Take Two: 1 Corinthians 16, Proverbs 2

Chapter 16 closes out the letter to the Corinthians in the style that was common for correspondence for the day. It contains some final thoughts and a list of greetings.

In 1 Cor 16:1-4, we see that Paul gave instruction for the "missions" offering. He instructed the Corinthians to give on the first of every week (systematically). We can infer from this that it was customary for the church to come together anyway at the first of every week (Sunday) for a regular time of assembly. They were accustomed to giving an offering to the Lord whenever they came...so Paul instructed them to give also for the "Jerusalem Offering" at that time. This offering was to be collected (likely by the church leadership or a designee) until Paul arrived when he would dispatch a representative to Jerusalem with it (1 Cor 16:3). This offering for the work in Jerusalem (missions) was to meet the need of the saints there and was intended to be participated in by everyone (1 Cor 16:2). The practical reason for giving every week...rather than waiting until Paul arrived was so that the need would be met. It kept the gift PROPORTIONATE to the ability of the church and provided a supply that was greater than would have been available had they waited and written a check at the last minute. (Now if you attend church where I serve as pastor...the Acts 1:8 offering makes a little more sense to you now....maybe.)

In 1 Cor 16:5-9 we see that Paul desires to come to Corinth and remain there for a while...but presently he is working in Ephesus because the Holy Spirit has provided a great opportunity for ministry there. [Note: When you find where God is at work...join Him there...even if you had other plans in mind.]

In 1 Cor 16:10-12 we see instructions concerning Timothy and Apollos.

1 Cor 16:13 struck me in an unusual way. As a closing exhortation...in a very succinct way...Paul tells the church: Be watchful (i.e. vigilant, awake, aware of your surroundings), stand firm in the faith (be intimately aware of what it is to be a Christ-follower and stand firm in it), act like men (not in an immature or cowardly manner), be strong (be healthy, vigorous, not weak or sickly...grow to full maturity). All four of these are imperatives (commands) to the church...then and now. And all of this is to be done in a spirit of love (1 Cor 16:14).

1 Cor 16:15-24 gives the final commendations and greetings. It ends as a section with Paul personally writing the closing verses. This is common when using a secretary (emanuasis) for the author to close out the letter personally. It authenticates the letter for later...just in case someone argued that something contained within might not be inspired by Paul himself.

[As a side note...for those who have been on the journey of reading the Bible along with me daily...you have just completed the 12th book and your third reading through of the Book of Proverbs. Congratulations. Not bad for a quarter of a year! Stand firm...we move on to another OT book tomorrow!]

Proverbs 2:20-23 is the takeaway today. Gaining wisdom and discernment allows us to process choices every day. Following God is not about getting this rule right or checking off this on the list. It is about living daily as a child of God. It is about making right choices that honor God throughout the day...every day. For those who gain wisdom and act with discernment...the promises of God are blessings. For those who act unwisely (foolishly), the promises of God are judgment. In everything we do...may we act wisely and in a discerning way...so that God would be honored in our every decision.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 15, Proverbs 1

Chapter 15 deals with the resurrection. Some of the teaching at Corinth (and other places) had begun to question the resurrection...because it could not be easily explained by science or by philosophy.

In 1 Cor 15:1-11, Paul reminds the church of the gospel he had preached to them. Nothing of what he had taught them was open for interpretation. It required wholesale acceptance and obedience (1 Cor 15:1-2). There was no real dispute about the death of Christ. Most believed that. Paul gave the reason for His death...as payment for sin (1 Cor 15:3). Christ died and was buried and rose again. The resurrection was evidence of the uniqueness of Christ and a demonstration of God's power over all things...even death (1 cor 15:54-57). The resurrected Christ appeared to more than 500 people before He ascended (1 Cor 15:5-8). To argue that Christ was not really resurrected was incredible...since evidence abounded!

Paul's argument shifts now to why it is essential to believe in the resurrection. First, if there is no resurrection for the saints, then even Christ was not resurrected (1 Cor 15:13). If Christ is not raised, then there is no basis for faith in Him or His gospel (1 Cor 15:14). Further, if Christ is not raised, then the preaching of the gospel is a false preaching because it lies about God (1 Cor 15:15-19).

As we follow the flow of thought...some had even begun teaching of a baptism for those who had previously died. Paul also points on the inconsistency in the argument. If there is not a resurrection, why are people baptized for the dead who will never be resurrected anyway?

Ultimately, Paul noted that the problem for many in the Corinthian church was that they had come to keep company with these folks whose theology and preaching was suspect...and as a result were being corrupted (1 Cor 15:33-34).

As for the argument over the resurrection body...what kind of body we have in the resurrection...Paul says it is a foolish question. It is not like anything we can fully comprehend now in our experience. It is a spiritual body (1 Cor 15:44). It is a glorified body...meaning that it is not flesh and blood and is perfect (1 Cor 15:42-43, 48). Just because we cannot fully comprehend or explain all of the details...does not make us right and it wrong. The resurrection is a reality...whether we can fully comprehend it or not.

The final question dealt with what happens to those (believers) who have not died at the time of the rapture (the second coming of Christ). Those who are alive will be "caught up" and made instantaneously like those who have died before us as we are taken to be with God.

In this chapter, Paul deals with every seemingly credible argument against the resurrection that was proposed by his opponents. He reminds the church of the gospel that they had professed to believe. It was essential that they held to this belief...by faith (1 Cor 15:58).

