I Corinthians X: Forever

I Corinthians X

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13:13 ESV)

Forever

What’s so great about love?  Paul clearly finds great value in faith, hope, and love.  Then he claims that of these three great things, love is the greatest.

What makes love so grand?

It is probably not the mushy love feelings that we all enjoy.

It is probably not the fact that more “love stories” are written, than “faith stories,” or “hope stories.”

It is probably not that Paul is a feel-good hippie.

All three are gifts from God, through Jesus Christ.  All three are helpful, meaningful, and cool.

But only love lasts through eternity.

We will not need faith in heaven, because faith is the key to heaven’s door.  No more faith is needed.  Also, our faith will be made sight!  We will SEE the One we have faith in!

We will not need hope in heaven, because heaven is perfect.  We will have nothing left to hope for.  Jesus Himself is there with us. And all of His promises are fulfilled, when we are in heaven.

But we will keep on loving in heaven.  We will keep on being loved in heaven.  We will encounter new and greater love every moment in heaven.  We will live in love in heaven.

Love is the greatest, because it alone of the three, is forever.

I Corinthians IX: Manifestations

I Corinthians IX

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (I Corinthians 12:7 ESV)

Manifestations

When my children went off to college, I gave them gifts.  Things that I knew they would need.  Things that would help them.  Things for their good.

I admit that most of them were probably more necessary in my mind, than in reality. (Who needs a thesaurus these days?)

But the Holy Spirit gives great gifts to the Church.  Gifts (manifestations of the Spirit) that He knows we need.  Gifts that the Church really does need.

Here is a list of some of them.  God gives more than JUST these… but these are pretty good! I am glad the church has had them.

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (I Corinthians 12:8-11 ESV)

These are not mere high-browed things that important Christians do… they are gifts that God gives to the church through us!  Find which gifts He gave you, for the common good.

I Corinthians VIII: Credentials

I Corinthians VIII

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread,  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said…  (I Corinthians 11:23,24 ESV)

Credentials

I taught some students a few years ago to play chess.  And really, they should have been more impressed with my pedigree.

I learned how to play chess from my grandfather. 

He learned the game from a mysterious stranger.  A man who apparently was a Grand Master.  (He taught my grandfather while they traveled together train-hopping during the depression.) 

Supposedly, that stranger learned chess from Emmanuel Lasker, one of Chess’s great players in the early 20th century.

Lasker’s skills, however, did not descend to me.

When Paul writes that he received instructions from the Lord in how to take the Lord’s Supper, we should sit up and take notice, though.

Paul really knew what he was talking about.  And therefore, HIS instructions have real weight.

And we get to follow the Lord’s instructions, too.  Because Paul wrote them down in God’s book.

I Corinthians VII: People Pleaser

I Corinthians VII

 Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (I Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

People Pleaser

That sounds like an insult.  We are not supposed to act with a willingness or interest to please others.  A people pleaser is seen as a weak personality.  An untrustworthy personality.  An immature personality.

But Paul claims to be a people pleaser.  Not because he is weak, untrustworthy, or immature.

But rather because he uses that method to spread the gospel.

Elsewhere, he writes that he is Greek to the Greeks, and a Jew to the Jews.

That sounds insincere to modern ears.

But what Paul did was put aside his own so-called rights of self-expression, and instead, acted in ways that let him have conversations that led to Jesus. 

He pleased others, so they would listen to Jesus.

He pleased others, not because he thought he was insignificant, but because Paul knew that Jesus was more important.

He pleased people to please Jesus.

I Corinthians VI: Whatever

I Corinthians VI

 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

Whatever

Let us reclaim the word, ‘whatever.’  Today when we hear someone say, ‘whatever,’ it usually is dismissive, patronizing, or sarcastic.

It is a word that minimizes, ignores, and ends a conversation.

“Did you clean your room?”   whatever.

“I can’t afford this meal!”  whatever.

“Why won’t you listen to me?” whatever.

“You hurt me…”  whatever.

But in this verse, ‘whatever’ is inclusive, optimistic, directive, and hopeful.

Christians have a lot of things to do.  We have jobs, communities, families, relationships, tasks, commissions, opportunities, and challenges.

And WHATEVER we do, we get to do it for God!  Because He created our world.

