Alert, Stand, Act, Strong, Love

 In 1 Corinthians 16:13 the apostle Paul says, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (New American Standard) There’s a sermon in this one verse!

Some have described these instructions as having a military feel to them. To be alert means to pay attention, to be cautious. We must be on the alert against Satan’s tactics, 1 Peter 5:8. We must be on the alert for the return of Jesus, 2 Peter 3:10-12. Be alert, not apathetic.

Stand firm in the faith. “Rather than fleeing from the battle, a good soldier stands firm, holding his ground. Similarly, a good soldier of Christ stands firm in the faith. He is not one who vacillates between belief and unbelief, morality and immorality, etc. He has taken his stand for Christ and will not budge.” [1] Faith can be used in the objective sense.

There is one faith, Ephesians 4:5. We are to abide in the apostles doctrine, Acts 2:42. We are to follow what’s been delivered once for all, Jude 3. We are to remain faithful to what we have received and obeyed, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2. It can be used in a subjective sense referring to one’s faith toward God. In both senses, we are to stand firm in the faith! When we stand firm, we will be able to overcome Satan’s snares. When we stand firm in the faith, we will be able to be on the alert and ready for the return of Jesus. The idea of standing firm in the faith is not a one-time thing, but a daily requirement. What’s shaking your footing? What needs to be removed? What in your faith needs to be strengthened? Stand firm.

We are to act like men... The New King James Version says, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” The Christian Standard Bible says, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.”  The King James Version says “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” To “quit you like men…” ‘Means to discharge duties like bold and brave men, trusting in God.  It’s the idea of “Conducting oneself in a manly or courageous way.” [2] Christians are to move away from childish behavior and thinking. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul said, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?”

 Christians, both men and women are to be brave, courageous and to grow into maturity. Men, as leaders of the house are to act like men. We’re in an epidemic in our society where many men are not acting like men. As leaders of our homes, we set the tone for the spiritual growth. Stephanas provides a great example, 1 Corinthians 16:15. He devoted himself to the ministry of the saints as did his household. He was strong in the faith and acted like a man. His family followed in his footsteps. As men, are we doing the same?

Be strong! We will be strong as we stay on the alert, stand firm in the faith and act appropriately. This is an expectation God has for us. While we strive to live this way, it’s important we don’t overlook 1 Corinthians 16: 14: “Let all that you do be done in love.” If we don’t have love, then we have missed it! In all we do, love for God and love for one another must be the foundation.

-Benjamin Lee

[1] Willis, page 611 1 Corinthians commentary

[2] Willis, page 612 1 Corinthians  commentary