Five Duties of the Christian Life 1Corinthians 16:13,14

Five Duties of the Christian Life This fine text gives us another opportunity to evaluate ourselves. 1. We have a tendency to overvalue ourselves. 2. When we objectively examine our obligations, we see ourselves more realistically.

OUR FIRST DUTY--”BE WATCHFUL.” Five Duties of the Christian Life OUR FIRST DUTY--”BE WATCHFUL.” Christians are to be wide awake; sinners are represented as being asleep (1Pet. 5:8). Jesus said to the apostles in the garden of Gethsemane to “keep watching;” “that you enter not into temptation” (Mt. 26:41). A good servant must look for opportunities to do good (Gal. 6:10).

OUR SECOND DUTY– “STAND FAST.” Five Duties of the Christian Life OUR SECOND DUTY– “STAND FAST.” This means to stay under the banner of Christ--not in and out; hot and cold. Be committed to your congregation, involved in the work, and support the Elders. Be dependable as a servant of God.

OUR THIRD DUTY– “BE BRAVE.” Five Duties of the Christian Life OUR THIRD DUTY– “BE BRAVE.” There are few qualities of “manliness” more admired than bravery. 1. In battle, or on the job, the courage to face difficult situations is referred to as “being a man.” 2. “Men” look at what needs to be done, and focuses on the need, rather than their “likes” or “wants.”

OUR FOURTH DUTY– “BE STRONG.” Five Duties of the Christian Life OUR FOURTH DUTY– “BE STRONG.” God has heavy burdens for the strong, as Paul says in Galatians 6:2,5,10. We can be about as strong physically or spiritually as we are willing to prepare to be. See 1Tim. 4:8; Heb. 5:12-14. A Christian who feeds on spiritual food, spiritually exercises and keeps his life pure is much stronger and a better worker.

OUR FIFTH DUTY– “DO ALL WITH LOVE.” Five Duties of the Christian Life OUR FIFTH DUTY– “DO ALL WITH LOVE.” “Love” is the most Christian characteristic (Jn. 13:35; 15:10-12). The greatest virtue is love (1Cor. 13:13).

Five Duties of the Christian Life 1. Be watchful. 2. Stand fast in the faith. 3. Be brave. 4. Be strong. 5. Do everything with love.

Five Duties of the Christian Life If you do these things, you do well. These five things are simple to understand, but sometimes hard to do; must be done. Which one(s) are you going to try to work on first?