A Deep Look at 1st Corinthians 16:30, Day 1

Hey my ladies! I am sorry I haven't posted much in the last two weeks.  With VBS and continuing to restore the house I have been busy.  To make up for that I have a three day devotional for you.  Katie asked me to write some devo material for her youth camp next week, and I thought I would pass it along to you.  I did draw inspiration from a commentary, but I can't seem to find the source to direct you too, but if I do stumble across it I will post it as an edit.  

1st Corinthians 16:13--

New American Standard Version:

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 

The Message:

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute.

New International Version:

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

King James Version:

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Be on the alert

There are several quick, fast directions in this verse.  The first direction in Cor. 16:13 is to "be on the alert," which in short translates as "watch".  The New Testament uses "watch" 22 times, and different translations might use awake, be vigilant, watch. All carry the same meaning. The author, Paul, warned the Corinthian church about internal problems throughout 1st Corinthians.  He is telling them: this world is rife with spiritual danger, so be alert!  When the Christian lets his guard down, he puts himself in spiritual jeopardy.

God’s commands are not merely good advice and they are not meant be to optional for the Christian.  We are to stay alert, looking for the enemy, Satan, to tempt us and lead us into situations and actions that break God's heart.  We are to watch our hearts and minds and make sure our thoughts and desires are honoring to God, and not dwelling on sinful ambitions and desires.    

It does not take much for a believer to grow cold towards godly things.  There is little desire to fellowship with God’s people, read the Bible, or present ourselves to God in prayer when our hearts are not on fire for Christ. 

Read the following verses:  Matthew 26:41; Romans 13:11;  1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 5:14; 1st Peter 5:8.

How do these verse enlighten your understanding the first directions given in 1 Cor. 16:13?

How is Satan described in these verses?

What actions do you think you have to take to live out the direction of "Be alert/ be on guard"?