to the Corinthians with five instructions for men that are more than applicable today.ġ) “Be watchful.” – Be vigilant, stay awake, stand guard.
