Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24; Psalm 119:121-144

It is believed that Paul wrote three letters to the Church in Corinth; it is possible that there was a letter between what we know as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. The manuscript of this letter has been lost but it is believed to have been a harsh or severe letter. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was not well received by everyone in the church. Opposition grew against him and he was spoken of negatively while he was away. His authority was challenged and he was forced to defend himself. He left Ephesus in order to talk with the church face to face, but the visit did not go well. Paul refers to this visit in 2 Corinthians 2:1 as a painful visit.

Knowing this helps us to understand the tone of 2 Corinthians 1:12-24. Paul is defending himself in hopes that the Church will have confidence in him and trust his authority. Consider how painful it must have been for Paul to be rejected by a church full of people whom he had led to the Lord. He loved them and considered them his children. It is difficult to suffer because the world does not understand our faith, but even more painful when we feel the need to defend ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Listen to Paul’s defense in the following verses:

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world and especially towards you. Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. – 2 Corinthians 1:12-13

GOD-GIVEN HOLINESS

Oh the peace that comes with confidence and a clear conscience. At the end of the day if my concern is whether or not I have lived a good life or if I represented Christ well, I will fall asleep worrying. But if I look closely at this verse and see that holiness is God-given, I recognize that I do not have to produce holiness and sincerity on my own. I can depend on God and HIS holiness; I can trust in HIS grace to lead me rather than any human wisdom I could possibly come up with on my own.

Humanity. None of us is perfect and neither was Paul, yet he goes on to defend his intentions. He had wanted to come for a second visit but was unable to come when he had originally planned to. So did he lie or deceive the church, giving them a reason to question his word? Should they wonder if his “yes” really means yes or his “no” means no? If they doubt Paul’s word, will they doubt God’s word? This appears to be part of the issue of concern for the church. Thankfully, Paul knew he was called by God and must respond to God in obedience, even if it changed his earthly plans.

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. I call God as my witness — and I stake my life on it — that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:21-24

SPIRIT-FILLED CONFIDENCE

Because of God, I can stand firm in Christ. He has called me and He will equip me. I am HIS child and it is HIS Spirit living within me that leads me and fills me. When I have confidence I have done the right thing, I can ask God to protect me from false guilt or unnecessary anxiety. And I must do the same for others by being slow to believe the worst about another believer. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making false accusations, I need to use the principles of Matthew 18 and go directly to my brother or sister in Christ, allowing them to clear up any misconceptions or lies.

Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live. – Psalm 119:140-144

Thank you, Lord, for whatever lies ahead — joy or suffering, peace or conflict. Fill me with Your Spirit and remind me over and over again of your presence in my life today. When the enemy tries to accuse me and attack me with false guilt, may I stand firm in you! When Satan tries to engage me in conflict with another person, may your Spirit guide me in wisdom and grace. May his schemes be defeated and his lies be deflected. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 20

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the comfort God gives us. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Out of our troubles, we gain the experience of being comforted by our merciful Father. We become an example to others of God’s faithfulness during times of suffering. God redeems our story in ways that help others find their way through the darkness of life’s troubles and pain. Just as we experience God’s comfort, others can look to God for the comfort they need when tomorrow is uncertain.

TOMORROW’S BREAD

Years ago, Dr. Jesse Middendorf shared this illustration from World War II: Hitler had forced many twelve and thirteen year old boys into military service during the war. These boys were treated harshly and made to do some extremely inhumane jobs for their country. When the war was over, these young boys were left homeless and without food. An aid program came to their rescue by setting up tent cities to house the boys. Doctors and psychologists cared enough about these young men to work hard to restore them physically and mentally. They found that many of the boys would wake up in the middle of the night screaming out in terror. So they tried something unusual. Each night they would feed the boys a large meal and then send them to bed with a piece of bread to hold in their hands, instructing them to save it until morning. The boys began to sleep peacefully through the night. Why? Because after years of hunger, these boys held in their hands the assurance that there would be food for them the next day.

Do you ever go to bed with a heavy heart or with anxiety about a specific situation? Do you ever struggle to get a good night’s sleep the day before a big event in your life due to a combination of excitement and nerves? Does anxiety stand between you and the peace you desire? Tomorrow’s unknowns can overwhelm us at times.

