Huh? What is Paul talking about here? It's one of my favorite verses. I have to tell myself it over & over again - all things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.
Basically, by accepting Jesus we are no longer bound by the law because we have been forgiven. In the Old Testament, the law instructed believers on how to live. Break a law & pay a fine or offer a sacrifice. The severity of the law dictated the severity of the offering. However, Jesus abolished all that. He is our sacrifice, our offering. So we no longer need to live in fear of breaking the law.
Does that mean go out & do whatever you want because Jesus' blood forgives your sins? Absolutely not! The law wasn't set in place just to tell us what to do. It's there to show us how to live a healthy, happy lifestyle. When we ignore the law & do things our own way - well, nature consequences take place. Here Paul speaks of sexual immorality. There are dire consequences for participating in sex outside of marriage. Unwanted pregnancy, disease, poor self-worth, getting stuck with someone you don't really like, a strained marriage, betrayal, addiction. The list goes on & on.
So we no longer live under the law, but that doesn't mean you throw the law out. So, if you truly believe that God is the creator of the universe & He's looking out for you. If you really think He knows what's best (by claiming to be a Christian, you must agree with this statement) then, why wouldn't you listen to Him? Every time you are tempted to make the wrong choice remember - All things are lawful, but not all things are good for me. Choose the best, don't settle for the rest.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Ah, law suits. They seem to pop up everywhere today. And many of them are frivolous attempts at get-rich-quick or pass-the-blame schemes. The woman who sued McDonald's because she burned herself on the coffee. Don't worry about the fact that she put a hot cup of coffee in her lap while she was driving. It was McDonald's fault for not reminding her that the coffee was hot in the first place.
Unfortunately, these ridiculous lawsuits aren't new today. Ever heard the expression, nothing is new under the sun? Well, the Roman Empire was larger, wealthier, and more indulgent than the U.S. is today. (Although we are quickly heading in that direction.) So, Paul now needs to scold the Corinthian church for wasting time and resources suing each other over every little thing.
He makes a really good point here. Why are you taking your disagreements to a godless system? Do you think you will get treated right by the judges and lawyers who are relying on worldly wisdom and their own opinions? Take your disagreements to the church leaders who rely on godly wisdom and the Truth of Scripture. There is only one reason to rely on man's understanding - you know you're wrong. God isn't going to side with you, but maybe, just maybe another man will. Hmmmm . . . sounds like it all comes back to motivation.
It does that a lot doesn't it? God takes all these situations we deal with on a day to day basis and really cuts back to the heart of the matter - why we do what we do. Stop examining what you do & start focusing on why you do it. You will never heal, never find joy or peace until you fix the root of the problem.
So, if you have a problem with a fellow Christian - what should you do? Go to your church leader. If you go to Victory Church, you have one of the best leaders around - Pastor Joe. He is a man who doesn't rely on his own understanding, but takes everything to God. If you can't see your way out of your own mess. If you don't know how to go back to God, go to someone who does & can patiently show you how.
And always remember - it's all about your motivation, so dig deep!
Unfortunately, these ridiculous lawsuits aren't new today. Ever heard the expression, nothing is new under the sun? Well, the Roman Empire was larger, wealthier, and more indulgent than the U.S. is today. (Although we are quickly heading in that direction.) So, Paul now needs to scold the Corinthian church for wasting time and resources suing each other over every little thing.
He makes a really good point here. Why are you taking your disagreements to a godless system? Do you think you will get treated right by the judges and lawyers who are relying on worldly wisdom and their own opinions? Take your disagreements to the church leaders who rely on godly wisdom and the Truth of Scripture. There is only one reason to rely on man's understanding - you know you're wrong. God isn't going to side with you, but maybe, just maybe another man will. Hmmmm . . . sounds like it all comes back to motivation.
It does that a lot doesn't it? God takes all these situations we deal with on a day to day basis and really cuts back to the heart of the matter - why we do what we do. Stop examining what you do & start focusing on why you do it. You will never heal, never find joy or peace until you fix the root of the problem.
So, if you have a problem with a fellow Christian - what should you do? Go to your church leader. If you go to Victory Church, you have one of the best leaders around - Pastor Joe. He is a man who doesn't rely on his own understanding, but takes everything to God. If you can't see your way out of your own mess. If you don't know how to go back to God, go to someone who does & can patiently show you how.
And always remember - it's all about your motivation, so dig deep!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Let's try this again. Being sick & attempting to still function in life isn't always the best idea. I read & posted on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 last time. Today, I'll actually read & comment on the correct Scripture.
Paul is handling an uncomfortable situation in his classic bold & honest style. There is serious sexual sin going on in the church. Everyone knows about it, but no one has said or done anything. Paul tells the church to confront the offender and handle him accordingly.
To often we want to avoid the conflict. If we pretend it isn't happening, maybe it will just go away & we won't have to deal with the devastation & embarrassment of confrontation. It is better to directly deal with the issue. For if you allow your brother or sister in Christ to destroy themselves with sin, are you really treating them with love? I think not.
So, hold one another accountable. Treat one another with love. Offer mercy and forgiveness. Basically, treat one another the way Christ treats you.
Paul is handling an uncomfortable situation in his classic bold & honest style. There is serious sexual sin going on in the church. Everyone knows about it, but no one has said or done anything. Paul tells the church to confront the offender and handle him accordingly.
To often we want to avoid the conflict. If we pretend it isn't happening, maybe it will just go away & we won't have to deal with the devastation & embarrassment of confrontation. It is better to directly deal with the issue. For if you allow your brother or sister in Christ to destroy themselves with sin, are you really treating them with love? I think not.
