LET US RID OURSELVES OF EVERYTHING THAT CONTAMINATES US

Proclamation:

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  The promises which Paul is referring to are: 1. that God will receive us if we obey Him, 2. that He will be a Father to us, and 3. we will be His sons and daughters. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)  Paul says that since we have these promises from God, we should purify our body and spirit of everything that contaminates us, out of reverence to Him.

Application:

We should encourage one another to engage in holiness of heart and life and not in the sinfulness of the flesh or evilness of spirit.  We need to lead a clean life if we want God to treat us as His children.  We have been cleansed by the blood of Christ, but we contaminate our heart and mind daily with our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.  That is why we need to pray, confess, and ask to be forgiven daily in order to be cleansed from our unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)  We also need to turn from our sinful ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  We cannot clean ourselves up, our heart, mind, or spirit, only God can do that for us. (Psalm 51:10)

DO NOT BE YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS

Proclamation:

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?  Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  … Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of The Living God.  As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.’”  2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter with a discussion of all the hardships that he has had to endure. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)  After he lists all of them, he makes it clear that he has opened his heart to them but they have not done to same to him. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)  Then he tells them that they should not be unequally yoked to unbelievers.  This statement is not addressed to believers who are married to unbelievers, which he had addressed earlier. (1 Corinthians 7:14)  This message is addressed to those believers who are hanging out with, or in relationships with, or partnering with unbelievers.  He tells them that The Lord says, “Come out from them and be separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) 

Application:

Believers should not socialize with unbelievers.  If the believer is not trying to tell the unbelievers about The Lord Jesus, The Christ, then what are they conversing about, and why are they fellowshipping?  Any activity with unbelievers is probably sinful.  It is even worse if the believer is worshiping with the unbeliever or being pulled away from Christ.  If we cannot pull them out of sin, we should not let them pull us down into it.  We should separate ourselves from as much sinful activity as is possible.  We may have to work with unbelievers but we do not have to socialize with them.  We should not be courting them or partnering with them.  How can two people walk together unless they are in agreement? (Amos 3:3)  This text about being unequally yoked is not about believers who disagree on how something should be done.  This is about not having a relationship or an agreement with an unbeliever.  If what we are doing is not giving God glory, then we should not be doing it.

IN CHRIST WE BECOME A NEW CREATURE

Proclamation:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)  The King James Version (KJV) of The Bible for this verse reads: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter with a discussion of believers waiting for their new heavenly body. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) He says that while they are present in the body they are absent from The Lord, but he would rather be absent from the body and present with The Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)  He also tells them that we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive that which is due us based upon what we did while we were in the body, whether what we did was good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)  Then he states that if any man has accepted Christ, he is a new creature; the old things he used to be and do have passed away, and all things are now new.  This is because God has reconciled us onto Himself through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)  He ends the chapter by saying that we are ambassadors for Christ, who had no sin but became sin for us, so that we might become righteous in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Application:

We were totally sinful before we accepted Christ into our life.  We knew nothing but sin.  After we accepted Christ, we received The Holy Spirit of God which dwells within us, pushed our sinful nature aside, and changed our life.  When we became a new creation, we identified our self with Christ and not with the world.  However, we did not completely lose our sinful worldly nature, and from time to time we struggle with letting it regain control of us. (Romans 7:19-21)  We will not lose our salvation when we sin but we break the fellowship with Christ. (Psalm 51:12)  We have within us the capacity to do that which is right, but we have to choose to follow the right path because God gave us the ability to choose. (Joshua 24:15)  He said whosoever will, let him come. (Revelation 22:17)  We must choose to live by new principles, exhibit new behavior, and speak different words.  We have been given a new heart and there should be some outward display of this. (Ezekiel 36:26)  We should have new affections, new appetites, new behavior, new desires, new ideas, and a new outlook on life.  If you are still doing all of the same old things, you should question yourself and change.