There are many things about God that are mysterious to us. This is good. We could not worship a God who we could fully comprehend. (A philosophical argument we will discuss again later). The fact is, we do not have to fully comprehend God to submit to Him. We have to understand enough to place our faith in Him and then rely on Him, by faith, for the rest. This applies to big issues like the resurrection...and the Trinity...and "substitutionary atonement"...but also to issues like daily disciplines...obedience in the area of relationships, finances, purpose...and life choices.

Proverbs 1:32 is the takeaway today. To keep it in perspective...it relates to Prov 1:7 which proposes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom... The naive and the complacent do not pursue God. They are passive. They think that God's instruction (wisdom) is overly involved (naive) or that they will get to it eventually (complacent). They do not pursue wisdom as though it were precious and absolutely necessary. As a result...they experience the judgment that comes when one chooses a path other than that of God. Yes...to not choose to pursue God is to choose to reject Him by default. There is no "neutral" or middle ground. Is effort involved in pursuing wisdom? YES! As with all good things in this life, effort is required...but it is a great value when attained.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 14, Proverbs 30

Chapter 14 has been the subject of a lot of speculation...and certainly can get a group of people stirred up. Usually, the excitement comes from getting into the details and missing the greater point. As is common for Paul....he makes a point and then unpacks (and applies) it in several ways.

From the text it seems that there was a certain allure within the church for "sign gifts (1 Cor 14:22)," that is the speaking in tongues. To clarify this...it would seem that this was an ecstatic utterance of syllables that were not intelligible to human ears (and minds) and therefore required an interpreter (1 Cor 14:7-9). In other words, the church at Corinth had begun "majoring" on speaking in a "heavenly language," understood only by God and some who were specially gifted to interpret the speech (1 Cor 14:2-5).

The speaking in tongues was intended to be a sign to those who were not believers so that the message of the person speaking, when interpreted, would be understood and the unbeliever would know that the message was from God. Paul speaks that the gift of prophesy was superior in its essence and if any gift was to be desired...it should be prophesy over tongues.

So to identify prophesy...this is the speaking forth of something that was previously not known and its revelation brings conviction. It is not always "foretelling" as though it involved a prediction of events that had not yet occurred. It can be a "forth telling"-- which is "preacher talk" for preaching and applying the Word of God....or it can be direct revelation of something going on in a person's life (i.e. "I sense that there is one here who is struggling with alcohol addiction and God says this man is to be set free if he will only confess it and repent today.") In both of these cases...the "prophesy" is a gift from God and is not attributed to good communication techniques...as though every "smooth" preacher was gifted as a prophet. Smart dudes communicate everyday and are not necessarily gifted as prophets.

Remember though, the purpose of the gift was to build up the church (the assembled Body of believers). So..."sign gifts" while mysterious...were less significant than edifying gifts that encouraged, exhorted, and consoled. Paul says...that since the purpose of coming together was this...then the gifts of prophesy were superior. He even said that he was gifted in both...and would desire prophesy over tongues 10,000 to five (1 Cor 14:19). Why? Because the purpose of the assembly of Christians was not to "wow" all of the unbelievers there (who were the minority) or to showcase the cool sign gifts that had...but to build up the Body of Christ.

Proverbs 30:5-6 is the takeaway today. God's Word is already proven. It is not strengthened by our testing or our additions. It is a safehaven that protects us if we trust in it. Sometimes the most difficult things to do in life are to trust in that which seems to be lacking in our eyes. We want to discount the Scriptures or read our situtations into the Scriptures as if our situation egates clear counsel. God will always provide for us if we take Him at His Word. If we add to or take away...He will insure that our "wisdom" fails and His Word alone is left to stand.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 13, Proverbs 28

Well I had a cool post but it disappeared. Not sure why...but it did. Anyway, I am not going to recreate the whole thing...in case it doesn't post again.

Here is the deal...Chapter 13 is a chapter on balance. Spiritual gifts are great...but love is to be desired. Love is not some "touchy-feely" thing...but often is tough and requires courage. We should desire to know and show the love of Christ more than anything else.

Proverbs 28:10 is the takeaway today. God looks at our intent and if it is evil, we will be trapped by it. If it is good, ultimately it will succeed.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 12, Proverbs 27

1 Cor 12 speaks to spiritual gifts in a significant way. Spiritual gifts are just that...gifts from the Holy Spirit given for the building up and accomplishing of the work of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:7). At Corinth the people had begun focusing on the gifts and even became a little prideful about which "gift" they were given (as though they were considered special by receiving some gift over another). This seems foolish I know...since they did not earn or develop the gifts. They were acts of grace (God's unmerited favor).

Paul explains that each gift is given, not for the building up of the individual, but for the building up of the Body. The list is pretty lengthy here (1 Cor 12:8-11, 27-28). While that is so, no gift was to be perceived as more significant than another since God gave them as He saw fit (1 Cor 12:18). Even those gifts that we might not "esteem" highly...turn out to be the most significant and necessary of all (1 Cor 12:22-25).

Obviously we can't discuss (in this forum) every gift we observe. We can, however, discuss some general principles. First, the fact that someone has a particular gift is not an indicator of something special about them (like Karma). Gifts are grace gifts...period. If a guy has a gift of effecting miracles but not discernment, he is no better off than one with discernment who does not effect miracles.

