In Episode 4 of our Act Like Men series, Corey Couture and Pastor Josh Chambers unpack what it means to “be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13–14). Biblical strength isn’t macho toughness—it’s being strengthened by God through surrender, prayer, and obedience.

We talk moral courage under pressure, endurance over time, and why strength must be tethered to love. Plus, six practical moves to walk in real strength: abide daily, armor up, confess and depend, lock arms with a brother, obey the next right thing, and pray for inner strength.

Key Take Aways

· Strength is received, not self-made — God strengthens men who depend on Him (Eph. 6:10).

· Strength is for others — to protect, serve, and carry burdens, not to control (Gal. 6:2).

· Strength must be tethered to love — love keeps strength from becoming harsh; strength keeps love from becoming passive (1 Cor. 16:13–14).

· Weakness can be the doorway to real power — surrender + humility is where God meets you (2 Cor. 12:9–10).

· Durable strength is built daily — abide in Christ, armor up, obey the next right thing, pray, and lean into brotherhood (John 15:5; Eph. 6:10–18; Eccl. 4:9–12).

Chapters List

00:00 Introduction  to Be Strong: Strength through Surrender

06:28 Be Strong Defined

11:06 Strength - Moral Courage Under Pressure

14:30 Strength - Endurance Over Time

20:00 Strength Tethered to Love

26:17 How We Receive Strength

29:35 Daily Battle and Dependence on God

37:22 Obeying the Next Right Thing

41:20 Self-Check: Strength and Faithfulness

Stand firm in the faith isn’t about being loud or stubborn—it’s about being rooted in Christ when pressure hits.

In this episode of the Equipped to Lead Podcast, Corey Couture and Pastor Josh Chambers continue the Act Like Men series from 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 and talk through what it looks like for a man to hold the line with conviction and love. You’ll get practical guardrails, biblical clarity, and next steps you can apply this week at home, at work, and in your walk with God.

00:58 Stand firm in the Faith - The Conviction of a Man of God

02:14 The Meaning of Standing Firm

03:56 Convictions for Standing Firm - The Gospel is Non-Negotiable

07:20 Scripture as Authority

09:11 Temptation is War, Not a Game

15:57 Be Steady, Not Harsh

18:29 Obeying What You Already Know

22:48 Building a Life that Stands Firm

25:41 Guarding Your Inputs

30:05 The Importance of Brotherhood

35:31 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Equip to Lead podcast, hosts Corey Couture and Pastor Josh Chambers delve into the theme of spiritual alertness, drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. They discuss the importance of being vigilant in a world that often lulls us into complacency, using historical and biblical examples to illustrate their points. The conversation covers the dangers of distraction, spiritual drift, and deception, and emphasizes the need for daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer and scripture reading to stay spiritually awake.

Takeaways

• Be on alert, stand firm in faith, act like men.
• Stay awake and live with eyes open and hearts engaged.
• Avoid spiritual complacency and arrogance.
• Recognize the daily spiritual battle for Christians and non-Christians.
• Identify distractions that lead to spiritual sleep.
• Prioritize prayer and scripture reading to stay alert.
• Avoid mistaking activity for intimacy with God.
• Be aware of spiritual drift and its subtlety.
• Anchor yourself in the gospel daily.
• Stay connected with a Bible-believing community.

00:00 Podcast Introduction

05:55 The Cultural Crisis & God's Design

12:22 Four Pillars of Manhood From Genesis

12:52 Pillar 1  - Identity / Image Bearer

16:53 Pillar 2 - Life & Dignity / God Breathed

21:02 Pillar 3 - Work / A Gift and Calling

25:19 Pillar 4 - Obedience & Love / A will to Submit and Sacrificial Love

Join hosts Corey Couture and Pastor Josh Chambers in this episode of the Equipped to Lead podcast as they delve into the biblical foundations of biblical manhood. Discover how identity, work, obedience, and relationships are integral to leading with strength, humility, and love. Explore the challenges of modern masculinity and learn how to embrace God's design for men as outlined in Genesis.

Takeaways:

1. Men are called to lead with strength and humility.
2. Understanding God's design is crucial for true manhood.
3. Work is a form of worship and a calling from God.
4. Sacrificial love is central to relationships.
5. Identity is rooted in being image bearers of God.
6. Obedience to God's design leads to fulfillment.
7. Modern masculinity faces challenges from cultural shifts.
8. Biblical manhood balances strength and tenderness.
9. Relationships should be cherished and led with love.
10. Men should reflect God's leadership in their lives.

00:00 Podcast Introduction

05:55 The Cultural Crisis & God's Design

12:22 Four Pillars of Manhood from Genesis

12:52 Pillar 1  - Identity / Image Bearer

16:53 Pillar 2 - Life & Dignity / God Breathed

21:02 Pillar 3 - Work / A Gift and Calling

25:19 Pillar 4 - Obedience & Love / A will to Submit and Sacrificial Love