Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
be brave,
The third command of this section is to “be brave.” Christianity is a manly belief. It requires courage and bravery. The Corinthians were to act like men. This is masculine Christianity. The Corinthians were not acting like men but like babes (1 Co 3:1).
be strong.
The fourth command is to “be strong.” The strength here is spiritual maturity. The usage of this term often meant spiritual growth. The passive voice (the subject receives the action) indicates that this is something God does to us – brings us to spiritual strength and maturity.
Eph 6:10-11, 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
PRINCIPLE:
Christianity is masculine in nature.
APPLICATION:
We can chart the level of maturity of a child by the toys he takes an interest in. These can range from a rattle to a computer. If a thirteen-year-old teen is still interested in a rattle, then we know something is wrong. The standard is wrong for a teen. Yet, many Christians saved for many years still operate like spiritual babes. Spiritual immaturity is the curse of the church.
Christianity is masculine in nature. We live in a day of feminine Christianity, where songs, priorities, and style mainly appeal to women. No wonder men do not want to go to church! Where are the songs like “A mighty fortress is our God?” Christianity is not saccharine, sweet, and sentimental. God designed it for men to conquer for Christ.
1 Kg 2:2, “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.”
1 Co 14:20, Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
