How would you describe the standard to which a man should aspire? Society has a tendency to idealize the macho individual who prides himself on his rugged individualism. Some people picture a Christian man as being weak and passive. The Apostle Paul shattered that myth as he succinctly presented five characteristics of a man of God. These characteristics are present tense imperatives that denote a continuing way of life or a habit:

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

As Paul gives advice to the men at the church at Corinth, the first characteristic he mentioned is to be on the alert. This word conveys the idea of being watchful and giving strict and careful attention to a matter. In the military we emphasized the importance of having situational awareness. Situational awareness may be defined as being aware of what is going on around us with an understanding of the meaning and the implications for the future. Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples to be watchful:

What I say to you I say to all, “Be on the alert!” (Mark 13:37)

The Apostle Peter realized the severity of spiritual warfare as he warned the early church to be alert to the enemy’s attacks:

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Men are also commanded to stand firm in the faith. This involves not only knowing God’s word, but walking in the truth. This is a person who is willing to stand firm and persevere even in the midst of adversity. Paul used this same word in his admonition to the church at Galatia:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Thirdly, he enjoined his audience to act like men. Perhaps Paul had in mind the image of a Roman soldier or an athlete as he regularly used these metaphors in his letters. We see the emphasis to stand firm as a Roman soldier as Paul pictured the accoutrements of a Roman soldier:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)

The next command follows logically that men are to be strong. Paul had in mind not only one’s physical strength, but also one’s inner fortitude:

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, (Ephesians 3:16)

Finally, Paul emphasized the necessity of love. Earlier in this epistle Paul declared that you may have amazing spiritual gifts, but if they’re not done in love, they don’t matter. Love is the greatest gift and the true measure of a man is that everything is done in love. 

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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