The Five Principles Of A Christian Life

How do we live the Christian life? Paul narrows it done to five principles: Be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love.

"Be on guard.

Stand firm in the faith.

Be courageous. 

Be strong.

And do everything with love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

1. Be on guard. We are to stay alert and watch out for our greatest enemy, the devil, and also continually keep watch for the return of Jesus Christ.

"Stay alert!

Watch out for your great enemy,

the devil.

He prowls around

like a roaring lion,

looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)

"So you, too, must keep watch!
For you do not know
the day or hour of My return."
Matthew 25:13 (NLT)

2. Stand firm in the faith. We are to hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, and put on every piece of God's armor, so we will be able to resist the enemy.

"Let us hold tightly
without wavering
to the hope we affirm,
for God can be trusted
to keep His promise,"
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy
in the time of evil.
Then after the battle
you will still be standing firm."
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)

3. Be courageous. We are to wait patiently for the Lord and put our trust confidently in Him.

"Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

"They do not fear bad news;

they confidently trust the Lord

to care for them."

Psalm 112:7 (NLT)

4. Be strong. We are to be strong by relying on God's mighty, glorious and unlimited power which is given to us through His Holy Spirit.

"A final word:
Be strong in the Lord
and in His mighty power."
Ephesians 6:10 (NLT)

"I pray that from His glorious,
unlimited resources
He will empower you
with inner strength
through His Spirit."
Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

5. Do everything with love. We are always to be loyal, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.

"Never let loyalty and kindness

leave you!

Tie them around your neck

as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart."

Proverbs 3:3 (NLT)

"Always be humble and gentle.

Be patient with each other,

making allowance for each other's faults

because of your love."

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)