Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? My family had a wonderful time in Minnesota spending time with Justin's family. It's been a full week since I posted - a full week since I've been on the web. It's nice now & then to unplug & relax. To spend time with family - face-to-face instead of screen-to-screen. But now it's time to pick up where we left off with Paul.
Paul defends himself a lot in this book. Mainly because he left the Corinthians with some bad blood between them. Paul continues to emphasize that he is a servant to the Corinthians, that he loves them and wants what is best for them. Remember that love isn't telling someone what they want to hear, it's telling them what they need to hear in order to live the best life possible. Here Paul confirms that his ministry is not easy - there are many struggles and hardships, yet the rewards of serving God far outweigh the bad times. It reminds me that we need to be eternally minded. Don't get so stuck on the happenings of today. Look at the big picture. Yes, there is work & struggle, but there is also rest & peace.
Then Paul transitions into a bit of good advice - don't align yourself with non-believers. Does this mean that we are to never have contact with non-Christians? No! We are called to minister to our world. What this is saying is your close, intimate relationships should be with people who have the same belief system that you do. This goes for anyone, not just Christians. This advice doesn't set Christians up as superior to other people. It's not prideful advice. It's simple common sense. People with differing world views - be they Christians, Atheist, Mormon, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish - should not bind themselves together. I heard a great illustration concerning glasses. Everyone views the world through a particular set of glasses that bring everything into focus. Don't bind yourself to someone who focuses differently than you do. It will only bring struggle, strive, and pain. Relationships are difficult enough without having a totally different view of how to live. You will always be pulling at each other if you do.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:14- 21
The New Life (Or Equality through Jesus)
As people we are very good at judging one another. We watch & listen to those around us & then categorize their behavior. Some are deemed good, others bad. Some are sought out, others are ignored. Some are idolized, others are ostracized. Some are praised, others disgraced. Project Runway sums it up pretty good, "One day you're in, the next you're out." How horrible to live this way, worrying about our every decision - will others like it? What will they say? What will they think?
Paul says, "STOP!" Don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. Realize that God put us all on an even playing field when Jesus died for our sins. I like what the Message Bible says, "God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins." Jesus, that wonderful peacemaker has offered us each a fresh start, a new life in Him. One in which we don't need to live by the world's standards of weights and measurements. Instead, we all get to focus on Jesus, recognizing that we are all sinners saved by grace.
So, stop judging & start telling. Tell others how awesome God is. Tell them how He offers peace & new life. Tell them how He saved you. Tell them about your relationship with Him. Tell them how good it is to walk in this new life. Notice how our focus has changed? We no longer tell about each other - who did what, has what, said what. Instead, we tell about Jesus Christ & build each other up in faith. Talk about world peace!
And remember, "Become a friend with God; he's already a friend with you. How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."
As people we are very good at judging one another. We watch & listen to those around us & then categorize their behavior. Some are deemed good, others bad. Some are sought out, others are ignored. Some are idolized, others are ostracized. Some are praised, others disgraced. Project Runway sums it up pretty good, "One day you're in, the next you're out." How horrible to live this way, worrying about our every decision - will others like it? What will they say? What will they think?
Paul says, "STOP!" Don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. Realize that God put us all on an even playing field when Jesus died for our sins. I like what the Message Bible says, "God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins." Jesus, that wonderful peacemaker has offered us each a fresh start, a new life in Him. One in which we don't need to live by the world's standards of weights and measurements. Instead, we all get to focus on Jesus, recognizing that we are all sinners saved by grace.
So, stop judging & start telling. Tell others how awesome God is. Tell them how He offers peace & new life. Tell them how He saved you. Tell them about your relationship with Him. Tell them how good it is to walk in this new life. Notice how our focus has changed? We no longer tell about each other - who did what, has what, said what. Instead, we tell about Jesus Christ & build each other up in faith. Talk about world peace!
And remember, "Become a friend with God; he's already a friend with you. How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."