Second, nowhere do we see that gifts cease following the first century. Now I am personally a bit skeptical of some of the "sign gifts" that are promoted today. Signs were clearly given during the apostles' ministries to authenticate their message. The greatest authentication we have today (in our culture) is the Scripture. This is not to say that all manifestations of the Spirit have ceased. It is simply to acknowledge the fact that most guys who point to their "healing ministry" or their "speaking in tongues" seem more concerned with their own recognition than in the building up of the Body...so I am a bit skeptical.

Third and finally, everyone has a spiritual gift. You may know what it is. You may not know for sure. The truth is...everyone is give a gift for the purpose of using it to edify the Body of Christ. It would be a "misuse" of the gift to either not use it...or to not use it to build up the Body.

Proverbs 27:1 is the takeaway today. Don't go about bragging on what you will do tomorrow. Do it today. Tomorrow is yet to be determined.

Grace...and Happy Thanksgiving.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 11, Proverbs 26

1 Cor 11 gives some instruction on order in the church. It deals with the subject of women and men covering their heads to pray, conduct at the Lord's Supper and so forth.

Let me say at the outset, I do not believe the instruction for a woman to wear a head covering is a perpetual one. It was based on a cultural practice of that day. In that day, all women except prostitutes wore long hair and head coverings in public. The nature of the acceptance and equality within the Christian assembly was one that received people equally...regardless of social status or gender (Gal 3:28). Yet, this truth and exercising of liberty in Christ was not intended to be a stumbling block to the culture (which did not understand it) or to usurp creative order (create a circumstance where a woman would become the head of a man).

Paul instructs the church (1 Cor 11:3-10) that they are to conduct themselves in a culturally and biblically relevant way. [This is consistent with every other time that Paul has spoken of our liberty and responsibility as Christians.]

In 1 Cor 11:17-22, he points out that the church was exercising the same self-interest and selfishness in asserting their rights at the meals. Each person served himself first and served himself well...even if it meant that the guy at the end of the line got nothing.Paul said, "I don't know what you think you are doing...but when you act like this...it is not the Lord's Supper you are observing. You are not honoring Christ in your conduct." (1 Cor 11:20-21).

In 1 Cor 11:23-34, Paul reaffirms what the purpose of the Lord's Supper is and how a person is to approach it. Not to satisfy their own appetites...but to remember what Christ has done for them and to act consistently with that gift.

Proverbs 26:1 is the takeaway today. No more than snow goes with summer or rain goes with the harvest...is honor due to a foolish man who is unwise.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 10, Proverbs 25

In 1 Corinthians 10, we may be tempted to try to read it apart from the subject matter before it. The big picture that serves as the common thread throughout the previous chapters also connects this chapter. We are free in Christ, and freedom carries with it responsibility. The example Paul uses here is OT Israel.

1 Cor 1:1-5 reminds us that all of Israel was emancipated in the same way, at the same time, having heard the same stories and followed the same leadership. They all had received manna from heaven and water from the rock. Yet...some fell into idolatry while in the wilderness (desert) (Ex 32) at Mt Sinai. Some engaged in immorality (Numbers 25) while others spoke against God and Moses (Num 21:5), and still others complained (Number 16:41-50). Paul notes that in each of these sins, God brought judgment and the judgment serves as an example to us (1 Cor 10:6) so that we will not fall into the same condemnation. We are not to treat our liberty as a license to sin...relying on our eternal security to save us. We are to use our liberty responsibly...living for others rather than ourselves (1 Cor 10:23-24, 31).

There will always be temptation to sin. God does not bring the temptation (James 1:13). God provides a way of escape (1 Cor 10:31). God does use the circumstances of our temptation and our proper response as an event to reconcile others. Let me explain.

1 Cor 10:27-31 gives an example of a real life encounter. When someone is invited by an unbeliever to dinner, he does not have to check to see if the food is Kosher and get a history on where the food comes from (because it was common to serve meat sacrificed on idol altars since the meat would bring blessing). The Christian is free to eat. [That's right...you don't have to examine the ingredients of every marinade when invited over for steaks at your neighbor's house]. However, we have to also recognize that whatever we do reflects on Christ...so if our neighbor tells us that the meat came from an altar to an idol...we are to avoid eating it...even if it might offend our neighbor. SELAH.

I preach often that we are to remove barriers to the gospel. I am all about being culturally relevant. I care much more about getting the opportunity to share than I do about what the dinner consists of or was cooked it. However, I am an ambassador of the King. Do you suppose Jesus ever ate from an idol's altar after someone told him what was being served? I suspect not. Here is why. Sometimes people will intentionally (or unintentionally) put us in a compromising position to see how we respond. Our response must reflect Christ. While we are called (I believe) to be missionally minded in our culture, we are still to be distinct from culture (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our goal in every encounter is to present Christ as He is: The holy Son of God and our Salvation (1 Cor 10:31-33), so that men may be saved.

Proverbs 25:28 is the takeaway today. A city's honor was in it's walls. This is why Nehemiah rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem. A man without the discipline to control himself (his emotions, his responses) is a man without honor. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is achievable for all. Like all disciplines though...discipline is key.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 9, Proverbs 24

In chapter 9 Paul is addressing some undercurrent in the Corinthian church about his apostleship (1 Cor 9:1-2). Some were saying that Paul was not truly an apostle and should not be supported in his ministry. They charged that he was not even good at what he did (since he did not appeal to rhetoric, philosophy, or other popular approaches of the day). In making these charges against Paul, they elevated themselves.

