Man Up! I Cor. 16:13-14

I. Be Faithful vs. 13a

A. Look out for the things that can take you down. Not just sin, but habits that could lead you to sin, eventually. Don’t be lazy, but learn to rest. Avoid whatever and whoever is going to cause you to sin.

B. Stand firm in your faith. Grow in your faith. It’s your job, not your parent’s job.

C. Tear down strongholds in your life. II Cor. 10:3-10

2 Corinthians 10:3–10 NASB95

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”

II. Be Strong vs. 13b

A. Be a man. Take responsibility for yourself, your actions, and the consequences thereof.

B. Be strong. At whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. That means doing it with all you’ve got. Col. 3:17

Colossians 3:17 NASB95

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

C. Be strong enough to admit when you’re wrong and when to fight because you’re in the right, even when it means going it alone.

III. Be Loving vs. 14

A. This word for love is agape . Meaning the love of God, so everything we do is to be because we love God, and love people.

B. Are you acting selfishly or selflessly? Especially those you don’t like. Rom. 12:14-21

Romans 12:14–21 NASB95

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

C. If you do these things, it doesn’t mean an easy life, but it will reap the biggest rewards.