1 Corinthians 16 - 3.21.23

SCRIPTURE:  1 Corinthians 16:13  "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love."

OBSERVATION:  While the Corinthian believers were waiting for Paul's return visit, Paul had directed them to be on guard and to be alert, otherwise their enemies might slip in and find a way to cause divisions among them, and bring disorder.  They were to stand firm in what they had been taught about the gospel, their salvation.  They were to be bold and courageous in dealing with any sins or internal problems that crept into the church.  And...the most important thing; they were instructed to do EVERYTHING in love!

Because of what Jesus had done by setting them free from the bondage of sin and a long list of laws and regulations, Paul encouraged the believers to use their freedom to stand against those who would try to enslave them with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved in Jesus.  

In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by satan, who is a vicious fighter.  In order for us to withstand their attacks, we must use every piece of God's armor, and fight in the strength of the Church that comes from the Holy Spirit.   

APPLICATION:  My good acts of service unto the Lord could never be used to earn God's love or favor.  I have been saved by faith, NOT BY WORKS!  God saved me by His grace when I believed.  And this is not my own doing; it is the gift of God!  My response back to God for ALL He has done for me is to love others, and to serve Jesus.    

PRAYER:  I pray I will be on guard, courageous and strong, and that as I stand firm in my faith, it will be evidenced by others experiencing God's love flowing in and through me as it touches them.   

- Robin Orefice