Grace to be Strong

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.

Topic: Grace to be Strong
Introduction: Weakness has taken over the church, but not the weakness that the Apostle Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 12, rather this weakness we fine in the church is a weakness that derives from a lack to two things; faith and submission. This truth is evident in today’s text. As Paul lays out the logistics of his ministry itinerary he highlights to brothers, prior to our text of focus; Timothy and Apollos.

Look at verse 10 & 11 of chapter 16
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

Although, Timothy was serving the same God as Paul and in the same ministry, he still was focused more on his past, the people and the situations than on God himself.
We must have faith to know that the same God that saved us has the power to keep us, and the same God that gave us the vision will supply all we need to fulfill it.

Now check out verse 12
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

When you study the background of Apollos, you will find that he was a well to do and well educated Jew from Alexandria. He knew about God through his study of the scriptures but had no personal relationship with Him. After being lead to faith through Priscilla and Aquila, he join Paul’s ministry team. In the text we find him refusing Paul’s urging to join him in ministry @ Rome.
Despite what we know or how we feel God’s work must be done. All of us at times are unwilling to do what the Lord has required of us, but we must get over ourselves and submit to the will of God so that supernatural things can happen through us.

Now to the text of Focus;
Paul give his audience Five directives that will bring about excellence in life;
Watch - be alert and ready for what comes your way.
Stand firm in faith - Don’t let circumstances or opposition stop you from doing God’s will.
Be Brave - Go and do what others are afraid to.
Be Strong - Know that God has given you His ability.
Let love be the reason you do whatever you do.