Sunday, September 15,
2013 pm
STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS
(60)
“Watch”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
The 4 phrases found in vs. 13 are associated with military
terminology. They are
descriptive of how we as Christians are to engage in battle with Satan
and his forces. In 2 Cor.
10:3-6 we find that we are engaged in spiritual battle.
a.
Γρηγορέω (gregoreo), a
word meaning to be in a continuous state of readiness and alertness.
IT was associated with sentries
who would stand their post looking for the enemy.
b.
As Christians we are
continually instructed to watch
i.
We are to watch for the devil – 1 Pet. 5:8, “Be
sober, be vigilant; because
your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom
he may devour.”
ii.
We are to watch for the day of the coming of the Lord
– Mark 13:32-36 (3x)
Revelation 16:15, “Behold, I am
coming as a thief. Blessed is he who
watches, and keeps his
garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
iii.
The general idea of
being alert as to what is happening around you – it can be
watching for temptations, evil or good opportunities.
cf. Matt. 26:41 – Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.
Acts 20:31 – Paul to the Ephesian elders, “Therefore watch and
remember…”
1 Thess. 5:6, “Therefore let us
not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
iv.
In your prayers – Col. 4:2, “Continue earnestly in
prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;” The word,
“vigilant” is the same word for “watch” in our text.
In our prayers we need to be watchful to ensure that we have a
proper attitude and that what we ask for is proper.
c.
This verbs in all of the
expressions we will be discussing in this lesson are present tense,
meaning ongoing action. They
are saying it is something to be constantly aware of.
In other words, we are to be watchful at all times.
BUT, when there is trouble on the horizon, we need extra
vigilance. Consider these
Corinthian brethren and the things being taught and done in their midst.
They needed to be doubly alert.
As Paul told the Romans, “And
do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
(Romans 13:11)
a.
Στήκω (steko) - To
continue in your present state.
From a military standpoint it is descriptive of soldiers in
battle holding their place, even as they are under attack.
In other words, no surrender or retreat.
b.
In our war waged against
Satan and His evil forces, we too must stand our ground.
It is not always an easy thing to do, but it is needful.
c.
Many passages call for
us to stand fast -
i.
Gal 5:1, “Stand
fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do
not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
ii.
Phil. 1:27 we are to
stand fast in “one spirit” that is in unity.
iii.
Phil 4:1 – stand fast in
the Lord
iv.
1 Thess. 3:8, it must
continue as long as we live.
v.
2 Thess. 2:15 – without
compromise.
d.
In the faith – whether
“the faith” is descriptive of God’s word (cf. Jude 3, Rom. 1:17) or our
faith in Him, we need to hold on to that faith without wavering.
BOTH usages are definitely true!
e.
May we also strive to
stand our ground for that which is right.
Jesus in Luke 9:62 said that no one looking back is fit for the
kingdom of God. Gal. 6:9, we
will reap if we do not lose heart.
a.
ἀνδρίζομαι (andritozomai)
– a word meaning to be brave or courageous.
The KJV says, “quit you
like men”. One of the
English definitions (archaic) of “quit” as a verb is “conduct” (as in
“conduct yourself”) which is how it is used here.
The idea is to “act like men” (NASU).
Rather than being cowardly and running away, stand up and face
the enemy. Though to use such
statements today might be considered politically incorrect or “sexist”
the point is that men need to be men! They have been given by God
responsibilities to lead their families, the church, etc.
They need to do so with courage – protecting their love ones.
Bravery is clearly is a quality of a well-trained army.
Soldiers are trained to be brave and heroic in battle.
b.
Spiritually, we have to
be courageous as we manifest our faith.
We need courage:
i.
In confronting error –The prophets were called to expose the error of the people,
leaders and false teachers.
Recall how Paul withstood Peter
to his face – Gal. 2:11.
Nathan told David of his sins. (2 Samuel 12)
Jesus, with courage, exposes the errors of the Jews.
At times He used scathing language (Matt. 23, 15:3-9).
It is NOT easy to tell someone they are in error, but it is necessary to
deliver their souls.
ii.
Defending the truth – While similar to exposing error, it is broader.
Sometimes you just simply need to stand up for what is right,
even if it is politically incorrect or may cause criticisms or other
repercussions. I think of
Peter and the apostles saying to the Council, “We
ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
iii.
Maintaining purity in the Lord’s church
– whether it is exposing a false teacher, withdrawing from the
disorderly, going to a brother overtaken in a fault, etc., it takes
courage to do the right thing.
Elders have to make decisions for the good of the flock, even if
it is not popular. Preachers
have to preach the whole counsel of God even if it does step on toes.
iv.
Facing our sins and weaknesses – confessing our faults is not an easy thing.
It makes one vulnerable, but it is often helpful in overcoming
sin and weaknesses.
Confession can get you the help you need.
Consider James 5:16
v.
Dealing with difficult circumstances
– life is not easy. We
cannot run away from problems and difficulty.
Sometimes we have to face our “monsters” whatever they are.
c.
Rev. 21:8 tells us that
the cowardly will have their part in eternal torments.
d.
Phil. 1:27-28, when we
“stand fast in one spirit” we should also be “not
in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”
a.
Κραταιόω (krataiou), a
word which means to have confidence, especially in victory.
The word is also found in Ephesians 3:16 , “that
He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
strengthened with might
through His Spirit in the inner man,”
b.
Militarily, it describes
an army that has obtained victory and they are confidence as a result.
Consider also that often before a battle, the commander will give
a speech to build up confidence.
He will remind his troops of the cause they are fighting for.
Perhaps the motivation will cause them to remain steadfast in the
battle.
c.
As we strive in
spiritual battle and win, the goal ought to be to become more confident
as we move forward. That is
a part of our spiritual growth.
d.
Romans 5:3-4 says, “And
not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and
character, hope.”
e.
Ephesians 6:10 tells us
to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Paul in Philippians 4:13 said, “I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
f.
We sometimes sing “Yield
Not to Temptation.” (#111) A
phrase in verse 1 is, “Each victory will help you some other to win.
Strive manfully onward, dark passion subdue, look ever to Jesus He will
carry you through.”
a.
WE are again introduced
to “agape” love. As is often
the case the description emphasizes the importance of love.
It is the “more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)
It is the motive behind
everything we do (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest
of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)
b.
What a fitting statement
as Paul begins to conclude this letter.
Think of all the problems we have discussed – misconduct in
worship, elevating one’s liberty over that of others, a failure to be a
proper example to those outside, divisions in the Lord’s body,
tolerating immoral conduct, taking one another to court, etc.
The list is long of issues we have discussed.
Where does the solution to ALL problems begin?
With love! Love for
God and love for one another.
And isn’t that where Jesus said the greatest commandment is?
(Matt. 22:37-39)