QT 4/30/2025 1 Cor 16:1–4, New plans, God's plan

1 Corinthians 16:1–4 (ESV) —

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

 

NOTE: I believe this was the gift for the poor in Jerusalem that Paul and eight other men carried back on the long sea trip. Ultimately this would be the end of the missionary journeys, although there is some evidence he was released and got to Troas. Still, this whole sequence will begin a new phase in Paul's life, his prison ministry. He will no longer be traveling free. Most of the time, he will be under guard. He will travel some, spending a good amount of time on a sinking ship, before wrecking in Malta. He will ministers to sailors, jailors, judges (rulers), and government officials. It is different from the past two decades. It is his retirement job that would end with Nero killing him. Based on his letter to the Romans, he had plans to head to Spain and Rome (just not as a prisoner). But God had other plans. I feel like that today. I had plans for retirement and God has other plans.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we content to follow God's plan or do we try to force our idea upon God by refusing his will?
2. Are we willing to give up our retirement plans or future plans if God directs?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for where I am today. I don't need to work, you have provided financially. I have ministry opportunities, they are just different from what I planned. Guide me in these days and bless the things you put before me.

QT 4/29/2025 1 Cor 15:50–58, A better home is prepared

1 Corinthians 15:50–58 (ESV) —

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

 

NOTE: A "mystery" (also translated secret) is something hinted at in the Old Testament, but explained fully in the New Testament. Death and a perishable body is still a problem today, but less so because of modern medicines, than in the past. Still, I feel the effects of a body that does not work as well as it did. Repetitive activities can leave pains in my shoulders and knees very quickly in my older age (mid 60's). The mystery is that our perishable bodies will be replace by imperishable bodies in an instant, the twinkling of an eye.

 

In my younger days, I felt like I would live forever. In this latter stage, I still feel pretty good, and am in better shape than most people in their 40's, but I realize that the body is decaying. There is no tree of life to restore it. But there is the fact of the resurrection which gives me hope for a new resurrected body. And it is really more than hope, it is an amazing fact, testified to in the historical writings of the first century, and a fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy, and materialized in Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize the tremendous hope I have?
2. Am I living for this world or am I living for my eternal home (that is God's will)?

 

PRAYER: Father, as the song goes,

 

This world is not my home

I'm just a-passing through

My treasures are laid up

Somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me

From heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home

In this world anymore

 

This is my heart. I'm not at home yet. My retirement home is somewhere else. And it won't be for retirement, it will be for living life to the fullest. Help me to live this temporal life with my eyes set on a better home.

QT 4/28/2025 1 Cor 15:41-49, Recognizing we have purpose and meaning

1 Corinthians 15:41–49 (ESV) —

41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

 

NOTE: It is interesting how creation is related to resurrection. We don't evolve to a spiritual body, but we are transformed into a spiritual creature. We are of dust, but after the resurrection we will made of heaven. We will bear the image of Jesus Christ, the man of heaven, and no longer carry the body of sinful man. Jesus' resurrection is the hope of a new creation, different and greater than the first creation. It also seems we will differ, like the stars differ. We will be unique. I believe we will be recognizable.

 

Today, we live in a world that was not as God intended. We rebelled and basically agreed with Satan to be our own gods, deciding good and evil. We bear the consequences of that choice today. So many people are hopeless or dependent upon drugs. They have no hope or future because they believe they are the result of random processes (despite the numerical improbabilities). But God has created us, maybe he used directed evolution, which certainly solves many probability problems, or he created us out of nothing. It does not matter because God created us in his image. We have value, and he has a purpose for our life, and a glorious future for those who accept the gift of salvation by believing on his son. There is purpose to life.

 

PONDER:

1. What is our purpose?
2. What are we doing to find that purpose or to accomplish that purpose?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for life and purpose. I know my purpose. Life is still hard but I can rest in my role that you have given. Help me to remain sensitive to your Spirit's leading. I struggle at times with my role in the present. It seems like such a small thing, but if it comes from you, it is a big thing. Help me to be joyful and accepting of the days.

QT 4/25/2025 1 Cor 15:35-40, God's plans are beyond our minds

1 Corinthians 15:35–40 (ESV) —

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another.