In 1 Cor 9:3-7, Paul speaks of the natural order in the world which would affirm his right to be supported in his ministry. In 1 Cor 9:8-14, Paul points not to the natural order, but to the Law of God. He noted that he had no reservation about deserving or demanding support in his ministry. The only reason he had none done so was so that the gospel could flow with greater speed (1 Cor 9:12).

Paul gives an example here of the Christian life. We are called to give ourselves to the furtherance of the gospel. We are called to serve others. We are not called to demand our rights...but to give ourselves over to God. Paul is not arguing for a raise here (1 Cor 9:15-16); nor is he giving some doctrinal treatise on the fact that minister should not be paid (some of my church-planting brethren use this verse to say that bi-vocational ministry is the prescribed ministry approach). Paul is demonstrating the attitude and approach that should characterize all of us.

This is summarized in 1 Cor 9:19-27. So that he might "win" souls, Paul disciplines himself in every respect, surrenders his rights and becomes what he needs to become (1 Cor 9:22). His life is lived out for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor 9:23).

Can you imagine... if you looked at the driving motivation for your life...would it be for the "sake of the gospel?" Is Paul unique among Christians...in that his life is somewhat different than the expectations for our lives? Are we called as Christ-followers to this type of radical commitment and focus?

If you you think that Paul is the example we are called to imitate...what needs to change in your life? How do you need to adjust your lifestyle...your finances...your allocation of time? What do you need to discipline yourself to learn...and to do?

[If it were me...and it is, I think I would write down these thoughts and really consider my response and then write some commitments...so that I don't forget them by chapter 10.]

Proverbs 24:5-6 is the takeaway today. True strength and power for the task at hand is found in wisdom acquired...and wisdom applied. VIctory awaits for he who takes care to seek wisdom and counsel.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 8, Proverbs 23

In 1 Cor 8, Paul really starts talking meat! (pun intended). The subject really relates to our freedom in Christ and the responsibility that goes with that freedom.

As believers, we know that our relationship with God is through Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). We are not saved because we did certain things. It is not because of how we dress or how we sing, or where we spend our time on Sunday morning. Our relationship is the product of God's grace toward us which we trust in (faith) exclusively as the basis for our relationship. The knowledge of this is a bit overwhelming. To think that God will not love you more because you come to church twice on Sunday than He loves a man in India who has no church to worship in...is both convicting and freeing. The freedom aspect is what Paul is addressing here.

There were some who taught that one should live lives of pure liberty...doing whatever they wanted and acting within the culture of the day...in any way they chose, even if others were hurt by it. Paul said that this attitude was irresponsible and actually was a sin against Christ (1 Cor 8:9, 11-12). Even though the conduct to YOU may not be idolatrous or evil in any way...if your actions are perceived by less mature believers or non-believers as such...you have hurt them.

So the question comes up: When do I fight for my "liberty" and when do I yield to others in "love?" Paul says, LOVE ALWAYS! This is the same principle as "turn the other cheek" or "walk a second mile." It is the heart of a servant. Paul goes as far as to become a vegetarian forever if eating meat caused any brother to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).

Most of us want to spend time trying to win people over to our way of thinking. We do that so that we will feel better about what we do rather than because we want others to experience the liberty we have (sometimes). Sometimes we do it because we like being the smartest guy in the room. We want people to admire how spiritual we are. Paul says here that if the motive of our actions is not love for others, then we are missing the point. (As a sidenote, sometimes people think that this only applies when moving from "tradition" to contemporary issues. To the contrary, the same applies from those who would vehemently try to win someone to a style of dress, music, or Bible version commensurate with an era 50 years ago).

So, how does this apply? Do we try to convince people that smoking a cigar or a little "social drinking" is ok? Do we try to convice people that praise choruses are just as spiritual as hymns? Would these things be helpful to anyone? In love, we are to live as servants to all...exercising great responsibility with our Christian freedom. Anything else...misses the point and misses the mark.

Proverbs 23:9 is the takeaway today. I wish I could tattoo this on the inside of my eyelids. For now, I will have to just commit to memory. I wish I had back the countless numbers of hours I have spent trying to convince someone their position was wrong...when what they really wanted was to be entertained with the discussion or to change my mind. How much better to act as one of my professors in Seminary. He would often just start to smile and say, "hmmm. Interesting." Then, change the subject.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 7, Proverbs 22

In chapter 7 we find Paul firing off instruction on a vairiety of issues pertaining to personal relationships...particularly those related to marriage.

In 1 Cor 7:1-7, Paul states that the "best" thing (as it relates to the Kingdom of God) is for a person to remain unmarried (1 Cor 7:8-9) so that they may be undistracted and focus on fulfilling the will of God (1 Cor 7:35). This life of singleness is a unique gift (1 Cor 7:7). It has to be a gift because we as humans are beings that require physical (sexual) relationships. Now our society has so perverted what God's idea of sex is... that there is usually a lot of "baggage" for folks when it comes to sex. Some have thought that abstaining from sex is somhow a spiritual act of worship, while others have their "scale of normalcy" so whacked out, that they cannot find pleasure in their marriage partner. (This happens as a result- often times- of media input {movies, sit comes, soaps; romance novels; and pornography}. Other use sex as a weapon...deciding to "give it" to her/his spouse as a reward for good behavior. Paul says in the controversial 7 verses that sex is not a weapon but is a gift and we are never to use it as anything else.

