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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 : (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