TOMORROW’S UNKNOWNS

When I have a big decision to make and I go to bed knowing that God has provided an answer for me, I sleep more peacefully. When I know how the bills are going to be paid or that a conflict has been resolved, I can get the rest I need. But what about those times when tomorrow is uncertain, when I do NOT hold in my hand the “bread” for tomorrow? Paul has a great answer to this question as we read on in his second letter to the Church of Corinth.

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And HE DID rescue us from mortal danger, and HE WILL rescue us AGAIN. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The most difficult moments in my life teach me to fully rely on God. And it is in those moments when I do not have tomorrow’s bread to hold on to, that my hands are free to hold on to the God of my tomorrows. I stop listening to my fears. I learn how to trust God, which strengthens my faith. I stop depending on my own wisdom, I stop relying on my own resources, and I start fully trusting God to provide.

TOMORROW’S HOPE, JOY & PEACE

Please allow me to again quote Pastor Ed Heck. His words of faith as he faced his fight against cancer continue to inspire me: “…every single day when I open my eyes and every single night when I close my eyes I’m doing so with this thought and prayer, ‘God, search my heart; keep it clear and clean. Wash me; cleanse me, keep me at the point of brokenness where You are the source of my only hope — today, tomorrow, for as long as you give me life.’ I know I’ve said this before, but I want to make sure I say it often because it really is true: This — everything happening to and around me — is not about me! It’s really not. It’s about God and what He will choose to do in me, through me and around me.” – Pastor Ed Heck, https://shardsofgraceblog.wordpress.com

Because God was the source of his comfort during the largest medical battle he had ever faced, Pastor Ed’s words continue to be a source of comfort to others today. He was able to experience joy in the midst of the struggle and peace in the midst of the unknowns because he was experiencing the hope he had found in Christ.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. – Philippians 4:4-5

I cannot be full of joy if I am worrying about tomorrow. The NIV version says “let your gentleness be evident to all.” If I am worried, grumbling, complaining, or pretty much freaking out over what is ahead of me, I am not full of the joy of the Lord for others to see and gentleness is not evident in my life.

Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Father God, may I rely fully on you for today’s answers and for tomorrow’s provision. May I rest in knowing that you are all I need. Take away my worrying and grumbling, and fill my heart with the peace of knowing I can rely on you. I can give you the pain of yesterday, the trouble of today, and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Oh God of all comfort, may your Spirit produce the fruit of joy and gentleness in my life today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14-15; Psalm 26

Paul had a lot to say to the believers in Corinth. Between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote 29 chapters to “those who had been called by God to be His own holy people” (1:2). In this first letter, there is an overarching theme of love that weaves beautifully from the first chapter to the last.

• It’s not about a set of rules but a call to holy living born out of our love relationship with Christ.
• “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (2:9)
• Leadership should not look like pride and arrogance, but love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.” (13:4)
• Rather than embracing the sin of those who are lost in order to show them the love of Christ, God is calling us to humbly and gently help them find their way back to God. This includes sexual sin, both within and outside of the marriage relationship.
• If we define love for each other the way God defines it, we will build each other up and make each other better servants of Christ. We will have a missional love for others — a love that is willing to give something up if it causes someone else to stumble.
• Because love and concern for others strengthens the church, we will seek unity and harmony among believers. We will pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to forgive and forget so that only love lasts forever.
• I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. My love for God leads to obedience, and His Spirit produces the love I need to be Jesus to those whom God has called me to serve.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. – 1 Corinthians 14:1

USE YOUR WORDS TO STRENGTHEN OTHERS

Paul takes time in Chapter 14 to address the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying, knowing this would be an opportunity for conflict and disagreement in the church. Paul’s explanation is based on the idea of making love our highest goal (14:1) — that everything done in the church be done to strengthen each and every person (14:26).

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. – 1 Corinthians 14:18-19

Father God, I would never want my words to cause confusion or distract others from the worship taking place in the sanctuary. Lord, let the words of my mouth come only from YOU, building others up and encouraging them as they walk with you. May everything I do be done to strengthen others (14:26). If I receive words of prophecy from you, give me the courage to speak those words of truth over the one for whom your words are intended. Amen.

