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.

QT 4/3/2025 1 Cor 11:27-34, Holy not common

1 Corinthians 11:27–34 (ESV) —

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

 

NOTE: Paul's comments here highlight the seriousness of the communion sacrament. It is not just a meal, and when it is treated as such, it brings judgment upon our bodies. It is a time to reflect and judge ourselves. It is a time of cleansing and renewal. And it is a time of remembering what Jesus did for us because of our sin. It is something very special. Paul goes further by saying, if you are hungry, eat at home prior to communion. In that sense, I think the church does it better today than yesterday (referring to the first century). The little wafer and grape juice will never satisfy hunger, but they are enough to emphasize the event and give us pause for introspection. There are times where a pot luck, followed or interspersed with communion, can be a very spiritual moment. But when things become routine, they lose their specialness. And when that happens, the awe and wonder disappears too. It is good to separate "holy" times from "common" times, although all things we do are holy to God, that is nothing is common. But I still argue it is good to separate the holy from the common.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I still see communion and baptism as holy times, or have they become routine?
2. During communion, do I remember that it is a time of examination in order to avoid discipline and grow in Christlikeness?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the sacraments. In the OT times, they had the feasts, holy days and weeks, to focus on you. In the NT, we still have holy days (holidays) but we have covered them over with new meanings. And we still have the sacraments (communion and baptism). Give me a renewed sense of holiness for these days.

QT 4/2/2025 1 Cor 11:17-24, Feeding others not self

1 Corinthians 11:17–26 (ESV) —

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

 

NOTE: I had not noticed that Paul had been commending them for anything except in the introductory prayer. It seems like he has only been rebuking. So, this issue must be very severe.

 

1. There are factions and divisions when they meet.
2. They do not share the Lord's supper together.
3. Some get drunk at the Lord's supper.
4. Some go hungry.

 

This sounds a little more like a pot luck and it probably was something similar that also included communion. The instruction on communion was given to Paul personally by Jesus, probably during his 13 years in the desert. They really are basic principles of life, do not drink to excess, do not eat to excess, and share with others. As for the Lord's supper, I am glad it is not a meal today, it allows me more time to focus on where I have failed the Lord, and to make sure the slate is clear. Communion cleanses me, although that is not the purpose. It reminds me of all that Jesus did on the cross for my salvation.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I act at meal times?
2. How do I act in regards to drink and food, excess or control?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray to be sensitive to others and not focused on feeding my flesh. Help me to see people that you place around me to serve and help.

QT 4/1/2025 1 Cor 11:8-16, God's commands can be difficult, but still true

1 Corinthians 11:8–16 (ESV) —

8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

 

NOTE: This is another passage that many want to ascribe to different cultural norms, but I don't think that is possible. For one, verse 16 makes it sound as if it was taught all across the Roman empire to all the churches (with no exceptions). The principle again, is the headship or authority of the man in marriage, and in the church (the reference of wife and also prayer place our context). In this case, the long hair is also in reference to angels which would seem to place it outside of just a cultural norm. I do think that for a woman, her hair is very important, it is her glory. And unless she has a medical condition, hair is preferred to bald. For a man, it is hard to say -- I think short hair is better than long hair, that is to distinguish himself from a woman, but I am loathe to argue the point. Again, verse 16 seems to be a warning -- "If anyone is inclined to be contentions, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God."

 

How do we respond when the word of God teaches something that we do not want to believe? I think we have only one true choice. If God says something and I say something, who is right? God is always right and I need to change my view. But what if the writers got it wrong? I think God is powerful enough to protect his word. A good study of the historicity of the bible will show that to be true.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I respond to God's word when the passage is difficult or conflicts with the culture, such as homosexuality?
2. Who is always right in a disagreement, God or myself?

 

PRAYER: Father, I believe your word holds the truth for a purposeful and abundant (not meaning materially rich) life. Help me to let go of my pride and rebellion, and do as you command.

QT 3/31/2025 1 Cor 11:1-7, Headship is a command

1 Corinthians 11:1–7 (ESV) —

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.