WHATEVER we do, we get to do it for God! Because He deserves our devotion.

WHATEVER we do, we get to do it for God! Because we belong to Him.

Isn’t that a better “whatever?”

I Corinthians V: More Than Souls

I Corinthians V

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (I Corinthians 6:19,20 ESV)

More Than Souls

Why do Christians focus on our souls to the exclusion of our bodies?  Yes, our souls are important, but so are our bodies.  Yes, our souls are a worthy focus, but so are our bodies.  Yes, our souls will not die, but our bodies remain paramount… so much so that God promises us New Bodies. 

Often we make moral and ethical decisions based on whether a particular activity is good for our soul… but rarely do we ask whether something is really good for our bodies.  The bodies that God created.  The bodies that were also bought on the cross.  The bodies that can ALSO glorify God.

We understand that our hearts, minds, and word are great avenues to giving God glory.  But so are our bodies.

We decide what to eat based on our OWN likes and dislikes, not what might glorify God.  We decide how to care for our bodies based on purely practical aspects, rather than who such things might glorify God.  We dress our bodies based on cultural norms, our own eyes, and the temperature, rather than who our appearance might glorify God. 

We consider our bodies, it seems, on the basis of us.  We glorify ourselves with our bodies.  But our bodies, too, are God’s.  His temple, in fact.  His possession, in fact.  His very bodies.

It might indeed be true that practical aspects, cultural norms, our own eyes, the temperature, and other such considerations are worthy and appropriate.  But as in all things… those are secondary facets.

Even our bodies are a way for us to glorify God!

I Corinthians IV: Folly

I Corinthians IV

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. (I Corinthians 3:19 ESV)

Folly

While we usually associate, correctly, the idea of Folly with the idea of Foolishness… another interesting concept is present.

A Folly is a architectural term, referring to something that might look fancy and catches the eye, but is of no practical use whatsoever… and in fact, might be harmful for the building.

A Folly is also a theatrical term, referring to a production of exaggerated, over-the-top, silliness on stage or screen.  A Folly does not present meaningful art, but extravagance… and might be harmful to the general effect of theater in the eyes of the public.

The ‘wisdom of this world,’ in other words, a worldview that denies or ignores God’s reality, presence of way of salvation… is Folly.

Such views of the world might look fancy and attractive (selfish things usually do), but are meaningless and harmful.

Such views of the world might be fun and attractive (selfish things usually are), but are untrue and dangerous.

Such views of the world might be fine and attractive (selfish things usually are), but they lead to suffering and death.

Only God’s wisdom… doing things HIS way… trusting Him first, and second, and last… following His Word… following His Jesus… is worthwhile.

I Corinthians III: Know Nothings

I Corinthians III

 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (I Corinthians 2:2 ESV)

Know-Nothings

In the 1800’s, a political party arose in the United States that was very secretive.  The official name of the party (which was an anti-immigration, anti-change, and anti-Roman Catholic group) was the American Party.

But because many of their party planks were questionable, members were instructed to respond, “I know nothing!” when asked about the Party’s action plans.

The Apostle Paul’s statement is the complete opposite of that idea.

He does not claim to “know NOTHING.”  Rather, he declares that he knows Jesus Christ!  He declares that his hope is found ONLY in Jesus Christ.  He declares that Jesus is everything he needs to know.

And Jesus Christ IS everything we need to know.

He is the light.  He is the answer to every problem.  He is the very Word of God.  He is not nothing.

He is everything.

I Corinthians II: Boasting

I Corinthians II

…so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 1:31 ESV)

Boasting

Those who understand ‘boasting in the Lord” are not really more pious, or religious, or Godly.

Rather, those who “boast in the Lord” are more practical, realistic, and aware of reality.

The Lord is the strength of a Christian.  The Lord is the motivator for a Christian.  The Lord is the power behind a Christian.  The Lord is in charge of a Christian.  The Lord is the source of hope, joy, and love for a Christian.

We boast in Him because we know what He does through us, around us, and in spite of us.

Any other boasting is silly, really.