STAND STRONG AGAINST TEMPTATION

Throughout his letter, Paul warned the church to stand strong against temptation. He urged them to think carefully about what was right and to stop doing what was wrong (15:34) Paul used the example of the people of Israel to encourage the church to not be tempted by sexual immorality (10:8) or be tempted to grumble (10:10). No matter what comes our way, we can stand strong — not of our own strength but on the solid rock of Christ (10:4). YES! I want to drink from the spiritual rock who is Jesus!

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul’s words of advice for the church in Corinth have continued to make an impact on churches around the world for over two thousand years, and we would be wise to take these letters to heart. Here is some more advice from Paul as he closes his first letter to the church in Corinth:

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. – 1 Corinthians 16:2a

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Greet each other with Christian love. – 1 Corinthians 16:20b

May my life be an example of the love Christ has for all of us. May I be strong and immovable in my faith, courageous and prepared for the temptations of the enemy. For my God is faithful and I am blessed to be a recipient of His agape love!

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 9 & 16; Psalm 77

We are always looking to see how we can do things better at the Pregnancy Resource Center. Over and over again, we ask the question, “Are we accomplishing our mission?” We intentionally invest in organizational health and recognize the importance of having cohesive teams. We value our human resources and work hard to bless them for their hard work and diligence.

Paul spent some time doing the same thing for the church in Corinth. He gave them lots of great advice on how to have a healthy church and how to be the body of Christ. As we start wrapping up our study of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, let’s consider Paul’s advice for the Church:

You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. – 1 Corinthians 16:18b

APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERS

The Church should take care of the financial needs of those called into full-time ministry; Paul makes that clear. But on the other hand, those called should not serve for any kind of earthly reward or favor, but should do it for God and for the eternal prize. When you are called into ministry, you step forward in obedience regardless of the paycheck, because it is something you are compelled by God to do.

The Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it…Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. – 1 Corinthians 9:14-18a

The opportunity to walk alongside someone else on their journey of grace is priceless; the privilege of sharing the message of salvation with another person is a gift with immeasurable value. Whatever the Lord has asked us to, we do for the joy of knowing God is pleased with our obedience. At times that God-assignment lands us on a church board or finance committee, strategically positioning us to make sure that the pastoral team is being well taken care of.

What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? – 1 Corinthians 9:7

So Paul gives two charges in his letter to the Corinthians: For the church to take care of their pastors and for the pastors to take care of the church. Both should do this with joyful and willing hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to make their relationship a reflection of love and genuine compassion (1 Corinthians 13).

We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. – 1 Corinthians 9:12b

It’s easy for us as leaders to let our focus land on the criticism received on our way out the door or the crankiness of the lay person who did not get what they wanted when they wanted it, but this will only lead to discouragement and frustration. So let’s keep our eyes on the mission of sharing the Good News about Jesus; let’s focus on the One who has called us and serve with purpose.

SERVE WITH PURPOSE

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Am I doing everything I can? Am I sold out to bringing others into a deeper relationship with Christ? Is my focus on the One who called me so that I can daily experience the satisfaction of obedience and the joy of seeing others give the Lord their “Yes!” Have I lost sight of the prize I originally set out to win?

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So RUN TO WIN! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How easy it is for me to take my eyes off of the One who has called me. Too often I find myself focused on what I need or on the wounds of doing ministry. What a great reminder for me this morning — I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. If God has called me, He will equip me. If God is in it, He will bless it.

Lord, forgive me when I start simply going through the motions and ministry becomes routine. I want to run to win, run with purpose, run with my eyes focused on you! Thank you for compelling me towards a mission that I can easily give my life to, as my heart daily reflects yours. I am willing to be used by you for such a time as this. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 13; Psalm 92

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,
and the melody of a lyre. – Psalm 92:1-3

I WANT TO LIVE LIKE THIS…

I wish I was fluent in another language; I wish I could both understand and be understood. But even if I could walk around an Olympic stadium and have conversations with every athlete in their first language, the words coming from my mouth would be nothing but noise if I didn’t have love in my heart.

There have been a few moments in my life when the Lord gave me a word for someone else, but I have often wondered what it would be like to have the gift of prophecy. To be able to shed light on someone’s situation or give them a promise to hold onto through difficulties and struggles — this would be great! If I was so wise that I could discern God’s will, His plan for me and for others, and if I had a faith that was so strong that I could move mountains, oh what an incredible life that would be! Yet, if I didn’t have love for others, it would all be for nothing.