 

NOTE: This passage causes a lot of problems for many people. I would start out by saying that the word of God is true. God has given the headship role to the man in the church and home. I don't believe that is true in secular roles because they are not discussed here. But we do see the words: prayer, prophesies, wife, and husband -- words used in church and marriage. In the examples that follow the command, we see how cultural norms play out in biblical values. For a variety reasons, hair length and covering were important 2000 years ago. The cultural implications of the biblical truth, that the man is to be the head of the family, and men are to be the head of the church remain true today, although are expressed differently. We cannot sweep God's truth out the door. From the very beginning, God gave man and woman separate roles. One is not greater than the other in the eyes of God, and there is great fulfillment when we understand and fulfill our role. Sadly, many men, and women fail to fulfill the role God has given. In fact, if there is one reason why a wife has taken headship in the home, it is because her husband has failed her and the children. He is selfish and narcistic. It is a lot of work to do it right, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

Headship is not dictatorship. Jesus example of headship was to sacrifice his life for the church, his bride. Let's start there when we talk about headship.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I taken my role seriously?
2. Or am I too selfish to do what God has commanded me to do?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would not succumb to laziness and selfishness. I pray I would lead and be the example to my grown children and my wife. Thankfully, I did it right when younger and I see that in my son and daughter today. I also see the struggles in couples whose father failed to be a Christ-like head. Thank you for the grace to do it right even though I fail in so many things.

QT 3/28/2025 1 Cor 10:23-11:1, Be willing to give up your rights for others

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 (ESV) —

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

 

NOTE: The statements "Why should my liberty be determined by another's conscience? … why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" are meant to provoke thought. While our freedom should not be limited by another's conscience, it should indeed be guided by love for others. This means that sometimes, we must be willing to give up our freedoms for the sake of others. This concept can be challenging, especially in America, a nation founded by individuals who resisted having their freedoms restricted and took risks to settle in a new land. However, the Christian response calls for sacrificing personal freedom out of love for others. Our liberty does not outweigh another believer's conscience if we aim to practice love. Ultimately, there are values more important than liberty, such as our witness, which is demonstrated through our love for others.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I demand my rights?
2. Am I more interested in my rights than another's?

 

PRAYER: Father, this is not easy. We are selfish and narcissistic, focusing only on ourselves. Open our eyes to see truth and how our actions violate the spirit of the law of Grace.

QT 3/27/2025 1 Cor 10:17-22, Dangerous Liaisons

1 Corinthians 10:17–22 (ESV) —

17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

 

NOTE: Paul had just argued that Demons are nothing and meat that has been sacrificed to Demons is nothing. But now, Paul seems to argue the opposite. I think the difference is that in one case there is participation in a worship service to an idol that is attended by demons. At the same time, we participate in Communion. Participation shows allegiance, and you can't be on both sides. Similarly, you can't serve God and mammon (money). As a believer, however knowledgeable we think we are, there should be an allegiance to God only. There is no place for this dallying in evil systems. It is dangerous and quite literally can kill you. There is one God and we should be devoted to him alone. Let's not play with fire, let's be totally sold out on Jesus

 

PONDER:

1. Where do I play with the world's fire?
2. How can I move away from the danger?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see my own failures and the games I unknowingly play with myself. I want to be holy. I want to be yours alone.

QT 3/26/2025 1 Cor 10:12-16, Playing games or being serious

1 Corinthians 10:12–16 (ESV) —

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

 

NOTE: We all fall to sin and fail. We all are tempted, but we don't need to be overtaken. We don't have to give in and say "I am always defeated in this area so I will not try." We must pick ourselves up when we fall, though we fall 7 times 77 times (this reference is for forgiveness, but it works both ways). We repent and confess our sin. We get back into the battle. The promise is that the Lord will provide the way of escape.

 

I think part of the reason we fail and don't see the way of escape is that we are not serious about the Christian disciplines. We don't read our bible. We don't meditate on and memorize scripture. We don't have a personal devotion time. We don't pray each day in depth. We are pretty much secularized people pretending to be Christians, yet no power to show.

 

PONDER:

• Once again, the question is, am I serious about my relationship with God or am I just playing religion games?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that we would seek you. We don't stop seeking when we are saved. We need to continue to seek you with all of our energy. Forgive me for trying to live on my laurels and not being serious about growing more deeply in my relationship with you.