Monday, November 21, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Our Heavenly Dwelling
We're still speaking of the mortal vs the immortal. When God formed us from the dust, He breathed life into us - making us different from the plants and animals. We have His Spirit. Because of this Spirit, there is an awareness of our mortality and a longing for the coming immortality. Even those who don't know or acknowledge God have this longing. Many attempt to fill it with relationships, substances, or stuff. Those of us who know God, who are actively seeking a relationship with Him have confidence that this longing will be fulfilled.
So - live by faith, not by sight. Live according to the Word of God, not according to what the world tells you. In this you will find fulfillment & joy.
We're still speaking of the mortal vs the immortal. When God formed us from the dust, He breathed life into us - making us different from the plants and animals. We have His Spirit. Because of this Spirit, there is an awareness of our mortality and a longing for the coming immortality. Even those who don't know or acknowledge God have this longing. Many attempt to fill it with relationships, substances, or stuff. Those of us who know God, who are actively seeking a relationship with Him have confidence that this longing will be fulfilled.
So - live by faith, not by sight. Live according to the Word of God, not according to what the world tells you. In this you will find fulfillment & joy.
Friday, November 18, 2011
2 Corinthians 4
Treasures in Jars of Clay
I love this title. We are the jars & our treasure is Jesus Christ. How awesome is that? When we invite Jesus in, He actually fills us with His Holy Spirit. So, it's not the outward appearance that is important, it's the inward spirit that gives us value. Beauty will fade, but the eternal Spirit will remain. Kind of makes me want to spend more time on what lasts than what fades away.
Along with this, we are filled with His power. In life there will be trials, tribulations, troubles - but we have nothing to fear, for Jesus has filled us with His life. Death could not defeat Him, so what else do we have to fear? Do we need to water down the Scriptures? Quiet our testimony? Hide out in the dark, afraid of showing others our light? No! In fact, we are to let the Spirit overflow. Let it shine, share it with others. This is not a finite treasure that you must hide for yourself! This treasure grows & multiplies the more you share it.
So, fine faith, strength, and courage in the Spirit. Let your light shine!
I love this title. We are the jars & our treasure is Jesus Christ. How awesome is that? When we invite Jesus in, He actually fills us with His Holy Spirit. So, it's not the outward appearance that is important, it's the inward spirit that gives us value. Beauty will fade, but the eternal Spirit will remain. Kind of makes me want to spend more time on what lasts than what fades away.
Along with this, we are filled with His power. In life there will be trials, tribulations, troubles - but we have nothing to fear, for Jesus has filled us with His life. Death could not defeat Him, so what else do we have to fear? Do we need to water down the Scriptures? Quiet our testimony? Hide out in the dark, afraid of showing others our light? No! In fact, we are to let the Spirit overflow. Let it shine, share it with others. This is not a finite treasure that you must hide for yourself! This treasure grows & multiplies the more you share it.
So, fine faith, strength, and courage in the Spirit. Let your light shine!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
The Glory of the New Covenant
The New Covenant - Jesus' death & resurrection - far exceeds the Old Covenant - keeping the law. In the old covenant, people had to offer all sorts of sacrifices for the forgiveness of their sins. However, the new covenant is based on Jesus' sacrifice. What man did imperfectly, Jesus did perfectly. This new covenant we live under is glorious & superior. Therefore, we should not treat it casually.
What's all this talk of Moses & a veil? Turn back to Exodus 34:29-35. Moses went up the mountain to talk with God. There he was given the Law, including the Ten Commandments. When he returned from this talk, his face was radiant & glowing. However, the further from God he got, the less he glowed. So, he put a veil over his face. This veil represented the fading of the old covenant, the veiling of people's understanding as they allowed pride & hard-heartedness to take over, and their inability to understand the references to the coming Messiah. When Jesus came, when we believe - the veil is ripped off. There is no more fading, there is no more question of who the Messiah is & what he is all about. Jesus came to sacrifice himself to redeem our souls. How awesome is that?
Just remember - the closer Moses got to God, the more radiant he was. The closer we get to God, the more radiant we become. Radiance isn't just an outward beauty. It's a warmth, a contentment, a peace that starts in your spirit. Who doesn't want that?
