1 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.
FIVE RULES FOR CHRISTIANS
Paul is finishing his letter that is full of instruction and rebuke. He leaves the church with five short rules that we need to obey and do in today’s world.
Rule #1: Be Watchful. What do we have to watch out for: One of the things is to watch out for the devil. He is prowling the earth like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour. Therefore, be on your guard, and stay prayerful.
Next, we have to watch out for the coming of the Lord Jesus. We are encouraged to look expectantly for Christ’ return. He is our blessed hope. (See Titus 2:13).
Rule #2: Stand firm in the faith. In this day of error, we must be true to the Bible and to the highest standards of Christian conduct. in 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul tells the saints to be steadfast.
Many people are questioning scripture and saying this is wrong and that is wrong, and false teachers are rampant in the church. We must study the Bible, so that we can properly understand the truth from error. (See II Timothy 2:15).
Rule #3: Act like men. When Paul was writing this, I’m sure that he was thinking of some of the actions of this church. They hadn’t acted like men! Indeed, they had acted like spoiled children. We are to be men in all our actions. So many men in the church are very womanly; they dress not as men should, and wear things that make them look effeminate.
Remember that no one who is like this, has any part in the Kingdom of God. Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example in every area of his life. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
Paul and Jesus were real men, and have manly characteristics. We have a desperate need for manly Christians. That doesn’t mean you have to the gym and start a body building program; However, you are called to be the man God’s word directs you to be.
Rule #4: Be strong. Remember what God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous…” (Joshua 1:6).
The end times are here; the days are evil, and we need to be courageous. We need to go into the world asking for the courage that Christ gives.
Rule #5: Do everything in love. Sometimes we can be so courageous, or so strong, that we forget to act in love. Strength has to be balanced with love. These five rules if they are carried out and acted out in the lives of Christians will transform our lives for God’s glory.
God bless you,
KK