If I could conjure up enough human love to sell everything I have and give it to the poor, and if I would sacrifice my physical strength and health for others — wow, would I have something to boast about. But if I didn’t have the love of God pouring into my heart and out through my actions to others, it would all be for nothing! I do not want love that is man-made or of human effort. I want to love others the way God intended love to look.

I WANT LOVE TO LOOK LIKE THIS…

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

This is the kind of crazy love I want. But no matter how hard I try, I cannot live like this. Just like I do not have the ability to speak multiple languages or the gift to speak prophetically or a faith strong enough to move mountains, I cannot produce this kind of love. I try over and over again, but I fail. I cannot consistently produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s not who I am, but it is who God is. And He is willing to make me like Him.

“We have access to the Holy Spirit welling up in us like a spring. Tapping into Him requires deliberation and cooperation so God can love through us. Like me, you’ve probably asked Him to love through you, then fizzled out within the hour. But here’s the catch: we cannot love when we perceive ourselves as unloved. We cannot offer to others what we don’t possess.” – Beth Moore, Children of the Day

“The world is not moved by love or actions that are of human creation. And the church is not empowered to live differently from any other gathering of people without the Holy Spirit. But when believers live in the power of the Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. The church cannot help but be different, and the world cannot help but notice.” – Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

I WANT A LOVE THAT LASTS FOREVER!

Father, fill me with your patience and kindness. When the familiar enemy of jealousy rears its ugly head, GIVE ME YOUR LOVE. When pride and sarcasm come naturally to my mind, erase them with your humble spirit. Lord, forgive me for all the moments when I am irritable or in a pouty mood.

Lord, give me a heart that cries out for justice for others, but not for myself. When I remember how someone has wronged me, remind me that I have forgiven them and that I am looking forward and not back. Heal my wounds and erase my memories so that ONLY LOVE LASTS FOREVER. Give me the kind of love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Amen.

All of the skills and strengths that make us well-known or well-liked here on earth will someday be useless. BUT LOVE LASTS FOREVER. Our understanding of God’s plan is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only a small portion of the grand picture of life. When the time of perfection comes, all of our partially completed goals will be useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11 & 12

Paul continues the topic of relationships in the church in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. He speaks of the roles men and women play within the church — how the head of every woman is man, the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God (1 Corinthians 11:3). But he clarifies that we ALL are dependent on each other and should recognize our need for one another. Our relationships should be described as harmonious.

WE NEED EACH OTHER!

But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God. — 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

So, if love and concern for others is what strengthens the church and if we all need each other, then consider Paul’s questions: Why are there divisions among you when you meet as a church? Why is there more harm than good coming out of your time together? (1 Corin. 11:17-18)

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST.

The Holy Spirit gives each one of us special abilities or spiritual gifts. These spiritual gifts are given so that we can help each other, not so we can think we are more or less important than someone else in the body of Christ. We are better together because of the diversity of our strengths and gifts. Paul did a wonderful job of explaining all of this to the believers in Corinth and to us today.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to speak to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

EACH OF US HAS BEEN GIVEN A GIFT.

Just like the human body is made up of many parts, so is the body of Christ. We all play unique roles; each of us has an important role to play. Just like the whole body is affected when a nerve is pinched in the back or an ankle is sprained, so the body of Christ limps along when everyone is not playing the unique role for which God created them.

But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad… – 1 Corinthians 12:18-26

Lord, forgive us for the divisions that creep into our relationships with other believers, and for the quarreling that distracts us from what you have called us to do. Lord, fill our hearts with your love so that we may love each other unselfishly. Help us to see that we need each other and that you are glorified when we all function together as the body of Christ. Show us the way of life that is best of all – to love each other with the kind of love that will last forever (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Lord, reveal to me any ways in which I have wronged my brother or sister in Christ. I want to be sensitive to your Spirit’s leading if there is a conversation I need to have or an apology I need to make. Give me the courage to step into uncomfortable conversations and take the next steps towards restoring relationships. Amen.

MAY LOVE BE OUR HIGHEST GOAL TODAY!

You should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life (LOVE) that is best of all. — 1 Corinthians 12:31

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 8,10; Romans 14

But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. – 1 Corinthians 8:1.