 

NOTE: The real issue is "do you believe God exists?" If yes, it is a foolish question to ask "how" or "what" since we will not know until the rapture (for a believer) and the resurrection of the dead (for the unbeliever). We have a few details about the new body. It is not limited to time and space as our bodies (Jesus appeared in a closed room). It will look different, Jesus was not always recognized at first. It will still enjoy food (Jesus ate after the resurrection). It will have creature holiness as Adam and Eve did before they sinned (we will no longer have our sinful nature).

 

I wonder at our intelligence when we seek to match wits with a God who is greater than the whole universe. We somehow think our less than one cubic foot brain can match the infinite. But the real issues is the existence of God because that decides everything. And it takes just as much faith if not more to believe he does not exist. So, either way, belief in God or unbelief in God is a step of faith.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I question everything about the bible and God?
2. Do I really believe if that is the case?

 

PRAYER: Father, I have settled this issue years ago and the resulting changes in my life have only confirmed that I made the right decision. Life is hard, but it is even harder without a knowledge of you. I am excited to face the future, because I know your will is good and I know that heaven will be wondrous.

QT 4/24/2025 1 Cor 15:25-34, Everything on the line for Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:25–34 (ESV) —

25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

 

NOTE: No commentator has a good answer for the practice of being baptized for the dead. It is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture and may have been something that originated in Corinth. Paul's point about the practice has to do with the resurrection, and it makes no sense if the dead are not raised -- in essence, who cares? The argument that would make more sense to Christians today is why did Paul risk his life if the resurrection is not true? Paul bet everything in his life on a living savior, risen from the dead. Why do that? Paul had a great life back in Jerusalem. He was well on his way toward becoming a very influential religious person, demanding great respect. He was starting a very prosperous and rich life, and he gave it all up when he met the risen savior. Afterwards, he was certainly never materially rich, often having a side job to pay expenses. He did not marry or have children. His own people sought to kill him. But in his mind, it was worth it. He knew and believed the truth of the gospel as an eyewitness.

 

A lot of people have given their lives for an idea. I don't give those types of martyrs much credit because they could have deceived themselves. But Paul saw the savior. He tells the story of meeting him and being transported in the spirit to the third heaven. God spoke to him on one of his trips to expunge Christians, and blinded him. The resurrection and encounter with Jesus changed everything about Paul.

 

PONDER:

1. How does the resurrection affect my everyday life?
2. What have I given up in order to progress the gospel?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Thank you for the men I have had the chance to disciple. Thank you for the missionaries we have been able to support. Thank you for the opportunity to teach for 40 years, and the things I have learned as I have studied the scriptures. But I am not like Paul, I have not given up everything. And you don't ask every person to be like Paul. But, I do pray, if there is something I am not doing

QT 4/23/2025 1 Cor 15:17-24, Living in Hope

1 Corinthians 15:17–24 (ESV) —

17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

 

NOTE: Verse 23 describes an order which I think is important. Christ, on the day we now call Easter, rose from the dead. He is the firstfruits. He will come again to resurrect those who belong to him. I believe this is the rapture because there is still one other point in time, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his Father. When he comes to rapture the church, those dead and those alive, 1Thessalonians tells us that he meets us in the air and gives us new bodies. The second coming is later when he actually comes to earth and leads his Armies against the antichrist. His Armies have little to do, since by the word of his mouth, he destroys his enemies. (ADDITIONAL NOTE: The "end" may refer to the end of the millennial kingdom, which takes away my argument for the placing of the rapture.)

 

So what does it all mean? There is a consistent story throughout scripture that ties together. The resurrection is a key, if not the key part of the entire plan of God. I have hope in the future because of a historical fact, Jesus rose from the dead and IS alive today. If that was not true, I would have no hope at all. But, it is true, and it means that every day we come closer to the end. I enjoy life, but this body of mine is weak and decaying. It is not the same as it was when I was younger. I enjoy these days with my grandchildren. They are a blessing from God. But I do struggle with worry over small things, and I look forward to that day when I will cease struggling with worry. I also experience a peace that is amazing, but it does not take away all worry. And so life has these tensions, but heaven will be very different.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize the hope that there is in the historical fact of Jesus' resurrection?
2. Have I placed my faith in Jesus and taken hold of this promise of everlasting life?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for this life and the works you have put in front of me to do. I am very thankful. I know I grumble at times, but I am thankful. I am so undeserving of anything good. But in your grace, you have lavished me with spiritual blessings. I pray that I would live in such a way as to glorify you on earth. I may have another 30 years, and I pray they would be even more fruitful than the last 60 plus.

