1 Corinthians 16:13-14

May 26, 2019

Lord’s Day Worship

Sean Higgins

The sermon starts at 19:50 in the audio file.

Or, Not One Thumb’s-Twitch without Love

There are five commands in these two verses. The first four imperatives are similar: short, direct, and demanding. The final imperative takes a different form, though it still isn’t complex, and in ways it is even more demanding.

But what are these exhortations doing here? The letter seemed to be winding down (though we could also say that the letter is “winding up” and somehow mean the same thing). Paul gave instructions about a collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem (verses 1-4), he told the Corinthians about his intention to visit them soon, that Timothy would be there before him, and that Apollos wouldn’t (verses 5-12). He gives greetings from some of the brothers who were with him in Ephesus and then says his personal good-bye (verses 15-24).

The exhortations in verses 13 and 14 rev up the intensity again, like hitting the gas pedal after pulling into your driveway, or like throwing a dry branch onto hot coals, or like three shots of espresso as a night cap before bed.

If we tried to decide on the one obvious reason why Paul raises the flag again before taking it down, we probably can’t do it. But certainly these exhortations relate to things he’s said already in the letter, especially the command to love. Something caused Paul to think that these staccato shots were necessary, similar to verse 58 in chapter 15.

Before we look at each command, remember that they belong with the letter that began with the word of the cross as the power of God to salvation (1:18). Even when we stand firm, we do so boasting in the Lord and His strength, not in our own (1:31). Obedience to these imperatives is not optional, but that obedience is driven by faith, it does not replace faith or even complete what Christ did on the cross. Because Christ was crucified and raised, because we believe in Him and will be raised with Him, this is how to act.

Strong Defense (verse 13)

The four commands in verse 13 are very similar. Only one of the four commands has any qualifiers, and all of them are direct: you do it. Together they at least have in common the idea of maturity, and perhaps more the idea of military action; imagine these exhortations as a rally cry before entering the fray of the battle. These are fighting words, even if the preparation is a readiness to defend.

Be watchful is first, or “be on the alert” (NAS) or “be on your guard” (NIV). Stay awake and be ready. So, be watchful for what? Paul doesn’t name any enemies, but usually this exhortation is necessary when there is a threat. The last thing Paul mentioned before giving this command is Apollos, in particular that Apollos was not coming to Corinth anytime soon. Watch out for disappointment, and more than that, watch out for further division. There are a lot of threats to the health of a church body, and this letter has already dealt with a bunch of them (alienating one another according to a favorite preacher, not dealing with obvious immorality, theological pride over those weaker in conscience, selfishness at the Lord’s Supper, elevation of some spiritual gifts over others, denial of bodily resurrection). Don’t be anxious, but also don’t let your guard down.

Then stand firm in the faith. To stand firm or just “stand” is to be committed, to be unmoved, to hold the position. This is the only exhortation in verse 13 with more detail: stand in the faith. Don’t give ground when it comes to the faith once for all delivered to the saints. Even when the Jews demand a sign and then cry “offense!” at the crucifixion, remember that the word of the cross is God’s wisdom. When the Gentiles demand wisdom and then cry “foolish!” at the scandal of God put to death by men, keep believing that the gosp[...]