In 1 Cor 7:10-16 Paul declares that it is never appropriate to seek a divorce. Believers do not divorce. They are submissive to the Lord and find a way to make their marriage work. Even when they do not find a way to make the marriage fulfilling, they recognize that they are instruments of God's grace in the life of the spouse, and give themselves to the circumstance so that God can use them to save souls of spouses and children (1 Cor 7:14, 16) This applies as a command to the believer and has no regard for whether the spouse is a believer or not. If an unbelieving spouse "abandons" the marriage, then the believer is under no obligation (1 Cor 7:15). [This is not a tactical consideration to try to run someone off so they will abandon you either].

The other verses dovetail into these issues in one way or another. A couple of highlights are important. Several times, Paul notes that the instruction he gives is from him and not the Lord (1 Cor 7:8, 10, 12, 40). This DOES NOT diminish the authority that applies to the statement. All Scripture is equally inspired and authoritative (2 Tim 3:16). The statement is best understood as an application of Christ's teachings...not something that He addressed specifically and directly during His ministry.

The second observation I would make relates to how we receive this instruction. These verses are very instructive for us and it is unwise to discount them because we have "issues." My wife and I do a fair amount of relationship counseling with married couples. I have found that if we (married couples) are serious about what is written on here (and find solutions for our own issues) marriages tend to be more fulfilling and God-honoring.

Proverbs 22:10 is the takeaway for today. Sometimes, we find ourselves with "Harry" hanging around. He is the guy who always finds something wrong with everything, complains without ceasing, sees impure motives in every action and even has spotted a few consiracy theories in his day. Guys like "Harry" keep everyone on edge and stirred up. If Harry won't repent...somebody needs to tell him to hit the road. Doing so will improve the atmosphere, reduce contention/conflict, and promote harmony.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 6; Proverbs 21

In chapter 6, Paul addresses a couple of subjects, but they fit "neatly" under the umbrella that we have been discussing to this point: Stop thinking like a mortal man only...but be transformed and think like the spiritual person that you are in Christ. The struggle for all of us is that our "flesh" (that is, our own desire to look out for ourselves and meet our own needs according to our own "wisdom") is constantly at enmity with the spirit-being inside us when we become believers. It is not that the Holy Spirit is working up a sweat, wrestling with us. It is that God presents a plan/purpose/ and direction to us and we struggle between whether we choose to yield to that plan...or stick with what seems to serve our interest better (our plan/purpose/ and direction). Intellectually, most Christ-followers know that God's plan is always better...yet, they wrestle anyway. Paul addresses a couple of ways this occured for the Corinthian believers.

1 Cor 6:1-11 give clear instruction on how believers are to settle differences with one another. Apparently, for this subject to come up...it had become pretty obvious that people were taking their issues with one another to the magistrates in town to settle. The appeal was to the civil law rather than to the law of God. Today, this looks pretty similar in many churches. When confronted with a challenge or difference of opinion, many people simply appeal to something "worldly" like tradition, accounting principles, constitutions, by-laws, preferences, or human wisdom. None of these things are bad...but neither are they as good as God's way. God has a better approach. Seek him, employee wise people in your spiritual community (church) who will lead according to biblical principles and submit to their godly wisdom.

An example comes to mind. We were burglarized as a church last year and the perpetrators were caught. As they neared their court date, I received a phone call from one of the boys' moms. She wanted to apologize for her son and ask that I speak on his behalf at court so he would not receive severe punishment. (He and his friend did more that $30,000 in damage/thefts to two churches). She said she was calling because her son's attorney suggested it. I told her to have her son speak to me (he was of legal age). If he confessed to me and asked for forgiveness, then I would speak to the court. She said he could not do it because his attorney suggested that he admit no guilt. (Oh...he claimed to be a Christian.) Anyway, I told her that her son needed to choose where he would argue his case. If you choose a human court, then trust the courts and the lawyers. If you want to trust in the mercy of God and how that would work its way out through God's people...he would need to admit his guilt and ask for forgiveness. [He chose the courts and received, probation, restitution, and court ordered counseling.]

If two believers are at odds and are part of the church family, disputes should be settled in the church family. Seek out the pastor or a wise leader and let them guide you. (This goes for marriage struggles too). If you cannot trust the "saints" to judge appropriately here in this matter...you will be sadly disappointed when you get to heaven (assuming...of, course...) and find that the saints are actually judging the world (1 Cor 6:2-3).

1 Cor 6:12-20 speaks of our conduct in our own bodies. Granted...we are not of this world and our world is passing away (including these earth suits we live in), but we are still to live in this world in a way that glorifies God. A believer cannot sin in this world and defend it by pointing to the fact that He is a kingdom citizen. Everything we do is a spiritual act. When we eat and drink (1 Cor 6:12-13) and "whatever" (1 Cor 6:14-18) or do anything...we are bringing the Holy Spirit right into the situation (1 Cor 6:19). Even though we claim that our physical actions are our own and are not related to our God worship...we are wrong. Truthfully, we are given this physical existence in order to glorify God in all that we do (1 Cor 6:20). It is not optional...it is part of the contract we made with God.

What areas of our lives do we have segmented away from our "spiritual" nature? Do you act at work in a manner that is God-led and worshipful...or do you compartmentalize that aspect of your life so you can "get things done" efficiently? Commit today to act in a manner consistent with godliness in every element and aspect of your life. Let God have the whole thing...not just a compartment or section on Sunday. See if the rest of the week does not prove to bring you closer to God rather than drain you of your worship.

