13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
As the Corinthians awaited Paul’s next visit, they were directed to ... View More13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
As the Corinthians awaited Paul’s next visit, they were directed to : (1)” be on guard”. They were to be constantly watchful or alert for spiritual enemies that might slip in and threaten to destroy them whether it be divisions, pride, sin, disorder, or erroneous theology; (2) “stand firm” in what they believed---that is, the gospel that they had been taught in the beginning, the gospel that had brought them salvation; (3) “be courageous” so that they could stand against false teachers, deal with sin in the congregation, and straighten our other problems; (4) “ be strong”, with the strength given by Holy Spirit; and (5) “do everything with love” because without love, they would be no more than prideful noisemakers. Today, as we wait for the return of Christ, we should follow the same instructions.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same ... View More11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
--- Matthew 5:11-12 NASB
Jesus said to be happy when we’re persecuted for our faith. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial belief, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. We can be comforted knowing that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future God will reward the faithful by receiving them into his eternal Kingdom. Where there is not more persecution,
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ... View MoreFrom his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
--- John 1:17-18
V17 - Law and grace (the combination of God’s “unfailing love and faithfulness”) are both aspects of God’s nature that he uses in dealing with us. Moses emphasized God's law and justice, while Jesus Christ came to highlight God’s mercy, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17). The nature and will of God were revealed in the law; now the nature and will of God are revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather than coming through cold stone tablets, God’s revelation now comes through a person’s life. As we get to know Christ better, our understanding of God will increase.
V18 - God communicated through various people in the Old Testament, usually prophets who were told to give specific messages. But no one ever saw God. Jesus is both God and the Father’s unique Son. In Christ, God revealed his nature and essence in a way that could be seen and touched. In Christ, God became a man who lived on earth.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.
--- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Keeping company with those who deny the resurrection can corrupt good Christian character. Don’t let your relationship... View MoreDo not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.
--- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Keeping company with those who deny the resurrection can corrupt good Christian character. Don’t let your relationships with unbelievers lead you away from Christ or cause your faith to waver.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Guide me to stay in Your word and Your people.
I pray for Your wisdom with the people whom I have relationship with and am associated with.
Give me the discernment to tell who are evil doers and deceivers that separate me from You,
Sometimes it is hard to tell because wolves in the world try to appear as sheep.
Father, I ask You to surround me with good and godly people who can build up for each other.
Help me to reflect Your character so that I may always be good company to those around me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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