YBible Thoughts Y September 27, 1998
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love"(I Corinthians 16:13-14, ASV).
This admonition of Paul to the Corinthians is an encouragement to the brethren of that day to walk and act as those who are Christians. It is a pattern of life that is acceptable for any period of time and not confined to the apostolic period.
While our world is different from theirs in many respects, we are still as human as those who composed the Lord's church in Corinth. The same hopes, the same kind of faith, the same determination, and the same desire to go to heaven was in their hearts as should be in the Christian of the present day. They faced the same type of temptations, the same misgivings about life, the same Satan, and the same opposition from evil men that is faced in our day. Paul admonished them to live the right kind of life in spite of all the events that transpired around them. The same is true for us.
As one reflects on the differences that existed in the days of the early church and the church of the Twentieth Century, it becomes apparent that we live a life of relative ease compared with the trials and sufferings of those early Christians. Can you imagine being a slave? Some of them were enslaved. Can you envision a group of citizens that so opposed the truth they would hurt you, put you in jail, and try to persuade the authorities to put you to death? Many of them so suffered. Can you imagine a life without the protection of the authorities, without labor laws, and who placed little value on human life? They lived under such conditions. Surely, it would take one of great faith to remain true to the commands of God.
The present generations have been blessed of God. We are relatively free from persecution and opposition. We have the freedom of movement, allowing us to move about as we wish. We have freedom of speech, allowing us to speak the truth of God. And yet, in our abundance of freedom and opportunities, we often fail to possess the faith of the early Christians. Sometimes...one is made to wonder if we would not be stronger disciples if we had to live without the freedom and luxuries we possess. In a world like the early Christians, only the strong survived. Likewise, in our world of attractions, distractions, and ease, only the strong survive.
What prescription did Paul give the Christians in Corinth that would help them to overcome all foes they would face as the Lord's people? Listen to him...
Watch ye: The disciple must be aware of the efforts of Satan to destroy one's faith. It is necessary to be conscious of the temptations of Satan that would destroy one morally. It is essential to know the word of God well enough to recognize false teaching that would destroy a person's soul. Literally, Paul is speaking of a "spiritual alertness" (Vine). Only by faithful living and continued trust in the Word of God can one have that alertness.
Stand fast in the faith: The expression "take a stand" would be a literal application of Paul's point. While there are many who will "take a stand" for their own behavior(right or wrong) or for some politician or some foolish notion, it is right for a Christian to take a stand for truth. That stand is taken when one obeys the gospel and continues while one remains faithful to the commands of the Lord. Those at Corinth had taken a stand for the faith when they left heathenism. Paul is encouraging them to stand "fast"(adhere to the truth). Standing fast in the faith is to characterize the Christian all one's life.
Quit you like men: The literal meaning of the original language signifies acting like a man(Vine). Most envision a real man as one who stands for what is right(see above), has the courage to face and overcome evil, sets a proper example for others, defends the word of God, is not afraid to live a righteous life, and possesses the characteristics identified in righteous men of the Bible. This application is not limited to the male species, but applies to both sexes. Many godly women put to shame many men in this regard.
Be strong: As the people of God ground themselves in the faith, determine to live as the New Testament directs, and resolve to set the proper example to others, they are being strong in God's sight. This strength will contribute to an unwavering faith in the Lord and His work. The strong will be empowered to help the weak to become strong. And...it is in the capacity for any Christian to be strong in the faith and in the word of God. There is no justification for those who have been Christians for many years to be weak in the faith. Paul tells all disciples, "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might"(Ephesians 6:10). How strong are you?
Let all that ye do be done in love: Paul uses the strongest word in the original language(agape) to describe the depth of that love. A Christian acts out of love for God, love for truth, love the Lord's church, love for humanity, and love for the souls of men. This loves leads to gentleness and kindness. It also leads to rebuking one in sin, teaching one who stumbles, and strengthening those who are weak. Love is the bond between God and men; between those in Christ and is extended to the love for the souls of men. No congregation can ever be strong without this love.
Paul, in the short verse under study, has set forth great truths in a few words. He is describing a pattern of life that will serve the Christian in this life and prepare one for the next life. Always watch, stand for right, act like a Christian, be strong for truth, and act out of a love for God and the souls of men.