Watch, Stand, Quit like men and Be Strong 1 Corinthians 16:13

Paul the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth concerning, “Apollos” where he wrote his“will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time”. In chapter sixteen and verse thirteen of First Corinthians, Paul gave for exhortations to the church members to, “watch, stand, quit like men and be strong”, where we read:

Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

The verse begins, “Watch you, stand fast in the faith, ...” Paul began with the words, “watch you” which means “give strict attention to, be cautious and active”, “stand fast” or “persevere, persist and keep your standing” “in the faith” which refers to “in the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. Paul exhorted the Corinthian church members to “give strict attention to and persevere” in their belief and trust in God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “... quit you like men, be strong.” Paul continued with the words, “quit you like men” or “make men of, make brave or show one's self as men”, “be strong” or “increase in strength, empower and grow in vigor”. Paul further directed the Corinthians to “be men and increase in vigor and strength.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see him challenge the Corinthians to “watch, stand, be brave and grow in strength”. These traits would help the church members to endure and remain “in the faith”, and those who trust in Jesus Christ need exhortation such as this from time to time. When we “watch, stand fast, be brave and strong” in our walk with Jesus Christ, the world not only observes our faith in Jesus, but may be attracted to the “gospel of Jesus Christ”.

Next time Paul instructs the church members to, “let all your things be done with charity”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.