Paul�s Advice to the Corinthians

Introduction.� (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).� For a few moments let�s focus on the admonitions given in verse 13.

I.� �Watch� (vs. 13a). What must Christians watch for?

A.� Jesus� teachings on watchfulness.

1.� His coming (Matthew 24:36-44).

2.� For temptations (Matthew 26:36-41).

3.� For persecutions (Mark 13:9).

B.� Paul�s teachings on watchfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).

C.� The �watchman for the house of Israel� (Ezekiel 33:1-10).

II.� �Stand Fast In The Faith� (vs. 13b).

Jesus� asked the question ��when the Son of Man comes will He really find faith on the earth?� (Luke 18:8).

����������� The longer a Christian lives the more he or she will see examples of those who have not maintained their faith.� The Parable of the Sower which Christ tells in all three of the synoptic gospels perhaps explains why this is:

A. Some hear the word but Satan snatches it from their hearts - Luke 8:12� Does Satan exercise some supernatural control over the human heart?�

1.� The heart of the believer and unbeliever (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).� This must be understood to mean that God allows them to receive a delusion; James 1:13 teaches that God tempts no one.

����������� There were times when God allowed demons to control the will of people whom they possessed (Demon possessed man: Mark 5:1-20).� Does this continue to the present?

2.� Satan�s limits (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:1-3).

����������� When we choose to do the will of Satan we are in a sense under his control.� As 2 Timothy 2:26 points out.

B.� Some receive the word but fall away quickly� when tempted (Luke 8:13).

It is vitally important that the new convert become deeply rooted in their faith.� This involves growing in the knowledge of the word, reshaping their deeds and their thoughts and cultivating associations that are edifying.� Without this one will not have the resources needed to conquer temptation.

C. Some� allow the� word to be choked by cares, riches and pleasures (Luke 8:14)

����� The Bible offers a way to conquer each of the obstacles mentioned here.

1.� Cares.�� Should be conquered with the realization of the Lord�s care and presence in our lives �(Matthew 6:25-34; �Hebrews 13:5).

2.� Riches.� Should be rejected with contentment with life�s necessities (1 Timothy 6:6-10).�

3.� Pleasures.�� Must be resisted with the realization that they are temporary, and that eternal pleasures await the righteous (Hebrews 11:25; Revelation 21:3-5).

III.� �Be Brave, Be Strong� (vs. 13).

A.� The fate of the cowardly (Revelation 21:7-8).

1.� True fear (Matthew 10:27-31; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

B.� The strength of the faithful (Ephesians 6:10-16; �1 John 4:4).

Conclusion.� Let us all strive to follow this same advice in our life. Let us watch (for the Lord�s coming. temptation & trial).� Let us be steadfast in our faith.� Let us be brave and strong (in resisting evil and standing up for what is right).