1 CORINTHIANS 16
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his willto come now. He will come when he has opportunity.13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. – 1 Corinthians 16:12-18
1 CORINTHIANS 16 ACT LIKE MEN & BE STRONG
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ
We are urged to be on guard and firm
We need to act like men and be strong
We can do this by walking in love
Do not fear for God is with you always
Have courage and live abounding in His grace.
In this letter, Paul reiterates the promise and command of God to Joshua in chapter 1. He was directed by God to deliver his people to the promised land after Moses died. He is now leading God’s people as they enter the Promised Land. These are the following words of the Lord himself: “5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous.8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is exactly what “act like men” means. To obey and be faithful.
REFLECTION
- Why are Christians commanded to be strong and act like men in this letter?
- How can we manifest this in our lives as Christians?
