1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.… I. VIGILANCE. There were many evils in the Corinthian Church — dissensions, heresies, unchastity, intemperance, etc. Hence the necessity for watchfulness. But where do not evils abound? Hosts surround us all; hence "Watch ye." "Watch and pray." II. STABILITY. Do not be wavering, vacillating, "tossed about by every wind of doctrine." Strike the roots of your faith deep into the soil of eternal truth. Firmness is no more obstinacy than the strong rock or the deep-rooted oak. III. MANLINESS. There is nothing higher than this. There are great philosophers, poets, statesmen, etc., who are small men leagues away from the ideal. IV. CHARITY (ver. 14). Man's life consists of many "things done." Activity is at once the law and necessity of his nature. He only really lives as he acts. But while acts are varied, the animating spirit should be one, and that is love. (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.WEB: Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! |
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