Proverbs 21:15 is the takeaway today. This is not a Sunday morning Proverb...but it connects to our experience in everyday life. Acting in righteousness always magnifies God and discourages the enemy.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 5, Proverbs 20

Chapter 5 is one of the more difficult to process in the New Testament. Not because the language or the theology is difficult...but because it deals with sin, holiness, and how those intersect with our lives.

Paul told the church in 1 Cor 4:18-21 that he was coming to them to correct some issues. The issues related to the church's response to immorality. 1 Cor 5:1-2 explains that Paul's great concern is how the church has failed to act on the sin in their midst. Someone in the church (probably with some prominence) was having sexual relations with his stepmother (1 Cor 5:1). The issue was not the sin which had a clearly prescribed response. (Repent or be judged). The issue was the tolerance of ongoing sin in the life of a believer and the church's arrogance (1 Cor 5:2) in not dealing with the sin as God had prescribed.

It is not the severity of the sin. You and I deal with scales of sin that include "little white lies" and "conspiracies." God sees lying as lying. It is no different to lie against your neighbor or lie about your charitable contributions on your income taxes. Both are lying. The man in this church was committing sexual sin...no different than lust (Matt 5:28), or extramarital sex, or beastiality, or polygamy (frowned upon in the first century as a whole and prohibited in Jewish thought). We cannot look back on the sin (which is over-the-top wrong from our perspective) and say "of course they should have disciplined him" when we tolerate ongoing, unrepentent sin in our presence by people who claim to be followers of Christ.

The arrogance displayed was the church (probably the leadership) making allowances for people based on personalities and relationships that superceded God's clear direction. Paul said that he had already made a decision on how to proceed because the matter was that clear. Stop sinning or the chruch will discipline you.

Some today (myself included at times) think this seems really harsh. I think this is mostly because we recognize our own sin and propensity to sin. This is why we reject small group accountability and personal accountability. We don't want to be discovered. HEAR ME...God knows we are not perfect. He just will not allow us to tolerate sin in our lives anymore that He tolerates sin in our lives.

Paul had written previously to the church and admonished them to not associate with immoral people (1 Cor 5:9). They took that as the need to be separate from the world. Paul said this is crazy...because to do that meant to seclude the church from the world (1 Cor 5:10). [Really shoots the whole monastery idea in the foot, huh?] He said that the command was to not associate with people who claimed to follow Christ (members of the church) who would not repent of their sins (1 Cor 5:11). Obviously we have no business trying to judge the outside world. If someone does not become part of our community (the church) we have no right to judge their lifestyle. If they are outside of the church...they are God's business...because to be with Jesus means that you are in the church. Catch this...it is about to get deeper.

We are responsible for helping one another by holding one another accountable for holiness. We are doing no one any favors by overlooking their ongoing sins or by choosing to huddle and pray for them...when what they need is someone to call them to repentence (Matthew 18:15). Does this take courage? Absolutely. Can it be ignored? Absolutely not. Perhaps if the church (including the church I serve) cared more about its own holiness than how the world acted on any given sin subject...we would experience a real demonstration of God's power in our midst and our witness would be light years ahead of where it is.

Proverbs 20:19 is the takeaway today. It stuck out because of the admonition in 1 Cor 5. Gossip is a destructive sin that we are told to avoid...and we are told to avoid people who engage in it. As we meditate on that today: ask, "do I do this?"

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 4, Proverbs 19

1 Cor 4:1 is a key verse. The Corinthians had factionalized and become prideful over their favorite teacher (1 Cor 1:12). Paul told them that each man who had ministered there had fulfilled a particular task for a particular season. He had birthed them and laid a foundation which Apollos later built on...and even Peter built on. It would be untrue to say that Apollos was the smarter guy because he taught deeper truth. He taught what he could because of what they had already learned from Paul. It would be unfair to say that Paul was a simpleton since he did not teach as deeply as Apollos. (Paul kept it simple intentionally because of their maturity in the Lord) The truth is...each man did what he needed to do to fulfill the ministry he had at the time and season in the life of that church.

1 Cor 4:1 says it again...don't think of us as anything because we are servants of Christ and stewards (managers) of the mysteries of God. In other words...we are simply the errand boys...delivering God's intended message for the hour to the people and are in no way responsible for the content. Our Master is responsible for the content. We are delivering the message and doing as we are told.

In that context, it is pretty dificult to get too proud of your favorite "errand boy." Do you say, "my slave is more articulate than your slave?" (Tough to be proud there.) And that is by design. Paul said, when you regard us (consider us)...see us in this manner.

Paul noted that this was enough for the preacher. It does not matter if the preacher is examined by the people and is found to be sufficient (1 Cor 4:3-4)...because, in the end, the Lord judges (1 Cor 4:5) and the standard is faithfulness to Him (1 Cor 4:2), not the popular vote.

The next call Paul extends (using a little sarcasm, too) is for the people to start thinking of themselves as the apostle considered himself (1 Cor 4:8-13). Then, once you rediscover where you are supposed to be (in the spiritual economy), look to the example in Paul and imitate him (1 Cor 4:16). Don't miss the word imitate. To this point, much of the issues with pride have revolved around "talk." In the end, words don't get it done. The only thing that matters is the effort. A talk...without a walk...is just empty, prideful chatter. The Kingdom of God is not about such cheap things. It is about power (1 Cor 4:19-20). Not gaining power, but in power displayed. It is about setting ones mind on Christ as Lord and living accordingly...walking in the power of Christ daily. With God as judge, Paul tells the church that he will come there soon if the Lord allows and then there will be a chance to see if his message is about talk or walk...about words or power.

