Lamentations 1 ...Thought to be written by Jeremiah, this acrostic poem is a mournful lament of the fall of Jerusalem.  The writer portrays the city of Zion as a "princess" who has become empty.. widowed.. desolate. She feels abandoned and betrayed by all her friends and lovers.  She regrets her sinfulness and realizes that she is suffering the consequences for her own decisions. 

She knows that this has all happened at the hand of the Lord:

v5 "For the Lord has caused her grief because of the multitude of her transgressions."
v12 "..Which the Lord inflicted on the day of His fierce anger.."
v14 "..The Lord has given me into the hands of those against whom I am not able to stand."
v15 "The Lord has rejected all my strong men in my midst; He has called an appointed time against me."
v18 "The Lord is righteous; for I have rebelled against His command." 

Recognizing her own rebellion.. Zion groans and weeps.  "She did not consider her future; therefore she has fallen astonishingly;" (v9)

Over and over again, Jeremiah tells us, that what he longs for.. what Zion longs for... perhaps what we all long for and need most is a "comforter". 

V9  "... She has no comforter". 
v16 " For these things I weep; my eyes run down with water; Because far from me is a comforter, one who restores my soul.. "
v17 "Zion stretches out her hands; there is no one to comfort her;" 
v21 "They have heard that I groan; there is no one to comfort me.." 

Comfort.. "parakaleo" - to call near; invite; exhort; invoke; pray; implore; console; 

We sing of "comfort and joy" this time of the year.. finding that we, like Zion of old, are in great need of a Comforter.. Praise be to our Father who has given us great comfort and joy through Jesus Christ the One who came that we might draw near.. for we have been invited and encouraged, and consoled by His Spirit, the Comforter who has come to dwell in us!  John 14 has much to say about this great gift, sent by the Father.. He is the "spirit of truth".  He will teach us "all things".  He will give us peace.. and we will not be left "as orphans".. not deserted and not desolate..  like Zion.. ever again!

II Corinthians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 

Father in heaven, thank You for the Comforter who has come to dwell with us and in us!  May we find consolation and encouragement in the Word, as the Spirit of Truth teaches us all things. Thank You for  not leaving us or forsaking us.. for giving us hope and joy in Christ Jesus our Lord. Help us to walk in faith.. in the truth.. in righteousness.. to honor Your holy Name and to bring Your comfort to those around us that also need comfort in their afflictions.  Have Your way in us.. do this work of comfort through us.. in the Name of Jesus we pray.  Amen. 

 I Corinthians 16 Paul closes his first letter to the church in Corinth with some personal thoughts.. his desire to come to them... Timothy and Apollos perhaps coming to them also. Encouragement  is found in others and greetings are given.  Then.. right in the middle of all this is this gem.. "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." 

What a great verse to pray.. Lord let me be on guard.. stand firm, act courageously and be strong.. in love; in the Word; in the church; in my family.   Lord, may my family, my church, my friends.. also be on guard... to not allow false ideas, disagreements, or anything else keep us all from the most important things..  And, Lord,  especially give us the gift of  love that edifies.. builds up faith that will stand firm in this age and forever! Father, may we have courage to speak up.. boldly and patiently.. declaring the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Thank You for this Word today. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 15  Paul addresses one more problem that was causing confusion and division in the church at Corinth.. the issue of whether or not there there is a  resurrection. 

Paul always goes back to the firm foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ... "Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance.. that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

Paul goes on to logically discuss the fact that Jesus appeared to the apostles after He was risen.. and that He appeared to him also. So.. ".. If there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised.. and if Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain, your faith is also in vain." 

No resurrection.. no savior.. no forgiveness of sins.. no hope. 

"But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep."  Good news! Because He lives.. we can live.. because of Him we can take off the mortal and put on immortality.. we can take off the natural and put on the spiritual.. We are not without hope, for Christ has come to reign.. and we are His forever. The resurrection is true!

There will come a day.. "in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.. and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."  Death will be defeated. ".. thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.. " 

Father, may we be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" .. knowing that our lives, our faith, and our work.. "is not in vain in the Lord".  Reveal Christ to us and in us.. transforming us daily.. from glory to glory.. that we might bear His image and You may be glorified! Help us to receive the truth of the Gospel, fully surrendered to Your will, and rejoicing in this great salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. We are waiting eagerly for that day, Lord, when we will be "raised imperishable.. changed" forever. Thank You for this living hope we have in Jesus Christ. Amen.