QT 4/22/2025 1 Cor 15:12–16, The amazing historical event

1 Corinthians 15:12–16 (ESV) —

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.

 

NOTE: One of the fundamental truths of Christianity and maybe the most important fact of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. It differs from all other resurrection stories in that it is a historical recorded event witnessed by hundreds, and specifically 11 men who died rather than deny what they saw. Paul also saw the resurrected Christ. He was an intelligent man trained in the law by one of the greatest rabbis of the time. He had a great future. And yet his encounter with Christ caused him to endure tremendously difficult times in order to take the gospel to as many people as possible. His experience with the resurrected Christ forever shaped him. Without the resurrection, there is no real hope in Christianity. 

 

Ultimately, everyone must deal with the resurrection event. Most choose to dismiss the eyewitnesses and the separate accounts. Others foolishly look for discrepancies which when evaluated logically, only support the historicity of the event.

 

What does it all mean to us as believers? Our faith is based on a historical fact that proves Jesus was God and has power over death. No matter how difficult life seems, we have a better hope. But for now, we, like Paul, must do all we can to share the message to others.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I ever considered the reality of the event, the resurrection, and its implications on whatever beliefs I hold?
2. And for that matter, have I truly considered the historical Jesus, witnessed by thousands, and the documents that recorded his life and were written during the lifespans of many thousands of witnesses?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is amazing that Paul even had to write this section of the letter -- it seems so central to everything. But, I am glad he did and that he wrote it so forcefully. I pray that our faith would be encourage by this man who lived during the years of Jesus' life, and who encountered Jesus after the resurrection, and who was so affected by Jesus, that he literally gave his life to tell the story to as many as possible.

QT 4/21/2025 1 Cor 15:1-11, Open our eyes

1 Corinthians 15:1–11 (ESV) —

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

 

NOTE: There is a lot of theology in this chapter, and a lot to comment about. The most difficult might be the phrase "… unless you believed in vain." Liddell translates the word, εἰκῇ, "without plan or purpose, at random …." In other words, without any true consideration of the claim. They called themselves Christians, but had seen no result in their lives. There are many in the church who are like that. They call themselves believers but there is no noticeable difference in their lives. They are somewhat like Pharisees, whitewashed tombs, clean on the outside, but dead on the inside.

 

This idea fits also with the present tense use of the phrase, "by which you are being saved." The word is the present tense of the Greek verb, sozo, meaning to save, the same phrase (word and tense) he used in 1 Cor 1:18. There are four verbs used in verse 1, the first two are in the aorist tense (past), one is in the perfect tense (a completed action), and the last "being saved" in the present tense. I believe there are three aspects to salvation. One, justification is what happens when we believe and is in the past and completed. Sanctification is the process of becoming like Christ. And glorification is when we will be like Christ. The word salvation is a common verb and does not always have to refer to eternal salvation in the bible. We used the word the same way in everyday speech when we say "we saved someone from blank" because of some action on our part. Let me be clear, we are eternally saved. But we are in the process of being saved from our old nature by the work of the Holy Spirit in our life. We will be saved from "sin" completely when we are raptured and given our new body.

 

 

PONDER:

1. Am I seeing any continual change in my life caused by my salvation?
2. If I am not seeing change, why?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my salvation and my hope. I do see you bringing change in my life. I see you opening up my mind to your truth. I see love continuing to grow within me. I pray for body, there are so many going through the motions without any true change, religious people, fooled by emotion or a decision made without any thought or purpose. Open their eyes.

