Week 14, Day 4: Come Out and Be Separate
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks that a Christian has is to figure out how to properly apply Paul’s instructions as found in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. We certainly face the challenge of learning how to live in a sinful world, but not be a part of the sinful world around us. In one sense, we are forced to live among those who are wicked, and yet in another sense we are commanded to have no part with them! How do we put these instructions into practice?
I am sure you can probably figure out that I cannot give you all the answers as it pertains to this question. But, I would like us to think about the attitude that we present when we think about this topic. Many use the fact that we have to live among ungodly people as an excuse to become a part of their practices. And, even those who are successful in keeping themselves pure, often put themselves in such close proximity to the ungodliness that they endanger their family’s spiritual well-being. I cannot help but think about Lot as he separated himself from Abraham. He was sure that he wanted the good land, even though it meant camping toward the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot is called a righteous man in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:7), but he ended up losing his whole family, presumably to the wicked influence of these wicked cities.
When we are considering what it means to “come out from among them and be separate,” we have to consider what our attitude is. Are we trying to be like Lot and get just as close to worldliness as we can get without getting any of it on us? Or do we have the attitude that says that we are truly going to be separate from the worldliness. Abraham continued to live in the land, but he didn’t allow himself to be influenced by the wickedness of the people around him as Lot did. That needs to be our attitude.
In practice, what does this mean? Paul clearly tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14 that we are not to be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Why would we join ourselves in any kind of venture with a person who is not a Christian? Doing so is just exactly like Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom. We are opening ourselves up to being influenced by those who will cause us severe spiritual harm. We should think about this when we choose people to be our friends. Why would we make our closest friends those who would be a constant temptation to us? We should think about this when we are dating, or choosing a mate. Why would a Christian ever choose one who is not a Christian to be their life long companion? There is no other earthly relationship that can be more detrimental if we are “unequally yoked together” with one who is not a believer. We should consider this principle when we enter into business agreements with others. I realize we have to do business with non-Christians. But, why would we choose to enter into some business partnership (such as to run a small business) with one who does not share the same faith that we have. We expose ourselves to situations where we will be tempted to do things that are simply not ethical or moral.
This is just a short list of possible applications to Paul’s instructions. We can try to make excuse for why it is OK for us to go down these roads, or to ignore Paul’s instructions, but it will end in spiritual heartache. Lot ended up losing all of his family. Are we willing to take that kind of risk? I surely hope not!
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Week 14, Day 3: Looking to Eternity
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:16
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Paul writes about the need for us to have the right focus in part of the context from yesterday’s reading. He tells us that we should not lose heart seeing that the outer man is decaying, but be encouraged because the inner man is being renewed day by day. Paul is more specific on this “renewing” in chapter 5, which we will take a look at in a moment. First, notice that Paul encourages the Corinthian brethren to bear up under the “light affliction” that was coming their way. It is interesting that Paul uses this phrase, considering the afflictions that he withstood. In fact, in just a few chapters, he will list out what he had to endure as a Christian (2 Corinthians 11:23-30). It is quite significant to see Paul refer to the “light afflictions” suffered by Christians, when we would think of these as terrible and great afflictions. This tells us that Paul had the right perspective. He went on in 2 Corinthians 4:17 to explain that the afflictions of this life pale in comparison to the eternal weight of glory. No matter what afflictions are faced in this life, we have eternity to look forward to, and it will be far greater in reward than whatever problems, or tribulations we face in this life. Heaven will surely be worth it all!
Paul continues this thought as chapter 5 starts. He addresses the idea of us looking forward to the eternal dwelling, the house not made with hands. It is a far greater dwelling than the “earthly tent” we currently have! Paul says that we “groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.” We are earnestly seeking for it, and longing for it. We are striving to reach that point, where we are fully clothed with the eternal tent. We long for the time of eternal covering.
