Act Like Men

1Corinthians 16:13

You know I really love to examine the context of a text rather than just using a verse to prove my point. So lets read the exhortation and encouragements of Paul then see what he is telling us in 13. As we read keep in mind that many today dismiss prophecy and the soon calling up of the church into Christ and removed from this world. Its why we don’t want this worlds control over us, because we know we aren't long for it. In light of that, turn to :

1 Corinthians 16:13–18 (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.”

Now such a great example from Paul, even though He has done some great instruction, rebuke, he now exhorts them in their love for Christ.

We’ll go into detail about v13, but lets discuss real quick how the context will affect this. Paul describes what being a man of Christ; Let all that you do be done with love. Most, some? How I stand. How I show my courage, how I show my strength should be transformed by the love I have.

Pay attention to those struggling and doing Gods work around you. He says the church in Stephanas’ home in Achaia is devoted to ministering to Gods people the (saints/church/jews)

If Paul thought it was ok to relate how Stephanas and others came to help and that he was blessed in it, is it ok for us to do so? To tell people how blessed we are by their support. To remind others to be part of that ministry.

Paul knows it because people submit, they recognize it as their church and support it (ministry of Paul).

Its incredibly lifting of the Spirit to Paul that folks would be selfless, serving, willing to give of their hard earned anything. Its like having a business and investors believe in it so much, they want to come in on it. And everything they invest, the return is guaranteed by Christ, not by you!

Now, lets go back to your text.

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”

I really like how the ESV translates this, 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Watch(ful) - over and over we are called to watch, to be aware, to be on guard. In the greek, Grēgoreite is not just to watch or observe, but to be alert, to keep awake, not sleep on duty. Militarily, sleeping on duty, can catch you a firing squad. Everyone could do if you don’t keep on your toes

We watch to what? For Christ. Because I am looking for Him, I am not distracted by the world, I am not looking at my circumstance. I look to the hills, my salvation draws near. Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NKJV) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” I think Peter really hits it right on, 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

Just from these verses we are to watch how we pray, how we prayer for others, how we live and think, but again, its about being careful to pray and how we pray. That we would love others so much, we would plead with God for them. And to not stop even when it may feel like God’s not there.

Stand Fast - stekow - to stand grounded, firm. Its not to do nothing but to see what God would do. God always delivers on His promises but we have to hear all his commands. To stand, and to pick up the sword. Pray he says, then stand on that! Exodus 14:13 (NKJV) And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.”

Had they not stood, had they not trusted, they would not have walked through water, would not have seen the plagues, the fire on the mountain. Yes they struggle. Argue, fight, wrestle with doubt.

We watch, we stand not on our successes or failures. But on the truth and promises of Jesus the Christ. What do we stand in (not on)?

They Stand IN their FAITH. Pistei here, to believe. If I truly believe what christ commanded, what christ taught, then when I stand I stand on who He is not on what I am. That belief is the confirmation that I am his and that He is not just true, but mine! We see the same in 15:1 (below)

As much as unbelief shows in how we behave, belief produces fruit too. Can you name some? Its as much evidence as you are truly following Him as you you seeking to follow Him. Walking in the Spirit is sometimes the hardest thing in the world because it depends on Him. 1 Corinthians 15:1 (NKJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,” This is about living out our faith. By standing in our own gospel. Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” we stand in the liberty of the gospel, we stand fast, striving for the gospel Philippians 1:27 (NKJV) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,”

Be brave, act like men to be manly. andrizesthe - to act courageously Isn't that amazing, that the word that means BE brave or courageous means to act like a man. We as men have been taught to not be men anymore. To hold on to our feminine side, to reject patriarchy, etc.

a compound of man and courage. A man challenges, faces evil, fights the monsters, beats the lions. Its what we are built to do. Not being a hercules but willing to do.

(Joshua 1:6–7) “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” 

This applies to the ladies as well. Be brave. So we watch, stand in the faith, act like men…

Be strong - krataiousthe, to become strong, to strengthen, build up, work out, get pumped. Its that building up in our faith to exercise our belief, and let me tell you, it can be tough. Hard when the monsters are all over, the enemies on every side.

Being or getting strong, means we have to get hit. If you just pump a 2 lb weight, you are not gonna get strong. You have to at least use a 5lb. As you develop, God allows more and more. To become a giant of the faith, you have to face giants.

Paul when talking about gearing up for the battle said in Ephesians 6:10  “ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” its the same as when Jesus said faith as a mustard seed can move mountains! My prayers, ineffectual from my own mouth, said in selfishness are silly and useless. But in the Lord, something else indeed!

Turn to James 4:1–6  “ Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”” now, lets schootch just a little to James 5:13–18  “ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”

All this done with? LOVE.

1 Peter 4:8  “ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.””

Jesus gave us his grace and forgiveness Galatians 5:13–14  “ For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”” Galatians 5:22–23  “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

So this faith that becomes part of my every moment of life, everything I do, is something to watch for, celebrate, rejoice. I can stand on my faith in Christ - knowing its all about Him. We need to act like heroes. To be again, Ephesians 6:10  “ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” strong in the Lord!

Whats his power? Well you should still be in James look at 5:19, 20. Save a soul from death. Now thats love.