 I Corinthians 14  "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.. "  

The message.. of inspiration, exhortation, and revelation.. is meant for the "edification.. exhortation .. and consolation"  of the church. This is the purpose of all spiritual gifts.The Corinthians seemed overly zealous to speak in tongues.. Paul wanted them to rethink their desire for that particular spiritual gift..  The confusion and competition among brothers and sisters in Christ does not edify the believers  nor does not make clear the Gospel for any unbelievers that come in to the church.  Prophesy does.. the speaking forth the Word of God.. is the greater gift, if love accompanies it. 

The Key Word Study Bible commentary gives some interesting background information about Corinth.  Nearby, in Delphi, there was an oracle.. a pagan temple.  The people would come with their sacrifices to receive an oracle which was delivered by a priestess.. a woman, usually over the age of 50.  This woman would prepare herself by purifying herself at a certain fountain, drinking a certain drink, and eating a laurel leaf. She would then be seated on a tripod which was placed over a chasm.  There were fumes that came up from the chasm and she would become intoxicated and "utter incoherent sounds" which would be interpreted in an obscure and general way.  The fact that newly Christian women wanted to speak in tongues was concerning.. for the danger was that they were imitating this Delphic priestess.  So, this commentary says, perhaps this is where Paul's command to not allow the women to speak in the church, originates.  The problem that Paul is addressing is the confusion caused by the disorderly conduct of those who did not have true spiritual.. Spirit given.. gifts. 

Again, he repeats his main point, " Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak in tongues, but let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." ( v40) 

Father in heaven, may we walk in the Spirit, serve the Son, and bring You glory.  May we pursue Your love.. deeper and deeper into the sea of Your unfailing love and grace.  May we walk in Your Light and live by Your Truth. May Jesus be revealed to us, in us, and through us.  May our lives be continually transformed so that You may be glorified because of us. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 13 Paul is still addressing the church in Corinth.. filled with factions.. divisions.. the same ones that were dragging each other to court; judging each other for their opinions; thinking of themselves as better than their brothers or sisters in Christ.  He is still addressing the truth about spiritual gifts.. God given grace-gifts that are supernaturally provided for the edification of the church.  He wants them.. and us.. to remember that these gifts are from the Holy Spirit. They are not earned.. they are not bought.. they are given as He chooses.  He wants us to remember that the purpose of every spiritual gift is all for Jesus! He wants us to know that only as God works through the gifts that He has given.. are they effective at all. 

So, when Paul begins to teach this next section.. what we call the Love Chapter.. it is in this context.. everything that he has talked about.. divisions.. sacrifices...self-centeredness.. spiritual gifts.. knowledge and liberty... everything dims in light of the fact that LOVE is what matters the most.  

Without love.. every gift is worthless.  I can hardly think of anything else to say... this is a striking thought. 

This love.. agape love.. is the "self-giving divine love which emanates from God and is to be seen reflected in believers. It is the love which is concerned for others rather than self and which should govern the practice of spiritual gifts." ( Key Word Study Bible)

Without this love.. we cannot serve.. we cannot be used by God.. we cannot be patient or kind.  We will act arrogantly and jealous.. unbecomingly.. seeking our own way; easily provoked.. holding grudges.  

This kind of love will be seen in us as we rejoice in the truth; as we bear all things.. believe all things.. hope all things.. and endure all things..

This kind of love does not fail. This kind of love will never pass away.. for all of eternity.  It is the greatest gift of all!

Father in heaven, one day we will see You face to face.. and we will know fully.. just as You know us now. We need Your love to fill us, Father. Direct our hearts in pursuit of this gift of love. Fill us Spirit of God with the divine love that will not fail... may we love as Jesus loves us.. may we love so that You can work through us to bring others into the blessed Kingdom of Your love. We ask this in the name of our gracious and loving Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 12 Spiritual gifts.. God's grace in man.. (Key Word Study Bible)..the indwelling of Christ's grace within every believing Christian.. according to the Father's will and by the power of the Spirit.  This definition is given in this reference - ".. a spiritual gift .. an instantaneous enablement by God in the power of the Holy Spirit to do or say something beyond one's natural ability in order to fulfill a specific purpose of God in the time-frame in which God permits it." 

