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"FOUR COMMANDS FOR THE CHRISTIAN" "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)Among the closing words of his first letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul ends his epistle with 4 commands to, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."First, we read where Paul writes, “Watch ye.” The people at Corinth had already given into many of Satan’s lies and temptations, but it's never too late to slam the door in the devil's face when he comes knocking with his bag filled with lying tricks. It's never too late folks to be vigilant with our eyes on Christ when the devil pays us a visit with hopes of destroying our character and our children.Then Paul states, "stand fast in the faith." In the Bible, God has been gracious enough to give us the perfect revelation of Truth whereby we can have firm footing in the faith. Do not take it for granted. Do not taint it because we're too lazy to learn it or too proud to submit to it. Stand fast in complete faith of Jesus Christ and His Words.Next, Paul tells us, "Quit you like men." Let's not be children in our own strength or education. Rather, as we glean and grow in grace and in the power and knowledge of our Saviour, let's live the life we have been given according to the maturity that is becoming to a child of God.Finally, Paul encourages us to, "be strong." We might be tempted to faint along the way when we learn that someone we know has fallen into sin. Some of them are even ready to hang it up because they're filled with discouragement, doubt, or depression. As we listen to them, some of us may also be ready to throw in the towel hearing their tragic stories. But Paul simply says, “Be strong. ”Don't give up or give in! Remember, we're not just mere conquerors. No, the Bible says, "Nay, in all these things we are MORE than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37) (caps mine)Oh, there is great comfort in reminding ourselves that we are indeed the children of the Living God, and the help we need is always available. We've been comforted by God in order to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). For when we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us with the power to carry on with a watchful eye, a solid faith, growing more like Christ, and the strength to stand fast.Friends, may I remind you that in the opening verse I posted above, we do NOT find 4 suggestions, we see 4 commandments that have been written, and when they're lived gives us blessings, a holy fear of the Lord, a delight to keep His commandments, and singing joyful praises to His name.