As he closed out his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13). Every exhortation in this brief series of commands is comprised of language with a military origin. Paul frequently used such language because it was readily understandable given the pervasive presence of soldiers throughout the Roman empire.
Just as soldiers kept watch throughout the night, believers are challenged to likewise have a keen attentiveness to their circumstances and surroundings. Convinced of the truth and committed to following it, we watch tirelessly for the encroachment of falsehood and evil wherever they might occur. We dare not let down our guard for our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). While his mindset is that of a roaring lion, the Scriptures admonish us that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The deceptiveness of falsehood demands a vigilant scrutiny of the events and circumstances of our times. Someone has wisely said that rat poison is 99% pure corn. Therefore, we must watch!
We are not to yield territory to the enemy, but rather are commanded to stand fast in the faith. As soldiers are commanded to hold their position in the face of the enemy, so Paul admonishes believers to do likewise. Peter used this same militaristic language, exhorting believers concerning Satan, to “resist steadfast in the faith” (I Peter 5:9). The enemy will indeed attack for truth is not a popular commodity. But we are to resist falsehood and hold fast to the truth. Christ promised his disciples that when it came to building the church even “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Tireless watching and unflinching resistance against an unrelenting enemy requires great courage. So the Spirit of God urges us to be brave. The phrase “quit you like men” is a literal translation of the ancient Greek language and is mindful of soldiers engaged in the battle. We are to be brave, courageous, not overcome by fear though fear may be all around us. The Christian life is not for the faint-hearted.
Finally, we are to be strong. We are to be given to the fight and move to where the battle is the hottest. Serving the Lord Jesus Christ will bring us to many encounters with falsehood. We are to be valiant for the truth and engage the enemy. There is no retreat in the Christian life.
God calls upon his children to watch, stand fast, be courageous and strong as good soldiers of the cross. It is interesting that he immediately follows that instruction with “Let all your things be done with charity [love]” (I Corinthians 16:14). What a seemingly paradoxical set of commands. The Christian life is a soldier-like commitment to truth tied to the operation of love in all things. Does that describe you?
From the Chaplain 