What a powerful statement! The context of this statement was Paul’s answer to the question of whether or not Christians should eat meat that has been offered to idols, which was a practice in those days. So each believer was faced with this question:

DO YOU LOVE OTHERS ENOUGH TO GIVE SOMETHING UP IF IT IS CAUSING THEM TO STUMBLE?

It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it and we don’t gain anything if we do. But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble…

And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat as long as I live — for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble. – 1 Corinthians 8:8-9,12-13

Paul spent a lot of time on this topic so it must have been a big concern voiced by the church in their letter to him. Paul’s answer is summed up in the concept of LOVE — loving someone else enough to abstain from something we have no personal conviction about.

DO YOU LOVE OTHERS ENOUGH TO ABSTAIN?

You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. – 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Wow! I find those verses SO powerful! Paul’s words convict me in some ways, and in some ways they inspire me. Reread those last two passages if you do not know what I am talking about.

IT’S MISSIONAL! SOMETIMES YOU MAKE A DECISION BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE’S SALVATION.

When I am with those who are weak, I share in their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. – 1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul challenges each of us to decide what is more important — our freedom to do as we please or someone else’s salvation? He encourages his readers to live a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. He challenges us to aim for harmony among believers, building each other up instead of tearing each other down. At times God calls us to make a decision in order to prevent someone else from following in our footsteps and consuming something that could potentially destroy them or alter the course of their life.

GOD CALLS US TO ACT IN LOVE, NOT CONDEMNATION.

Consider this exhortation from Paul in Romans 14:
So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. – Romans 14:13-23

Please fill me anew with your Spirit this morning, Heavenly Father. I want my life to glorify you in all that I say and do! Nudge me if something I am consuming or something I am doing or something I am saying would hurt someone else. Guide my words and my actions so that I can be used by you to build someone else up today. Give me a missional heart that sees beyond my own desires to recognize someone else’s needs.

Lord, there are many different points of disagreement between believers in the church right now. Help us to get our hearts focused on you so that we can consistently live in harmony with each other. I love you, Lord, and it is my desire to honor you in the way I walk out my faith today. Thank you for Paul’s words of advice and wisdom. May your Spirit prompt me throughout each day so that I can put the scriptures I daily read into practice! Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

LOVE EACH OTHER THE WAY GOD INTENDED

Paul continues in chapter 7 to warn the church to run from sexual sin, only he brings his advice into the context of the marriage relationship. God created sex for marriage, but Paul makes it clear that we can also sin within that relationship if we do not love each other the way God intended.

The church in Corinth had written Paul a letter with their questions and he answered those questions, first based on what He knew God had commanded and second based on the wisdom the Lord had given him. Let’s look at Paul’s advice based on direct commands from the Lord:

Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.

So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows – it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife. – 1 Corinthians 7:1b-11

Paul goes on to instruct those who are believers, but whose spouse is an unbeliever, to remain in the marriage relationship. If the unbeliever insists on leaving, let them go. And perhaps it is through your love for your spouse that they will find salvation in Christ (7:12-16).

LOVE EACH OTHER INTENTIONALLY

Paul has a message for those who are married and for those who are single — God has given you a special gift (7:7). To those who are married, God has given you the gift of your spouse; to those who are single, God has given you the gift of freedom from many of the earthly responsibilities that come in a marriage. His advice for everyone is to live in such a way that we are able to serve the Lord with our best, with as few distractions as possible (v.35).

So if you are single, God has given you the ability to give yourself wholly to Him. If you are married, live in that relationship the way God intended so that you do not create distractions for each other, but that you enhance your spouse’s ability to serve God, and they do the same for you (7:32-35).

We have talked about sexual sin for three days now. It is not the most comfortable subject to discuss, but it is necessary. The enemy tries to destroy the meaning and purpose of sex, perverting what God intended for good. When we mess up in this area, we are missing out on God’s perfect plan for our lives. It is how reputations are stained, expectations are misaligned, and marriages are destroyed. So here we are in our chronological journey through the Bible reading Paul’s advice in 1st Corinthians and talking once more about sex. It is a topic we have to understand in order to avoid Satan’s attempts to destroy us and break apart what God has joined together.

SO WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT SEX?

