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.

QT 3/10/2025 1 Cor 6:12-20, Fighting addictions

1 Corinthians 6:12–20 (ESV) —

12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

 

NOTE: There are many addictions in life: drugs, alcohol, and pornography are the most prevalent. But anything can be an addiction: eating (leads to gluttony), playing computer games (eats up time), watching television (leads to binging and wasting time) and even work (pride in accomplishments and more power). Sexual sins are discussed in the passage above, leading to an actual physical union with another. I believe that ever increasing sexuality and lust leads to homosexuality and other perverse practices.

 

So what do we do when we live in a society that is hyper-addiction fueled and makes it easy to address these cravings? In other passages in the bible, the writers talk about taking off and putting on, in relationship to certain sins. In other words, you usually just can't stop an addiction, you need to take other steps to replace the addiction. Obviously, you need to pray and ask God for help, repenting of the addiction, but you also need to replace the activity with something else. A person who has been stealing is supposed to do something useful with their hands. A hobby, a ministry, a retreat, a person, can be good substitutes. But each of us need to figure out what we can put on to help us put off some particular sin/addiction.

 

Lastly, it takes a while to change a habit, which is what an addiction becomes. It might take many repeated failures, repenting, and starting over again. But we must never give in, we must never say it is okay or that's "just me."

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have any addictions in my life?
2. What can I add to my life as I remove the addiction from my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, we can't remove these addictions in our own strength. We need the power of your Holy Spirit that resides within the temple of our body to help us. Give us wisdom and resilience to fight with you against our sinful flesh.

QT 3/7/2025 1 Cor 6:6-11, Getting serious about our sins

1 Corinthians 6:6–11 (ESV) —

6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

NOTE: To bring another brother to court means everybody loses, even the person who so-called "wins." Because, what have you accomplished? You receive some earthly temporal satisfaction -- is it worth it? Anything you "win" is loss in eternity (in more ways than one). You receive revenge upon a brother -- is that what Christ has called us to? You feel justified -- is pride a good look for a believer. Satan certainly likes it.

 

In 15 versions of the bible, verse nine includes homosexuality (I only looked at 15). There are three Greek words used. One of the words has a suggestion of a person who keeps young boys around for their sexual pleasure. Keener writes that bisexuality was very common among Greeks. Socrates practiced it, and Plato wrote about this unnatural "love." I put the word "love" in quotes because it is not really love, it is a selfish act meant to satisfy a person's body. This behavior is destructive, both to the person and to the object of their lust. But, people who participate in homosexual activity are like all sinners (which we all are) and should be treated as human beings made in the image of God. Some things might change, like a drunkard might have his car keys taken away, but not his job or food. A gossip might be ignored by others. A liar may not be able to get a job in sales (unfortunately not true). A tax cheat might be forced to pay a fine. A sexual abuser of children may find his freedom reduced to protect other children. Sin has consequences, but people still remain people and deserve to be treated as human beings.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I take my actions seriously?
2. Do I look to root out known and unknown sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, as David prayed:

Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

Help me to see what I don't know and to be serious about what I do know.

QT 3/6/2025 1 Cor 6:1-5, Spiritual gifts is not evidence of spiritual maturity

1 Corinthians 6:1–5 (ESV) —

1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,

 

NOTE: There is some interesting insight and a very simple practical application. The interesting truth is that in the age to come, we will have the job of judging those alive during the millennial kingdom. We will also judge angels, although I'm not sure how that will work or why that is needed (you either rebelled with Satan or you didn't). Since at some point, we will be judges, we should be capable of settling trivial suits among ourselves. I believe this is another place where the elders should be involved, and where a spirit of prayer is necessary. The "easy" application is to get spiritual counsel from the elders (by definition includes pastors). Usually, there are some necessary spiritual lessons in the case where two believers are ready to go to court against each other.

 

A final point, is that despite the abundance of gifts, is Paul saying that there is a lack of wisdom in the church ("no one among you wise enough")? In churches that emphasize spiritual gifts, is there a failure to emphasize the word of God and teach the heavier topics such as biblical doctrine? Is there a relationship with an abundance of spiritual gifts and spiritual immaturity?

 

PONDER:

1. Our gifts are important to be exercised, but what are we doing to saturate our lives with thee word of God?
2. A willingness to go to court suggests a very low concept of God and the Spirit's change in a person's heart, in other words immaturity. What am I doing to mature in the faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, teach us from you word. Give us wisdom from the truth of your word so that we can live in a manner worthy of you.