WE GET KNOCKED DOWN BUT NOT KNOCKED OUT

Proclamation:

“We are pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."  2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul discusses his present physical weakness as compared to his spiritual strength through Christ.  He begins by saying that he does not distort The Word of God.  He presents it plainly. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)  He says that those who do not understand it are unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)  It is the light of God which shines on believers and brings them out of darkness into knowledge. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7)  Then he tells them that believers are hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, and struck down but not destroyed because of The Christ within them.  He goes on to say that outwardly they may be wasting away but inwardly they are renewed each day, and that any momentary trouble they face is far outweighed by the eternal glory that awaits them. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Application:

Things may not be easy in this life for believers but if we hold on and keep the faith we will be rewarded in the end.  We may be beaten, abused, and mistreated, verbally or physically, but we will not be defeated.  In the end we will be victorious. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  The Christ within us is bigger, and stronger, and greater, and more powerful than anything that comes up against us. (1 John 4:4) 

THE HOLY SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD

Proclamation:

“Now The Lord is The Spirit, and where The Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul makes a bold statement and implies that The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of The Lord Jesus, The Christ.  This should not be so hard to accept since we are taught that God, The Father, and God, The Son, and God, The Holy Spirit are one. (1 John 5:7)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30)  Therefore, The Holy Spirit of God is The Spirit of Christ.  Where The Spirit is, there is freedom.

Application:

“God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)  Where ever The Holy Spirit of The Lord God is, there is freedom.  This is not freedom in the physical sense, even though that can also happen.  This is freedom in the spiritual sense.  Since The Holy Spirit dwells within all believers, we all get to enjoy freedom; the freedom from spiritual blindness and darkness, the freedom from the bondage of sin and the captivity of Satan, and the freedom from the fear of hell, God’s wrath, and eternal damnation.  The more time we spend in His Holy Word, and the more we exhibit the fruit of The Spirit, the more like Him we become.  As we do His will and are ruled by our spiritual nature, we are slowly being transformed into His image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)  However, the transformation will not be complete until He returns and we are changed from mortal to immortal. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53)

WE ARE TO FORGIVE AND COMFORT OTHERS

Proclamation:

“If anyone has caused grief … not to put it too severely … you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”  2 Corinthians 2:5-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul addresses the forgiveness of an offender.  He said that if a brother offends them, they should forgive him and comfort him.  They should also reaffirm their love for him. (2 Corinthians 2:8)  Rejecting him could cause him to be overwhelmed and they should restore him to the fellowship.

Application:

Forgiveness is very important in the life of a believer.  Here Paul encourages us to forgive a brother who has caused us grief.  However, he also states that we should forgive a brother who has messed up in other ways. (Galatians 6:1)  Remember, we all have sinned in the past and were in need of forgiveness. (Romans 3:23)  Our Lord and Savior, Jesus The Christ, said that we are to forgive those who have done us wrong.  He said if we do not forgive others, then we will not be forgiven of our sins. (Mark 11:26)  Having an unforgiving spirit is not Christ-like. 

WE ARE COMFORTED IN ORDER FOR US TO COMFORT OTHERS

Proclamation:

“Praise be to The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Most Bible scholars believe that this is the fourth of four letters which Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth.  After identifying himself and stating that Timothy was with him, Paul offers praise to The God of all comfort.  He states that they had received comfort during their troubles.  He said that God comforted them so that they would know how to comfort others during their troubles. 

Application:

God is The God of compassion and comfort.  He comforts us during our troubles so that we can learn how to comfort others in their troubles.  When we have experienced one kind of affliction or tribulation and been comforted, we are able to comfort others who experience similar trouble.  We have to learn how to be a comfort and a blessing to others.  Basically, after we receive comfort we can pass it along to others as we do with blessings.  We should praise God for what He has done for us, and for what He has allowed us to do for others. 

