# 26 2016 Dev. I Cor. 16:13,14 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
I Corinthians 16:13,14
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
Corinth was one of the main cities of Greece, a port city with many temples and a city known for its unbridled sexual practices. The church in this environment was influenced by the culture around it. The church, struggling under these difficult problems had requested Paul to help them address these issues. Paul addresses a series of problems and questions: divisions in the church, immorality within the church, lawsuits in pagan courts, marriage, Christian freedom, spiritual gifts, Christian love, the resurrection of the body, and the collection of gifts.
Chapter 16 is the last page of this letter and reflects what was discussed but also includes personal requests and greetings. The central verses are 13,14 which points back to all the issues Paul has discussed in this letter. Further, Paul gives them and us the way forward under the pressure of a pagan culture. This advice is presently relevant for followers of Jesus. There are many Christians and churches in our country but true followers of Jesus need to come to grips with the fact that we live in a pagan culture when compared with Biblical principles.
The two verses we look at this week begins with: “Be on your guard”. That is the first thing we must do, question every change that is promoted by Christian leaders. Do we understand the culture pressures on our way of life? What is our responsibility when the government legalizes and pushes pagan practices on followers of Jesus? Is our Christian freedom and freedom of speech at risk?
Secondly, Paul says: “Stand firm in your faith”. Faith is a gift but it also comes from and is built up by hearing God’s Word. How much time are we spending hearing God’s Word but also spending time with the Scripture, pondering the issues of our day in the light of it?
Thirdly, we are told “be courageous”. Courage is in short supply among Christians this day and age, our youth are afraid to stand up for Biblical principles, afraid to commit to a life time of service in ministry or missions. Weak faith and lack of courage go together and is addressed by again filling our minds and hearts with the Word of God.
Fourth, we are told to “by strong”. Our strength comes from the Spirit of Christ (Php. 4:13)! The Spirit of Christ lives in the hearts of all followers of Jesus and He can be encouraged or He can be resisted as He works in us. He mostly speaks to us in whispers but many followers of Jesus are not listening.
Fifth, “Do everything in love”. Love is the bottom line as Paul shows us throughout I Cor. We all must practice this principle as the decline in Biblical Christianity is addressed. On the other hand, we must not use love as the only standard for accepting the radical cultural issues followers of Jesus are facing today. Also, love demands that we do point out that the Biblical principles are being watered down and in some cases set aside in the name of political correctness and peace. We must continue to pray for God’s wisdom!
© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved
Heavenhigh 