QT 3/25/2025 1 Cor 10:1-11, Believing he cares

1 Corinthians 10:1–11 (ESV) —

1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

 

NOTE: Paul is arguing that the Exodus generation were believers, they were baptized, they ate spiritual food, and drank spiritual water from the Rock which was Christ. But God was not pleased with them, and all but two physically died in the desert failing to get to the promised land. They put God to the test and were destroyed. They grumbled against God's plan and were destroyed. Technically, if they believed, they were saved, but they missed out on being part of God's plan here on earth. In Hebrews, it says their fault was unbelief, but not in regards to salvation, rather their unbelief was in a God that cared for them. As Hebrews says:

 

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) — And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

 

What does it mean to please God? It means to obey. A believer cannot increase or decrease God's love for them. His love is incredible and unchanging. But, we can please or displease him by our actions and our faith.

 

Hebrews 11:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

 

What is my faith like? Do I believe he understands what is going on my life and cares about it?

 

PONDER:

1. Does my faith in God's activities in my life please God?
2. Do I really understand how much God loves me?
3. Am I obedient to his word?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my salvation and the changed life you have wrought within me. Continue to work your miracle withing me. I pray I would please you in all that I do.

 

QT 3/24/2025 1 Cor 9:18-27, How to witness for Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:18–27 (ESV) —

18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

NOTE: Paul mentions four groups to whom he has ministered: Jews, those under the law, those outside the law, and the weak. The first two groups seemed to be the same, except that Paul distinctly separates them. I think Jews and those under the law are both Jewish, but that the first group is ethnic Jews, and the second group is religious Jews. Today, there are many more ethnic Jews than there are religious Jews. They are proud of their heritage, but in most cases, don't even believe in God. The Jews have accomplished much in the world scientifically, financially, and in entertainment. I don't think any group has accomplished more. When Paul says he "became," he wasn't suggesting duplicity in relationships but rather finding common ground with the particular group, listening more and saying less. The most important part of our witness is our ability to love the ungodly. We have to care for people and make it our goal to know what is going on in their lives, and to help where we can. Our love will show Jesus, and our love is what will bring them to Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I listen to others, or am I always trying to correct others?
2. Do I really love others; do I ever think of what I can do to help them in life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be aware of the needs of my neighbors and to love them. Help me to see needs. Help me to pray. Help me to love them.

QT 3/21/2025 1 Cor 9:8-17, Be thankful for you spiritual guides

1 Corinthians 9:8–17 (ESV) —

8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.

 

NOTE: In some ways, I wonder if Paul's humble service actually created a little of the separation between the church and his authority. It seems like financial support might have reminded the church of Paul's authority, but after a while, "out-of-sight, out-of-mind," allowed them to forget what Paul had done for them. They probably started to see their Christian conversion, change, and walk as coming as a result of their own human efforts and teaching. I think that this is something that can happen to each of us. We forget how we got to where we are today. There were spiritual men and women who brought us to Christ and taught us. And God himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit has brought about a new creature. We would do well to remember those who had an impact on our Christian life and whom God used to bring about our reversal, our salvation. For myself men, like Bill M., Bill C., Larry L., and so many others, helped me in the process of sanctification.

 

PONDER:

1. Who are the people who challenged you in your walk with God?
2. Have you told them and God how much you appreciate them?

 

PRAYER: Thank you for bringing me to salvation and placing godly men around me who could shape and change me. I pray that I would be the same person to those you place around me to help.

QT 3/20/2025 1 Cor 9:1-7, Spending our life for what lasts

1 Corinthians 9:1–7 (ESV) —

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

 

NOTE: Paul had every right to make demands of his children for his living expenses. He had done so much and sacrificed so much for their salvation. They were the seal of his apostleship, the proof of God's calling in his life. He is not, at this point, trying to seek compensation or get paid back. But they do owe him something and that something is to listen to and take his wisdom to heart. A lot of people (certain leaders) will take advantage of the flock, but those who truly love and care for the flock, will sacrifice everything for the flock. These are the people we should truly look up to and listen. We have the advantage today of having Paul's writings to the churches. Paul never got rich, in fact, he suffered greatly. At the end of his life, he owned a cloak and a few books (parchments and scrolls). He did not have a bank account, and certainly not much money. But in one sense, he was the most blessed man on the earth, he knew Jesus and he saw others come to know Jesus like he did. There is no greater joy than those two things. He wasn't married, but he had many spiritual children and grandchildren. His life was a life well spent.