QT 4/18/2025 1 Cor 14:32-40, Accepting our God-given roles

1 Corinthians 14:32–40 (ESV) —

32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

 

NOTE: The subject has been prophecy. Today, we would call this preaching or also teaching. God has given the role of spiritual leader to the man (not that men have done a very good job at it). It is a man's responsibility to lead his home spiritually -- many men fail at this task. Actually, a women seems more eager about leading spiritually in the home (and usually more spiritual as well). But this is the role God gave to men. The reason it is important in the church is that the leader of the church, the senior Pastor, is the example to all the families in the church of spiritual leadership. When men see a woman preaching or teaching other men, he could be left with the impression that is fine for a woman to lead the home spiritually as well, relieving him of his responsibility (from God) to be spiritually involved in the home.

 

Today, we get all hung up about men's and women's roles. We need to get over it. Men need to lead spiritually as God has called them. Wives need to support their husband in the home. Outside the home, I see no scriptural teaching on secular leadership. I do think as a society, women have been lied to about the most fulfilling role for them. Mothers and wives are not very glamorous jobs, especially when married to an unbelieving husband who is not the spiritual head of the home. But the most fulfilling thing a woman can do is to marry a godly man and be a full-time mother to their children. You might think differently or not recognize the truth, but you are fighting against God's order (plan). Jesus once said to Paul, "it is hard to kick against the goads." Jacob spent 40 years fighting against God's plan. A life fighting against God is disappointing, frustrating, and difficult.

 

PONDER:

1. If you are a man, have you stepped up to the role of leading your home spiritually?
2. If you are a woman, are you willing to follow the role God has given you to support your husband in building a home?

 

PRAYER: Father, in today's culture, this is an especially difficult truth that many fight against. We really are kicking against the goads (the prod used to move the oxen). But we seem to enjoy fighting you rather than agreeing with you on what is best for our lives. We really are like Adam and Eve, choosing to be our own gods (our own right and wrong) than submitting to your rulership. Forgive us for our rebellion. Help us to change our mindset. Help us to serve you fully and experience the joy that comes from being in agreement with your plan.

QT 4/17/2025 1 Cor 14:26–31, God is a God of order

1 Corinthians 14:26–31 (ESV) —

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged,

 

NOTE: The church is to have order. In all things, there is order, not chaos. And while some would suggest that life is created out of chaos, well mathematically, there is not enough time or galaxies in the universe to create life. Some have suggested infinite universes to get over the probability problem. God created life -- whether he used a process like guided evolution or just created new life forms as needed, it had order to it. We are tremendously complex creatures, and there is order. As sin has overtaken the world since the fall, we see more and more disorder, disease, and chaos. The bible even says that the creation groans under the impact of it all. Our worship services should reflect our God who created order. There is certainly room for creativity and new ideas, but there should never be chaos. In the case of tongues, Paul clearly says that the individual is in control of the gift. It is not a random shouting out in some uncontrolled manner. That is the way Satan and demons work, in chaos. For some reason, people think that Spiritual things should just happen spasmodically, but they don't, they are under control of our will.

 

PONDER:

1. If God is a God or order, how should my own life look?
2. Do I live chaotically? Do I work chaotically? Do I keep my house chaotically?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is an old human statement, that cleanliness is next to Godliness (or something like that). Although it is not a biblical statement, there is probably some truth to that. Order is good for our souls. Help me to see areas in my life where I have let disorder crowd out order. There is a peace that comes with order and a feeling too. Give me ideas on how I can improve this area of my life.

QT 4/16/2025 1 Cor 14:16–25, The word of God gives supernatural change

1 Corinthians 14:16–25 (ESV) —

16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

 

NOTE: Paul seems to contradict himself at the end, but I think what he is saying in verses 22-25, is that the existence of signs communicates a new and amazing thing is happening to an outsider or unbeliever, but it is the message (prophecy), in an understood language, which will convict them of sin and cause them to repent. In that case or in all cases, speaking the word of truth (prophesy) is useful for all, believers and unbelievers.