Paul writes that he wants the brethren to be aware and not ignorant of these gifts.  They are important to the church as a whole. "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." ( v4-7)

Every grace gift is given by the Spirit.. "the same Spirit works in all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..  and we were made to drink of one Spirit.." Paul explains. God places the members as He desires.. He composes the body as he chooses.. the weak and the strong.. the "seemly" and the "less honorable"..  And He desires that "the members should have the same care for one another" no matter what.  "Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 

God appoints the "apostles.. prophets.. teachers.. miracles.. gifts.. helps.. administrations.. etc" as He chooses. 

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all involved in this area of spiritual gifts as Paul points out to us.   It is important that we understand this.  It is through the Spirit that we can even say "Jesus is Lord".  It is by Him that we are baptized into His body.. it is the drinking of this "living water" given to all who believe in Jesus, that gives us true Life in Christ. This same Spirit gives the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith.. healing.. etc.  These gifts are for the "same Lord".. many kinds of ministries but all for Jesus!  And, above all, it is the same Father who "works all things"..  He is active, He is efficient. He is effective.. He shows Himself. .in us.. through these gifts of grace. 

Father in heaven, teach me Your ways.. teach me and help me to understand what this means for me. Let me serve Jesus according to the grace You have given to me.. Show Yourself in me.. as I willingly serve others.  May we each desire to build up the "body" of Christ Jesus... caring for one another according to the ministries You have given us.. to the glory and honor of Your Holy Name. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 11  Paul writes to the church to "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." Just as Paul made an effort to not offend others for the sake of the Gospel.. the church needed to imitate him.  

Paul had addressed several issues that were causing divisions among them.. this chapter addresses another issue.  The Greek custom was for men to uncover their heads when praying or prophesying.. but the Jewish tradition was to cover their heads.  The Greek tradition for women was to cover their heads whereas the Jewish tradition was to uncover her head.. having long hair. 

Customs and traditions differ according to where we live.. Paul is helping the church to see that the problem is not which tradition they hold on to.. (as long as it was not contrary to Scripture.)... but the real problem was that they were being divided and contrary to each other... judging one another. 

When they come together as the church, brothers and sisters brought together in Christ, there should be a unity of the Spirit.. not judging one another, but respecting and honoring and caring for one another.. in spite of differences of opinion. 

Paul uses the "Lord's Supper" as another illustration.  Some people would come with much and others with little... some would overdo it by getting drunk or overeating.. leaving others without anything. This led to "factions".. who judged each other negatively... destroying any spirit of love and unity among them...the exact opposite of what the Lord's table was meant to do!

Paul teaches them the true meaning of the Lord's Supper.. to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.. His body broken.. His blood shed.. for our sins.  Examine yourself, he says, judge yourself and not your brother or sister.. "But if we judged ourselves rightly, we should not be judged."  If we don't look at our own attitudes and acknowledge our own failures, flaws, and sins.. then we should expect to be "disciplined by the Lord". If each person would do this.. they would not worry about what the other person was doing.. they would be able to bear with one another and love one another instead. 

Father in heaven, teach us to love as Christ loves.. with patience and compassion.. with selflessness and kindness.  May we yield all to You.. for our own lives.. and for the things that others are dealing with.. especially those things that might divide us and not unite us in Christ.  We are His.. saved by His blood and made new in Him. Open our eyes Lord, that we might see clearly the path that You have for us, that brings us together..  to edify one another and not judge and tear down one another.  Help us to lay down our rights and opinions and listen to Your voice.. to trust and obey.  We look to You.. call to You and know that You are faithful and You will answer.  Hallelujah and Amen!

 I Corinthians 10:14-33  Paul again turns to the problem of idolatry in Corinth.  He is teaching in a pagan city that was filled with idols.. where meat markets were filled with pagan sacrifices.. where the streets were filled with idol worshipers.  It was common.  It was their "culture".  The new Christians had much to learn... 

"Therefore my beloved, flee from idolatry.."  It would be a temptation to fall back into the false religious practices that they had known.. but they had God's promise that He would give them a way of escape if they would trust in Him.  

Paul explains that Christians share in a greater sacrifice.. "the blood of Christ".  and in "the body of Christ".  We are all partakers of the One sacrifice that matters.  To then share in a sacrifice to an idol is to want something more than Christ alone.. and that is of the devil.  It is the same temptation that Adam and Eve failed to resist in the garden. 

"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons."   This was the sin of Israel that resulted in so many dying in the wilderness.. and later being exiled from their homeland. 