But, until that time, God has given us a “down payment”. God has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. With Him, we are “partially clothed”, but will not realize our full inheritance until we reach Heaven. It should be a great comfort to the Christian to know that God has given us His Spirit to dwell within us. It should also encourage us to avoid those things that are temptations (see 1 Corinthians 6:16-20). It is through the Holy Spirit that we are “renewed day by day”, so that while the physical man decays away and dies, the inner man grows stronger and stronger.
Paul ended chapter 4 by saying,”…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Our focus should be on those things that are eternal. If we are obedient to the will of God, we are preparing for the time when we shall receive the reward of eternal life. God has given us His Spirit, showing that He is looking toward that time of eternal reward for us. We need to live in such a way as to show that we are looking for the time of eternal reward!
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Week 14, Day 2: Dealing with the Penitent Sinner
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:21
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Paul addresses a subject in 2 Corinthians 2 that seems to be very difficult for many Christians to put into application. In 2 Corinthians 2:6-11, Paul writes about the response of those who had been rebuked in his first letter. He had written to the church, and had demanded that they deal with one who was living in adultery (1 Corinthians 5), giving very specific instructions as to a plan of action. It seems, from reading this chapter, that the church had done what Paul demanded, and their actions had brought the sinner to repentance. The problem in this chapter is that there were some who were not accepting him back, and were treating him in a way that was not appropriate.
Paul gives instructions in these verses pertaining to the church’s responsibilities when one repents. Their discipline had worked, and now the sinner was trying to be a part of their work once again. Paul told the Corinthians that they were to forgive and comfort this one, lest he be swallowed up in too much sorrow. He told them that they were to reaffirm their love for him.
There are many Christians that just do not seem capable of forgiveness. They will hold a sin over a brother or sister’s head forever. They simply will not accept repentance. But, that is not the way that we are to be. Our responsibility (and it should be our loving concern) is to forgive those who repent of wrongdoing, and accept them back into the number of the saints. Far too often, churches put further requirements or punishments on those who sin than what God requires!
The church has been given the role of keeping itself pure. If sin is in its midst, then it must be dealt with. Sometimes that means that the church must inflict the unpleasant task of disciplining an errant saint. But, if the actions revealed in scripture work to return the sinner to the fold of God, then we have no further obligations to impose further judgment against them. In fact, the contrary is true. Paul said to forgive and comfort. The returning sinner is in a weakened state, and will need support and encouragement. Rather than “piling on” more guilt, we should be conscious of what we can do to help build such a one up.
Interestingly enough, if Paul is indeed discussing the situation that he first wrote of in 1 Corinthians 5, it is interesting to note how he speaks of it in this chapter. He is intentionally (it seems) vague on the details of the one he is writing about. He was not going to call him out, causing him even more harm, and perhaps causing him to be separated even further from his brethren in Corinth. Paul was not going to join in the rejection of this man by emphasizing his sin (which was forgiven) once again. We should learn from Paul. We need to be an encouragement to those who confess their sins, and build them up. If we did this more often, perhaps the idea of confessing sins one to another would not bear such a negative connotation. We would begin to see it as a method of gaining support during our times of struggles. And, we all have times of struggles!
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Week 14, Day 1: Doors of Opportunity
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-3:18
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
In 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, Paul told the Corinthian brethren that he would stay in Ephesus a while longer because a “great and effective door” had been opened up to him. But, he went on to say that there were also many adversaries. There were great opportunities opened up to Paul, but with them came those who were his adversaries–those who tried to keep him from being successful. This was a pattern that we see constantly throughout the New Testament. Almost every place that Paul went, there were people who served as his “adversaries”, working diligently to hinder his work.
How often do we become discouraged because it seems that there are people, or circumstances that seem to keep us from being as successful as we would like to be? The truth is that we will face the same challenges that Paul faced. There is never going to be an opportunity to spread the gospel open up without there being something that will try to hinder it. Why is that? Because Satan will never give up without a fight! He is never going to let anyone go from his kingdom without first trying to do all he can to stop it from happening. So, with every door of opportunity, there will also be challenges, or adversaries that surface!
