How Should We Then Live?

First Corinthians was written as a form of rebuke and correction. The first fourteen chapters deal with errant behavior in the church, while the fifteenth chapter deals with errant doctrine. Paul concludes with a five-fold exhortation to the church as to how they should live their lives going forward: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love" (1 Cor. 16:13-14).

First, "Watch" (v. 13a), or "Be on the alert" (NASB), or "Be on your guard" (NIV). The Greek word in the text here could be translated, "be diligent." It means to always be awake and watchful as to how you live. Be sure to carry out the will of God in your life with due diligence. Be on guard not to fall back into your old life. Live each day as the "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17) that you are in Jesus.

Second, "stand fast in the faith" (1 Cor. 16:13b), or "stand firm in the faith" (NASB, NIV). The Corinthians seemed to be quite susceptible to false teachers: "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3). So the exhortation to "stand firm in the faith" (1 Cor. 16:13b) was a timely reminder: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).

Third, "be brave" (1 Cor. 16:13c), or "be courageous" (NIV), or "act like men" (NASB). The idea here is that of living a mature Christian life, which is a powerful life. It could be referred to as having a mature courage. In other words, in your Christian walk "be brave" (v. 13c), or "act like men" (NASB). Men are mature, with a sense of control, confidence, and courage. Those traits should characterize your life in Christ.

Fourth, "be strong" (v. 13d). Both the NASB and the NIV translate this Greek word exactly the same—"be strong." Throughout the New Testament, this Greek word often refers to inner, spiritual growth. The verb is in the passive voice, literally meaning "be strengthened." However, we can't strengthen ourselves; that is the Lord's work. It is up to us to submit ourselves to Him so that He can strengthen us.

Fifth, "Let all that you do be done with love" (v. 14, NKJV, NASB), or "Do everything in love" (NIV). In other words, in all you do be loving. Love keeps things in balance. Love has a way of softening us. It keeps us gentle and considerate, just like Jesus. Like spiritual strength, love comes from Jesus. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). We can love one another "because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Amen.