Yes, Paul says.. the law has been fulfilled.and "all things are lawful.." Yes, you can be thankful for whatever God provides.. but there is a time for restraint.. especially when it harms the conscience of your friend or neighbor.  He sums it up this way.. "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 

Father, help us to humbly and patiently consider our actions.. even what we eat or drink. Help us to be fully surrendered to You and listen for the voice of Your Spirit as we walk among our fellow countrymen.. knowing that we don't need to put ourselves and our rights first.. but to share the love of Jesus in ways that will build others up and not tear them down.  Take all my actions, Lord... and lead me in Your ways I pray. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 10:1-13 Paul uses the example of Israel in the wilderness to teach his readers to avoid the same outcomes that they faced.. 

Although every Israelite that left Egypt, following Moses, experienced the Presence of God in the cloud and the power of God as they walked across dry land with the Red Sea piled up next to their path.. although they all ate the "spiritual food" and drank the "spiritual drink".. the manna and the water from the Rock.. "Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased;" 

"Now all these things happened as examples for us... " 

They craved evil things.. may we not do the same... Lord, may we want only You..seeking first You and Your righteousness. 

They were idolaters.. may we never worship idols.  Father, You alone are God, maker of the heavens and the earth.. we worship You alone!

They acted immorally.. may we never choose such a life. Father, keep us faithful and true in all we do. 

They "tried" the Lord.. let us never try Him.. Lord, help us to trust You fully, no matter what. 

They grumbled.. may we put away any grumbling and instead have grateful hearts! Father we give You thanks with grateful and blessed hearts. 

All these things happened, Paul repeats, so that we might learn from their example. All things things led to their downfall.. all but a few died in that wilderness.  They had every opportunity to enter the promised land.. but failed miserably in their sin-filled ways. So, Paul warns us.. "let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.. "  Take heed.. pay attention to this lesson!

We all have to face temptations. Are we tempted to grumble?  to test the Lord?  to sin against another?  Probably more than we want to admit.. but we have this precious promise.. "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." 

Father in heaven,  we are leaning on Your faithfulness!  Help us to stay true to Your Word, to walk according to Your commands.. in Your Spirit.. following the example of Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom are all things and through whom we are saved.  We are Yours.. keep our hearts pure and our eyes fixed on You. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 I Corinthians 9  Paul's message in chapter 8 leads into this next teaching.  Knowledge that is arrogant does not edify.. it tears others down instead of building them up.. therefore using your knowledge to take liberties with things such as food offered to idols.. is not good if it causes another to stumble.  Paul gives himself as an example..  "Am I not free?"

As an apostle, one who had seen Jesus, one that brought the gospel to Galatia in the first place..  he had the right to "eat and drink.. take along a believing wife.. refrain from working" ( outside of the evangelism he was doing).  He had every right to financial support from those he served.  "If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ." (v12)

He had every right to that support, but he did not want to depend on it.  Instead, he says, "I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel."  He was free.. but he chose to be a "slave".  He chose to do whatever it took to win others to Christ.  He did not stand on his liberty.. his freedom.. but gave it all up so that others might come to Jesus. ".. to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews.. to the weak, I became weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some."

He compares his dedication to preaching the gospel to a runner who's aim it is to win the race, or to a boxer who trains hard in order to win the match.. He was willing to do whatever it took so that God's purposes would be done in and through him. " And I do all things for the sake of the gospel that  I may become a fellow partaker of it." 

Likewise, Paul exhorts us, "Run in such a way that you may win."  Be willing to give up liberties and rights.. to give your whole self.. "for the sake of the gospel".  

Father in heaven, You have called us to lay down our lives, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus.. It is a call to complete surrender and devotion to the One who has made us, saved us, and lives in us by Your Spirit.  We are set apart for You.. holy and acceptable.. because of the gospel of Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us.. we have been bought with a price and are no longer our own.. we are Yours forever.  Help us then, Lord, to run the race in such a way that we will win the heavenly prize.. Your words, "Well done, good and faithful servant".  We realize that we cannot do this on our own power.. but we rest our faith on the power of God.. for You work in us.. sanctifying us entirely. spirit, soul, and body..that we might stand before You complete at the coming of Jesus Christ.  You are faithful and You will bring it to pass. Hallelujah! Thank You. amen. 

 I Corinthians 8 This chapter deals with "liberty"... focusing on the issue of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.  What stands out to me today is Paul's use of the word "knowledge".. 

The first thing Paul teaches us is that "we know that we all have knowledge".   We are all aware, able to look at and consider that everyone has some knowledge.. even a child will know its name, know its parents, or know that the sky is blue.. This is just a factual statement.  But, Paul goes on.. "Knowledge makes arrogant.. ."  This is also a factual statement.. we see it in our every day life.. those who think they know better.. think that they are better.. whether it is because of their education, their experience, or their success.. knowledge can indeed make one "puffed up"!