The New Covenant - Jesus' death & resurrection - far exceeds the Old Covenant - keeping the law. In the old covenant, people had to offer all sorts of sacrifices for the forgiveness of their sins. However, the new covenant is based on Jesus' sacrifice. What man did imperfectly, Jesus did perfectly. This new covenant we live under is glorious & superior. Therefore, we should not treat it casually.
What's all this talk of Moses & a veil? Turn back to Exodus 34:29-35. Moses went up the mountain to talk with God. There he was given the Law, including the Ten Commandments. When he returned from this talk, his face was radiant & glowing. However, the further from God he got, the less he glowed. So, he put a veil over his face. This veil represented the fading of the old covenant, the veiling of people's understanding as they allowed pride & hard-heartedness to take over, and their inability to understand the references to the coming Messiah. When Jesus came, when we believe - the veil is ripped off. There is no more fading, there is no more question of who the Messiah is & what he is all about. Jesus came to sacrifice himself to redeem our souls. How awesome is that?
Just remember - the closer Moses got to God, the more radiant he was. The closer we get to God, the more radiant we become. Radiance isn't just an outward beauty. It's a warmth, a contentment, a peace that starts in your spirit. Who doesn't want that?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
2 Corinthian 2:12-3:6
Paul is still defending his ministry. Some travel with letters of recommendation. Paul states he does not need this letter; his letter is the church itself. Why question the integrity of the man who came to sincerely share the gospel with them?
There are many ways to act spiritual - a letter of recommendation, a fancy degree, having "all the answers". Don't look at a man's credentials and knowledge, look at the fruit of his work and life. Does your pastor lead a life that lines up with the Scriptures? Does his teaching line up with the Scriptures? Does he preach with love, compassion, and conviction?
Your spiritual leader has a huge impact on your life. Make sure you're intrusting yourself to a man of God.
There are many ways to act spiritual - a letter of recommendation, a fancy degree, having "all the answers". Don't look at a man's credentials and knowledge, look at the fruit of his work and life. Does your pastor lead a life that lines up with the Scriptures? Does his teaching line up with the Scriptures? Does he preach with love, compassion, and conviction?
Your spiritual leader has a huge impact on your life. Make sure you're intrusting yourself to a man of God.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4
Today we will begin reading 2 Corinthians. This is actually Paul's 4th letter to this church. It was received about a year or so after 1 Corinthians in A.D. 55/56. It is said this is the most personal of all Paul's correspondence as he tackles the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit. There had been some murmurings that Paul suffered too much to be spirit-filled and therefore wasn't an apostle. This is an issue near & dear to my heart, for I have seen and experienced suffering in my family. This letter helps to reassure me that God is there & He loves me. Let's dig in:
Since this is a letter, Paul begins with greetings. He then hits the theme of this letter straight on the head - suffering. I like what he has to say:
- God will comfort us in our troubles.
- We will all have suffering, but we will also all find comfort.
- Suffering allows us to rely on God, realizing that we have very little power over the circumstances of our lives. However, when we rely on God, He WILL deliver us.
Finally, we read an explanation of Paul's intentions in traveling and his purpose for this letter. Paul planned to visit the Corinthian church twice, once on his way to collect money for the destitute, and again on the way back. His first visit turned out to be disastrous. The church was in turmoil over some false teachings and they rejected Paul. He left in order to avoid additional conflict and sent a letter (now lost) encouraging the church to repent and come back to the true teaching of Christ. Many in the church listened; however, there was still a minority that continued to reject Paul. This letter was sent to clear up the continued misunderstandings & prepare the church for Paul's third visit.
What I find interesting is Paul's leadership here. He has every right to come down harshly on this church. However, rather than stand & fight, Paul turned the other cheek. He left a volatile situation & began writing to the people & sharing his heart with them. I have learned over the years that in times of trouble & intense emotion, writing helps eliminate the anger. Being able to stop & think & put thoughts down on a piece of paper gives you time to pray & really assess the issue. It allows a cooling off period for the others involved, allowing them to get control of their emotions and see their way out of anger. As we read this letter, pay close attention to how Paul addresses these issues. He does not compromise faith. Instead, he stands firm in love. We can learn a lot about conflict resolution from this letter, so keep reading!