Paul knew that this was always going to be the case, and yet he continued to serve God and teach others until the very end of his life. How was he able to do that? How did he keep from becoming discouraged? I am sure that there were times that even Paul became discouraged by his adversaries, and yet he always bounced back. I believe he was able to do that because of his focus on the eternal goal. He always knew where he was headed, and that made it possible to get past whatever hindrance might arise. His adversaries could never take away his eternal focus.
We need to have the very same focus that Paul had. We should look for each and every opportunity, and walk through those doors that are opened. But, never be deceived into thinking that the opportunities will come without challenges. There will always be adversaries, and yet they should never be able to make us stop working for the Lord. If we see the doors, and walk through them, we will certainly be effective tools in the Lord’s kingdom. What else would we want to be?
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Sacrificing the Passover Lamb
This morning in Chad’s lesson, he mentioned the fact that worship is for God, and according to what He demands, not what men want to do. As an example, he mentioned the sacrificing of animals under the Old Testament covenant. It was not a pleasant thing to do, and certainly not something that people would “enjoy” doing, save for the fact that it was commanded by God. This reminded me of a video that I saw referenced on Jason Hardin’s blog, which is actual video footage of the sacrificing of a Passover lamb. I know that we are not to follow the Old Testament covenant today, but I thought it would be beneficial to see such a graphic video, showing what the Israelites were supposed to do in offering a lamb.
I want to warn you that the video is quite graphic. However, I think it is worth your while to watch it. I think we are separated by time and practice far too much to really realize what sacrifice was. If you watch the video, you will see a lamb offered, and you will see it die. But, that is what God required. It often turns our stomachs to even think of such a thing. Imagine this being done on a large scale on the day of atonement. Look at the amount of blood that is collected from just one lamb, and think of how much had to be collected when hundreds of animals were sacrificed!
After watching the video, I would really like for you to post your thoughts in the comments section. What comes to your mind? What if you had to do what God demanded under the Old Testament covenant?
Link to Passover Lamb Sacrifice Video
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Week 13, Day 5: Evil Companions
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Corinthians 1:24
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
1 Corinthians 15:33 is a passage that is often taken out of context to make a broader point than the immediate context indicates. Paul was discussing in this chapter the resurrection, and making an argument proving the resurrection was indeed going to happen. In the midst of this argument, Paul warned that “Evil company corrupts good habits.” It seems that his warning is focused on those who let the influence of those who did not believe in the resurrection influence their faith and belief. Paul’s warning was against those who would teach something contrary to the revealed word of God, and how their influence could corrupt the actions of those who believed. Consider how much it would change a person’s actions to not believe in the resurrection! What reason would there be to continue living a faithful life, and continue being obedient to God?
This verse does, however, have a much greater application. We can certainly consider how associating with the wrong crowd could lead to corrupted morals. Those that we associate with have a tremendous influence on our actions. If we allow worldly, sinful people to be an influence on us, then we will soon start to act like they act. I know that many Christians believe that they are the strong Christians who will be able to withstand the influence of the wicked, but that is never the case. Remember, just a couple of days ago, we looked at 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 which warned of the need to be careful, and not think too highly of ourselves. There is a famous saying, “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.” Unfortunately the opposite of that is not true. One good person will not turn a whole group of worldly people away from their sinful ways.
We have a responsibility to be in this world, but not be a part of it. We need to come out from the world and be separate. That is not something we do physically, but certainly spiritually we should be separate from the rest of the world. When we make worldly people our closest friends, and allow them to have great influence on us, we endanger ourselves. We set ourselves up for “corrupt morals” because we will be tempted by those that we have such close relationships with. We as Christians should do our best to teach the gospel to others. If our “friends” are not interested in spiritual things, and don’t want anything to do with studying with us, then we need to separate ourselves from them. Do not allow those who are “of the world” to be so intertwined with you that they influence you to sin!