"But.."   Paul says.. "love edifies." -  Love builds up.. confirms.. emboldens.. The Greek word is "oikodomeo".. and really refers to building a house.. the root word, "oikos" means a dwelling or a family; a home or household. 

This brings a whole new perspective on this passage for me.. 

Verses 2-3 "If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him."  There are several Greek words used for "know/knowledge/ known"..   Two different ones are used in these verses.. employing those definitions helps clarify Paul's point..  If we think we know (see, are aware of, consider, or perceive)  anything.. we have not begun to "know" ( know absolutely with surety and understanding, feeling, and resolve) as we should.  For what is really the thing that we need to KNOW is loving God.. which is what makes us KNOWN (perceived, absolutely known.. with surety and understanding) by Him

Yes, Paul says, you know that idols are not real. Yes, you know there is only One God. ".. there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." ( v6) But, some of them were using this" knowledge" in a way that was not loving.. not edifying .. not building up their brothers and sisters in Christ.  This "liberty" was causing some to stumble.. to sin against their own conscience.  This was not loving and so was a "sin against Christ". 

So, what "knowledge" do we have and use.. what "liberty" do we take.. that "puffs up".. makes us arrogant.. instead of building up our fellow Christians?  Paul said he would rather give up meat if it was going to cause his brother to stumble.. what is it that we want to hold on to that is a stumbling block to another believer? What things do we need to do and say that will edify?  

A favorite passage from Proverbs helps us in this.. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding..." ( don't try to support yourself and your arguments based on your own knowledge.. or what you think you know) "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." ( See Him in everything you do, every path you take, observe, recognize, sense, known be aware, discern, discover.. that He is there!)  We lean on our Almighty God and not on what we think we know... 

Father in heaven, how blessed and holy is Your Name.. Lord, God Almighty.. the Lord of hosts.. our Maker.. our Redeemer, we honor You. We desire to live in ways that please You.. ways that build up and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. Fill us with Your great love.  We look to You, recognizing our own lack of understanding. We are leaning on You. Trusting You in all our ways.. acknowledging Your Presence in us, through the wonderful grace of Jesus.  Open our eyes that we might "know" as we should know.. as we gaze at the only One who sees us clearly and truly.  It is in the name of Jesus that we come before You, fully known..  amen. 

 I Corinthians 7  This chapter focuses on some questions that the church in Corinth had for Paul.. questions about marriage.. should they even get married?.. should they divorce an unbelieving spouse? Should they give their daughters to be married?  Also, a question about circumcision and one about slavery... 

In his answer, Paul relates his own opinion as well as biblical truths..  the bottom line to all these questions is found in verse 35 " And this I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is seemly, and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord." 

As believers who want to please God in all we do..we seek to trust Him and obey His word.  Being married or unmarried.. a slave or a free man or woman... being circumcised or uncircumcised..  " is nothing.. but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God." (v19)

We are each called to our own journey with the Lord.. "However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.." (v7)  And verse 17 "Only, as the Lord has assigned each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk.. "  We belong to the Father, we are His.. "bought with a price".. and our first and foremost devotion is to Him. 

Whatever we do.. in our relationships.. in our manner of living.. our priority is always " undistracted devotion" to our Lord. We honor our marriages.. we honor and respect each other.. and in everything..  we remain devoted to the One who laid down His life for us. 

Father, strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk in love and devotion to You, our God and King. May we honor the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ is all we do.. in our decisions.. in our relationships.. and in our daily lives.. for all glory, honor, and worship belongs to You. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 6:12-20  There are three more "do you not know" questions that Paul asks in this chapter.. these three all deal with the body.. 

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?"    Paul's point is that we have been given these bodies for a purpose.. God's purpose. Therefore, we must take care of them accordingly.  First of all, we need to realize that "not all things are profitable".  We must endeavor to keep from being "mastered" by things outside of God's Spirit.  His example is food..  "food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food; but God will do away with both of them."   Secondly, we need to know that immorality is NOT God's will for our bodies.. "Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power." We belong to the Lord.. our bodies belong to Him as well. 

The second question in this section continues this same thought.. "Do you not know that one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her?"   Every part of us has been purchased by Christ's blood.. we are His.. one with Him.  To use any parts of our bodies for sin.. is offensive and defiling to our Lord.  We have joined our selves in "one spirit with Him".  We must not allow sin to stain that which has been made pure. 