 

I think Paul is making his point quite well -- choose teaching over tongues. The Corinthians have elevated the supernatural signs instead of relying on the truth of God's word. Teaching sounds boring, but it is as much supernatural as tongues or miracles if you stop to look. The word of God transforms lives, restores relationships, and provides a peace that surpasses understanding. I attended a discipleship celebration a few days ago, and without a doubt, the supernatural nature of God was on display: lives were changes; relationships with loved ones restored; and God had come alive in their hearts.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I experiencing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, or am I just going through the motions of church?
2. Am I looking for supernatural events or am I looking for the real God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your word and the tremendous power it has in people's lives. It continues to change and renew me. I know that it has power because I have seen its power work. I pray for others to know and experience the power of the word of God and a relationship with you. There is nothing in life that can compare. The evil one steals the true joy and replaces it with garbage that does not last, but you give peace and joy that cannot be taken away.

QT 4/15/2025 1 Cor 14:10-15, What am I doing to build others up?

1 Corinthians 14:10–15 (ESV) —

10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

 

NOTE: I think the real problem was spiritual pride. The Corinthians saw tongues as a measure of spirituality. And there are two things wrong with their  eagerness, one, spiritual pride is not a good thing, and two, the more important thing is to build up others, not your own spiritual pride. The purpose of ministry is not to be seen and held up by the church. The purpose of positions are not to be seen and lauded by the church. Every ministry and every position should be for the good of the body.

 

We had a discipleship celebration a couple of nights ago. It was a chance for people to share things that God was doing in their lives. I wish we could do it more often. It is so encouraging to hear how God is working in other's lives. The sharing of that work, encourages and builds every member up.

 

How am I building others up in the church? The question is not, how am I using my spiritual gift. Too many people get hung up on finding their gift. My response to them is to serve. If you are serving, you will find your gift.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I building others up in the church?
2. Where do I allow myself to be puffed about responsibility or ministry involvement?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am the last person to rebuke a person for spiritual pride. I feel like I fail at that point constantly. I say things and then I wish I had never said that, because it was just spiritual pride. Forgive me for my sin and weakness. Help me to do a better job of listening to others and building them up. I don't have to tell my story every time another person tells theirs. I want to be more sensitive to your spirit's leading and more empathetic in my encounters with others.

QT 4/14/2025 1 Cor 14:1-9, Sponges can be good or smelly

1 Corinthians 14:1–9 (ESV) —

1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

 

NOTE: There are a couple of things of note. One, you can desire other spiritual gifts. You are not limited to the gift you receive at salvation. Also, when I consider the gifts, most gifts build up or help others, with the exception of tongues. Paul uses prophecy (I define as warning people of what the bible says about how to live life), but teaching, mercy, helps, evangelism, and others also have an outward focus. I suppose wisdom and knowledge, if kept to themselves, could be gifts that only help the person who has them, but not if the person is using them to teach others.

 

I believe I have a gift of teaching and possibly knowledge. I think God might be developing mercy in me, as hard things in my life have taught me to be empathetic to others.

 

The message here is that we need to make sure that we are not making noise but we are building others up.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I just a part of the babble, sharing things without listening to the Holy Spirit teach me?
2. Am I using my gift, or just a sponge that never gets used? How can I change that?

 

PRAYER: Father, sponges are great. They absorb things. But a sponge that is never used, stinks after a while. Father, I want to absorb the things you teach me, and then I want to use them to help others, to make things better. Help me to see those opportunities to use my spiritual gifts in new ways to help others to grow in their faith. Even as I watch my grandchildren, and am apparently used up in time, let me see the places where I can serve the body.

QT 4/11/2025 1 Cor 13:6-13, Learning to love is more important than just about anything else

1 Corinthians 13:6–13 (ESV) —

6 it (love) does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

NOTE: There are many ways people have chosen to interpret verses 9-11, I think the simplest is that as we mature in Christ and ultimately are transformed by Jesus, love will remain, and all these other things will disappear. We will know the truth, we won't have to teach it. We will know God, we won't have to encourage people to get into the word to know God. Therefore, while I am encouraged to use my gift now to build up the church, I should be even more energized to love people, a far greater goal that will last into eternity. How? That part, I don't know. In fact, I really don't know how I will be changed. I do know that the inner man is corrupted by sin, and that our new body will not have that corruption. Technically, I won't even be tempted to sin in my new body. I heard someone call it "creature holiness." As the passage, now I know in part, then I shall know fully. I look forward to that day, but until that day, the emphasis should be on faith, hope, and love, with love being the most important.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you love or do you ignore that which is too hard to love?
2. Are you more concerned how people see you using your spiritual gifts or that people (and God) see you as loving?