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Week 13, Day 4: The Greatest of These is Love
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-15:58
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Much of 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 have to do with spiritual gifts given to the first century church to help it until the word of God was completed (1 Corinthians 13:9-10). But, at the end of chapter 13, Paul tells us that faith, hope and love would endure; and the greatest of these is love. Paul spent most of the chapter establishing what “love” is for us, so that there is no misunderstanding. But, I want you to specifically consider 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Paul shows us in these verses just how useless all the “good” we can muster would be if we have not love for others. We could be the most eloquent speaker, or the most beautiful singer, but if we do not love those around us it will not do us any good. Even the spiritual gifts were of no use if the one using them did not have love for those around them. And faith? Even faith so great that it could move mountains was useless if one did not have love. All of the good deeds that we can do go for naught if we do not have love for either man or God!
This passage makes me think of the many people in the world who claim that they love God, but then refuse to do what He has commanded them to do. They seem to believe that His love is so blind that they simply have no responsibility toward Him. They think that God, being the gracious and merciful God that He is, will simply turn a blind eye to their disobedience (even if they believe He will judge others.)
We simply do not love God if we are unwilling to be obedient to Him. We should also consider that we don’t love those around us very much if we refuse to be obedient to God. Love would demand that we try to help them in any way possible to avoid the punishment of Hell. Love would demand that we seek what is best both physically and spiritually for those who are around us, whether it be friends, family or other acquaintances.
Let us love not in word only, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).
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Week 13, Day 3: Take Heed Lest You Fall
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
There are a couple of verses found in 1 Corinthians 10 that stand out to me every time that I read through the chapter. They are verses that stand as both a reminder and a comfort concerning our faithfulness before God:
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
–1 Corinthians 10:12-13
The first part of this passage tells us that we need to be careful about our attitude toward sin. Sometimes we succumb to sin because we are simply too weak to withstand the temptation. Sometimes, we succumb because we think we are so strong that we decide we don’t have to worry about sin and temptation any longer. Both attitudes cause us to be very vulnerable to the temptations of Satan! The more dangerous may be the latter just because we tend to tune out the temptations as being a problem for us. So, we say things like, “I am strong enough to avoid the temptation to drink…I can go to the bar with my friends.” And we might say, “I can avoid the temptation to use profanity”, and then we surround ourselves with vile communications from the radio and television. Or, we might say, “I can avoid the temptation to commit adultery or fornication”, so we put ourselves in circumstances that are not wise. Paul’s warning should be a red flag to us–when we think we are strong enough to overcome all temptation all by ourselves, that is when Satan will strike us. When we think we are strong, that is perhaps when we are the weakest!
The second part of this passage relates to us the fact that God is there for us. He is watching out for us, and like Job, will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. He makes sure that we are able to overcome, and that the way of escape is present. That doesn’t mean that we always see the way of escape. And, it certainly does not mean that we always take the way of escape. But, we should find comfort in the fact that it is there! Often, when we have given in to temptation and sinned, we can look back on the situation and clearly see that God did indeed provide a way to escape without giving in. It may have been difficult to see at the moment, but it gives us confidence to look even harder for it the next time. Perhaps, we don’t see the way of escape on many occasions just because we are not looking for it. We have to open our eyes, trusting in the Lord, and we will find that way of escape. But, we have to want it.
If we keep this passage in mind, it can serve as a great comfort to us. We know, as we live life day by day, that we will face various trials, tribulations and temptations. But, if we put our faith and confidence in God, we know that He will take care of us, providing the escape for all temptations. We know we do not have to give in. We know that He is watching over us, and that He has promised to give us this help.
So, as you go about your daily activities, remember God’s promise. And, remember that God cannot lie. He said there is an escape. Open your eyes, and look for what God has provided!
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Week 13, Day 2: The Arrogance of Knowledge
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:33
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Paul began his address in chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians by telling us that “knowledge puffs up” or makes one to be arrogant. In many ways, we pursue knowledge, and with the right attitude, that can be a very good thing. We want to know as much as we possibly can about God and His word, and that is attained through study. We are accumulating knowledge about God through a study of the Bible. But, often we see people become very arrogant because they have attained a small amount of knowledge. Let’s face it, no matter how much we cram into our finite brains, it is only a small amount of what is available! And yet, many begin to think of themselves as being superior to others because of the amount of knowledge they have accumulated.
