The whole book of 1 Corinthians sees Paul in communication with the Corinthian church to remind them to live God-centred lives though he was not there physically. In this last chapter, we see Paul’s instructions for the saints, his travel plans and final encouragements. A few words we can remember from this passage would be:

Having courage and being strong.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Cor 16:13)

Being brave and strong like men gives a similar comparison to having the strong stature of men that renders them the ability to weather against anything threatening that is large in size or mighty in power. Paul reminds us to be like such courageous men - strong in the faith and in God’s truth, and brave against temptations that appear before us like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).

We need bravery and strength because temptations come into our lives through a variety of ways. It can be from our daily channels or influence that make us want to say yes to youthful lusts, or to take revenge because we have been shortchanged. Temptations make the act of committing sin to be easy and harmless, especially when we think to ourselves that it is “just this once.”

Because Jesus overcame temptations by the devil after 40 days in the wilderness, we therefore need Him to constantly add to our bravery, courage and strength that we may be like Him. This can be done through prayer. We can make a resolution to ask God for courage daily. “It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32).

Supplying what others lack.

“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.” (1 Cor 16:17)

In the previous chapters, we have seen that love - for the truth, or for God’s people, prevails. This is reiterated in verse 14 of this chapter (1 Cor 16:14). Apart from having courage and strength, we need to nurture ourselves to be individuals whose actions and decisions are as such because of the tender love we have for those around us.

This love for others should not only include our family, which is fundamentally needed, but to others in God’s fold. Although we may not have much information on Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, we know that they were acknowledged by Paul because they had filled in the gaps others might not have the materials for.

Today, there are many opportunities for us to be the supplier of others’ lack. It could be for a brother / sister who is lacking materially and wishes to offer to the church, stepping in for a duty group who lacks manpower, or even walking with a person who is going through dry seasons of faith. What abundance do I have that can help others?

Living a God-centred life can be likened to climbing a steep mountain with uneven surfaces - it is indeed not very simple. To face every mental or physical adversary with courage, and to love others in the process when we are still climbing, requires consistent spiritual nurture of ourselves. However, the day we can do that, perhaps we might be able to see God’s promises, like the beautiful sunset visible on the peak of the mountain.