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

Overcoming temptation is a constant battle in the life of those who choose to follow Christ. To do so, we must first of all learn to be alert to the battle that is before us, and to watch for our enemy, Satan, as he sends his warriors to attack us. the second command found in 1 Corinthians 16:13 is to “Stand fast in the faith!” The Bible has no equal. It alone is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). In light of this truth, we need to affirm in our minds the authority of God’s Word, the person of Christ, and His resurrection. These are great cornerstones of our Christian faith. We need to determine in our minds and hearts that we are not going to allow anything nor anyone to move us from our position in Christ. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is ab le to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. The key here is to remain firm in our understanding the revealed truths of God’s Word. Are you firm in your faith? Do you know who you have … READ MORE

To overcome Satan in our lives, we must be alert. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 gives us 5 commands to follow in our spiritual battle. The first is to “BE ALERT!” We are to watch for three things, two negative and one positive. Negatively, we are to watch for temptation, and False Teachers. Temptation is something that we should be aware of every time we get out of bed each day. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to, Be sober, be vigilant’ because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. We need to recognize that Satan is a wily and crafty enemy and wants to catch us in the clever traps he sets. One of he ways he attempts to do that is through false teachers. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 reminds us that “Satan will transform into an angel of light” False teachers use the Word of God, but distort its teaching. Satan knows that speculations, not facts, must fill our minds in order to get us to give into his wicked plot. We need to exercise spiritual discernment by placing ourselves in an environment of intense, faithful Bible study, at home, and in a church. … READ MORE