II Corinthians III: Yoked

II Corinthians III

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14 ESV)

Yoked

I once managed a group of salespeople, and I discovered that some of them, while all excellent in their own way, did not work well together.  For instance, one salesman always drove towards making LARGE sales.  He did not work well, on a team, with the salesman who primarily wanted to make many, many light contacts, planning to make sales in the long term.  You would think they would complement each other, but all they did was fight.

They were unequally yoked.

On a movie set a few months ago, we had to use humans to pull a wagon (the animals did not follow directions!) But the two young men we put in the harness did not work well together.  One was strong and slow.  The other was quick and full of burst of energy.  The wagon would not go straight.  

They were unequally yoked.

Even more so, those of us who know we work and live only for our King, Jesus, do not work well with those who serve another King, another God, another worldview. 

Whether we are referring to employment, projects, relationships, or marriage… if our foundations are not the same… things WILL be difficult.

We work best with folk with whom we work together.

It is not about similar attitudes, experiences, or habits.  It is all about having the awareness of how amazing our saving, loving, and Kingly our Jesus is.

THAT is the yoke that matters.

II Corinthians II: Ambassadors

II Corinthians II

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ.  (II Corinthians 5:20 ESV)

Ambassadors

Shirley Temple, known first for her acting in a myriad of cute films, was a fantastic ambassador for the United States to the United Nations.  Because she understood what an ambassador actually is.

She was asked numerous times, “What do you think of this policy that you are voting on?” 

She always answered, in effect… “It does not matter.  I represent the United States, not myself.”

An ambassador represents someone else.

An ambassador does not work to accomplish their own goals, ambitions, or ideals.

It is hard for modern Americans to grasp this.  We probably think that an ambassador has power to accomplish their own plans.   But the minute an ambassador does that, they stop being an ambassador.

And we are ambassadors for Christ in the world today.

Our own likes, dislikes, presuppositions, prejudices, experiences, and wishes are not a part of how we act in the world.

We GET to be Christ’s ambassadors.

What does HE actually say about issues in His Word?  What did HE actually do that we can mimic and imitate?  What were HIS reasons behind His activities, that can alter our perceptions?

We are not Christians and ambassadors so we can design and follow our own agenda.  Whether that is political, economical, personal, relational, principial, or practical.

We are HIS ambassadors.

We work for HIM.

II Corinthians I: Heart

II Corinthians I

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

Heart

I keep losing things.  Or so it seems.  I lost my keys, and found them in an unexpected, albeit logical place.  I lost an attachment for my computer that lets me access the internet, but found it under a chair.  I lost my cordless drill, yet there It was, right where I had left it.  I’ve lost my checkbook, still I expect it will turn up.

Physical things get lost, and sometimes found.

But Paul points out that we do NOT lose heart.  This is not a command, or a hope, or a wish.  He states it as a fact.

We do not lose heart.

It does seem like it sometimes, doesn’t it?  We grow discouraged at the happenings in the world.  We fear instead of trust, doubt instead of hope, and worry instead of relax in Christ.

But Christians do not lose heart, because that internal contentment, peace, and confidence that Christians have is not ours to lose. 

Heart comes from Jesus. He is not in our pocket, so we can not lose Him.  While real, He is not physically present in our reality, yet… so we can not lose Him.  He is not present simply because we sense Him… but rather we sense Him at times because He is present… so we can not lose Him.

I admit that I do not notice Him at dark times.  But I do not lose heart, because noticed or not, He is here. 

I admit that I do not turn to Him is steadily as I can during times of insecurity.  But I do not lose heart, because whether I am focused on Him or not, He is here.

I admit that my fears IN the scenes seem bigger than He seems behind the scenes.  But I do not lose heart because that comparison is a problem of my perspective, not a problem if His absence.  Because He is here.

So we do not lose heart.

I Corinthians XIV: In

I Corinthians XIV

Let all that you do be done in love. (I Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

In

For a supposedly little word, “in” has a lot packed into it.

IN means through.

IN means because of.

IN means empowered by.

IN means motivated by.

IN means ‘under the umbrella of.’

IN means purpose.

IN means colored by.

IN means surrounded by.

It’s a good thing that Love is a big word, too.

I Corinthians XIII: A Good Start

I Corinthians XIII

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside… (I Corinthians 16:2 ESV)

A Good Start

I have given leftovers to my dog.  I have given leftovers to a thrift store.  I have given leftovers to friends in need.

The thing about leftovers, though, is that a leftover is left over.  It is something I do not need.  It is something that it is easy to give away.  Whether it is a leftover piece of bread, a leftover pair of shoes, or a leftover microwave oven.

The lawn mower I use every week is not left over, so I do not give it away.  The sweater that still fits me and is somewhat stylish remains in my drawer, I do not give it away.  And I never give bacon away, because it is never left over.

Paul tells the Corinthian church to prepare for a worship offering by setting something aside at the beginning of the week.  That is not a description of leftovers.

 When we understand our relationship with God… His sacrificial love… His grace… His lovingkindness… we are not interested in giving Him leftovers.

Whether it is money in the offering… time studying Him… our attention… or our devotion.

He comes first.  And that is not a grumpy command… it acknowledges how good He is to us.

I Corinthians XII: Double Hope

I Corinthians XII

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (I Corinthians 15:19 ESV)

Double Hope

These days many of us are ‘so heavenly minded we can do no earthly good.’  Our eyes are delightfully on heaven, and we know that earthly life is temporary, so we get lost, almost, in heavenly contemplation.

When it comes to life here and now, we seem to ask, “why polish the brass on a sinking ship?”

Apparently, the Corinthian Christians had the opposite problem.

They seem to have been so excited about the gospel’s effects in the here-and-now, that they did not think much about hope after death.  So Paul encourages them to be more heavenly minded.  Hope is not merely for the here-and-now, but it is precious to have hope for heaven.

Both hopes are blessings.

The gospel, we hope, brings healing and help today.  Gospel tendrils are entwined in every calendar, every struggle, every commitment, every responsibility, every relationship, every activity, every decision, for every Christian.  Hope for today is amazing.

AND the gospel, we hope, brings ultimate restoration between us and God.  We have hope, not for this life only… but for eternity.  Heaven is perfect, full, and bright.  Heaven will be life as God intended life to be, when He started things in the Garden.  Not mere, ‘good.’  But VERY good.

Because of Jesus, we have double hope!

I Corinthians XI: Peace

I Corinthians XI

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (I Corinthians 14:33 ESV)

Peace

I like to defeat my enemies… be that a rival football team, a different political party, a rude neighbor, a hostile nation, or someone who does not laugh enough at my jokes.

But God is a God of peace.

Not a doormat God, though.  Not a God who ignores key differences, though.  Not a God who looks the other way.  Not a God who is afraid of His enemies.

But His goal is not warfare against His enemies.  That’s our nature, not His. 

His goal is not conflict and winning.  That’s our nature, not His.

His goal is not chanting victory songs for eternity in heaven.  That’s our nature, not His.

God desires peace by conversion of His enemies into His children.  That is what He did with me.

God desires peace by making the division of “two kinds of people” simple, and not confusing.  Folk are either united to Him in Christ… or not.

God desires peace by defeating the real enemy.  Not the other political party, or the other nation, or the other worldview, or the other favorite color.  He defeats sin, mankind’s rebellion, and death.

And God brings that peace only through the Prince of Peace… the Sacrificial King… the Gift of Substitutionary Atonement.

In other words… God is the God of peace through Jesus.

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.