In review of 1 Corinthians 16:13 it says, “Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.”
Bottom Line:
Be alert, continue to stand firm in your faith, have courage and be strong.
What this means to me:
When it comes to temptation, this verse reminds me that I need to keep my eyes open and alert for spiritual danger. I can’t allow myself to get laxed. I am to continue to be strong in my faith. I am to have courage. I am to act bravely. I am to be strong. What I’m learning is that I shouldn’t feel guilty about temptation. It’s not a sin to be tempted. Rather, It’s a sin to give in to temptation. Scriptures tell me that Jesus experienced every temptation known to man, but he didn’t sin. Temptation is not a sin. It’s how you respond to it that matters.
God’s word tells me to flee temptation, in fact is say, “Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NCV). The being “alert” part means knowing what tempts me so that I can stay away from it.
There are two things I need to stay away from: tempting situations (circumstances) and tempting associations (people who tempt you). This means that I need to know what tempts me, when it tempts me, where it tempts me, who tempts me, and then just stay away from those situations and people. I also need to avoid tempting associations. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be fooled. ‘Bad companions ruin good character’” (TEV).
So if I find myself in one of those tempting circumstances and/or people, I need to get out! Don’t just walk away, run! I don’t fight it; I flee it. Go after the good stuff in life instead.
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