I Corinthians I: Unity

I Corinthians I

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (I Corinthians 1:10 ESV)

United

During the London Blitz of World War II, people of varied lifestyles, cultures, and races huddled each night in fallout shelters, subway tubes, public basements, and drainage culverts.  In a particular area you might have found a butler, a janitor, a salesgirl, a mother with her twins, a Member of Parliament, a church deacon, and an illegal immigrant.

In common, they faced the fear of bombs, the uncertainty of life, and the terror of the unknown.  Huddled in darkness, they sang, they held hands, told stories, and the were silent.

Other situations might have caused them to despise each other.  Other circumstances might have allowed them to ignore each other.  Other happenings might have led them to be arrogant, subservient, respectful, or mistrusting.

The vast array of people, however, were united.

In Christ, Christians get to find the same thing.  We might disagree about the meaning of Baptism, but Christians have unity about the necessity of Christ Jesus.  We might view worship styles, prayer habits, and Pastoral qualifications from different perspectives, but Christians have unity about the necessity of Christ Jesus.  We might argue honestly and sincerely about many aspects of theology, but Christians have unity about the necessity of Christ Jesus.

And focus on that unity makes the greater church great.

Romans VI: Feet

Romans V

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14,15 ESV)

Feet

My feet are not attractive.  In fact, I do not recall being particularly impressed with anyone’s feet.  Usually kind of dirty.  Maybe kind of smelly.  Most often hidden with socks and shoes, after all.

But Paul says otherwise!

He notes that the gospel does not happen without people!  Someone has to speak it.  Someone has to proclaim it.  Someone has to say the words of Jesus.

And because people are involved, feet are involved.

And we are dirty, smelly, and better hidden, at times.

But that does not matter, in the gospel!  Because while people ARE involved, we are not the main thing.  The main thing is the gospel itself.  The main thing is Jesus, Himself.

And even dirty feet can bring the beautiful, great, fantastic news that Jesus fixes everything! 

Get your feet ready!

Romans V: Connected

Romans V

 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38,39 ESV)

Connected

I have been removed from groups because I did something wrong.  I have lost friends because I acted inappropriately.  I have been separated in relationships because of misunderstandings.  I have ruined situations by foolishness.  And these types of things have occurred both accidentally, and on purpose.

But here is a list of things that will separate me from the love of God, found in Christ Jesus:

.

.

.

.

Nothing is written there.  Because God assures us that NOTHING will separate His people from Him.

We are connected, because of Christ.

That is why this is such a beautiful and necessary verse.

Romans IV: Continue

Romans IV

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1,2 ESV)

Continue

One of the richest memories I have is an occasion when my wife forgave me for some pretty serious sin.  I can still recall the feeling when she took my hand, again.  I can still feel the peace, the unexpected joy, and the hope that filled my sad heart at that very moment.

It was great.

But I do not want to repeat it.

More specifically, I do not want to repeat the sin that CAUSED the wonderful forgiveness.  I learned to trust my wife’s love on that day.  She FORGAVE me.  But that did not lead me to a relaxing of my diligence.  Instead, knowing the depth of her love helps me stand strong.

Similarly, only MORE so…  knowing that God is gracious does not… can not… lead me to act foolishly just because I know He will forgive.

If I start thinking like that, it shows I do not grasp how precious His forgiveness is.

God’s gracious forgiveness, in fact, urges me towards righteousness!

So I do not want to continue in sin.

Romans III: Purpose

Romans III

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Purpose

My dog has one purpose, I think.  He wants his ears scratched.  Everything he does, whether it is cute, annoying, friendly, or frustrating has THAT behind it.

His purpose is clear.

God’s purpose is even more clear, although sometimes harder to grasp.  God does ALL things for good.

I know that simply because He tells us, here.

I do not always sense that.  I am not always aware of that.  I do not easily understand that.  I can not easily articulate it in the midst of shadows.

But His purpose is clear, absolute, guaranteed, and grand.

Because HE is good… His purpose is good.

Romans III: Peace

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 ESV)

Peace

In an old cartoon, a character stares at someone else and utters, “you have made a very powerLESS enemy.”  It made me chuckle.  But it was also accurate.  That character did not have real power.  Neither do you.  Neither do I.

We are powerless enemies, despite our pride.

But God is NOT a powerless enemy.

In fact, no one is more powerful than God.  What sensible person would delight in being HIS enemy?

