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Paul the apostle gave several strong charges to the Corinthian brethren
in order to help them grow in Christ. One of those charges
was: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong”
(1 Corinthians 16:13). We are warned to be watchful because of the enemy
we face. Peter also
warned: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter
5:8). However, our interest is in another statement of Paul. We know that
we are to “stand fast in the faith;” but how? Paul said: “quit you like
men.” Paul’s instruction was given specifically to Timothy. In this case
“men” is not generic. The Greek word is
from the root aner meaning simply a male, a man. Notice the next
instruction is “be strong.” Be strong like a man! Paul means nothing derogatory
by the term “men.” This is not some sexist slur. His point is: “Timothy,
don’t be weak like a boy, be strong like a man.” All of us, men and women,
can learn from Paul’s instruction here. What can we learn? We must be prudent
like men: “Brethren,
be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20).
Prudent means “wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment
or common sense.” Standing fast in the faith requires “exercising good
judgment;” not the judgment of a child but that of a man. We must be courageous
like men: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalms 27:14). Courageous
means “the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to
face danger, fear; to show confidence; bravery.” It requires courage, bravery,
to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). It requires courage to speak
to a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or relative about their spiritual needs.
If not, why do we not discuss spiritual matters as easily as we discuss
the weather? Paul said we need to be strong like men both here and in Ephesians
6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might.” The strength Paul has in mind to the Ephesians has to do with
where
we get our strength. Our strength must be that strength IN the Lord;
trust in HIS power. Too many Christians depend ONLY on SELF. We fail to
understand that our spiritual strength comes through love for the Lord
and His word (the faith). One of the reasons so few do any kind of personal
work is because we think WE have to be able to make all the arguments.
We need to learn the scriptures, and then let the scriptures make the arguments.
If we learn the word (2 Timothy 2:15) we won’t reason
like children, but like men. GOD HAS GIVEN US THE TOOLS: (1) We
have the perfect leader: “For it
became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10). (2) Our equipment is perfect:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {14} Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about
with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; {15}
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} Above
all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:13-16). (3) We have abundant
provisions: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches
in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). (4) We are certain of victory:
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). (5) The reward will be
glorious: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith: {8} Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Brethren, for the cause of Christ, and for our own salvation, let us be
strong. Let us not play a game with Christianity as children
might play. Let us exercise good judgment; let us be courageous.
Let us find our strength in the Lord. Then, let us put on our perfect equipment,
and let us follow our perfect Leader, to certain victory!
—John D. Cotham
Shady Valley, TN