 

PONDER:

1. What do I spend my life on?
2. Will what I spend my life on, last?

 

PRAYER: Father, Paul is such a great example of godliness, love, and sacrifice. Paul had an eternal perspective in life. He was not caught up in grandeur, he was caught up in love for Jesus. Father, grow my own love for you.

QT 3/19/2025 1 Cor 8:7-13, Selfishness, the great destroyer

1 Corinthians 8:7–13 (ESV) —

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

 

NOTE: In our day and age of freedom and individual rights, we chaff at the idea that our actions are limited by another's conscience. And the reason we chaff at that idea, if we are willing to admit it, is that we are selfish. We really only care about ourselves, and we don't like have to limit our actions because of another person. We use stupid statements like, "it's not fair," and "it's not my conviction." Yet, if we had a family member that had a deathly response to fragrances, we would do all we could to protect the person from fragrances, and we wouldn't think twice about our "freedoms" or "rights." But because we don't really love others, we chaff that our freedom should somehow be restricted by another's conviction. What selfishness -- oh, how we need a wakeup call!

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize my own selfishness?
2. Am I willing to change my behavior in order to protect the faith of a younger believer?

 

PRAYER: Father, we were born into sin and selfishness. We pretend that we are not selfish, but we are. Help us to continue to see our deep selfishness, and continue to repent every time it is exposed. Have mercy on us.

QT 3/18/2025 1 Cor 8:1-6, Using knowledge to love

1 Corinthians 8:1–6 (ESV) —

1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

 

NOTE: The statement that "we all possess knowledge" is true, and even more true, is that we all think we possess knowledge. But knowledge without application or love is really worthless, and only serves to puff up the individual. True useful knowledge is keenly useful when applied with love. Knowing that there is only one God and sacrifices to idols are meaningless, is good but useless if you use that knowledge to hurt another believer in Christ. Jesus' command to love and identification of true disciples based on love stands out as the true measurement of whether you really possess knowledge or not.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I using my knowledge to love another?
2. Do I ever get puffed up about knowledge I have? What can I do to stay humble?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for knowledge, but I never want to become the person who misuses knowledge or looks down upon another person whom you have created because the person lacks knowledge. Help me to be very sensitive in my use of knowledge.

QT 3/17/2025 1 Cor 7:32-40, Living for that which lasts for eternity

1 Corinthians 7:32–40 (ESV) —

32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

 

NOTE: On one side of the coin, it would seem that Paul is ignoring the command to be fruitful and multiply. Since he is not commanding his view point but rather suggesting, he is not violating God's law. Plus, he believed that the days were (are) drawing to an end. The world is not as God originally intended. The greater mission is the Great Commission, not the Great Multiplication.

 

Life is different from what it was at creation. Sin has changed everything, and the cross changed everything again. To use an old analogy, the ship is sinking and we need to be focused on saving people. We can't expect to live life such that life itself is the reward. This life is no longer our reward. Ever since we lost access to the tree of life and our days were reduced to 7-score, living for this life has been an empty bucket. We need to prepare ourselves for the new millennium. We need to do all that we can to become more like our savior.

 

PONDER:

What am I living for? This life or for God?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to remain focused on that which is most important. There is nothing evil about enjoying the good things that you provide, but it is a waste to live for them.

QT 3/14/2025 1 Cor 7:25-31, Where do we put our affections?

1 Corinthians 7:25–31 (ESV) —

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

 

NOTE: Even though this was written almost 2000 years ago, the wisdom still holds true. Stuff brings worldly troubles. It is nice to own a home until the roof needs replacing or you live in Texas and the foundation is moving. More stuff just fills up closets and attics, such that downsizing will take a herculean effort. And all the stuff takes time that could be spent in the work of the kingdom. It requires ever increasing money that could be given to the Lord. And it fills up our hearts with inconsequential desires. Whether we buy another gizmo won't help us to know God or grow deeper in our relationship to him. So Paul's advice, there is nothing evil about marriage and having stuff, but it will add worldly troubles, and in most cases it will make us less effective in our personal ministries.

