1 Corinthians 2 "Spiritual Insight"

 “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him.” (v.14)

Paul begins chapter 2 by declaring two things about his visit to Corinth; 1) What he came not to do (excellency of speech, haughty wisdom), and 2) What he was determined to do (simply speak of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified). You see it doesn't matter how eloquent we are or how much textbook wisdom we possess, what matters is Jesus and his gospel.

The great 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon told the story about a woman who said to Joseph Turner while he was painting, “Why do you put such extravagant colors into your pictures? I never see anything like them in nature.” To which Joseph Turner replied, “Don’t you wish you did, Madam?”

In a similar way, believers in Christ can see many spiritual truths that unbelievers simply cannot recognize no matter how educated. When we are born again, the indwelling Holy Spirit gives us understanding of the “deep things of God” (v.10). With the help of the Spirit, we can apprehend the truths of the Word of God and appreciate their beauty and significance. We can see the wonderful things in Scripture that are completely unnoticed by those who are spiritually blind. Therefore, when sharing these truths with those who are not enlightened, it's best to keep it simple. Stick to Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

And, as you faithfully read and study the Bible, listen to trustworthy Bible teachers, and above all as you rely on the Holy Spirit, be thankful that you can understand God’s message. Like the psalmist, we should pray, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Ps. 119:18).

Scriptural insight is available only to those with spiritual eyesight.

1 Corinthians 1 “Unity In Christ”

 “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” (v.31)

Here in chapter 1 Paul writes to the church of Corinth mainly about unity. He had heard of the many contentions among the brethren, which were of the house of Chloe (v.11), and cautioned them about division in the body of Christ. While there is nothing wrong with following different teachers, or denominations, there is a problem when it leads to pride, division, and a different Jesus - or when the orator becomes more important than the Word itself. 

Personally, I love how Paul encourages them at the end of this chapter where he writes, “But you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God” (v.30). In other words, “hey wake up, you’re not stupid. You have the wisdom of God through Jesus Christ. See this stuff for what it is, nonsense.” 

Oh the wisdom of God available to us through the work of the cross. We, who were once lost in our sin, held in bondage to corruption, were purchased through the cross of Christ. Therefore, our allegiance belongs to Him, our Master, Savior, God, and King. That’s why Paul could say, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” Godly wisdom for us today!

The Truth: This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth--for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Romans 16 "Be Wise In What Is Good"

 “For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple in what is evil.” (v.19)

Here Paul concludes his letter to the saints in Rome by commending their obedience to the principles of the Gospel, and declaring to them that it is well known to all, which gives him great joy (As it would any shepherd). He is speaking here of an obedience that is motivated by love, that flows from a new heart, which now desires and is empowered to be obedient to the Master’s voice, and to follow His statutes.

Then, at the end of our text, Paul cautions them to, “be wise in what is good, and simple in what is evil.” Great advise here. Understand what is good, and what the LORD requires of His children, but be simple minded, have a lack of knowledge, when it comes to evil and do not become wise in it.

In other words, what you don’t know concerning evil, won’t hurt you. But do not go looking for it, for if you play with Fire you’re going to get burned. 

Help us Lord to be obedient to your voice, to be wise when it comes to doing good, and be ignorant in the things that are evil. Amen.

The Truth: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14)

Romans 15 "Comfort Found In Scripture"

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.” (v.4)

I have found tremendous comfort in the scriptures. It never seems to matter what I’m going through, in time, God provides His comfort through His WORD. Patience is the key though and more often than not, His timing is far longer than we might desired to wait. But as scripture tells us, “let patience have it’s perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).

The scriptures also fill us with comfort through the many examples of recorded patience, grace, and forgiveness extended to others who were sinners just like us. The prodical son, the women at the well, the thief on the cross, Paul’s conversion, Peter’s denial, etc.  As Matthew West wrote in his song Grace Wins, “There's a war between guilt and grace, and they're fighting for a sacred space, but I'm living proof, Grace wins every time.”

The longer I live the more I am certain of this great truth in my life, nothing comforts me more than God’s Word.

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Romans 14 “Pursue Peace”

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (v.19)

Chapter 14 deals with functioning in controversy. Here Paul touches on one of the common problems throughout church history, Christians trying to change one another. What is it about human nature that wants others to see everything the way “We” do, to conform to “Our” opinions and perspectives? The answer is found in the personal pronouns of self interest. 

Paul teaches us in verses 1-4, although we enjoy personal freedoms in Christ, we are not to restrict others with our perspectives. Accepting others and not judging them allows others the freedom to hold to their convitions that are unlike our own. Refusing to dictate to others allows the Lord freedom to direct their lives and not us. 

Paul goes on to tells us at the end of verse 5: “Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.” Meaning, give people room to determine their own convictions by modeling grace. Refuse all temptations to be a brother basher or sister smasher, as nothing catches the attention of the unsaved world quicker than those times when we Christians beat up on one another.

