INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 16This chapter concludes the epistle, with some directions to the Corinthians concerning a collection for the poor saints; with some intimations of himself, Timothy, and Apollos coming to them, and giving them a visit; with exhortations to watchfulness, constancy, courage, and charity; with recommendations of some persons to them mentioned by name; with divers salutations of them by himself and others; and with his good wishes for them. He urges them to make a collection for the poor saints, from the example of the churches of Galatia, according to his order, 1Co 16:1. He points out the time when he would have it made, on the first day of the week; and the persons that should contribute to it, every member of the church; and the act of distribution, by laying up in store; and the manner, measure, and rule of doing it, according as they were blessed in Providence with temporal things; and the end of it, that there might be no collections to make when the apostle should come among them, 1Co 16:2 and this, when made, and being ready at his coming, he proposes to send to Jerusalem, by persons approved of and recommended by them, 1Co 16:3 and that he would also go along with them, should it be thought fit and proper, 1Co 16:4. He signifies his resolution of coming and paying them a visit, when he should pass through Macedonia, 1Co 16:5 when he had some thoughts of tarrying with them for a while, at least throughout the winter season, 1Co 16:6 in all which he submits to the will of God, 1Co 16:7. The reason why he could not come as yet was, because he had determined to stay at Ephesus till Pentecost, where he now was, 1Co 16:8 and what prevailed upon him to stay there was, because there was an opportunity of preaching the Gospel with a prospect of success; and there were many enemies to hinder it all they could, and therefore the apostle's presence seemed necessary, 1Co 16:9. He intimates, that Timothy would come to them shortly, and exhorts them to take care of him, and carry it respectfully to him; giving this as a reason, because he was engaged in the same work of the Lord he himself was, 1Co 16:10. He enjoins them, that whilst he should continue with them they would not despise him on account of his youth; and when he should depart from them, to conduct him in peace to him who was in expectation of him, along with other brethren, 1Co 16:11 and then he excuses Apollos not coming to them at present; and observes, that it was not for want of entreaty in him, but for want of will in Apollos, who notwithstanding would come when a convenient time should offer, 1Co 16:12. Next follow several exhortations to be upon their watch and guard, to be steadfast in the doctrine, grace, and profession of faith, and to behave themselves like men of a truly Christian spirit and courage, and to do everything in their church state in the exercise of the grace of love, 1Co 16:13,14 and then he recommends unto them the family of Stephanas, and exhorts them to have them in respect and reverence, and be subject to such, and particularly that family; partly because they were the firstfruits of his ministry, in those parts; and partly because they had given up themselves to the ministry of the saints, 1Co 16:15,16 as also because the coming of Stephanas to him, together with two other persons, named Fortunatus and Achaicus, had made him glad; supplied what was lacking in them; had refreshed his spirit and theirs; and therefore should be took notice of, and respectfully used, 1Co 16:17,18. And then follow various salutations, first of the churches of Asia in general, then of Aquila and Priscilla, and the church in their house, 1Co 16:19. Next of all the brethren at Ephesus, or that were with the apostle, 1Co 16:20 and last of all of the apostle himself, 1Co 16:21. And the chapter is closed with several wishes of different sorts, and which respect different persons; those that love not Christ, and live and die so, he wishes they may be accursed at the coming of the Lord, as they will be; and which is mentioned to deter professors of religion from everything that looked like want of love to Christ, whom they professed, 1Co 16:22 as for others, even as many as loved Christ, and which he hoped of them all, he wishes the grace of Christ might be with them, 1Co 16:23 and gives his love to them all, without any distinction; and which is to be understood not of a natural, but spiritual affection, it being in Christ, and for his sake, 1Co 16:24. Show
We all know that, as Christians, we will be challenged in our faith. We want to be able to stand firm. Sometimes the challenge comes in the form of temptation. The enemy knows exactly when to target us–when we’re at our weakest. And he knows precisely what tempts us most. Often, the challenge comes when the world’s way is counter-cultural to God’s way. We want to be accepted, and it’s difficult to always say or do the right things. And, of course, we are challenged when we face trials that cut us to the bone–grief, loss, sickness, and disappointment can all lead us to waver in our belief. I’ve been there. I’ve struggled with trying to stand firm in my faith.
So, when faced with challenges to our faith, how does the Bible encourage us to stand firm? First, we have to know upon what (or Whom) we are standing.
When God reached down and saved us, He lifted us out of the pit and set us on the Rock. Jesus is the Rock, and He is a firm place to stand. He is truth and His Word is truth (John 14:6, John 17:17).
When your faith is challenged, remember that you stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ. His Word is a firm place to stand. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Dig your heels in and trust the One who is beneath you. Second, we will have to resist the devil and his lies.When we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).
As soon as we recognize thoughts of fear, doubt, discouragement, anxiety, or temptation, we have to choose to guard our minds against the deception of the enemy and choose to think God’s thoughts instead. God has given us spiritual armor to help us stand. When we feel the challenges to our faith, we can remember to suit up and then take our stand.
You know what stands out to me in that verse? (Pardon the pun.) After YOU have DONE everything. In other words, we have to do our part. We have to put on the armor and actively choose to protect our minds from wrong thoughts, our hearts from pride, our gut from lies. Then we have to take up our shield of faith. We have to be self-controlled and alert and on guard. But when we have done our part, God enables us to stand. Third, we can’t waver between faith and doubt.We have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith. Why did you decide to follow Jesus? Why do you choose to serve Him? What do you believe about God and His Word?
I think sometimes we still waver between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?” If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. It’s a lie. Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory. Consider Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.
I love that verse! Abraham made mistakes. He wan’t perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.” Are you fully persuaded today that God is able to do what He has promised? Still struggling to stand firm?If you are still struggling to believe God because of trials, tribulations, or temptations that you are going through right now, let me encourage you that the Lord of all can set you free. He can lead you out of that miry place of doubt and confusion and give you a firm place to stand. Open your arms wide to the love of Jesus and let Him lift you up. Trust that He is good and He loves you perfectly. He will make a way for you and keep you in His love and in His truth. So stand firm, beloved. Need some help standing firm? Try memorizing Scripture so you can keep the Word hidden in your heart. Download my freebie How to Memorize Scripture in 10 Easy Steps. If you want to know how to have faith in Christ, click here for more. What does the Bible say about standing firm in faith?Ephesians 6:11-16 provides us with advice in how to stand firm in the Lord. Standing firm in the Lord is done by putting on the full armor of God. In these verses, this includes filling your life with truthfulness, righteousness, peace and faith. To put on the full armor of God you must include him in all you do.
What does stand firm in the Bible mean?Standing firm “in the Lord,” as Paul has already said in 1:27, entails us “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Essentially, this means that we rely on what the Spirit of God has given to us for our edification in His Word, exhorting one another to do the same.
How do you keep your faith strong and firm?sleep support+ ... . Be generous to others.. Sometimes the greatest strength we can receive comes through helping others in need. ... . Get inspired.. Let inspiration help you stay connected through faith. ... . Surround yourself with people you admire.. We are how we spend our time.. What does it mean to stand in faith?It's the confidence and trust in God that's needed to acquire the things we long for but don't yet see. Faith invites God in to work on our behalf.
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Stand firm in your faith bible verse
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