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1 Corinthians 16.13-14 Be On Alert Introduction: In letter writing one often tries to close with some special words of encouragement or comfort. Of, a PS to add just one more thought. In his 1st letter to the church at Corinth, Paul addressed a number of issues; contention, division, adultery, brethren going to law against one another, marriage and divorce, eating of meats sacrificed to idols, misuse of spiritual gifts, false teaching on the resurrection, and others. All of what he wrote was inspired and therefore true. In closing this letter Paul admonishes term to do five things. I) Watch (NKJV); Be On The Alert (NASV) A) Be awake, notice what is happening 1. Obviously they had numerous reasons to be on the alert. 2. Church at Ephesus was given a similar warning, Acts 20.29-31 3. People will try to deceive you, beware of false teachers B) Common problem of people not perceiving the danger they are in, 1 Corinthians 10.12 1. We can get to comfortable and fall asleep on the job 2. Persecution and prosperity both offer unique challenges to our faith C) Pay attention -- do not blindly accept what you are being taught but investigate 1. Ignorance is not bliss 2. Examine the scriptures, 1 John 4.1 D) Realize the importance of each action 1. Some people down play the importance of what they and/or the church is doing, Colossians 3.17 2. Choose the church of our choice says to take it easy and don't worry about scriptural authority, doctrine, and practice. II) Stand fast in the faith (NKJV); Stand firm in the faith (NASV) A) A person standing firm does not drift back and forth, Phil. 1.27 1. Some are weak and stay weak, some grow strong and then some become weak again, others grow strong and stay strong. 2. Which are you? B) Must hold on to and defend the faith, 2 Thess. 2.15 1. The only way to resist the devil is by drawing near to God; the only way to draw near to God is by His word, 1 Peter 5.8 2. We have no hope if we do not have faith. III) Be Brave (NKJV); Act Like Men (NASV) A) Do the things that grown men and women do 1. Do not act like children 2. Throw fits, cry, pout, "Do I have to" or, "Why can't someone else do it?" or, "That was my idea" B) We are to grow up, Ephesians 4.14-15 1. At times Paul must of felt like a babysitter 2. We should be a student but also become the teacher, Hebrews 5.12 C) Be brave, be courageous, Joshua 1.6,7,9,18 IV) Be Strong (NKJV, NASV) A) Strength is acquired by growth, exercise, and proper diet 1. In our case all three are related to God's word, 1 Peter 2.2 2. If we are to succeed in serving God we must be strong and not cowards or weaklings B) We must have strength in order to help others 1. We will get to heaven by helping others get there 2. Will we go to heaven empty handed? V) Let All Be Done In Love (NKJV); Let All That You Do Be Done With Love (NASV) A) Cannot leave out love 1. Acting without love will cause us to be lost, 1 Corinthians 13.1-2 2. Cannot be the forgotten element in our lives B) Love has many qualities 1. Seeks the best for others 2. Sometimes it tough and sometimes it is soft C) All that we do should be motivated by love 1. Love for God and love for each other 2. Teaching, helping, discipline, etc. Conclusion: Many have died due to not taking heed to the warnings, not standing firm in the faith, not acting like grownups, not being strong, and not having love. Many will be saved because the accepted the warnings of the scriptures, there were firm in the faith, they put away childish things, and acted like grownups, they grew in strength, and they acted out of love. Which are you going to be today?
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