Lamentations 3 “There Is Hope”

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (vv.21-23)

Here, for the first time in the book of Lamentations, hope is allowed. Having sunk low in his soul (v.20), Jeremiah now remembered something that started hope within. One writer put it this way, “In a magnificent expression of faith in the unfailing mercies of God, Jeremiah looks to the distant future with renewed hope.”

Jeremiah remembered that as beat down and defeated the people of Jerusalem and Judah were, they were not yet completely consumed. There was still a remnant, and remnant with a promise of restoration. Spurgeon put it this way, Jeremiah seems to say, ‘Bad as my case is, it might have been worse, for I might have been consumed, and I should have been consumed if the Lord’s compassions had failed.’ Meaning, in the severity of God’s correction, His people endured - evidence of His compassions.

Today as we all look around us during this global pandemic while there is suffering and death, people are enduring, surviving, and there is hope for the future. So just as Jeremiah looked to the distant future with renewed hope, so should we.

The Truth: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Lamentations 2 “Real Sorrow Prompts Repentance”

“Their heart cried out to the Lord, “O wall of the daughter of Zion, let your tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no relief, let your eyes have no rest.” (v.18)

Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the classic antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, wrote, “Any mind that is capable of real sorrow is capable of good.” This echoes today’s verse. Real (or godly) sorrow prompts one to repentance. “Worldly” sorrow, on the other hand, seldom gets past the regret of “getting caught.”

Having realized the link between their sin and God’s judgment, Jerusalem was beginning to experience that godly sorrow that would lead to its healing and salvation. Sensing their brokenness, Jeremiah encouraged the people to cry out to God with unending tears (v. 18). The few survivors that existed heeded the prophet’s call to repentance and prayer (v.19). And we know from history, that conditions improved and the devastation came to an end.

Brothers and sisters the first step toward wholeness begins by pouring one’s heart out before the Lord in repentance, which brings new life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your sin, take that step of repentance today, you’ll never regret it (see prayer to the right on this page, “Connect with God").

The Truth: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Lamentations 1 “Grieving Over Jerusalem”

“How lonely sits the city, that was full of people!
How like a widow is she, who was great among the nations!
The princess among the provinces, have become a slave!
She weeps bitterly in the night, Her tears are on her cheeks;
Among all her lovers, she has none to comfort her.
All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.” (vv.1-2)

When I was a young boy I was a handful. Always testing, bending the rules, pushing the limits, and then receiving the “rod of correction” from one or both of my parents for my disobedience. The standard line I heard every time just before my punishment was, “This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.” I never believed it - until I became a parent myself.

It breaks a father’s heart to chastise his children, to teach lessons necessary for their own good, their own protection, and in some cases as they grow older, even their own survival. A father’s heart is always broken when he sees his children rebelling against him. Why? Because he knows their disobedience will lead to consequences. And the father can only hope those consequences will not lead to death, but to a change of heart as he continues to wait.    

Writing after the catastrophe of Jerusalem’s defeat, Jeremiah thought of Jerusalem as the widow princess brought low, weeping uncontrollably with none to comfort her. And even though Jerusalem’s many warnings vindicated Jeremiah’s many prophecies, he had no sense of triumph, no “I told you so,” only great sorrow for both Jerusalem and Judah. The sorrow of one who had lost a child, a husband or wife, a loved one. He hurt for them, for the punishment they had to endure for their disobedience to God (their heavenly Father), and their disregard for His laws, His statutes, His covenant with them.

As Christians, we too grieve when a bother or sister in the Lord, a sibling or family member, and even a nation, turns from the LORD and experiences the consequences of the loss of His Spirit, His fellowship, His grace, and nothing seems to comfort them. Especially as a parent when our children walk away from the teachings of their youth. We lament for them and and pray for them as we see the changes in their attitudes, their beliefs, and the false teachings they begin to cling too which begins to control their entire outlook on life.

But, like Jeremiah, we should never say, “I told you so,” nor gloat, when they begin to reap what they have sown, but instead pray for their repentance and the eventual revival of their heart and mind. And like Jeremiah, we do not remain in despair, but recognize God’s sovereignty in suffering and understand, “there is hope.” For “whom the LORD loves He chastens” and through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed. For His compassions fail not, they are new every morning” (3:21-23), and His “rod of correction” is designed to bring us back into fellowship with Him.

Take hope my friends, for the One who made heaven and earth watches over you and yours.