"Or, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?"  The Lord has come to live in us.  Just like the Presence of the Lord filled the Temple in Solomon's day.. the Spirit of God fills us. Our bodies become a holy place.  Do we truly know this? "For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." Think of the price that Christ paid for you!  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father, I want to glorify you with my whole being.. body, soul, spirit, mind.. all of me.  By Your mercies, I present my body, a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to You.. this is my spiritual service of worship.  I do not want to be conformed to this world, but transformed as You renew my mind so that I can know that which is good and acceptable and perfect.. according to Your will.  May You grace flow into and through my life, that I might bear the fruit of righteousness to the glory of Your Holy and Blessed Name.  This I ask, in the name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 6:1-11   There are 6 times in this chapter that Paul asks the question.. "do you not know...?"   These 6 thing that we should know.. and we need to make sure we know.. are:

v2  "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?"

v3 "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?"

v9 "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?"

v15 "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?"

v16 "Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her?"

v19 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 

The first three questions are given to address the problem of lawsuits among the church members.  They were taking their disagreements outside of the church, before unbelievers, instead of solving it within the body of Christ.  Just that fact that they even had such serious disagreements was "already a defeat "  Paul says.  Instead they could allow themselves to be wronged.. or defrauded.. to not fight their brothers over these issues. That would be less shameful than taking it before unbelievers!  We do not know what the issues were, but we know that they needed to come together.. to forgive each other, to love one another, and to trust God with the solution. Not always an easy thing to do... 

Verses 9-10  clearly spell out  some of the sins that keep people from the Kingdom.. "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, not the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."  The modern church of America does not want to include this verse.. but it is here nonetheless..  Do we not know?

"And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God." 

Amen and Amen!

Father in heaven, thank You for saving us from the sins that exclude us from Your Kingdom.. thank You for the salvation You have given us through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank You for the Spirit who fills us, living in us, working to bring us into the holy life that You have called us to..  I was a sinner, but now I have been washed.  I have been sanctified.  I have been justified in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord!  Praise God! Teach me to walk in Your ways.. as a saint who will one day judge the world.. who will inherit the Kingdom of God. Help me to KNOW these things and live in these truths, for I ask it in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 5  The problem of arrogance had led the church in Corinth to acceptance of "immorality" within the church family.  Paul is very specific of the reported problem.. "that someone has his father's wife".   Paul says that "not.. even among the Gentiles"  would such a relationship be condoned.  This man should have been disciplined, and if not repentant, removed from the fellowship of the church.  Paul went as far as to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."  Does that not show us the depth.. the intensity.. the vitalness of dealing with this sinfulness?

The sinfulness of this one man.. had revealed an even bigger sinfulness.. the arrogance and boastfulness of the whole church.  This was like "leaven".. affecting the whole "lump of dough".   Sin of one "so called brother" would spread its evil leaven through the whole body of believers. 

The only solution was to "Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed." 

There is a place for judgement, Paul tells the church.. it is not to judge those "outside" the church.. but they have a responsibility for those "inside" the church.  Remember the condemnation that came upon Israel's shepherds?  They were saying "Peace, peace, but there is no peace".  They were superficial, unrepentant, and disobedient to the Word and Law of God.  By not addressing a blatant sin in the church, the leaders of the Corinthian church were doing the same thing. Paul steps in and tells them to "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 

This is a very sensitive issue.. there have been many people hurt because of "judgement" within the church. I have seen in personally. We must have godly, wise, Spirit-filled leadership that will prayerfully and carefully deal with such issues within the church. But, they cannot ignore or avoid blatant sin and allow it to permeate the fellowship of believers in the church. We need to pray for them!

That is the problem in many American churches today, isn't it?  We have become so "politically correct" that we are afraid to call sin "sin".  So, immorality has spread its way through the "church"... more and more and more.. 

O Lord God.. come with power and cleanse us from all that "old leaven".. and make us a "new lump"!

Father in heaven, You see our hearts.. You see our motives and our thoughts.. You know our needs.. especially our need to be fully surrendered to You... and to be willing to take responsibility for our own sins.. and perhaps, if we are in the position of authority.. to take responsibility to deal with those living in sin among us.  It is a hard thing, Lord.  You know how uncomfortable that might be.. but I pray for Your Spirit to lead our pastors, elders, and other leaders to do Your will in all such things.  You have given them a Spirit.. not of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Thank You!  Move in us, through us, and among us today, Spirit of God, that the power and love and truth of Christ will fill our churches once again.  In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord we pray, Amen.

