Final instructions and greetings. 1 Corinthians 16:13-24 The work of the Lord in an assembly as well as in individual exercise, will require maturity, bravery and strength. These are given to us when we yield to the Spirit of God working in us and filling us for divine service. We are told specifically to “watch.” That simply means to be on the alert for anything that might cause a division or any other attitude that brings disorder or allows false doctrine among God’s people.
To “stand fast” means we are to be firm in what we know is the truth of God and in what we believe with all our heart. When we are taught from the word of God by trusted teachers and have also experienced ourselves, we will not be moved. By nature, we are inclined to be self-centered and self-directed and excuse our personal initiative by convincing ourselves we are using common sense. Opposition can very quickly embarrass us or make us ashamed if we are not led by the Spirit, yielded to the Spirit, and filled with the Spirit.
“Be brave”, is the challenge when we sense our failure and weakness. We will find that strength comes from the Spirit of God when He controls our thoughts and actions. It takes courage to deal with sin and potential problems that can hinder the work of the Lord in an assembly of believers. It is to be expected that any work for God will be attacked by the three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. We may not realize that there is an attack going on at first, because the devil is not always evident as a roaring lion. When he works his nefarious ways as an angel of light, often the problem among God’s people is well advanced before we even know it.
“Be strong,” is not just like a pep-talk. We are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. We are to be strong in faith. We need to remember the words of Nehemiah when he said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The power and strength of the Holy Spirit works through faithful believers who know that God strength is made full and functional in our weakness.
“Do everything with love” indicates the value of having an appropriate attitude in every situation. It is not so hard to demonstrate and even talk about love when one is popular and people are pleased with what that person says or does. It is much harder to do everything with love when we are criticized, ignored, or rejected by those we seek to assist.