Rising in Sonship

Standing Firm in the Family of

In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), we see a beautiful illustration of biblical sonship. The younger son, despite his wayward choices, is still recognized as a son. Upon his return, he is welcomed with open arms by his father, who represents God’s unending grace. This story serves as a powerful reminder that sonship is not lost through failure but redeemed through love and forgiveness.

In Galatians 4:6-7, Paul writes about our identity as sons of God. He explains that we are no longer slaves but sons, and if we are sons, we are also heirs of the kingdom. This illustrates that biblical sonship is about belonging and inheritance. It shows the deep connection we have with God and the responsibilities that come with it— to live as a reflection of His love and grace in our lives.

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Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

Summary: In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be alert, stand firm in their faith, act like men, and let everything they do be done in love, emphasizing the importance of living as children of God.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the value of their identity as sons and daughters of God and how that should shape their actions, relationships, and moral choices. It guides believers on how to navigate struggles with faithfulness, courage, and love in a challenging world.

Teaching: The sermon could teach the congregation about the call to Christian maturity and integrity based on their identity in Christ, emphasizing the active participation required in living out their faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the entire Bible, the theme of sonship culminates in Christ, who is the Son of God. His example is the ultimate model for all believers, showing them how to live in obedience and love as members of God's family.

Big Idea: Believers are called to live boldly and lovingly as children of God, demonstrating faith and courage in their daily lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of Corinth to understand the specific challenges the Corinthian church faced. Look for commentaries on 1 Corinthians in your Logos library for nuanced insights into how Paul’s admonitions apply to contemporary church life. Additionally, studying the Greek terms in verses 13 and 14 may reveal deeper implications of standing firm and doing everything in love.

1. Stay Spiritually Alert

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

“Watch ye” Paul says echoing a statement we hear directly from Jesus in

Matthew 24:42 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

In this passage of Matthew He is warning the people listening. Have you ever been at work or class around someone that’s just goofing off… That is until the boss or teacher slips up on them. The phrase “They’re right behind me aren’t they” comes to mind… Jesus is telling us that we should be vigilant for His return. Be ready for Christ to come back. He is coming! Paul is saying the same thing to the church at Corinth. The Holman Bible Handbook notes that the Greeks had invented a word to describe living an immoral life—Corinthianize.

Perhaps you can begin by encouraging the congregation to remain spiritually vigilant. The phrase 'Be watchful' signifies a call to alertness in guarding one's faith and relationship with God. By standing firm in belief, believers can resist spiritual complacency and actively protect their identity as sons and daughters of God.

2. Stand Firm in Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

Daniel 6:7 “All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”

Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Daniel 6:22 “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

Daniel 6:26–27 “I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

You could emphasize the importance of unwavering faith by discussing 'stand firm in the faith.' This phrase urges believers to hold onto their convictions as children of God, even amidst trials. By recalling their identity in Christ, Christians can face challenges with confidence and strength.

3. Act with Courage

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

1 Samuel 17:40 “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”

2 Samuel 21:22 “These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.”

Maybe use the phrase 'act like men, be strong' to inspire courage and maturity. This encourages believers to adopt a courageous stance rooted in their identity as God's family. By drawing from the example of Christ, Christians can model spiritual strength and maturity in their daily actions.

4. Love Leads All

1 Corinthians 16:14

You might discuss 'Let all that you do be done in love' by exploring the transformative power of love. This charge reminds believers that their actions should be characterized by love, reflecting the nature of God and Christ's example. It provides guidance on maintaining moral choices and relationships through love.

5. Live Unified in Christ

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Consider concluding with a holistic view integrating all the instructions: vigilance, faith, courage, and love. These elements collectively form the foundation of living as children of God. Believers can draw strength from Christ's ultimate demonstration of these attributes, growing into mature sons and daughters in faith.