 I Corinthians 4  Paul compares himself and his fellow apostles to the church at Corinth...

 They think that they are wise.. "You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and I would indeed that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.. " They thought themselves "superior".  They were judging themselves and each other by their own standards.. and thought they were already perfect.. " prudent.. strong.. distinguished.. "

But... Paul tells them that even he does not judge himself.. "but the one who examines me is the Lord." It is what the Lord sees.. in their hearts.. that matters. "Therefore do not go on passing judgement before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (v5)

The church was arrogant and boastful.. in contrast, Paul describes himself and his fellow apostles as "spectacles".. "We are fools for Christ's sake.. we are weak.. we are without honor...we are both hungry and thirsty.. poorly clothed.. roughly treated.. reviled.. persecuted.. slandered.. we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." (v9-13)

Paul wants them... and us... to see that what matters is not the outward success and prosperity.. it is not just  our "words" that proclaim that we belong to the kingdom of God..  that make it so;  it is the "power" of God.. present and at work in the church.. in the individual.. building on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.. with holiness, grace, love and faith.  Without God's power in us.. we are empty..without hope. 

Father in heaven, do not leave us in our self-deception and arrogance.. but lead us into all truth, knowing that Christ alone is our hope and our foundation.  We need the power of Your Spirit at work in us to bring us into all holiness and godliness.  Have Your way in us today, Lord, so that Your Name is exalted and Your Presence is made known. Thank You for this word.. open our eyes to see and our ears to hear.. that we might surrender all to You and rest.. not on our own wisdom.. but on Your power. We pray this in Jesus' name.. Amen. 

 I Corinthians 3   Paul explained in chapter 2 that true faith does not come from.. or rest on.. human wisdom.. it can only rest on "the power of God".  It is a spiritual.. a supernatural..  revelation.. a spiritual wisdom.. that produces spiritual thinking and spiritual words.  In this chapter he looks at the church in Corinth and sees that they are not thinking and acting like "spiritual men".. but as "men of flesh". 

They have been given the "mind of Christ".. but are living in "fleshly" thinking.. which showed up as "jealousy and strife" among them.  Their arguments over whether it was Paul or Apollos or Peter that taught them the truth, were foolish, because it is God alone who "causes the growth".   It was the Lord who "gave opportunity" for them to believe.. It is God's work that produces God's "building."

Paul says that he was able to lay a firm foundation... "according to the grace of God."  The only firm foundation is Jesus Christ. This was Paul's only message! Now, it is up to each individual to build on that foundation.. " with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw.."  Whatever work we do "will become evident".  One day, Paul tells us, we each will stand before the Lord and everything will be revealed.. and only that which is not worthless, burned by the fire of judgement, will remain.  Whatever is of worth in the Lord's eyes.. that will remain.. and that will be rewarded. 

Paul goes on.. . "Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (v16)  As God's temple.. we are holy.  We belong to Christ.. and in Him.. "all things belong to you."  It is not worldly wisdom, worldly wealth, or worldly thinking that will keep us holy and set apart to Him.  He has done it!  We are His.. we just have to believe it and live accordingly. We build on the foundation by the power of God.. not by our own efforts.. WE Belong to HIM!

Father in heaven, Holy and Almighty God,  You are gracious and merciful to us.. granting us this great salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.  He is our firm foundation. You have given us spiritual life.. the  "mind of Christ".. so that we can live according to Your Spirit and not according to the flesh.  You have given us "all thing".. every good and precious gift.. every precious promise.. so that we can build on the foundation..with holiness, in a manner worthy of our calling.  Let the work of my hands and the words of my mouth be fully established by You.. fully surrendered to You.. and always glorifying to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord, my firm foundation...  Amen.

 I Corinthians 2  Paul reminds his readers that the message he brought to them was not a message that came from his own wisdom or power... it is a spiritual message.. a "demonstration of the Spirit and of power."   It is God's wisdom.. which is far above all human thought or understanding.  It could not be discerned by natural human thinking.. a "mystery.. hidden wisdom... which none of the rulers of this age has understood.. " 

The reason, Paul writes, is "that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."   God revealed this "hidden wisdom".. which "eye has not seen and ear has not heard.. "  He revealed them "through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." Without the Spirit of God to reveal the gift of God.. we cannot know the Truth of God.. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

".. a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised."   Spiritually.. non-physically, supernaturally, divinely understood.. impossible for any man.. but "All things are possible with God"! Hallelujah! My faith rests on the power of God!

