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.

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.