The Truth: “O Israel, hope in the LORD; for within the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalm 130:7)

1 Corinthians 16 "Serve Others In Love"

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (vv.13-14)

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians like he started it. After all the time spent to correct, rebuke, and exhort them, he now affirms his confidence in them. Returning to the theme of love, he urges the Corinthians to; stand firm in the faith, don’t waver; act like men, lead don’t follow; be strong, firm, sold in your resolve not weak; and finally, all that you do should be done in love, and expressed in tangible ways to one another.

It should be noted that we continue to struggle with some of the same issues in the 21st century, as the Corinthians did. However, the key point for all of us to draw on from in this chapter is, the attention to love. We as Christians are all brothers and sisters in Jesus, no one is perfect, we are all under construction but, we are His children. As such, we all need instruction, exhortation, at times correction, most certainly direction, and above all - love.

Therefore, all that we do should be done in love. For, “There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Be on alert brothers and sisters, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and all that you do, let it be done in love.

The Truth: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) 

1 Corinthians 15 "Our Final Victory"

“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our LORD Jesus Christ” (vv. 56-57)

Throughout chapter 15, Paul discusses the reality of the resurrection of Christ and, through Him, the assurance of the resurrection of all who believe in His name. Today’s text delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (vv. 56-57).

In the book of Ecclesiastes, death has been shown as the great equalizer that conquers all men, rendering their labor on earth meaningless. But Paul claims triumphantly in verse 57 that, “through Jesus Christ, God gives us victory over death.” This assurance of life after death allows every Christian to live free of the dread of death.

Although the events surrounding the Second Coming are partly a “mystery," Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns (vv. 51-53). Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. An instant heavenly body. And with that, the power of sin and the sting of death will end forever.

Therefore, Paul exhorts all believers (who remain until His second coming) to be, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that our work is not in vain in the LORD." (v.58) And what is our work? Paul made it clear that the declaration of the gospel was his sole purpose in life, the work he had been called to (vv.1-8). While we are certainly not apostles, we are believers, followers of Christ. And as such called by Him to the work of the harvest, to labor for the gospel, and for the kingdom.

Therefore brothers and sisters, fulfill your calling at every turn. Speak boldly in His name, for the time is short and the laborers are few, but the field is ripe for a harvest.  

The Truth: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

1 Corinthians 14 "The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts"

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (v.1)

In our text today, Paul is reminding the people of Corinth about the purpose of spiritual gifts and how they are to function in a public worship assembly - specifically the gift of tongues and prophesy. He does not fault them for the gifts nor the desire to have them, he simply instructs them as to when and when not to use their gifts, especially tongues. An important instruction to note, "He who speaks in tongues speaks to God, not to man" (v.2). And cautions not to cause confusion during corporate worship with the unbeliever who would say, "you are out of your mind" (v.24). While he who prophesies, "speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (v.3) and "edifies the church" (v.4).

Paul reminds the believers that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, and when the community gathers, priority should be given to the gift of prophecy for it convicts the heart (v. 24). Paul goes on to say while there’s freedom in the gatherings, nevertheless, there are restrictions put in place. These restrictions, such as forbidding more than one person from talking at a time or requiring interpretation for a person speaking in tongues, do not restrain the Spirit but, promotes order (vv. 26-40). Therefore, the exercise of spiritual gifts should always be done for edification (v.26), properly, and in an orderly manner (v.40).

Most importantly Paul reminds them to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy (v.1). Why? that they might edify the body (v.12). And so should we. Why? to become closer to God, that He might work through us, to edify others.

The Truth: "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:9)

1 Corinthians 13 "Unfailing Love"

“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (v.13)

When people hurt us and then apologize, we often say that we forgive them. But, like a dog that won’t give up its bone, we sometimes let our minds continue to chew on past insults. Paul declared in the latter part of verse 5 that love “thinks no evil.” He was using an accountant’s term here meaning, it does not keep a record of wrongs. Instead, love forgives and refuses to keep it on the books. When we want to remember something, we go over it again and again in our minds. But Godly love deliberately and consciously lets go of past hurts, and gives them to God.

The Bible challenges each of us to this higher ground in loving others, to live out God’s kind of love. The person who exercises Godly love doesn’t do so for personal benefit or gain, but rather “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (13:7). Why? Because Godly love endures beyond life’s hurts by pulling us relentlessly toward the never-diminishing care of the Father.

Therefore, even in our struggles, we know that “His love never fails,” and nor should ours. Lord, teach us the patience of Your unfailing love that we might properly reflect it.

The Truth: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (v.7)

1 Corinthians 12 " Everyone Has A Gift"

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (v.7)

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about the purpose for which the Lord gave them their spiritual gifts. Before he listed the diversity of gifts (vv.8-10), he reminded them that “a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (v.7). God does not give His spiritual gifts for our own selfish use, but to serve others, and in so doing, we serve Him.