Father, You have given us new life through Your Spirit.. life that was purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.  It is a life that is more than physical, more than what we think or do or say.. it is a spiritual life.. a supernatural life.. making us new Creatures in Christ.  You have done in us what we could never do.. this is Your "doing"!  You have called us, chosen us, changed us, completed us.. by Your Power and Wisdom.. Who is Christ Jesus our Lord.  Our faith rests on Him.. He is our firm foundation.. our Way, Truth, and Life.  We give glory to the Lord of Glory and thanksgiving to the Spirit who dwells in us who believe.. What an awesome God Your are!  Amen and amen. 

 I Corinthians 1:18-31  "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 

"Foolish" - without good sense or wisdom; silly; unwise; ridiculous; absurd; humble; worthless; (Dictionary).  The Greek word is moraino - insipid; simpleton; silly; dull; stupid; heedless.  One of the root words gives the idea of shutting your eyes; cannot see far off; 

This is what the lost, the sinner, the unbeliever, the "perishing" think about the gospel of Jesus Christ.. why would God become a man to die a horrible death on a cross.. why? 

But, to us.... "it is the power of God".  The "dunamis" - the force; the miraculous power; the abundant, mighty, wonderful work of God! 

Paul tells us why... "For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever.. " This is a quote from Isaiah 29.. God is telling His people that they are doing "religion" with hearts that do not even know Him.. they had forgotten that He was the Potter and they the clay.. they weren't in charge.. He Is!

The wisdom of mankind is what is really foolish.. dull, stupid, worthless, absurd.. for it cannot save.. it cannot sanctify.. it cannot bring righteousness or redemption.  Many try to save themselves by their good works; their great success, their own power, or their many words,  but they cannot.  It leaves them desperate and despondent.. so they turn to whatever they can to bury the pain and emptiness. 

"God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe".  It did not come through wisdom or signs.. it came through the One who is the "power and the wisdom of God." God does not work according to man's ways.. but according to His own will.  He calls us to simply "believe". 

Paul tells us that God calls whom He will.. He chooses whom He wants... "by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption".  So, none can boast.. it is all of God!  God chooses the "foolish things of the world"; He chooses the "weak things"; He chooses the "things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are."  He does the impossible, the unexpected, the unnatural.. the supernatural.. because He is the Potter and we are just clay.. useless.. until He takes us in His hands and works His mighty power in us through Jesus Christ, the Lord. 

Father in heaven, thank You for choosing us.. calling us.. redeeming us through the cross  of Jesus Christ by which we are saved when we simply believe.  Amen

 I Corinthians 1:1-17  Paul introduces himself in this letter as one "called".  He was called to be an apostle of Jesus "by the will of God".  He is writing to the troubled church of Corinth, but reminds them immediately that they are "sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling.."  All who "call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.."  Paul writes.. are "called"- invited to be His.. saints, sanctified, made holy.. set apart.  He writes to all who "call" upon Jesus.. all who invoke His Name.. appeal to Him.. worship Him... all who have received "the grace of God which was given [us[ in Christ Jesus." That includes me.. and you!

It is in Christ that we are "enriched".. in"all speech and all knowledge".  The Living Word (Logos) gives us speech (logos).. as we come to know Him.  That is an amazing thought!  Paul goes on to remind his readers.. that we do not lack in "any gift" as we wait for Christ to come again.  Christ, Himself "shall confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."  For.. "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

Paul confirmed this important truth to the church.. and we need to receive it too.. to remember and rejoice and be thankful for that grace that has called us.. invited us.. to belong to Him!  We, who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ.. our Lord.. are saints.. sanctified, set apart,  "by the will of God".  We have received everything that we need, in Jesus, as we await His coming.  

The divisions in the Corinthian church.. the quarrels.. the disagreements.. were keeping them from the one thing that should have united them.. they were called to  "be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment"  in Christ Jesus.   They were not called to belong to Paul, or Apollo, or Peter.. they were not baptized into any of these other men.. they were called to belong to Christ alone. 

Father, we live in a day when we see more divisions among those who claim Your Name.. how we need to turn back to the message of the gospel.. to Christ crucified.. the power and the wisdom of God made known in the Son, who came to make us complete and who is coming again one day soon!  Renew our understanding of who we are.. the called ones, who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.