Not the most comfortable discussion to have, but if we do not know what we BELIEVE, it will be the very thing that pulls us away from God. I believe Paul’s best advice for all of our relationships is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. If we define love for each other the way God defines it, we will build each other up and make each other better servants of Christ. If we let selfishness and quarreling into our relationships with each other, we become a distraction from God’s purpose for our life and for the lives of those around us, spouses included.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no records of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…Three things will last forever — faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13

Let’s take time right now to pray for that kind of INTENTIONAL LOVE.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 6; Psalm 119:9-32

I think we would all agree that society no longer sees sex outside of marriage as a problem. What was once defined as sin is now seen as permissible and natural. Curriculum in schools has changed from encouraging abstinence to expecting promiscuity and sexual exploration, including same sex attraction and gender fluidity. 70% of Americans fully support gay marriage. I cannot say I am surprised by this cultural shift, but I am grieved to see how this way of thinking has made its way into the church.

So many young people in the church want to have a relationship with God that allows them to be sexually active. They want a doctrine that fully affirms homosexuality, even if it means disregarding scriptural direction. When the church preaches from passages like 1 Corinthians 6, they are seen as judgmental and unloving. But what if we could be 100% GRACE while still being 100% TRUTH? What if it is more unloving NOT to share the truth of verses like these:

DON’T YOU REALIZE THAT THOSE WHO DO WRONG WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive or cheat people — none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Society condemns teen pregnancies while Hollywood romanticizes sexual promiscuity. Stigmas are placed on individuals with sexually transmitted diseases but, through all forms of media, expectations push teenagers and adults toward sexual activity. No wonder abortion rates are so high and chlamydia is the largest breakout of any infection in the history of our nation. Society punishes those who commit a crime against another person but ratings show that Americans love to sit and watch programming that glorifies violent crimes. Our society is no different than ancient societies who were entertained by death and by the perversion of sex.

Paul addressed issues of sexual sin within the church that would keep them from experiencing ALL that God had planned for them. He boldly addressed homosexuality and prostitution, as well as promiscuity. He went to great lengths to beg the Corinthian Church to run from ALL forms of sexual sin.

OUR BODIES WERE NOT MADE FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.

Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

RUN FROM SEXUAL SIN!

No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Paul says, “Run away from sexual sin!” May we, as the body of Christ, heed Paul’s warning and start eliminating what the enemy intends to use to harm us. May we, as the temple of God, protect our minds from all that glorifies sin, and instead fill our minds with what glorifies God. May we go back to what we learned at the beginning of 1 Corinthians and allow the Holy Spirit to make us who God created us to be. May holiness be a result of the seed God is growing.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death. – Psalm 86:11-13

How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:9-11

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 5; Psalm 1

I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you — something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so PROUD of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship…Your BOASTING about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? – 1 Corinthians 5:1-2,6

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE SINFUL PRIDE OF A BELIEVER

When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

This is difficult to read. I think it takes wisdom from God to handle a situation when a member of our church family continues to sin. It takes both love and strength to protect the congregation while also doing what we can to extend grace as we help a brother or sister turn from their sinful ways or addictions. We cannot use Paul’s words as permission to push someone away in disgust but instead to allow leadership to lovingly handle a situation. Remember, it was also Paul who said the following:

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should GENTLY and HUMBLY help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” – Galatians 6:1

Rather than embracing the sin of those who are lost in order to show them the love of Christ, God is calling us to humbly and gently help them find their way back to God. He is calling us to sincerity, and we pray that the one we are approaching will see that it is with authenticity and sincere love that we are entering into this difficult conversation. God is calling us to stand confident in the truth, rather than repeating the lies of affirmation that this world promotes with pride.

So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. – 1 Corinthians 5:8

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE SINFUL PRIDE OF OUR NATION

There is a famous recording of another Paul – Paul Harvey. In this 1964 recording, Mr. Harvey is warning America that sin is crouching at the door. If Satan could have our ear, he could convince us to live a life of generational sin that would change America as we know it. Sadly, what Paul Harvey described in 1965 is what we are experiencing today.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21

Lord, forgive us for thinking too much of ourselves instead of depending on you — as individuals, as the church, and as a nation. Lord, heal our land and bring our focus back on you. Help us to recognize pride and arrogance in our own hearts. Give us wisdom to handle those inside the church who are continuing in sin — in love and with truth. We worship you in confidence, knowing that you are more powerful than the attempts of the enemy and you have equipped us with your Spirit for any battle that comes our way. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. – Psalm 1