Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. I Corinthians 16:13
The power words in the verse, firm, faith, courageous, strong, are not the things of day dreams. They are attributes that show up in times of great duress and reveal servitude toward one another.
Of all the churches Paul planted, the Corinthian church struggled most with consistent Christian behavior. They dealt constantly with sexual misconduct, false prophets, deceitful workmen…. Paul expresses that the walk of the faithful will have trials. Character, faith and strength will determine a very important outcome beyond ourselves.
Paul is not giving up on a congregation that struggles with sin. He is patient, loving and available with every opportunity given. The phrase, “Be on your guard,” means we are not, nor will we ever be, immune to satan’s threat, but firm strength and courage in the face of temptation and confusion will tune your ears to God’s call and your eyes on the Throne of God.
Love,
Gretchen