 

PRAYER: Father, my struggle is that I ignore that which I struggle to love. Some people are easy to love, others are much harder. In the latter case, it is easier to ignore them then to learn to love them. Forgive me, I know that is wrong. Open my eyes to my lack of love. Help me to see how I can love better. Help me to use these days to see the need to love and be able to grow in my ability to love.

QT 4/10/2025 1 Cor 13:1-5, Demons rage; believers love like Jesus

1 Corinthians 13:1–5 (ESV) —

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

 

NOTE: Chapter 12 ends a discussion about using your gifts in the body with the words, "… And I will show you a still more excellent way." The more excellent way is not spiritual activity or spiritual phrases, but it is love. What is love? Love is the ultimate expression of our faith. It is how people will recognize the difference in our life. Love is why God created us. Love is why Jesus died for us. Love is a true measure of spirituality, not speaking or works or outward events. Love is a changed character which can only happen through a rebirth in the blood of Jesus Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

You can't fake "born again." A person who has put their faith in Jesus will be different, and increasingly different as they grow in that new faith. That is what matters, our character, not our spiritual gifts. The highest expression of our character is achieved in love for others. Starting in verse 4, Paul shares the implications of a born-again life: patience, kindness, humility, graciousness, thinking of others before self, and content.

 

PONDER:

1. Has Jesus Christ changed my life?
2. Did I start out with a change, but have fallen away and don't experience change any more? Am I growing in my faith? Am I spending time with the savior? Do I read the word every day?

 

PRAYER: Father, love is the goal. Love is the best word to express what Jesus is truly like. Today, it is misused. People who hold love rallies and then commit acts of violence, ravage our communities, because they have lost connection to the head or were never born again. Demon-possessed people roam our land who can't control their rage and only want to hurt others. Father, wake us up as a nation. Bring us to repentance. Help us to know Jesus, to read his word daily, to obey his word completely, and to become more like him.

QT 4/9/2025 1 Cor 12:22-31, Our involvement in the body is a reflection of our true new faith

1 Corinthians 12:22–31 (ESV) —

22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

 

NOTE: The idea of the church body is in contrast to American culture. We are a nation of rebels that left countries and risked it all in a new barbaric place. We value freedom and individuality highly. But the church is different and we need to ask God to change us. We are not independent but interdependent in the church. We don't suffer alone, but we need others. We are free but not if our freedom causes hurt to another. We are members of a group, the church, which requires our attendance, our effort, and our lives. If we have been born again through the blood of Jesus Christ, this will not surprise us and should not bother us. But, if we are playing church games, we will be bugged by the idea that the church owns us as part of its body. We need to realize that there is a huge difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus. Some people have fooled themselves into thinking they are Christians and there is not a spot of difference in their lives. Jesus changes people, they become new creatures, the old passes away and a new person emerges.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you really know Jesus or are you just playing the game of religion?
2. Has Jesus changed you from the inside out?

 

PRAYER: Father, I fear that there are many who think they are Christians but have not experienced the life changing effect of the gospel. They have fooled themselves. Deep down, their faith is in their works and not in the blood of Christ. Open our eyes to seriously examine ourselves. Show us how far we fall short of good. Let us see how evil each one of us are in our core. Brings us to repentance, and a right relationship with you built upon what you did on the cross, and not what we have done on this earth.