QT 3/5/2025 1 Cor 5:6-13, Continual Sin

 

1 Corinthians 5:6–13 (ESV) —

6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

 

NOTE: One of the phrases we hear often is that we are not to judge people, that is God's job. But Paul makes it clear that we are to judge those who call themselves believers and are guilty of ongoing, repeated sin (in a particular area). Paul lists examples of ongoing sin that we should judge our fellow believers: sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, reviler, drunkard, and swindler. We are told to separate from these believers. What is implied, especially in context with the last section is to confront the sin first, and if there is no response, to pass it onto the leadership of the church to handle. Let me be clear, when we confront a believer over sin, it should be someone that we have had a good relationship, otherwise it is better handled by the leadership of the church. I think it can be very dangerous to judge other believers that we don't know on (probably) insufficient information. A lot that is said or heard is wrong. Also, we would be guilty of repeated gossip (also a sin). We need to show love and mercy to all, but if we have good reason to suspect a believer guilty of repeated sin, we should pass that to the elders of the church (and only to).

 

PONDER:

1. Am I aware of a believer who is continual or repeated sin, and refuses to address his/her sin?
2. Have I prayerfully address this?
3. Do I need to talk to and elder or pastor to deal with the situation?

 

PRAYER: Father, sin is so destructive in our own lives personally and in the lives of others. Your standard is holiness. I pray that we would be receptive to your spirit in our hearts convicting us of our sin. Change us, recreate us, make us into new creatures.

QT 3/4/2025 1 Cor 1:1-5, Danger of unrepentant sin

1 Corinthians 5:1–5 (ESV) —

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.

3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

 

NOTE: For all of their arrogant pride, it does not seem to be in their great spirituality, for they are allowing open incest in the church. At that time, even Pagans abhorred the practice and it was against the law in Rome. Paul is very clear that the church, probably the leadership, was to address the situation. From other passages, we know that the person should be confronted privately, and then with two or three. If he refuses to listen, you should expel him from the church. As to what should be told to the church, there are probably laws today against libel, and so it would seem to be important to do it quietly. The purpose of church discipline is not to embarrass but rather to encourage repentance in the individual. Without the benefit of the church, people struggling with sin, are in even greater danger from Satan. He is terrible taskmaster and sin saps our bodies dry.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I involved in church leadership, and have I overlooked a very public sin?
2. Am I involved in public sin and defending my actions even though they are opposed to Gods' word?

 

PRAYER: Lord, help us to see our sin and be repentant. Protect us from the devil's wiles. Have mercy on us.

QT 3/3/2025 1 Cor 4:10-21, Living for God and not self

1 Corinthians 4:10–21 (ESV) —

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

 

NOTE: This is quite a rebuke to the church from its spiritual father. They were not suffering in any way for the faith and life was quite easy, but for Paul and his companions, life was very difficult. Why? Should life be difficult? I don’t think that is the point, but it is a good question to ask ourselves. Have I become complacent in my faith? Do I live to have a comfortable life or have I made sacrifices for the sake of the gospel? What really is my goal in life, that is, what is important to me?

 

If Paul lived today, would he give the same rebuke to us? What can we do, that the Corinthians failed to do? I think there are two areas where we all fail and all can do better: our finances and our witnessing.

 

In the area of finances, God is not calling us to live as paupers (well, maybe some but their reward will be great), and we can definitely give more. I think ten percent is a good goal, but if you are wealthy, ten percent is an excuse not to give. By that I mean, the wealthy only giving ten percent allows them to live on a tremendous amount of money. Every year, every increase, I set a goal to give proportionally more than I got. By the time I retired, I found I was giving one whole paycheck a month -- it made it easier to retire. As retired, I went down to ten percent and in two years I have managed to increase it each year. I'm not a pauper, but I don't have money to waste either.

 

In the area of witnessing, it is important to put out our flag early and identify with the savior. The longer we wait, the harder it becomes. Even using something simple as "God bless" as you leave, or in recounting an incident use "the Lord was gracious." These simple phrases can at least identify yourself with belief. The next stage is asking questions, like "what has been your spiritual journey" or "do you have a church," can get a conversation going. The point is that witnessing may make people think less of you -- a certain type of suffering -- but we need to be willing to stand up for and not be ashamed of the savior.

 

PONDER:

1. Is my life comfortable because I keep all my money to myself?
2. Am I held in high esteem because no one knows about my faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray we would give in a manner that honors you and expresses our thankfulness for all that you have done. I pray we would be bold in our witnessing and not ashamed to identify with Jesus.