We are all given different gifts to be used at different times and in different ways. W. W. Dawley, referring to this truth, says, “God gave Moses a rod, David a sling, Samson the jawbone of a donkey, Shamgar an oxgoad, Esther the beauty of person, Deborah the talent for poetry, Dorcas a needle, and Apollos an eloquent tongue—and to each the ability to use that gift. In so doing, every one of them did most effective works for the Lord.”

Our heavenly Father has given at least one spiritual gift to each of us as believers, and He provides all we need to carry out our individual responsibilities (vv.6-7). Each one of us is one piece of a jigsaw puzzle that is not complete without the others. Therefore, seek out your gift, and use it, for it is an important part of the body of Christ to serve others and to bring Him honor.

The Truth: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you.” (1 Timothy 4:14)

1 Corinthians 11 "Judge Yourself First"

“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 carried a message of hope, for if we judge ourselves and repent of our sins, we will not be judged by God (v.31).

Even a righteous man like Job said it best when he saw himself in the light of his God, "I an unworthy - how can I reply to you?" (Job 40:4). But, righteous or unrighteous, we will all answer to God. For even Job heard God say, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me" (Job 40:7) Woe to all!

Therefore, take stock, see if there be any sin in our lives, and like Job,  "repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Better to judge ourselves now, for we will all answer to God later.

The Truth: "Jesus said, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5) 

1 Corinthians 10 "Learn From The Past"

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (v.11)

First Corinthians 10 describes a spiritual disaster we can avoid. After the people of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they continued to turn away from the Lord. Recounting their recurring self-indulgence and its disastrous results, Paul wrote: “Now these things became our examples … And they were written for our admonition” (vv.6,11).

This story of reoccurring failure has been preserved in scripture so we can avoid the same disaster of disobedience. The same is true with all biblical lessons. They 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? Scripture teaches us that, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5) Two excellent, biblical examples to apply to our lives.

Paul goes on to admonish the Corinthian believers, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v.12). Don't think you're good because the water is clam now, Satan is always working, going to and fro seeking whom he may devour, stumble, or cause to fall. Yes, we do fall. But when we do, our goal must be to learn from our error and to avoid a second spill. When we walk in the Light, we won’t stumble in the darkness.

Therefore, read the Word daily, live carefully by its principals, be transformed by the renewing of your mind - and learn from the past!

The Truth: "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Walk as children of the light." (Ephesians 5:8) 

1 Corinthians 9 "Discipline Your Body"

“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” (v.27)

The apostle Paul was serious about the gospel. He gave himself to the task of serving God with the same dedication that an athlete devotes to preparation for competition. While athletes train for a temporal prize, Paul endured tremendous hardship to win an eternal reward.

Although he had experienced several years of fruitful ministry, the apostle had every reason to quit. On five occasions he had felt the searing bite of 39 lashes as leather cords tore into his flesh (2 Cor. 11:24). He was also beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, and he endured hunger, thirst, cold, and many other troubles (vv.25-27). Paul’s body must have rebelled each time he prepared to go to another place of service, but Paul made it his servant, and the servant of the gospel through discipline.

Just as a determined athlete beats his body into submission to win an earthly prize, so we must put ourselves through strict training each day (in God's Word), to prepare us for the challenges of defending the gospel, amid today's ever changing cultural views of the truth. That we may stand for righteousness against those who would persecute His Word and say all kind of evil against it.

May the LORD help us in our spiritual training to be discipline, that we may stand firm and defend His truths.

The Truth: "In your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

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 and felt he had a perfect freedom to do so. 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 was 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 Call"

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

This verse can apply to so much in our lives, singleness, marriage, vocation, location, etc. But mostly I believe 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 with God in that calling in which He called you to” (v.24). In other words, don’t feel pressured to do something or go somewhere God has not directed you. Whether born a slave, or free, married or unmarried, live as you are called.

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, married or unmarried, widowed, elderly, it does not matter. 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.

Therefore, let's walk our path and be joyfully in it. For we were bought with a price by the One who paid for us with His blood, to walk the path He has called us to.  Will He not protect, provide, and guide us with His powerful right hand? As this same apostle wrote in Ephesians, “I (Paul), therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called..” (Eph. 4:1)

And so we walk, day by day, moment by moment, with our LORD.

