![]() It is not an easy task to apply this verse - Paul offers some perspective in tomorrow’s entry. God is the One who causes growth, but not without our engagement. It protects our daily personal time with Jesus. Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, he urges, and let EVERYTHING that you do be. What I would like to do this mornings in focus in on the idea of acting like men and answer questions such as. Jesus used it in reference to watchful anticipation of his second coming (Matt. ESV 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Though alert can refer to being physically awake in the NT, here it concerns spiritual alertness. It doesn’t wait for others to set the pace. Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Shouldering the responsibility for our own spiritual growth is a big step toward maturity. Paul is pushing for maturity in our spiritual lives. To make sure athletes are available on gameday, administrators have taken over the responsibility of their schedules, alarm clocks, study habits, workout times, decisions … effectively removing potential consequences of their actions or inactions. ![]() Gifted athletes are often living in a system that robs them of opportunities to grow toward maturity. The plane taxied away with the player standing alone with his bag on the tarmac.Ī mean-spirited coach? It cost this rookie a commercial flight ticket and a hefty team fine, but he never missed another meeting or flight in his NFL career. As he hustled across the tarmac he could see the head coach look out his window, glance at his watch, look back to the player and then signal the attendant to close the door. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. ![]() He was relieved to see the plane with the steps still in place. Living with the consequences of how we handle responsibilities moves us toward maturity.Īn NFL rookie tells his story of arriving at the airport late for a flight to an away game. Lord help us not to become easily angered. Lord thank you that true love is not provoked. Lord help us not to live selfishly, looking only to our own interests. Lord thank you that true love does not seek its own. It parallels Paul’s challenge earlier in his Corinthian letter to not be children in their thinking, but to be mature.Ī significant difference between immaturity and maturity is whether or not we shoulder responsibility. Help us to lay aside a critical tone and tearing down with our words, so that we can truly walk in peace. Find out more about the Act Like Men Conference in North America. The phrase “act like men” refers to being mature, as opposed to childish. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.The apostle Paul is not singling out the men in this verse. Men are to be servant-leaders in their families, in their churches, and in their communities. To act like a man means a man sets the pace in serving those around him. It means having a spiritual backbone to one's soul where many have only a wishbone. It means standing up for what is right-even if it means risking your life. You might call it moral strength or moral courage. Paul's command to be strong refers to inner strength. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when ou walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. These words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. It means "don't waiver in the facts and implications of the gospel".Īll Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be equipped for every good work. 16:13, 14, 22, 24 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. It means to be consistent in attitude and behavior. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Let all that you do be done.' Renee on Instagram: 'Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. John 10:10īe on the alert, your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Corinthians 16: 13-14 'Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. To "be on the alert" means to be watchful, to be attentive, to be vigilant, to be careful to consider all possible circumstances and consequences.įor our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The Big Idea: To "act like a man" means to assume moral leadership over yourself, your family, and in society. I Corinthians 16: 13,14: "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
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