Since this is a letter, Paul begins with greetings. He then hits the theme of this letter straight on the head - suffering. I like what he has to say:
- God will comfort us in our troubles.
- We will all have suffering, but we will also all find comfort.
- Suffering allows us to rely on God, realizing that we have very little power over the circumstances of our lives. However, when we rely on God, He WILL deliver us.
Finally, we read an explanation of Paul's intentions in traveling and his purpose for this letter. Paul planned to visit the Corinthian church twice, once on his way to collect money for the destitute, and again on the way back. His first visit turned out to be disastrous. The church was in turmoil over some false teachings and they rejected Paul. He left in order to avoid additional conflict and sent a letter (now lost) encouraging the church to repent and come back to the true teaching of Christ. Many in the church listened; however, there was still a minority that continued to reject Paul. This letter was sent to clear up the continued misunderstandings & prepare the church for Paul's third visit.
What I find interesting is Paul's leadership here. He has every right to come down harshly on this church. However, rather than stand & fight, Paul turned the other cheek. He left a volatile situation & began writing to the people & sharing his heart with them. I have learned over the years that in times of trouble & intense emotion, writing helps eliminate the anger. Being able to stop & think & put thoughts down on a piece of paper gives you time to pray & really assess the issue. It allows a cooling off period for the others involved, allowing them to get control of their emotions and see their way out of anger. As we read this letter, pay close attention to how Paul addresses these issues. He does not compromise faith. Instead, he stands firm in love. We can learn a lot about conflict resolution from this letter, so keep reading!
Monday, November 14, 2011
1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Paul ends his letter with some practical advice & requests. Many of this is particular to the church, but there are some pieces of practical advice that we should take to heart:
1. It is good to support missions. Make a plan and set aside money for giving. This way, you will be prepared & ready to help with missions. Budget, budget, budget.
2. Be on guard - watch for false teachings!
3. Stand firm in the faith; be men (& women) of courage; be strong.
4. Do everything in love.
Tomorrow we will move onto 2 Corinthians.
1. It is good to support missions. Make a plan and set aside money for giving. This way, you will be prepared & ready to help with missions. Budget, budget, budget.
2. Be on guard - watch for false teachings!
3. Stand firm in the faith; be men (& women) of courage; be strong.
4. Do everything in love.
Tomorrow we will move onto 2 Corinthians.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
1 Corinthians 15:1-58
Resurrection
This is a long chapter, so let's break it down.
First, Jesus Christ died for our sins & fulfilled prophecy, exactly as the Old Testament says. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people who at the time of Paul's letter were still alive to give an eyewitness account. Jesus also appeared to Paul, even though he was doing everything in his power to destroy the church. This encounter gave Paul a new purpose & passion, which he is accomplishing by relying fully on God.
Now, since we believe all of these things, why would we not believe in the resurrection of the saints? This was a false teaching then & it's a false teaching now. Some Corinthians were influenced by Greek culture that said that we would not be resurrected in new glorified bodies, instead we would live forever as pure spirits (this is a new age theory). Others believed the Pharisees opinion that there was nothing after death (agnostic/atheist believe).
So, Paul is going to drive home a few points now:
This is a long chapter, so let's break it down.
First, Jesus Christ died for our sins & fulfilled prophecy, exactly as the Old Testament says. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people who at the time of Paul's letter were still alive to give an eyewitness account. Jesus also appeared to Paul, even though he was doing everything in his power to destroy the church. This encounter gave Paul a new purpose & passion, which he is accomplishing by relying fully on God.
Now, since we believe all of these things, why would we not believe in the resurrection of the saints? This was a false teaching then & it's a false teaching now. Some Corinthians were influenced by Greek culture that said that we would not be resurrected in new glorified bodies, instead we would live forever as pure spirits (this is a new age theory). Others believed the Pharisees opinion that there was nothing after death (agnostic/atheist believe).
So, Paul is going to drive home a few points now:
- If there is no resurrection of corpses, then Jesus was not resurrected. This then undermines the Christian faith, for it is built on Jesus' resurrection. Death came through Adam's disobedience. Eternal life comes through Jesus' resurrection - He overcame death for us.