The Truth: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

1 Corinthians 6 "Check Your Priorities"

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful… I will not be brought under the power of any.” (v.12)

As Christians we have been set free from the bondage of sin and been given great liberty in Christ. But, that doesn't mean that all things are helpful. We can drink, smoke, go to "R" rated movies, hangout in clubs, but are any of things helpful? If we choose to indulge in something that can control us, get a hold on us, becoming a substitute for our time with God, then it is not helpful to our walk as a Christian, and probably not good for our witness to other as well.

With the growing use of cell phones, laptops and social media sites, an increasing number of people are withdrawing deeper into cyberspace every day. You can see them; in their cars, in the store, at dinner, on the job, browsing their facebook page, sending a text message, twitting or visiting some Internet site. Also video games have grown from a form of entertainment to an immensely competitive job, where teams compete for status and even prize money through tournaments. This begs the question, when has something legitimately moved from enjoyment to addiction?

When people cling to activities despite negative effects (loss of sleep, frustration, anxiety, mood changes), it generally indicates addictive behavior. Another common indicator is a defensive attitude when confronted in love about an overindulgence in some area. While there is nothing inherently wrong with most of what we do for enjoyment, we must check ourselves to make sure we are in control and not the other way around, that there is balance in our lives and not obsession or overindulgence.

Here in chapter 6, the apostle Paul reminds us to be careful, “not to be brought under the power of any.” It takes humility to admit that our enjoyment has become an addiction. Let's all check ourselves to make sure (we are in control), and if in doubt, seek God’s help and direction.

The Truth: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1) 

1 Corinthians 5 "Clean Out The Old Leaven"

“Clean out the old leaven, so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (v.7)

In today’s reading, Paul levels a charge of complicit sin against the Corinthians. A man was publicly enjoying an incestuous relationship with his father’s wife with the knowledge of the church. Things had grown so complacent on the issue, that Paul had to rebuke them for being arrogant about the incident, rather than mourning over it (v.2). He went on to declare that the guilty person should be excluded from the fellowship, for it’s protection (v. 9).

Some people would call this harsh and unmerciful, but it is for the good of the individual and the church as well. A cancer left to itself will only grow until it takes over the entire body. Genuine love doesn’t let a Christian continue in such incestuous sin. At the same time, we don’t need to be scouring each other’s lives to find places of moral failure either. However, when there is shameless, unrepentant, and public sin in the church, it must be dealt with, cut out, removed, until true repentance occurs.

In our culture today there is a prevailing attitude of acceptance with regard to sexual orientation, relationships, and practices. Even within some churches there exists a pride in their tolerance to such immorality. Yes we need to be available to all who seek the truth, but ignoring destructive sin within the body is nothing to be proud of. As Pastor Chuck Smith said, "It isn't our job to fix the world, and you certainly can't fix it by judging it. However, it is our job to share the gospel, and look to restore those who have lost their way."

Protection of the body and restoration of the sinner is a difficult line to walk. It works if we apply the biblical truths with a heart of love, with restoration, not condemnation as our goal.

The Truth: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

1 Corinthians 4 "Be A Good Steward"

 “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.” (vv.1-3)

Here Paul is telling the Corinthians that he and the other apostles had been appointed by God to share the mysteries of God’s Word. And as stewards, they were to be faithful to their election by not adding or subtracting from God’s Word. He is also telling those who sat in judgement of his authority, that his accountability is to God, not man, nor even himself.

This reminds us as Christians that we too are stewards of the mysteries of what God has revealed to us. We too must be found faithful and trustworthy in sharing those spiritual treasures with others by not adding or subtracting from His Word. Also when judged or challenged to remember who we accountable to.

To often today, many churches are guilty of adding (through legalism) to God’s Word while others, through liberal interpretation, subtract from the meaning God’s Word. Both are examples of unjust stewardship, and contrary to the teachings of Jesus. May God help us all be like Paul, “faithful stewards” of the mysteries of God.

The Truth:“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

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 and 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 "Glory In The LORD"

“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)

Jeremiah 52 “Jehoiachin’s Life Spared”

Jeremiah 52 “Jehoiachin’s Life Spared”

“Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison.” (v.31)

After Jerusalem’s destruction, thoughts of restoration must have seemed inconceivable. Lamentations ends with no indication that Jerusalem would ever be restored. Yet an apparent historical footnote tucked away at the end of Jeremiah 52 quietly attests to God’s loyal love. Even though Jehoiachin was an evil king, he was still part of the Davidic line.

In 2 Samuel 7:16, the Lord promised David, “Your throne will be established forever.” Jeremiah may have wondered when he wrote Lamentations how God could keep His promise. But God faithfully spared Jehoiachin to preserve this Davidic line, which eventually led to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Truth: See Matt. 1:11–16, the genealogy of Jesus Christ.