It is a sad thing indeed when we see Christians who become arrogant in their knowledge or intelligence. Recently, I saw the writings of a man who commented on how difficult it is to communicate with others because he was far more intelligent than those he tried to speak with. Again, recently, I received an email in which the author purports to explain the deep intricacies of a difficult subject because he knows the original biblical languages. How often are we told that we simply don’t understand the Bible because we aren’t smart enough to understand Hebrew or Greek? This sounds very similar to the denominational concept that we cannot understand the Bible for ourselves, and must have the elite “Clergy” class relate it to us. Only in the church, it is not always the “clergy”, but rather the “educated.” A little knowledge can cause a lot of problems (and misunderstandings) in the interpretation of God’s word. We need to try to learn, but let us never exude the arrogance that indicates that we have all the answers and cannot be taught!
Let me relate to you a personal (and embarrassing) example. When I was in college, I was visiting on a farm in rural Georgia. The man we were staying with had a couple of black Labradors. I, being the young and brilliant man that I was (and having a Labrador at home) began to “train” one of these dogs for retrieving. Before long, I had the dog sitting and staying. I had the dog retrieving to hand. I knew what I was doing! I casually told the owner, that with a little work, this dog could be a great hunting dog. The owner then told me that the dog was a field champion. You see, the dog already knew everything that I had “trained” him to do. He had been taught by one far more skillful and knowledgeable than me! I was quite embarrassed to have made such a fool of myself!
This is how we sometimes handle the word of God too. It is far more damaging when we are teaching His word than when we are teaching some dog to do tricks! But, we become convinced that we are smarter than anyone else, and we are going to set them all straight. If your experience is like mine, that doesn’t work out too well. Unfortunately, I fear that there are many who are, in their arrogance, oblivious to the fact that they are making fools of themselves. May that never be the case with us. Do not let knowledge puff you up. Whatever the case, remember James’ admonition:
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
–James 1:19-20
Let us be swift to hear what others have to say. Who knows, we may have made a mistake when we came to a conclusion on a passage, or a topic. If we are arrogant, we will never allow ourselves to be corrected by those who have found the truth. We must decide whether it is more important to be right, or to have truth. If the former, we will never accept truth. If the latter, we will humbly make changes when others are able to show us the truth from scripture. After all, that is the only place to find it!
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Week 13, Day 1: Inheriting the Kingdom of God
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-9:27
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul tells the Corinthians that the “unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Following that statement, Paul told them that they should not be deceived. This should make us pay attention to Paul’s instructions, because he is relating to us the fact that we can be deceived by others. There are certainly many around us that will try to deceive us into believing that we can and will be saved, even if we are not obedient. Many of the examples that Paul gave in this passage are things that people think of being “not too bad” in today’s society. And yet, Paul teaches that those who are guilty of these sins cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
But, the good thing about what Paul wrote in this passage is that it shows that we can be forgiven! There were some among the Corinthians that were guilty of the sins that Paul condemned. He said, “Such were some of you…” But, they had been washed, sanctified and justified. In the same way we can be washed, sanctified and justified today. No matter what sin we may be guilty of, God will forgive. When He forgives, He also forgets. So, if we have violated his will in any way, we can turn back to Him and be welcomed.
There are many people who feel like they have sinned in such a great way that they cannot possibly be forgiven. Looking at this passage, and seeing what sins God had forgiven among the Corinthians should make it clear that God can forgive us. But, if that is not great enough, consider the fact that God was willing to forgive the very people who were responsible (directly) for killing His son. In Acts 2, when Peter was preaching the gospel message, he was speaking to many who were present when Jesus was crucified! And yet, God was willing to forgive all who would be obedient.
It should be our greatest desire to “inherit the kingdom of God.” To accomplish that, we must be willing to turn from sin, and be obedient to God’s will. We also should praise God for His great love, that He is willing to forgive us even when we have acted contrary to His will.
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