Living Out Our Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV) 

                              13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
                              ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done with love.

Intro: Near the end of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth there are encouraging and powerful words that are appropriate for us today. Apostle Paul gives us three exhortations to live out our faith. May we heed these words of scripture!

I. Watch. We are to be on guard, constantly watchful for spiritual enemies that might slip in and threaten to destroy our faith, whether it is divisions, pride, sin, disorder, or erroneous teachings of other religions. In these days and times we are to examine and observe all that is going on. As we pay attention to what is happening right here around us we see events that are continually causing people to drift away from God and His word. The word of God is no longer the guide for decisions made by government, organizations, and individuals. The saddest note of all is that some of those who are drifting name the name of Jesus. When they do quote the bible it is out of context with the truth of God. We are to watch ourselves that we do not get caught up in the deceptive words of those who want to destroy our pure faith in God’s Son Jesus Christ as the only way to God & Heaven.

II. Stand fast in the faith. We are not to waver from the truth of God’s word no matter what we hear from those around us. We are to be obedient to God’s word and not compromise our biblical beliefs in order to accommodate other religions or the world’s way of thinking which is always in opposition to God and His word. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

     We are to beware of half-truths and words that sound good to the ears, but do nothing for the soul.

     This word will renew our minds to the truth of God so we won’t be deceived by others.

     We must stand firm in what we believe—the gospel that had brought us salvation.

     We must be brave - courageous so that we can stand against false teachers and religions.

     We are to be strong in the strength and power given by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

     Every person must decide what or who will be the authority in his or her life. Will it be the philosophy of the day or will it be the bible with the truth that has been proven and has remained unchanged over thousands of years.   

III. Remember - Do everything in love. Christ stands with us when we take a stand for Him in love. His power enables us to share His truth and love even when we are oppressed, threatened, or abused for our faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴ But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
¹⁵ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
¹⁶ To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Paul thanked God for the glorious triumph which He always gives to His people through Christ. We do not stand alone. We stand in the power of Christ as He leads us in triumph over His enemies as we and serve and live for Him. God uses us to spread the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere we go. Only God through Christ is sufficient to help us live out our faith.

 

    Conclusion: God never fails His own when we take a stand for Christ and live and minister in His love. God did not fail Paul. He had caused Paul to triumph and He will cause us to triumph in Christ. Christ will lead us in victory over Satan, sin, and the world as we follow Him.

    Invitation: Is the message of salvation by faith in Christ’s work on the cross for you sweet or bitter? If it is not the sweetest news you have ever heard, run to this altar during the invitation. Come just as you are and be saved!

   Prayer: Father, throughout history Your followers have stood strong in their commitment to follow You and Your word. None of us have the strength if we stand apart from You. Help us today to be unswerving in our faith and obedience to You. Help us show Your love to other people and use us to help others to place their faith in You we pray in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen!