We must be . . .

1. CAREFUL = "watch"

1. "Be careful, give strict attention, take heed lest thru remission or indolence a destructive calamity suddenly overtake one" - Strong’s
2. How many times have we made careless mistakes: at school, work, the grocery store, driving, etc? Consequences of such greatly vary.
3. Matthew 24 - commanded by Jesus re: Jerusalem’s destruction
4. Acts 20:31 - commanded of the elders in protecting the flock
5. 1 Peter 5:8 - be vigilant in watching for the Devil
6. Matt 25; Mark 13; Rev 3:3 - watching for Jesus’ 2^nd coming

2. COMMITTED = "stand fast in the faith" - ‘be firm’

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - in daily living
2. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - in our work in the church
3. In our teaching of God’s Word:

1. Romans 1:14-16
2. 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-4

3. COURAGEOUS = "quit you like men" - KJV; "be brave" - NKJV; lit. "Conduct yourself in a manly way"

1. We must not be timid in the execution of our duties as children of God / soldiers of the cross: 2 Timothy 1:7-8
2. Acts 4:29-31
3. Ephesians 3:8-21

4. COMPETENT = "be strong" - be prepared to meet life’s challenges

1. Luke 2:40 - Jesus grew in spirit, wisdom, and grace (cf 2:52)
2. Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus was prepared to handle the Devil
3. 2 Timothy 2:15
4. 2 Timothy 3:12-17

5. CHARITABLE = "let all things be done in love"

1. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
2. John 13:34-35