When studying this verse, 1 Corinthians 13:16, in capturing the essence of this scripture, it should produce a new understanding, a new vision, a new anchor in the chamber of your heart.
“BE” is a word that should not be taking lightly.
First we need to understand that the word BE is considered a linking verb that is called “substantive.” Most importantly we need to carefully dig deep and look at the meaning of substantive, and specifically how it relates when using the word “BE” in 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Substantive: It means to have a firm basis in reality and therefore important or meaningful, to be fixed; to exist; to have a real state or existence, to be made, to be, to become. to remain. This is forming a particular future tense and expresses a duty, a necessity or a purpose.
What makes this so important is that this understanding should ignite a passion and our desire to Be alert, stand firm in our faith, act like men and Be strong.
So now let’s combine the word “BE with STRONG”, and take a fresh look at what it means to “BE STRONG”,
To “BE STRONG”: Being Strong should have a firm basis in everyday life and is important and meaningful. We are called to be fixed in a position of strength.
This is a state we are to exist in, now and in the future, out of a necessity and with purpose. Specifically as a member of the family of God, this is our duty.
So with this new insight take a glance at a portion of the way Webster practically defines strong along with my comments, adding a spiritual twist.
#1. Being Strong with active power is when power flows from being connected and filled by the Holy Spirit of Christ actively using your gifts to serve the LORD.
#2. Being Strong with physical passive power, and being firm is resting in your position as a child of God, deeply rooted in faith, having a firm foundation built on the Rock of Christ. (Make a mental note to read Psalm 18:2)
#3 Being Strong as in Well fortified; able to sustain attacks; It is being dressed in the armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Make an additional note to also read Ephesians 6)
#4. Being Strong as in with great wealth, means or resources; This is clinging to the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead, building rewards and investing in the Kingdom of Heaven.
#5 Being Strong with great force of mind, strong mind or intellect, strong memory; It is living life buried in the word of God daily, using it as your filter system for discernment and building and storing it in your memory.
#6 Being Strong as in Bright, Glaring, Vivid as a strong light This is living everyday life that others see your good works and deeds and you are bring glory to God .
You have heard it said through the scriptures Jesus is the Vine. He is therefore, your connection to BEING STRONG.
Remain in Him, and He will remain in you. For a branch cannot be strong and produce fruit if it is severed from the vine. Without Him, you then, will be weak and fruitless
“For it is our God who will keep us strong to the end so that we will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns” (1Corinthains 1:8).
So Yes, remember He is the our vine; we are His branches. If we remain in Him, He will remain in us. Then and only then will we Be Strong and produce much fruit. For apart from Him, we will have no strength.
So BE connected to Christ, let your roots go deep into Him. STAY ALERT! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Remember that you are a warrior for the Kingdom of Heaven.
God called you! You are to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.
As a review, “BE is substantive: and therefore important and meaningful, you are to be fixed; and exist; to have a real state or existence as a strong man, you are made to be strong; to become, stronger. You are to remain strong in the Lord. This is forming a particular future tense for you to stay strong and it expresses being strong as a duty, a necessity and it is part of your purpose.
Our Jesus, in us, is substantive. He Will Be! your strengthen, and he will keep you on a firm foundation.
Being strong is a calling, a position, it is what we are commissioned to do, to Be a warrior, Be on the alert, let your stance Be firm in the faith, and Be and act like men, and finally, “BE STRONG.”
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