As we apply this today..perhaps we can learn something here... not about the philosophy of a man, but about the actions that come out of the philosophy. Many people point to the great preachers. Some say, "I wish that I had a ministry like Paul's...or I wish I could preach like Spurgeon," or, I wish I knew all the stuff that "so and so" does. In the end though...if we really admire them and want to be as effective as they are, we have to do what they do/did...not being fooled by those who have nothing to show for their ministry except talk. By the way, if everyone imitated what you do...would it bear out "words" or "power?"

Proverbs 19:18 is the takeaway today. (it really goes with Proverbs 19:19 also...since they accentuate the same truth). Verse 18 has an imperative..."Discipline" your son. It is not a suggestion but is the opposite of passive parenting. To withhold discipline is to (by implication) desire his death...because an undisciplined life (a life lived without restraint and intentional pursuit of godliness) is a recipe for separation from God. [Could say more...but will probably let that just soak in.]

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 3, Proverbs 18

Chapter 3 opens with the "milk and meat" analogy that Paul uses. The idea is connected to the "wisdom/foolishness" contrast in the previous thought...at least in form. The main issue Paul has been addressing is the carnality of the church which was manifesting itself in factionalism in the church. As Paul addresses it here...he points out that the growth of each of the church members was not due to the leader/pastor they learned the Word of God from...it was from the God who gave the Word.

As Paul was the architect/master builder (church planter) (1 Cor 3:10), he laid the foundation. He taught spiritual truths...but they were elementary truths...the basics (milk). These are not less significant truths...they are just easier to grasp and understand. We teach children that "Jesus loves me, this I know...for the Bible tells me so." This is an elementary doctrine. We teach mature believers that God acts in a loving way because at His very essence He is love. It is a defining attribute/characteristic of His being. Further, God is unchanging and always acts in a manner consistent with His being. Therefore, God can always be relied upon to act toward us in love because it is who He is. [ Now...when the smoke clears...read further].

Both of these truths are true. Both say the same thing. Both will be learned during the journey of the Christian life. Both are actually the same truth.

To complete the analogy, Paul taught them "Jesus loves me," and Apollos taught them about the characterics/attributes of God that manifested in love. Peter came alone and showed them historically that God had always loved and had chosen the Jewish people in love as instruments of love (election) for God in the world. AS A RESULT of these men's ministries, each person at Corinth grew somewhat. Each one developed preferences and favorites...not realizing the deeper reality: That all three were really just different parts in the process of spiritual development...they were one (neither being more valuable or prominent than the other) (1 cor 3:5-8). Two truths come to mind:

First, some had never progressed. They learned "Jesus loves me" and decided that was good enough for them. Today that sounds like, "The Bible said it, I believe it, that settles it" to quote a bumper sticker. Unfortunately for them, this is not sufficient. The point of being saved and learning about God is not so that we can be saved and be smarter; rather, the point of salvation is that we might complete the work God has for us. To do this, we MUST grow in our understanding of God. Otherwise...we limit our effectiveness for usefulness in the Lord's work. [Now I know that some baptists hate when I use the word "work...", but it is pretty prominent here (1 Cor 3:12-15). ]

Second, we err when we equate our spiritual development to a person and not the process. I have my favorite and beloved heroes in my spiritual journey like everyone else. My pastor (when I was called to ministry...who I still call pastor) taught me so much; however, I DISHONOR him and the God he serves if I equate my growth to him. He was but an instrument in God's hands. God brought the growth in my life...and he used this man to do it. In churches today, even the one I pastor, some hold high allegience to the "man" who was leading when it connected for them. Praise the Lord. But, they sometimes want to enshrine all that the man taught them and all that the man started and stood for. They will fight for the favorite "program" or "philosophy" of the man. We name buildings after him and even call him long after he transfers to bounce by the "new guy's" latest ideas. This is a textbook application of what Paul is discussing. It is distracting. When we get it...I mean really get what God is doing...we quit holding onto programs and philosophies and we "latch onto" the God who sent the guy who started the program or philosophy. We then see the "new guy" as God's latest instrument in developing us...rather than being suspicious and resistent to the change that is coming...trying to DEFEND the great idea/philosophy/approach to ministry of our hero...as if it were anything.

In my experience (from both sides of this issue in church), the faster that this occurs, the faster the church gets on to accomplishing what they were designed to do. The longer it takes, the greater the risk and pain that is involved.

Proverbs 18:2 is the takeaway today. This is an outworking of humility of mind. There are things that we wrestle to the ground...and have a pretty good understanding of. There are far more things that we have opinions on...that are based on less "thought through" principles. A fool wants to profess his opinions, while a wise man seeks to learn more of what he does not know...so he can truly have understanding.

