Where The Deer And Antelope Play

Our tendency, even if we don’t retreat, is to revert to the “holy huddle.” It keeps us from actively engaging the culture with the gospel and other truths of scripture. We are not to be captive to our natural fears. We are commanded not to be afraid of man or what he can do. Will we feel those fears when we are called upon for a witness? Sure, but don’t let them win! God desires us to be courageous, valiant warriors, who are able to do what is necessary to advance the gospel, not simply to maintain ground. This is the kind of character that propels some churches to do great things, and the lack of it, keeps some churches from doing much of anything significant for Christ. This is what compels some believers to attack the culture, change a community, and impact their world! Do you have it? Ask God for it? We need some wild-eyed, crazy, reckless, sold-out, courageous for Jesus believers!

Maintain spiritual strength (v. 13)

This exhortation means to “become powerful” or “become strong.” It is used in the NT to show the progression in inner strength and spiritual growth. It seems that there is only a slight nuance from the previous words, but I believe that what Paul is getting at here is growth and health, especially since this word says to “become” something (passive voice). He is exhorting them to pursue Christ, and growth in your faith.

Luke 2:40, Eph 3:16, 1 Peter 2:2, Eph 6:10, 2 Tim 2:1, 1 Cor 10:12, 9:25, Col 1:10-11

Illustration:

The way that we grow in the faith has a couple of components. Self-denial, self-discipline, and self-sacrifice. The Word is our spiritual lifeline, and it is necessary for any kind of spiritual growth and advancement. This is one of the reasons that we are reading through the bible together and memorizing scripture. If you want to grow, you must get in it. The path to spiritual growth is also service. If you are working for the kingdom, you will be growing. Find a place of service to Christ. And finally, the way that we grow is to trust Christ and ask Him to grow us. Focus on your personal relationship and fellowship with God. Just by the way, if you are not growing, it is a blameworthy sin on your part, and you will be held accountable. Pursue Him!

Maintain spiritual ethic (v. 14)

Paul says all these things are good, but let them be filtered through the screen of agape love. The word “all” is the first word in this verse, giving it prominence. These previous exhortations can go overboard if they are not tempered by a self-sacrificing, highly-valuing, unconditional love. Elsewhere he has constantly stated the importance of love. It is a non-negotiable component of the Christian life. And he knows that a lack of love can not only destroy the witness of the Corinthian church in the community and discredit their ministry, but it could destroy the church itself.

1 Pet 4:8, John 13:34-35, 2 Thess 1:3, 1 Cor 13:1-3

Illustration: “Love is the key. Joy is love singing. Peace is love resting. Long-suffering is love enduring. Kindness is love’s touch. Goodness is love’s character. Faithfulness is love’s habit. Gentleness is love’s self-forgetfulness. Self-control is love holding the reins.” -Donald Grey Barnhouse, for example, you may be pursuing Christ through bible study 3-4 nights a week at different meetings and classes, but in order to love your wife properly, you have to be around, can I get an AMEN from the ladies,