- Why would Paul keep risking his neck for something that doesn't exist. This man was beaten, imprisoned, and run out of town after town. If he wasn't fully convinced of the resurrection he would not be willing to risk so much. (It's not written here, but the other apostles faced the same troubles. Many of them were martyred for their believes.)
- Asking for proof is absurd. You don't know what a tomato will look like by examining the seed, so why do you think one would know what the resurrected body will look like. Understand that God tells us this body will be good and alive, placed in the perfection of heaven. Our first bodies were made out of earth. Our resurrected bodies will be made out of heaven. If we believe all the other things He tells us, why would we doubt this?
- Our earthly bodies are dying a little each day, so we do we think we would be taking these death things into the place of eternal life?
- Finally, at the End of Days, those still alive will hear a trumpet blast & they will find themselves in heaven with changed eternal bodies. Those in the grave will be raised & find themselves in new bodies. Everyone will be changed - the perishable will become imperishable, the mortal will become immortal. Why would we doubt this prophecy when every prophecy concerning the first coming of the Messiah was fulfilled?
So, if you believe that the Bible is ultimate truth written by God, why would you deny what it says? To believe in the resurrection, new ageism, or atheism requires faith. Stand firm in your Christian faith! Know that Scripture backs you & it's never wrong!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
1 Corinthians 14:26-39
Orderly Worship
In keeping with the discussion concerning spiritual gifts - they should be used in the church service & do not forbid the speaking of tongues. However, everything in moderation. God is a God of order & discipline. In fact, self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. So, Paul gives us some guidelines for conducting a service:
1. In speaking in tongues, people should take turns & three at most should be given.
2. An interpretation should be given for each tongue - this was spoken about in earlier chapters. Remember, it does not benefit the church body if they can't understand the tongue given.
3. In prophesying - two or three at most, taking turns.
4. Everyone should listen carefully to prophesy & weigh it against Scripture
Finally, the last bit - women should not speak in church. Weighing this against other Scriptures (11:5 and chapters 12-14), this instruction is for the Corinthian church specifically. Many women of that culture did not have the religious training that men received and their questions and comments were causing problems and disorder in the service. Therefore, Paul instructed the men - those trained - to instruct the woman at home so order could be restored to the service. This guideline is about restoring unity, not to teach about a women's role in the church.
In keeping with the discussion concerning spiritual gifts - they should be used in the church service & do not forbid the speaking of tongues. However, everything in moderation. God is a God of order & discipline. In fact, self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. So, Paul gives us some guidelines for conducting a service:
1. In speaking in tongues, people should take turns & three at most should be given.
2. An interpretation should be given for each tongue - this was spoken about in earlier chapters. Remember, it does not benefit the church body if they can't understand the tongue given.
3. In prophesying - two or three at most, taking turns.
4. Everyone should listen carefully to prophesy & weigh it against Scripture
Finally, the last bit - women should not speak in church. Weighing this against other Scriptures (11:5 and chapters 12-14), this instruction is for the Corinthian church specifically. Many women of that culture did not have the religious training that men received and their questions and comments were causing problems and disorder in the service. Therefore, Paul instructed the men - those trained - to instruct the woman at home so order could be restored to the service. This guideline is about restoring unity, not to teach about a women's role in the church.
Monday, November 7, 2011
1 Corinthians 14:1-25
The Gifts of Prophecy & Tongues
Paul is once again addressing an issue within the church. The gift of tongues was being abused. Once again what God intended for good, man turned to evil. The Corinthians believed it was a sign of spiritual superiority rather than a sign of spiritual unity. Here Paul addresses the issue:
Above all live in love. It is good to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, because spiritual gifts encourage others & proclaim God's love. However, the gift of tongues edifies (helps) the one who speaks in tongues for no one else understands what is being said. In fact, the one speaking in tongues should also pray for interpretation. In this way, the person can also edify the church body.
Basically, don't get carried away by the gifts you have been given. Understand where they come from & how to use them for the betterment of God's family. In this way, you will be growing in your relationship with God & with others.