Grace,

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 2, Proverbs 17

Continuing with Paul's closing thoughts from 1 Cor 1:26-31, Paul goes on in Chapter 2 to remind the church that he had not come to them practicing those things that were respected by the world (oratory skills, stage presence, etc.), but focused on the power of the gospel message. Paul said that he did not come with a dynamic, logical presentation on powerpoint (1 Cor 2:1-2), but came preaching a message of Christ cruicified...which was foolish by the world's standards. This makes me "grin" on the inside. Paul was intentionally simple in his preaching. Sometimes we make the "Christian journey" pretty complicated. "Come follow Me (Matthew 4:19)" becomes "dress this way, say these things, act in this manner...hold to these 23 points of confessional (creed) identity." Perhaps our "presentation" (our attempt to make the Christ-life) palatable and culturally relevant is actually making it so complicated that one cannot receive it in its fullness of power? [These are the philosophical ramblings of a man writing at 3:30 AM who has already been up for an hour and a half.]

Paul was intentionally simple and focused on what he said and how he said it when he preached to this church at Corinth (1 Cor 2:6-8)...because he desired for their faith to be in God and His wisdom, rather than the wisdom of men. Wow! What can be done when we aren't in a hurry to get the credit!

Paul said that he intentionally relied on the Holy Spirit to be the lead instructor since no one knew the heart of God better than the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:10-11). In other words, He preached the truth and allowed the Spirit to apply the Truth as He saw fit. To some, this made Paul seem like a less than capable leader or communicator. They used the wisdom of the world when discerning Paul's message (1 Cor 2:12-14). Paul knew his message would not be received by all...but was okay with that since he trusted the Holy Spirit to apply what was true to the hearts of those who heard him and were open to really understanding the truth of God.

As a pastor, this is a tough balance for me. On one hand...I am a communicator. I do this for a living. I have the responsibility to convey truth in a way that makes it understandable to everyone. In some measure, my competence as a communicator is measured by how well people "get it" when I teach. On the other hand, I am a spiritual leader...meaning I am responsible to create the environment for people to discover the truths of God as the Holy Spirit applies them. The balance is knowing when to let people wrestle with tough things so they can learn in the midst of the journey. Certainly the "Christian" life is not always easy...nor did God intend for it to be. He designed it to be such that we would always be dependent on Him for how to survive and thrive.

Proverbs 17:10 is the takeaway today. We all have met people who were teachable and those who were "not-so-much." The key to growing in Christ is to be intentionally humble and teachable. Someone gave me an article recently on how to handle criticism. One of the "keys" in considering criticism was to PRESUME that there was merit and validity (in some measure) to the critic's observations. In other words to be teachable. A word of correction to a teachable person is more powerful than 100 "licks" with a rod of correction for one who is stubborn and refuses to be taught. Perhaps...we should look daily for what God is teaching us through the people around us and through His word. The great key to gaining is to begin with being teachable.

Take Two: 1 Corinthians 1, Proverbs 16

Sorry for no post yesterday. I picked up a bug somewhere...and was crashed on the couch for the entire day. Yes, I suffered through an entire day of college football. Did I feel guilty? Not so much! :)

I want to start 1 Corinthians today. If you can recognize the pattern, I am going back and forth between Old and New Testament during these reflections. It helps to balance my reading.

Chapter 1:1-9 contains the opening greeting which is pretty characteristic of letter writing in the day. Paul is the author and Sosthenes is his secretary (1 Cor 1:1). Paul gives thanks to God for them (i.e. the church at Corinth) because God showed grace and mercy toward them (1 Cor 1:4). Paul states his confidence in God's continuing work of sanctification in them (1 Cor 1:7-9). This is an important statement about the "journey" of the Christian life. None of us arrive on this side of heaven. We are all in process. I think this is a particularly appropriate statement since the church at Corinth is where we see "carnal" (worldly) Christianity start to gain prominence. Some today think that carnal Christianity is somehow normative...but it is not. There is always a struggle but it was abnormal (and a reason for strong rebuke) for the church at Corinth to accept worldly Christianity as being "normal."

1 Cor 1:10-17 shows the first level of the carnal conflict. There was a division, sourced in pride over which teacher a church member aligned with, in the church. This still goes on today. It is not just with "teachers," but also includes those who align with particular schools of thought in Theology (i.e. Calvinism, Arminianism, Dispensationalism, Denominations, etc.). Paul begins his letter by exhorting the church to get unified (which only comes through submission, not conquering) behind the real message...the message fo the cross (1 Cor 1:17).

1 Cor 1:18-31 lays out the foolishness of the gospel (as it appears to many men). What man could not do in his own effort, God did through the cross and Christ. Many in thoses days rejected the message of the cross because it seemed so simplistic and was a message of pure grace. They desired a religion which permitted them to earn favor with God. This "works-based" religion would promote pride in ones heart. Truthfully, the message of the cross was (and is) such...that no one could dare accept any credit (as if they did anything to deserve it). The message of the cross is this: God set a standard of perfection in order to have a relationship with Him. Man, in his best effort could never come close to the standard. God then accomplished perfection in the sacrifice of His Son. He then made this perfection available to all who would call on the Name of Christ.

What Paul is admonishing against is not being good speakers or acting morally...or even having a favorite teacher. He is admonishing the church to not take pride in any of these things as though they were of any real value in the big picture.

Proverbs 16:5 is the takeaway today. It sort of dovetails in with the chapter discussed in 1 Corinthians. God will not permit pridefulness on the part of his people. If anyone believes that they have earned the right to approach God, He is an abomination. Our ability to approach God is based solely on what His Son did on our behalf. Since this is true, we can come boldly before the throne of God (Heb 4:16).

Grace,