 

PONDER:

1. What commands my time?
2. What owns my heart?
3. What do I need to get rid of?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from myself, from my bad decisions. Help me to make right choices with a view toward your kingdom. I want to continue to fall in love with you and not with things.

QT 3/13/2025 1 Cor 7:17-24, A price too great to pay

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 (ESV) —

17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

 

NOTE: I like the phrase "you were bought with a price." I don't think we really understand the cost of our salvation. It was a price only God could pay, so it was an infinite cost. Mathematically speaking, infinity divided by a billion or more people is still infinity. We never had the ability to save ourselves. We were dead in our sin and trespasses. We were made alive in Jesus Christ. And now we are adopted into the family of God and co-heirs with Christ. It is amazing, and it is incomprehensible. A day should not go by where we do not thank God for our salvation. And if we really believe the price paid was so high, we would live in a manner worth of the gospel in obedience to our God out of love.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I really believe that God paid an infinite price to save me?
2. How is that reflected in my obedience to God out of love for what he did?

 

PRAYER: I admit, I don't understand your great love or why you picked me. And I could to so much better in obedience to your word. Forgive me for my callousness. I pray my life would truly honor you and express my thankfulness.

QT 3/12/2025 1 Cor 7:8-16, Rules regarding separation and divorce

1 Corinthians 7:8–16 (ESV) —

8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

 

NOTE: It is clear that Paul is uncomfortable in some of his instructions, yet is giving his best wisdom. The two cases are married couples separating, and spouses who are married to an unbelieving spouse. In the first case, it is not his opinion but the Lord. Married believers are bound to each other but it appears separation is okay for a time. In the second case, Paul gives his opinion, not the Lord's command, that marriage to an unbeliever should stand if at all possible, for the sake of the children, and for the sake of the unbelieving spouse.

 

In today's day and age, these instructions seem archaic. But if we desire to live according to the truth, these passages are the word of God. If a person has divorced or committed adultery, there is forgiveness at the cross, and there are consequences of the sin. This is true of all sin. Theft, lying, and drunkenness are all sins that are forgiven at the cross, but also have consequences. All sin, to include divorce, has temporal consequences, and all sin is covered by the eternal blood of Jesus. The shame is taken away by the blood.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I confessed a sin, but feel like it is not forgiven? All sin is covered by the blood of Jesus.
2. Am I contemplating an action against God's word? All sin has consequences, but there are cases where certain actions are appropriate. In my opinion, when a spouse is physically threatened, that is the same as adultery, and one can separate (probably divorce as well, but that is only my opinion).

 

PRAYER: Father, our would of sin makes life so difficult. When Jesus was questioned about divorce, he answered that the reason (he had) Moses wrote a writ of divorce was because of SIN. That is, there will always be situations where man's sin makes reconciliation impossible. It was not your plan from the beginning. Father, help us to overcome our pain and our shame. Help us to fully seek you and enjoy the cleansing power of the cross.

QT 3/11/2025 1 Cor 7:1-7, The danger of sin outside of marriage

1 Corinthians 7:1–7 (ESV) —

1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

 

NOTE: So, it seems abstaining from sexual relations is good and having sexual relations is also good, since after creation, God said everything was good. But God's original classification of good was within the context of marriage. Paul says that there is a temptation to sexual immorality, and so marriage is protection from committing sexual immorality. In our day and age, as well as in ages past, Satan has used the temptation to sexual immorality to corrupt man. What is different now than before, is the ease of sexual sins brought about by technology: television, internet, computer, and smartphone. All sin corrupts and separates us from God in some way. We have the Holy Spirit within us, which is why our body is a temple. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit because it defiles the temple. In the earlier passage, Paul says that sexual sin does something to the body, not just our relationship to God. I think what it does is since sexual immorality is never satisfied, it ruins our good relationships and causes us to seek more and more perverse satisfaction.

 

PONDER:

Do I believe sex outside of marriage is sin? If not, then I am in conflict with God.

 

PRAYER: Father, this is such a dangerous sin. The culture has pretty much defined it as not being sin in order to entrap us. Protect us. Open our eyes. Deliver us.