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1 Corinthians 16

Good Morning “Firm Standers”.  Check out 1 Corinthians 16 today.  

Paul wraps up his first letter to the Corinthian church by sending  his greetings.  They say the first and last parts of a speech or message are what people remember most.  It’s fitting then, after all that Paul has addressed through this letter that he leaves them with something of key importance.  

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be no strong. Do everything in love.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

When asked which commandment was greatest, Jesus responds to the Pharisees by saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  The second is like unto it.  Love your neighbor as yourself.”  He goes on to tell them that all of The Law falls under these two.  This is God love, “Agape” love.  Love that sacrifices, even cultural approval or acceptance.

Why did they need to be on guard?  Because we are in a Spiritual Battle and Satan comes any way he can… even from within the church.  Stand firm in the faith!  Turn your belief into faith action - do not be corrupted by the world or its philosophies that contradict Scripture.  Courage is needed to step out despite fear.  To look different, to be salt and light - restraint.  Rooted in the Word of God, strengthened by the Holy Spirit we CAN be strong!  Everything in love… remember love does not give hearty approval to sin.  Sin results in bad consequences and if not dealt with, eventual death - separation from God.  What kind of love encourages, or gives hearty approval to something like that?  The thief (Satan) comes to seek, kill and destroy.  He is set on making eternity hell for as many as he can.  The deception we just read about yesterday has somehow convinced us sin can be a “good” thing.

Don’t be deceived!  Stand on The Word!  You gotta know It to stand on It!  Love you all!