1 Corinthians 4 "Renew The Inner Man"

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (v.16)

I find it very difficult to be around negative people who do nothing but complain about life. Their grumpiness, cynicism, doubt, and fear, create a depressing environment to be around. Positive people on the other hand, are a pleasure to be around. Their uplifting faith, hope and joy can be an inspiration when going through difficult times in life and inspire us to contentment.

The Apostle Paul knew all about difficult times. He was stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, thrown overboard, and cast into dungeons. If anyone earned the right to be negative about life, it would be him. Instead, he chose to encourage those around him to “not lose heart,” by focusing not on “the outward man,” but to focus God’s Word and renew the "inward man” through His Spirit.

Difficulties in life are givens. We will all struggle in one way or another. And yes, life sometimes just isn't fair. But, projecting that 24/7 can do nothing for our inner man. When going through tough times, Paul encourages us to, "Look not at the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen." Meaning not the temporal, but the eternal, and to focus on renewing our spirits through God's Word. Then, whether grieving or searching for: His voice, His guidance, His direction or His comfort, the Word will always lift you up and renew your Spirit.

The Truth: "Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) 

1 Corinthians 3 "Guard Your Gates"

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" (vv.16-17).

The Corinthian Christians were carnal, fleshly, and as we have already seen, full of envy, strife, and division. Paul compares them to an un weaned child, unable to digest the solid food of the Word (vv.1-2). And, as a result, they had not grown Spiritually. They were like a house built of straw, weak and unable to withstand against the temptations of life. Though Paul himself had laid a solid foundation for them (v.10), many within the church were caught up in a lifestyle of sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5:1), common to the people of Corinth in that day. So Paul hearing of their immorality, warns them with our text (vv.16-17). "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are."

Paul's warning rings just as loud today as it did back then. As men, living in southern California, in the summer (or any season for that matter), we are constantly bombarded with visual temptations. As a result, we need to "guard the gates" to our temples (our eyes, our minds) constantly. And like the knights of old, do battle with any threat that comes to our kingdom with our sword and shield. And, not allowing any Trojan Horse through our gates.

Today Satan works overtime to rob us of our purity, our character, and our valor as men, using every tool in his arsenal. So we need to work harder at standing guard over our souls, our rewards, our vows to God, by devouring the solid food of His Word. Building ourselves up, training our bodies, bring them into the submission of His will, and defeating the fiery dates of the evil one.

Therefore my brothers train, that your temple will remain a holy place, reserved for God, with NO TRESPASSERS allowed! Because Satan is constantly working to breakdown our defenses.

The Truth: "Finally, my brothers, be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11)  

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)