1 Corinthians 11 "Examine Ourselves"

“If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (v.31)

How often do we really take a good look at ourselves? I’m not talking about physically, for we do that constantly, but introspectively. Self-evaluation is what the apostle Paul calls for here in 1 Corinthians 11. Believers in Christ need to examine themselves, he said, to avoid being disciplined by the Lord.

The Corinthian church was especially in need of this. They were quarreling among themselves (v.18), going through the motions of celebrating the Lord’s Supper (v.20) and some were even drunk (v.21). So Paul said, in effect, “Look at yourselves. You’re a mess! If you don’t get your lives straightened out, the Lord will have to do it for you.” 

This warning, however, also carries a message of hope. If we judge ourselves and repent of our sins, we will not be judged by God (v.31).

The Truth

Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6)

1 Corinthians 10 "Learn Our Lessons Well"

“All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition.” (v.11)

History gives us a record of perspective, context, and consequences that can help us make wise choices. We then hopefully learn from, both the successes and failures, of those who have gone before us so we do not repeat their same mistakes.

Paul also saw the value of embracing the lessons of history. He warned of the destructive nature of bad choices by recounting the story of the children of Israel and their wilderness wanderings—a result of their refusal to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Num.14). Then Paul told the believers in Corinth, “All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (v.11).

God has given us the Bible, partly to help us learn from the history of His people. Biblical lessons contain both examples and warnings to guard us against our worst inclinations and to lead us into wiser living. The question is, will we learn from the lessons of the past or repeat the mistakes of those who came before us.

May we learn our lessons well.

The Truth

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5)

1 Corinthians 9 "Serving For Love - Not Money

“It would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.” (v.15)

The apostle Paul said he would rather die than give the impression that he was serving the Lord for money. That’s why he supported himself while preaching in Corinth. To him, anything that marred his testimony for Christ was worse than dying. Even though Paul had the right to be supported in his ministry to the church in Corinth, he shows great love by avoiding that liberty which could have caused some to stumble about his motives.

Those in ministry need to be careful while walking the fine line between, “being a workman worthy of his hire”, and serving the Lord for financial gain. While a worker has a right to be compensated for his personal sacrifice (v.14), doing things for others without monetary reward is sometimes the only appropriate action (v.18).

In Paul’s case, he wanted his personal sacrifice to be a testimony of the reality of his relationship to the Lord. His desire to help the Corinthians was best served, he felt, by being a model of faith and love without any monetary consideration.

In looking to serve the LORD, may our primary motivation be love, not compensation.

The Truth

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

1 Corinthians 8 "Love Over Liberty"

“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” (v.9)

Here in chapter 8 Paul speaks about a situation concerning eating meat offered to idols. Paul felt he had a perfect freedom to eat meat offered to idols. He knew that there was only one true God and that idols were nothing. Eating meat offered to them was neither right nor wrong. But not all believers felt that way. So Paul's conclusion on the matter was, "If eating meat makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat" (v.13).

Today, many Christian believers feel as indifferent on the subject of alcohol, even though scripture does not forbid drinking. As Christians, we are free in Christ—free to engage in social practices and customs, as Jesus did, not specifically forbidden by biblical commands. And yet, the Holy Spirit may prompt us to refrain from some legitimate practices in certain situations or altogether. At that moment, the principle of love must take precedence over the principle of liberty. A mature Christian will then heed to the Spirit and not exercise his liberty to keep a weaker believer from stumbling. 

Paul is not saying in this passage that we should be bound by the conscience of every person we come in contact with. He is challenging certain Corinthians’ behavior of flaunting their freedoms causing weaker brothers to sin. Therein lies our responsibility as well – love over liberty.

The Truth

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)

1 Corinthians 7 "Walk Your Path"

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (v.17)

Here in chapter 7 Paul is telling the Corinthians they don’t need to try and become something they are not. “Retain the place in life the Lord has assigned you” (v.17), “remain where you were called” (v.20), remain in the situation God called you to” (v.24). In other words, don’t feel pressured to do something or go somewhere God has not directed you.

This passage is just as relevant today as it was back then. God can use us where we are right now; on the job, at school, in our neighborhoods. We don’t need to go to Seminary school, or Bible college, nor halfway around the world, to be used by God. All we need to be is ourselves and available to Him. 

Let's walk our path and not strive to go somewhere else. 

The Truth

“I (Paul), therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called..” (Ephesians 4:1)