Freeing others means we never assume the position of judge. How often have we jumped to wrong conclusions, made judgmental statements, only to find out later how off-base we were . . . then wished we had never said something. We can all be a lot happier if we accept the fact that others won’t always fall in line with our convictions and that’s okay. But, the main thing you and I must guard against is judging. We are not qualified to fill that role. God alone is to be our Judge and Jury.

Therefore, as Paul states in verse 14, “for those who esteem something to be unclean, then for them it is unclean.” Meaning, if “you” have a personal problem with things like; smoking cigarettes, having a glass of wine, going to the movies, then “you” should not take part in these things. But, don’t judge another in his/her liberties. While these things might be regarded as taboo by some, they will not keep a born again Christian who loves the LORD from salvation.

In closing, we all need to concentrate on things that encourage peace and build one another up, not judging and tearing one another down.

The Truth

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matther 7:1-3)

Romans 13 "Proper Behavior"

 Here in chapter 13 Paul is encouraging the believers in Rome to do three things; submit to government (vv.1-7), love their neighbors (vv.8-10) and to put on the LORD Jesus Christ (vv.11-14). All three of these directives can be combined into one major topic, “proper behavior”.

We as Christians should be subjective to the governing authorities appointed by God and not resist them. Proper behavior demands that we follow the law, not only because of the consequences if we don’t, but for our own conscience sake (v.5) and witness.

Likewise, proper behavior calls us to treat our neighbors with love and respect. In-so-doing, we have fulfilled God’s greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v.9).

Finally as a Christian, proper behavior calls us to, “put on the armor of  light” (v.12) and to walk properly as a living example to others by, “putting on the LORD Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (v.14). 

The key to all this is gearing up every day with God’s Word. Only by putting on our armor, can we fight against the “principalities and powers” of the dark side that war against us. Only then can we walk properly as children of the light, Jedi’s for Christ.

The Truth: “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:16-17)

Romans 12 "Overcome Evil With Good

"Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (v.21)

There is an old saying: Returning evil for good is devil-like, evil for evil is beast-like, good for good is man-like, and good for evil is God-like. 

How many times have we all thought of getting revenge, make someone pay, returning evil for evil? It truly is our nature to lash out rather than show leniency or to take the higher road. However, Paul is telling us here, we must rise to that God-like point as Christians and overcome evil with good.

CH Spurgeon put it this way, “The text appears to give us a choice between two things, and bids us to choose the better one. You must either be overcome by evil, or you must yourself overcome evil. One of the two. You cannot let evil alone, and evil will not let you alone. You must fight, and in the battle you must either con­quer or be conquered. It (the text) inculcates not merely passive non-resistance, but it teaches us active benevo­lence to enemies. "Overcome evil with good," with direct and overt acts of kindness. If any man has done you a wrong, do not only forgive it, but also avenge it by doing him a favor.”

The longer I live the more I realize the power behind this great truth of returning good for evil. It demonstrates true Christian love and can possibly bring about a change of heart and soul. And that is the real challenge in life is it not, to “overcome evil?” For it’s influence is truly all around us, battling for a piece of us every day. But, Paul has given us here the key to this victory. Starting with verse 9, and going through verse 21 spend some time looking closely at each verse and how you can make it apply more completely to your life and those around you. Shalom. 

The Truth:  “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)  

Romans 11 “The Principal of the Remnant”

“God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” (vv.2-5)

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew… at this present time there is a remnant: In Paul’s day Israel as a group generally rejected their Messiah. Yet a substantial remnant embraces the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God has often worked in Israel through a faithful remnant (as He did in the time of Elijah). Elijah thought that God had cast off the nation and he was the only one left serving the Lord. But God showed him that there was in fact a substantial remnant – though it was only a remnant, it was actually there. 

Here in chapter 11 Paul is making it abundantly clear that no matter how far Israel has moved away from God, no matter how badly they have “blown it," God has not rejected His people. Just as there was a remnant in Elijah’s day, so too, Paul says, there will always be a remnant of believers in Israel, not referring to Jewish believers who kept the law, but of those who were at present saved by grace.

As a result of many Jews rejecting Christ as their Messiah (blinded by God), there remains today only a minority (remnant) in Israel who are believers, meaning there is also a blinded majority. This group will remain blind to their Messiah until the full number of Gentiles are saved (v.25). Once that occurs, it will usher in the Rapture and the completion of the Gentile Age (the church) and the blindness will be removed.

The best thing we as Christians can do for the people of Israel is to pray that they will find the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ before that day comes and become a part of the remnant by God’s grace. There has been and always will be a remnant by which God will fulfill His promises to Israel, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (v. 29).

Make no mistake, God will keep His promises to Israel come what may. And we as Gentiles, the unnatural branch, should not be "high minded." For God did not cut them (unbelieving Jews) off to make room for us, they were cut off because of their unbelief (vv. 21-22). We (gentiles) were grafted in because of our faith in Christ - not His chosen people, but adopted through faith.

Therefore, let us who have been grafted in, pray in the largest remnant ever for Israel, that God's grace will be abundantly poured out on His people. Amen?

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)