Paul is once again addressing an issue within the church. The gift of tongues was being abused. Once again what God intended for good, man turned to evil. The Corinthians believed it was a sign of spiritual superiority rather than a sign of spiritual unity. Here Paul addresses the issue:
Above all live in love. It is good to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, because spiritual gifts encourage others & proclaim God's love. However, the gift of tongues edifies (helps) the one who speaks in tongues for no one else understands what is being said. In fact, the one speaking in tongues should also pray for interpretation. In this way, the person can also edify the church body.
Basically, don't get carried away by the gifts you have been given. Understand where they come from & how to use them for the betterment of God's family. In this way, you will be growing in your relationship with God & with others.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
So, I left you with a promise to explore the greatest gift. It's right there in the next chapter: LOVE.
Many of us know about love, we hear the word used everywhere. It's the main subject of books, movies, song lyrics. It's the thing we search and fight for. Unfortunately, most of us have no idea what real love is. Let's dig into Paul's words here & learn about REAL LOVE.
First of all, it doesn't matter how many spiritual gifts you have, or how many good things you do - if you have no love in your heart it all amounts to nothing.
Real love is:
Many of us know about love, we hear the word used everywhere. It's the main subject of books, movies, song lyrics. It's the thing we search and fight for. Unfortunately, most of us have no idea what real love is. Let's dig into Paul's words here & learn about REAL LOVE.
First of all, it doesn't matter how many spiritual gifts you have, or how many good things you do - if you have no love in your heart it all amounts to nothing.
Real love is:
- patient
- kind
- not jealous
- not boastful
- not arrogant
- does not act inappropriately
- not selfish
- does not incite anger or resentment
- does not hold onto wrongs suffered
- does not rejoice in unrighteousness
- rejoices with the truth
- bears all things
- endures all things
- real love never fails
Sounds like the kind of love you have? Probably not, since we are flawed, selfish humans. But this is the love our hearts are searching for. This is the love we should be giving to others, especially those who are near & dear to us. Love is a choice, not a feeling. Love has nothing to do with lust, passion, or attraction. Too often we confuse the two & allow ourselves to enter into relationships that totally contradict love.
Love is sacrifice. It is putting another person first. We all look for someone to treat us this way, but I think we are missing the point. It's not about finding someone to love you, it's about being a person that loves. I challenge you to write this list down & post it somewhere you can read it every day - maybe your bathroom mirror. Read it, practice what it says, really understand what love is. That's what Paul is saying in that last paragraph - you are no longer a child, so stop acting like one. Learn what love is, desire it & live it. Then you will be a recipient of the greatest gift.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Paul continues his teaching on spiritual gifts by saying each person is to use their spiritual gifts within the context of a body. Each part works together to create a whole. No part is better than an other, & no part is insignificant. So no matter what your gift, you are vital to the church & you have been given a purpose.
So . . . stop bickering, feeling insignificant or superior & above all, stop judging one another. Don't allow your self-esteem to give you a big head or cast you into depression. Everyone is important to God & all are able to serve Him in the way in which He has gifted them to do so.
Tomorrow we will read about the greater gifts & they aren't working miracles or given prophecy or even speaking in tongues. Stay tuned!
So . . . stop bickering, feeling insignificant or superior & above all, stop judging one another. Don't allow your self-esteem to give you a big head or cast you into depression. Everyone is important to God & all are able to serve Him in the way in which He has gifted them to do so.
Tomorrow we will read about the greater gifts & they aren't working miracles or given prophecy or even speaking in tongues. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
The Holy Spirit gives each believer special abilities that are to be used to minister to the needs of others. Paul lists some, but not all, of the spiritual gifts here: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Each gift is equal, yet, as selfish human beings, we have a tendency to assign different values to the gifts. This what was going on in the Corinthian church. What God intended for good, man has turned to evil. That's what Paul is saying in verses 1-3. Spiritual gifts cannot be used for bad. Nor can they be faked. Those who think themselves better than others, or uses a "gift" to hurt or put down others isn't using a spiritual gift.
All of the gifts are given by God and they are all to be used in service and submission. So, remember where they came from & rely on God to use them properly. And most importantly, never, ever think you're better than someone else!
