1 Corinthains 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done with love. This command balances unretreating courage with unfailing love. Both need to exist side by side for either one to be effective. If we have too much love and not enough doctrine, we will be washed away by sentimentalism, and if we have to much doctrine and not enough love, we develop a harsh attitude. We need to combine the two, by recognizing that I need to share with others the truth, but recognize that I cannot change anyone’s lifestyle choices. The reality is that I can disagree with a lifestyle, without being disagreeable or overbearing. The Key to making this a reality in our lives is to remain humble in our dealings with others. In Matthew 7:3, Jesus says, “Why do you behold the mote in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam in your own eye. This is not an admonition not to say anything, rather it is a warning to remember I am not perfect either. In our spiritual battle, we must be aware of the importance of prayer, which will enable us to be alert, firm, mature, strong and loving. If we … READ MORE

Throughout the Bible we are told to be strong and of good courage! As we understand our struggle with temptation and the battle that rages within the heart of every person, we are reminded that we must be strong in our desire to follow the truth. Paul was confident that his ultimate victory over sin in his body was through Jesus Christ when he writes in 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we yield our lives to the Spirit of God, we will be strengthened by His strength. God provides spiritual strength as we exert discipline and self-control rather than yielding to the world, the flesh and the devil. The problem with many believers is that they are unwilling to pay the price of discipline. To be great at something we always have to sacrifice some of the pleasures of the world. Every athlete understands that it is hard work and sacrifice that enables them to excel in their sport. Their reward is set before them as the prize of winning. As followers of Jesus Christ we need to press toward the mark of the prize of … READ MORE

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 gives us 5 commands for victory over sin in our lives. We have seen that we are to be alert, and stand firm in our faith. Today, we are reminded that we are to be mature! One of the hardest things we do as an individual is grow up. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Paul doesn’t tell us to use some magical formula in order to acquire victory over sin, he simply tells us to “act like men”. Often, we sin because like a child, we want what we want, and will do anything to get it, even sacrificing our moral convictions. As adults, we have to learn to say “no” to our desires, and learn to make correct decisions, based upon the Word of God. Many who claim to be followers of Christ have only a shallow knowledge of God’s Word. Often this is because they trust in personal experience or feelings as truth, or regard personal comfort and success as their priorities in … READ MORE