So, hold one another accountable. Treat one another with love. Offer mercy and forgiveness. Basically, treat one another the way Christ treats you.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Update
Sorry there have been no posts. My internet has been down. It is now restored & posts will resume this evening.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
1 Corinthians 4
Let's take a look at a good spiritual leader:
1. A good leader is a servant.
2. A good leader does not worry about what others think about him. Nor does he concern himself with what he thinks about himself. Instead, he let's God judge him.
3. A good leader sticks to Scripture and doesn't add to it.
4. A good leader should not expect riches or glory.
5. A good leader works hard.
6. A good leader perseveres through persecution.
So, do you have a what it takes to be a good religious leader? I look at this list & think we should all aspire to meet these requirements - whether or not we plan on teaching the Word. Seems like we have been given a recipe for peace and a good life.
1. A good leader is a servant.
2. A good leader does not worry about what others think about him. Nor does he concern himself with what he thinks about himself. Instead, he let's God judge him.
3. A good leader sticks to Scripture and doesn't add to it.
4. A good leader should not expect riches or glory.
5. A good leader works hard.
6. A good leader perseveres through persecution.
So, do you have a what it takes to be a good religious leader? I look at this list & think we should all aspire to meet these requirements - whether or not we plan on teaching the Word. Seems like we have been given a recipe for peace and a good life.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
1 Corinthians 3
Too funny! I just read & gave commentary on the wrong reading! I guess God has a message in store for me from 1 Thessalonians 2:16, because I really got a lot out of that reading. However, we are in Corinthians right now, so let's do that reading also!
Hmmmm, I feel like we have read this before. And we have read similar accounts in Paul's letters because of human nature. We, as humans, like to attribute the things of God to man. So, instead of saying, "I am a follower of Christ & His message." We say, "I like the message Paul gave." Or, "I like the message Apollos gave." We identify with the man who spoke the words, rather than the Man those words speak about. Look past what is right in front of your face! Stop taking things at face value & look deeper to the Spiritual truths. Christianity is not about the leader, pastor, or teacher who brought you the word. It is about the WORD itself. It all points back to God and His plan.
So, who do you follow?
Hmmmm, I feel like we have read this before. And we have read similar accounts in Paul's letters because of human nature. We, as humans, like to attribute the things of God to man. So, instead of saying, "I am a follower of Christ & His message." We say, "I like the message Paul gave." Or, "I like the message Apollos gave." We identify with the man who spoke the words, rather than the Man those words speak about. Look past what is right in front of your face! Stop taking things at face value & look deeper to the Spiritual truths. Christianity is not about the leader, pastor, or teacher who brought you the word. It is about the WORD itself. It all points back to God and His plan.
So, who do you follow?
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
What I truly enjoy about Paul is how honest and open he is with the church. He doesn't try to make himself look good. He doesn't act like he has no problems or troubles. He doesn't make excuses. He just lays it all out there. At the same time, his compassion for his brothers and sisters in Christ is so evident. No matter what Paul is going through, he still prays for and worries about the church body.
In this passage, he is speaking of the persecution he is undergoing. Rather than bring these troubles to his church body, he and his traveling companions isolate themselves. But Paul can't help but worry about the church. Are they doing OK? Are they holding up under the massive pressures they face every day? Have they been fooled and drawn away by false teaching? So, Paul sends Timothy, a young pastor and traveling companion. Oh how Paul is relieved to here that the church is flourishing & doing well. This good report lifts his spirits & brings him joy.
So what can we learn from this personal look into Paul's heart? Two things pop into mind (& now that I read through them, they are very similar, but here goes):
1. You are not a lone wolf sent to wander this strange, cold world alone. When you become a Christian you enter into a family. A family that cares for you and longs to see you happy, healthy, and fulfilling God's good purpose for your life. Don't cut yourself off from your family! So often I hear, "I love God, but I don't need the church." Don't fool yourself, you need the church. Not the building, not the establishment - but the people. You were created for relationship!
2. Since you were created for relationship. Remember - IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU! Stop being so self-involved. Start realizing that the things you do have far reaching consequences. You want to get out of that depression you've allowed yourself to sink into? Stop thinking about yourself & start thinking about others. Are you lonely? Isolated? Feel like you have nothing or no one? Reach out & get involved with your church family. Make the effort to show up & participate & see how full your life becomes!
In this passage, he is speaking of the persecution he is undergoing. Rather than bring these troubles to his church body, he and his traveling companions isolate themselves. But Paul can't help but worry about the church. Are they doing OK? Are they holding up under the massive pressures they face every day? Have they been fooled and drawn away by false teaching? So, Paul sends Timothy, a young pastor and traveling companion. Oh how Paul is relieved to here that the church is flourishing & doing well. This good report lifts his spirits & brings him joy.
So what can we learn from this personal look into Paul's heart? Two things pop into mind (& now that I read through them, they are very similar, but here goes):
1. You are not a lone wolf sent to wander this strange, cold world alone. When you become a Christian you enter into a family. A family that cares for you and longs to see you happy, healthy, and fulfilling God's good purpose for your life. Don't cut yourself off from your family! So often I hear, "I love God, but I don't need the church." Don't fool yourself, you need the church. Not the building, not the establishment - but the people. You were created for relationship!
2. Since you were created for relationship. Remember - IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU! Stop being so self-involved. Start realizing that the things you do have far reaching consequences. You want to get out of that depression you've allowed yourself to sink into? Stop thinking about yourself & start thinking about others. Are you lonely? Isolated? Feel like you have nothing or no one? Reach out & get involved with your church family. Make the effort to show up & participate & see how full your life becomes!
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