1 Corinthians 9 “Discipline Your Body”

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (vv.24-27)

Sporting events were big in Paul’s day as well as in our own. This was especially meaningful to the Corinthians, because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Paul often uses figures from arena competition (at least twelve different references in his letters), including examples of runners, boxers, gladiators, chariot racers, and trophies. 

To compete as an athlete, one must be temperate. This term refers to the manner in which Roman athletes had to train for ten months before being allowed in the games. An athlete must refuse things that may be fine in themselves, but will hinder the pursuit of his goal. Even so, the Corinthians must refuse things that are fine in themselves (like meat sacrificed to idols), because having them may hinder the pursuit of the important goal: an imperishable crown, a heavenly reward that will never pass away.

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. Paul made sure that his body was the servant, and his inner man was the master. The desires of his body were not going to rule over his entire self.

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. May the LORD help us in our spiritual training to be discipline as well.  

Athletes’ sacrifice and determination are rewarded with medals, trophies, and money. But even greater, does our Father in heaven reward the discipline of His children (Luke 19:17).

The Truth: "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap it we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

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 In Your Calling”

"But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches." (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 “Give No Cause For Offense”

Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited..” (v.3)

Fault-finding is a popular pastime, and unfortunately a lot of us find it’s easy to, "see the speck in our brothers eye, but ignore the beam in our own." Concentrating on the faults of others is a great way to feel better about ourselves. And that’s just the problem. Avoiding the faults that need to be fixed in our own lives not only stunts our spiritual growth, but also obstructs God’s work through us. God’s effectiveness through our lives is enhanced or hindered by the way we live.

It’s no wonder, then, that Paul made a concerted effort to “put no obstacle in anyone’s way.” For him there was nothing more important than his usefulness for Christ in the lives of others. Anything that got in the way of that was dispensable. Paul wanted to be authentic, genuine, Christ-like, especially during the trials of his life. For he once was the "chief" of all sinners, persecuting God's people, and did not want to do anything that would give cause for anyone to doubt his witness, his life, his conversion, and certainly not his ministry.  

If you want to be authentic and useful for God, take an obstacle inventory. Replace your fault by giving it to Jesus, thereby giving no cause for offense to others.

The Truth: “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 5 “Paul’s Rebuke”

“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 its 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 "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)

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)

Romans 10 "God's Righteousness Imparted By Faith"

 "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (v.13)

People have many different reasons for rejecting the gospel. A common one is to blame Christians for something they did or did not do. These critics say, “I know a Christian who treated me poorly.” Or, “I went to church, and no one talked to me.” Indeed, Christians aren’t perfect, and many can be bad examples. But blaming others doesn’t remove one’s accountability to God.

The truth of the gospel does not depend on the way others live out their faith. Salvation is about Jesus alone, and what the individual heart does with Him. For, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (v.9). 

Some people may use Christians as an excuse to reject the gospel. But they certainly can’t point a finger of blame at Jesus. He is sinless and perfect in every way. Pilate said of Him, “I have found no fault in this Man” (Luke 23:14). Then Jesus did what no one else could do—He suffered death on a cross to provide salvation for all who believe in Him. That makes it tough for anyone to say, “I’m not going to become a Christian because I don’t like what Jesus did.”

Bothers and sisters, don’t get sidetracked by looking at the faults of others. Look to the One who has no faults, Jesus. He alone is the way to salvation and eternal life. 

The Truth: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)