Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14 ESV
This devotion is in honor of our God who is the only perfect Father.
He has taught godly men how to walk in all of His ways so their lives will bring Him glory and so that they can lead their families to serve Him, too.
As always, we must never take the Holy Scriptures out of context just to make them fit our own meaning. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church.
Specifically, this passage is a warning to be alert to false teachers coming into the Church. In particular, some were diminishing the truth about Christs’ resurrection.
So, Paul gives five commands to help prevent false teachers from slipping in unnoticed into the Church.
Take a look once more at the key verse.
- Be watchful.
- Stand firm in the faith.
- Act like men.
- Be strong.
- Let all that you do be done in love.
Many of Paul’s letters urge faithful men to take up the mantle of godly leadership within the body of believers and as the head of their home.
Notice how the progression of each command from the passage makes perfect sense.
To be a watchful servant of God a man must first know God’s Word. Then he will know what he is standing up for. His faith will be secure and strong.
A true man of God uses his leadership role to guide and nurture others in the love of Christ. He never uses his God-given authority in a controlling or prideful way. These men do not harm others in the Church or at home with their leadership.
This Sunday, many men in the U.S. will be honored on Father’s Day. This is a particularly special day for men who love the Lord with all of their hearts. That is what empowers them to be great husbands and fathers.
Strength of character and bold determination to live for Jesus no matter what, is vital.
Men who love God’s law and His Word want their children to see Christ reflected in their lives.
These days, children are being pulled into the darkness at an alarming rate. Even children that come from godly homes have turned from the Lord. But strong, godly men do all that they can to teach their children about God.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Homes led by spiritually strong men prove how Paul’s five commands can strengthen and protect families, just as they protect the Church.
Godly dads will watch and be bold in their faith even when children rebel. They will behave like men with strength of character, and they will lead their homes with a spirit of love and compassion.
Just before Paul died, he wrote a letter to young Timothy. He wanted him to warn believers to guard against the sinful lifestyles that can destroy the Church and families. (1 Timothy 6:3-10)
Paul gives godly men further instructions, which echo our key verse:
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
English Standard Version (ESV)
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Statement of Faith
Baptist Faith and Message 2000 – The Baptist Faith and Message
