Exhortations From Paul

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1 Cor. 16:13-14

• [13] Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.[14] Let all your things be done with charity.

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Introduction

• Five powerful statements are given in these two short verses• These are not just suggestions,

but commands from an inspired apostle

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•1. Be careful

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Watch Ye

• This is a term used to describe a soldier on guard duty—watch, be careful, take heed, give strict attention • We are to keep awake, be

vigilant, be prepared

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Be on guard against the devil 1 Pet. 5:8-9

• [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:• [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

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1 Cor. 10:12-13• [12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he

standeth take heed lest he fall.• [13] There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

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We are to watch for opportunities to do good

• Gal. 6:10• [10] As we have therefore

opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

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Watch our temper, tongue and speech

• Js. 1:19• [19] Wherefore, my beloved

brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

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Let us be watchful for the Lord’s coming

• 1 Th. 5:2,6• [2] For yourselves know perfectly

that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.• [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as

do others; but let us watch and be sober.

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•2. Be Committed

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Stand Fast In The Faith

• The faith = the gospel (Jude 3)• The admonition here is to be

committed—be firm

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In our daily living 1 Th. 5:21

• [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

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1 Jn.4:1

• [1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

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We can fall away1 Tim. 4:1

• [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

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Phil. 4:1, 13

• [1] …stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.• [13] I can do all things through

Christ which strengtheneth me.

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•3. Be Courageous

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Quit Ye like Men

• quit = to conduct oneself in a particular way• “Be brave” NKJV• “Act like men” ESV• Christianity makes courageous

men and women out of sinful men and women

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Eph. 4:14

• 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

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1 Tim. 6:12

• [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

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2 Tim. 2:3-5

• [3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.• [4] No man that warreth entangleth

himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

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• [5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

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•4. Be Competent

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Be Strong

• Paul is speaking of our spiritual strength and not our physical strength• Be prepared to meet life's

challenges

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Eph. 6:10

• [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might

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2 Pet. 3:18

• [18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

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• We become strong:• By studying God’s word• By worshipping God regularly,

sincerely and in Truth• By serving the Lord daily

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• By praying often• By having fellowship with other

Christians

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5. Be Charitable

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Let All Things Be Done With Love

• Love motivates all Christian service• This is the love that can be

commanded - a love that we can will to have• It desires the best for others, the

willing of good for them – the love that keeps us from harming others, even our enemies

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Love must be real

• 1 Jn. 3:18• [18] My little children, let us not

love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

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Gal. 5:6

• [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

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Our love for God is seen in our obedience

• Jn. 14:15• [15] If ye love me, keep my

commandments

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1 Jn. 5:3

• [3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous

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