‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith.’ 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV
On Guard
Guard yourself-Sometimes you experience more problems after you become a Christian than you did before. ‘Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering’ (Hebrews 10:32 NLT). Consider the life of Christ. ‘After his baptism…the heavens…opened…And a voice…said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy”’ (Matthew 3:16-17 NLT). Then we read: ‘Jesus was led…into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NLT). First the call, then the conflict. And that’s still how it works!
When Paul was called into ministry, he was given ‘a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted’ (2 Corinthians 12:7 KJV). So when you say yes to God, prepare for attack. Satan attacks what he fears, and he fears God’s plan for your life. When a player starts scoring, the other team targets him because they know he is capable of winning. Getting the idea? Before Jesus launched His ministry, Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world, and he will make you the same offer.
So, the only safe place to be is in the centre of God’s will. When Noah was building the ark, he could withstand a hundred years of scorn, but when the job was done, he ended up drunk and disgraced. Paul writes, ‘These things…were written down to warn us…If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:11, 12 NLT). So, the word for today is – be on your guard!
Be on Guard against spiritual challenges
In times of spiritual warfare and challenges, it is important for believers to stay vigilant and prepared. The Bible provides valuable guidance and encouragement for such situations. Let’s explore the verses you mentioned and their significance:
1. 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” This verse reminds us to be watchful and alert, recognizing that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. We are called to stand firm in our faith, displaying courage and strength through the power of God.
2. Hebrews 10:32: “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.” This verse encourages us to recall the times when we faced challenges and overcame them through our faith. It serves as a reminder that we have the strength and endurance to persevere through current difficulties.
3. Matthew 3:16-17: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.'” These verses depict the baptism of Jesus and signify the anointing and approval of God upon Him. They remind us of the power and authority we have as children of God, and the importance of being rooted in His love.
4. Matthew 4:1: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” This verse refers to the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. It reminds us that even Jesus faced spiritual attacks, but He overcame them through the Word of God. It encourages us to rely on God’s Word as our weapon against the schemes of the enemy.
5. 2 Corinthians 12:7: “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” This verse speaks of the apostle Paul’s thorn in the flesh. It highlights the reality that believers may face trials and challenges, sometimes allowed by God for His purposes. It teaches us to rely on God’s grace and strength in times of weakness.
In conclusion, these verses remind us to be watchful, stand firm in our faith, remember past victories, embrace our identity as children of God, use His Word as our weapon, and rely on His grace in times of weakness. By keeping these teachings in mind, we can navigate spiritual attacks with confidence and overcome them through the power of Christ.
