1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
There were dangers and temptations surrounding the Believers in Corinth and Paul is giving them a warning to stay vigilant, to keep watch for advances from the enemy. As Believers in Jesus Christ, it would behoove us to stay vigilant also. 1 Peter 5:8 also warns us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." He is very real, he is our spiritual enemy who has an agenda to harm us. The Greek word in these verses for devour means to swallow or to drown, not a pleasant experience for sure. While it is true that our salvation is secure, we still must be on guard because the enemy will try all he can to weaken us and make us ineffective for the Kingdom purposes we were intended for
Paul goes on to admonish the Corinthians using military terms: to stand firm and to be strong and courageous. Notice what he doesn't tell the Christians to do. He doesn't say to live in fear and he doesn't say to live as if the devil is unimportant. Living in fear is just what the enemy is hoping for as fear paralyzes and renders us useless. Paul has made it very clear that this enemy is serious about our demise so we must be confident in our faith and stand firm in what we believe and know to be true. Despite his power, the devil and his cronies are more apt to come against us subtly sowing doubt about the goodness, faithfulness and wisdom of the Lord like he did with Adam and Eve.
It takes courage to stand on Truth when everything around us is crumbling. It takes courage to stand on Truth when everyone else has given up or given in and you are left standing alone. It takes courage and strength to hold on when the bottom is about ready to fall out but as Christians this is what we are called to do. The evil one wants fear to shake us to the core of our being but God is whispering, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Isaiah 41:10) "I am your refuge and strength." (Psalm 46:1) "Do not be anxious about anything." (Philippians 4:6-7) "I've got this." (My interpretation) The only way to counter the evil one is with the Truth. This is the very reason why it is so important for us to be equipped with a thorough knowledge of Scripture, which is the very Truth of God Himself.
Are you continually renewing your mind through the study of God's Word so you are prepared for the spiritual warfare that is imminent?
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I believe with all my heart that the evil one sits waiting to weaken and destroy anything that is meant for Your Kingdom purposes and I'm ready to stand firm against his wiles. he is a defeated foe and his time is limited but while he is here he can undermine and diminish so please give me the courage to stand in the gap for those he is messing with. he has no power over me because I am Your child and You reign victorious over the power of sin and death. Strengthen me with Your righteous right hand and equip me to fight for and make a difference in the lives of those You love.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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