But we are His enemies.  Because we have sinned.  We have done what WE desire, instead of what He desires.  We have disobeyed both the letter and the spirit of His Law.

But that powerful enemy offers us peace.

Not a peace found in balance, by attempting more good deeds.  We’d never catch up.

Not a peace found in deep regret.  We would still be his enemies… just sorry enemies.

Not a peace like the world expects. Peace found through effort, self-sacrifice, smiley faces, or success in other areas of life.

But peace that God gives because we choose to believe Him… and believe in Him… and believe His gospel.

That faith is the only way to peace.

Romans II: First

Romans II

… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 ESV)

Teen-aged boys, I have observed, usually like a girl second, not first.  The number one reason I hear for attraction in young folk, is that someone (the beliked) laughed at our jokes, smiled at us first, spoke to us first, seemed to like US, first.  THAT is why we become interested.

I might be wrong, of course.  Apocryphal evidence abounds.

But clearly, we love God only because He loved us first.

In fact, we can not love God without His love, because His love sent Christ to die for us, before we ‘accepted’ Him.  And that Christ-sending is what changes us so that we CAN love God.

He loves us, so we love Him.

Romans I: How-To

Romans I

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 ESV)

How-To

When considering how to do the right thing, we might try a lot of different ways.  We might try a method of starting with little obedient acts, and gradually move to bigger obedient acts.  We might try taking each situation one at a time, and focus hard on doing right NOW what is right.  We might try imitating a respected person.  We might try memorizing lists, or Scripture, or quotes. 

While all of those methods have some value, none will succeed.

The only way to do what is right… is through faith.

That seems odd.

But faith in Christ Jesus connects His people to HIS spiritual power, which can enable doing the right thing.

Faith in Christ Jesus keeps us from legalism, since it draws our hearts to HIM instead of to our actions.

Faith in Christ Jesus causes God to see our actions through Christ’s robes of righteousness, so that we become righteous in God’s eyes, through Christ.

Faith in Christ Jesus gives us fellowship with Him, unity with Him, and love for Him, all of which draw us to righteousness.

Faith in Christ Jesus is the best way, the proven way, the only way to be righteous.

Acts V: Yay!

Acts V

 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48 ESV)

Yay!

The gospel causes rejoicing! 

It is not called, “The Gospel,” (good news) for nothing!

When ANYONE hears the gospel, hears and believes the gospel, there is much rejoicing.  How could there not be?

The gospel brings hope to the end of all suffering.  Rejoice!

The gospel offers what our world needs, peace. Rejoice!

The gospel ends guilt, fear, and hatred, if we let it.  Rejoice!

The gospel unites, fixes, and undoes our foolishness.  Rejoice!

The gospel is most excellent!  Rejoice! 

Acts IV: One Job

ACTS IV

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30,31 ESV)

One Job

I once hired a telephone salesman to sell cleaning chemicals.  He seemed motivated, experienced, and friendly… and I expected great things from him.

But he was actually not a very good salesman.  Because he kept forgetting his one job: to sell chemicals.  He spent most of his time organizing his desk, making plans, discussing sales tricks with other salespeople, helping the secretary design forms, and giving helpful personal advice to everyone in the office.

All good things.

But he did not do his one real job.

A lot of religious activities draw our attention.  A lot of GOOD religious activities.  But our part of salvation is to believe in the Lord Jesus.

Tithing, praying, studying, acts of kindness, talking and thinking about Christ… these are all good things.  But they do not save.

When it comes to salvation, we have one job.

Believe in the Lord Jesus.

Acts III: Forgiving

Acts III

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59,60 ESV)

Forgiving

Silly Stephen, by today’s standards.

Here he was, doing nothing but exercise his right of free speech (yes, present even in the Roman Empire to some degree.)  He had not hurt anyone.  He had not stolen anything.  He had not done anything worthy of being killed.  Even by harsh Jewish law, his death was not required.

Silly Stephen, by today’s standards.

We might say he should have argued his rights.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have fled.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have conversed and dialogued.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have been indignant, angry, justified, and mistreated.  Instead he preached Jesus.

In fact, Stephen PREACHED Jesus, and then displayed the gospel.

He forgave.