1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in Love.

In our bible study the other day we discussed how every man desires significance. What differs is the way we go after that significance. Some seek it through self-fulfillment. They want the best cars, the biggest homes, and the best position at work. In their search for significance they go after money and power.
When that is your goal, even if you obtain it, your significance will not be lasting. As Patrick Morley says, “If what I do is only for my self-gratification and pleasure, then I will never derive a lasting sense of purpose and meaning from it.”

If we try to get our worth and significance from things, just like those things, it is temporary. When those things are gone so is our sense of purpose. Significance is really not about seeking your own wants and needs, it is more about seeking to meet the needs of others, and doing this through God.

This chapter went on to tell the story of Martin Luther. Now here is a man who made a significant difference in the lives of many people., including ourselves. He wasn't satisfied with the way ‘religion’ was practiced in his day and he wanted to serve God. Luther is a man who lived out this verse; he is a man who truly reached significance.

As we continued on in our book we were asked the question, “In order for you to be one of this generations leading men as Martin Luther was, what would you have to change?” I think this verse sums up the reality of how we need to live if we want to make a significant difference for God in the lives of those around us.

We must guard against temptation and sin as we are standing firm in God’s truth. Be uncompromising and be courageous. Don’t be afraid to do what is right, even if no one else is with you. That is all Martin Luther did. He stood up for his faith and for God when no one else would. And then finally, everything you do needs to be based in Love. Let Love be your motivator. Love God and Love people and let your actions reflect that Love.

1 Peter 5:8-9

1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.

We must be aware of our surroundings. Our enemy, the devil, is constantly looking for prey. He preys on the weak and afraid. Think about the comparison here: “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” This is not a hunting lion; it is a roaring lion.

A lion that is going around roaring is looking to strike fear into the hearts of those who hear him. Then the ones that get paralyzed by the fear make an easy target.

That is how the devil operates. He’s going around making a lot of ‘noise’, trying to get you to live in fear. If you are in fear he has a foothold into your life.

Where the confusion often comes, though, is people thinking that we need to ‘fight’ the devil. We do not have to fight the devil. All we are told to do is resist him by standing firm in our faith. Don’t listen to his lies, instead believe what God has told you. Faith reminds us that the devil has already been defeated and we have the victory.

Ultimately our victory lies with Christ Jesus and all that he did for us, but faith is what makes it real to us. So be self-controlled and alert. Know what is going on around you and that the devil wants you to live in fear. If you are aware of your surroundings nothing can surprise you.

Also know that everyone of your brothers are going through the same type of things. If we join together in faith it will be easier for us to stand firm and keep the devil at bay. He wants you isolated, alone and fearful. Stay in unity with the body of Christ and stand firm in your faith. Then the devil will not be able to touch you.