QT 4/8/2025 1 Cor 12:16-21, Believing that God's plan is better

1 Corinthians 12:16–21 (ESV) —

16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

 

NOTE: This passage continues the theme of "belonging." If you are a child of Christ, you belong to the body, and specifically to a local body. You cannot say that you do not need to be part of a body. You do not have that right. As a believer, you belong to the body, no ifs, ands, or buts. And not only do you belong to the local church, God has arranged the local body (its members) just as he chose. Therefore, since God "chose," you also belong to him and you have a specific function to perform in the local body. If you do not perform that function, you are fighting against God and the Holy Spirit who chose your role. Fighting against God is no way to live life. Jacob fought against God for 20, actually 40 years. It culminated in an all-night physical fight. Jacob left that fight with a limp for the rest of his life, reminding him of his long struggle with God's hold of him. The worst part for Jacob (now called Israel) is that he would struggle again with God going into an almost 20 year funk when he lost Joseph. His spirit only revived when he learned that Joseph was alive. Who wants to spend half of their life fighting God's will for your life?

 

PONDER:

1. Am I fighting God's will in my life?
2. Or am I willing to trust God with my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, at times I do feel I am fighting with you. I had certain ideas of how I would minister when I retired, and you had a different plan. I do believe that your plan is better -- well, I can say that verbally. But my emotions have not caught up with my words -- this new ministry is hard, and not as "enjoyable" as I would have planned. In a few years, I know I will feel quite differently, but for now it is my struggle. Give me grace to accept your will and your plan. Help me to focus on the positive aspects.

 

QT 4/7/2025 1 Cor 12:12-15, We belong to a body

1 Corinthians 12:12–15 (ESV) —

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

 

NOTE: An interesting thought is almost an afterthought in the passage; Paul writes that if the foot should say that it does not belong to the body that does make it any less a part of the body. So, putting this in spiritual terms that are clearly intended in verse 12, we belong to the church, some local church, and saying we don't belong does not make us any less a part of a church. We don't get to decide whether to be involved or not in the body -- we do belong to the body. Now, the question arises, what body, that is, what local church? Clearly, we belong to the universal church of Christ, but the bible is clear that we are also part of a local church. If we are not attending any local church, we have put ourselves at odds with God. We are part of the body and we need to belong to a local church. I know it is very hard to find churches, and no church will ever be perfect, because as soon as we join it, it will have our faults too. But we do need to make an effort to join a church. Video sermons do not work because church is not just what we get out of it, but church is also where we are supposed to be exercising our gifts. Don't believe the lie of Satan who will try to convince you that you do not need to be in a church. You are part of the body, you can't get out of that responsibility by saying you don't belong.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I involved in a local church?
2. Am I committed to my local church body or some dead weight that only hangs around?

 

PRAYER: Father, my church is not perfect. I am saddened at times by the worldly discussions and lack of unity. People live like the world does. But there is a core who do love you and serve you. They are not interested in being seen or puffed up in their role. They just love you. I know there are no perfect churches. I am thankful for my church that there are many who deeply desire to know you and walk with you. They love your word and they are doing the work you desire. They encourage me and excite me in my own walk. Thank you. Open the eyes of other attenders to know the reality of a relationship with you and to move away from religion.

QT 4/4/2025 1 Cor 12:1-11, A special gift given to each

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 (ESV) —

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

 

NOTE: Paul's states his purpose very clearly, he does not want the church to be misinformed about spiritual gifts -- the implication being that they were misinformed. There are a number of key principles.

 

• A person under the power of the Holy Spirit cannot teach against scripture or commit blasphemy in the use of his gift; vs 3.
• Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit (everyone has at least one spiritual gift); vs 7.
• A spiritual gift is for the common good; the purpose of the spiritual gifts are to build up the church; vs 7.
• There are many gifts as there are many types of service and as there are many types of expressions of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Lord; vs 4.
• The Holy Spirit decides and apportions spiritual gifts; vs 11.

 

There is more that could be written, but that is a nice summary of the first two paragraphs. Paul is going to spend three chapters (12-14) on this topic. Apparently there were both misinformed and abusing the doctrine of spiritual gifts. And these warnings are not just for "charismatic" churches, since all true church bodies have spiritual gifts, the non-charismatic churches do many of the same things wrong, just more subtly.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize that God has given me a gift to be used to build up the local church?
2. Am I using that gift correctly?

 

PRAYER: Father, over the years I have heard many people say that they are not sure what their gift is, but I think the problem is that they have not involved themselves in the local body enough to see what gift they have. Help us to get involved and see where you bless us and use us.