All of the gifts are given by God and they are all to be used in service and submission. So, remember where they came from & rely on God to use them properly. And most importantly, never, ever think you're better than someone else!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Instructions on communion:
First, Paul reminds us that he didn't make this up. This act of communion was given to us by Jesus Christ during the third cup of the last supper. If you have ever attended a Passover meal, you might remember that the third cup is the "Cup of Redemption." Knowing that God is in control, that He has a plan that began at creation fills me with a warm, satisfied feeling. See, Passover & the Seder meal had been celebrated by the Jews every year since the exodus of Moses. Every Jew in the world traveled to Jerusalem to partake in this feast of remembrance. The third cup reminded the Jews that God had redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, but it also looked forward to the time of the Messiah, who would redeem them from the world. Jesus fulfilled this redemption on the cross & during that Last Supper He told His disciples that this cup now signified His works. Ah, God is good & perfect. His words, His commandments all lead us toward the big picture. It makes me stand in awe.
But, getting back to Paul's teaching: Every time we take communion, we are to remember Christ's redeeming work on the cross. We are also to look forward to His return and the completion of the Scriptures. However, Paul reminds us that we must take communion with reverence and remembrance. Never allow communion to become just another thing you do in church. Don't let it become rote and boring. Rather let it remind you over and over again of what Jesus Christ has done for you. "Do this in remembrance of me." Remember His death, remember His resurrection, remember that He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you, remember that He will return again. Remember . . .
In verse 30-32 speaks of judgment. Does this mean God will eternally judge us if we fail to treat communion with the respect it deserves? Does it mean we need to make sure that we are perfect & without sin when we take communion? No. It simply means, if you take communion for granted, if you begin to treat it as just another thing to do - those in authority over you will call you on it. And honestly, most of us don't like others pointing out our faults, even when it's needed. So, if you don't want someone else to correct you, pay attention & correct yourself. If communion begins to feel rote & boring, correct your thinking yourself. Don't rely on others to do it for you.
Finally, at a church common meal, don't pig out & leave others without food and drink. This must have been an issue in the Corinthian church. So, Paul tells them to show some restraint & respect. He will deal with the remaining issues when he visits them next.
First, Paul reminds us that he didn't make this up. This act of communion was given to us by Jesus Christ during the third cup of the last supper. If you have ever attended a Passover meal, you might remember that the third cup is the "Cup of Redemption." Knowing that God is in control, that He has a plan that began at creation fills me with a warm, satisfied feeling. See, Passover & the Seder meal had been celebrated by the Jews every year since the exodus of Moses. Every Jew in the world traveled to Jerusalem to partake in this feast of remembrance. The third cup reminded the Jews that God had redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, but it also looked forward to the time of the Messiah, who would redeem them from the world. Jesus fulfilled this redemption on the cross & during that Last Supper He told His disciples that this cup now signified His works. Ah, God is good & perfect. His words, His commandments all lead us toward the big picture. It makes me stand in awe.
But, getting back to Paul's teaching: Every time we take communion, we are to remember Christ's redeeming work on the cross. We are also to look forward to His return and the completion of the Scriptures. However, Paul reminds us that we must take communion with reverence and remembrance. Never allow communion to become just another thing you do in church. Don't let it become rote and boring. Rather let it remind you over and over again of what Jesus Christ has done for you. "Do this in remembrance of me." Remember His death, remember His resurrection, remember that He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you, remember that He will return again. Remember . . .
In verse 30-32 speaks of judgment. Does this mean God will eternally judge us if we fail to treat communion with the respect it deserves? Does it mean we need to make sure that we are perfect & without sin when we take communion? No. It simply means, if you take communion for granted, if you begin to treat it as just another thing to do - those in authority over you will call you on it. And honestly, most of us don't like others pointing out our faults, even when it's needed. So, if you don't want someone else to correct you, pay attention & correct yourself. If communion begins to feel rote & boring, correct your thinking yourself. Don't rely on others to do it for you.
Finally, at a church common meal, don't pig out & leave others without food and drink. This must have been an issue in the Corinthian church. So, Paul tells them to show some restraint & respect. He will deal with the remaining issues when he visits them next.
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