BE CAREFUL KEEP THE FAITH BE COURAGEOUS AND BE STRONG

Proclamation:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this last chapter with a discussion regarding the collection of money to help The Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)  He told them that he wanted to spend some significant time with them after he went through Macedonia and after his stay in Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 16:5-9)  He made a special request regarding Timothy’s visit to them and he told them that Apollos would come to them later. (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)  Then he offered them some words of encouragement, telling them to be careful, keep the faith, and stand strong.  He exhorted them to do everything in love.  He also told them to graciously accept new people who were doing The Lord’s work, (1 Corinthians 16:15-18) then he gave them his final farewell greeting. (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

Application:

As believers we should encourage and build one another up.  Even those believers who are strong in The Lord, and in The Word, still occasionally need a word of encouragement.  All of us go through trials, temptations, and tribulations.  We have no idea of all the things that a fellow believer may be dealing with.  It is not necessary for us to know their personal business in order for us to offer them an encouraging word or to pray for them.  We should make sure that whatever we do or say is done in love.  We should THINK first before we speak or act.  Make sure that it is Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Nice, and Kind.

ON THAT DAY WE WILL BE CHANGED FROM MORTAL TO IMMORTAL

Proclamation:

“… We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed … When the perishable has been clothed with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’”  1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter discussing the resurrection of Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)  Then he discusses the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:12-34)  Then he transitions to a discussion on the resurrected body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)  It is during this discourse that he states that we will be changed.  When Christ returns, we will go from being perishable to imperishable, and from being mortal to immortal, and this will be done in the twinkling of an eye. 

Application:

Some of us will be alive when Christ returns, but dead or alive we will all be changed.  Our earthly bodies are not fit to be in His presence or in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 15:50)  Our human bodies are frail, corrupt, and perishable.  Age, disease and death cause our bodies to deteriorate.  All believers will be changed from that which is perishable to that which is imperishable.  The dead in Christ will rise first and then we will join them. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)  Our earthly bodies will be transformed into immortal bodies which will be recognizable to others (Luke 16:22-23) but will be different like angels. (Matthew 22:30)  So, let us all keep the faith and keep on working for The Lord knowing that He will remember our good works. (Hebrews 6:10)  Our labor for Him will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)  We have the victory through our Lord Jesus, The Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  Death will not defeat us.  To God be the glory!!!

THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Proclamation:

“… When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at the most three should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”  1 Corinthians 14:26-28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul addresses how they should conduct themselves during the worship services regarding speaking in tongues and prophecy. (Corinthians 14:1-3)  Both of these gifts should be done so that the church may be edified. (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)  Paul states that speaking in tongues is not helpful if no one understands it and there is no one present to interpret it. (1 Corinthians 14:6-18)  He says that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers while prophecy is for believers. (1 Corinthians 14:20-22)  Speaking in tongues should be done by one person at a time and someone must be present to interpret it.  He ends by saying that everything must be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Application:

These words are presented as Paul presented his discussion regarding Spiritual Gifts, that you would not be uninformed. (1 Corinthians 12:1)  Speaking in tongues has been taken out of context in many worship services.  Some churches even require speaking in tongues as a condition of membership.  Speaking in tongues first occurred on the day of Pentecost, so that everyone in the crowd heard the disciples speaking in their own language. (Acts 2:1-11)  Speaking in tongues is a gift from The Holy Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) which is to be used to help non-believers hear The Word of God in their own language.  The speaker has not studied or learned this foreign language but speaks it by the power of God.  Let us not claim to have this gift in order to impress men.

LOVE

Proclamation:

“…  But do not have love, I am nothing … Love is patient, love is kind … it does not envy … boast … dishonor others … it is not self-seeking … it keeps no record of wrongs … It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul wrote to them concerning love.  He began by saying that without love, the most eloquent of words is just noise. (1 Corinthians 13:1)  He said that even if he had the gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and faith, without love he was nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)  Even if he gave all that he had to the poor, without love it does him no good. (1 Corinthians 13:3)  Then he goes on to describe love by saying what it is and what it is not.  Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)  He ends by saying that with respect to the three most important things in the life of a believer, faith, hope, and love, that the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Applications:

It is difficult to define “love” and the definition in the dictionary leaves a lot to be desired.  Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines love as a “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties”.  It also gives eight other definitions, all of which relate to feelings.  Here, Paul provides us with displays of love and descriptions of what love is and isn’t, and what love does and doesn’t do.  Love is all-consuming and involves the heart, (1 Corinthians 13:1) the mind, (1 Corinthians 13:2) and the will. (1 Corinthians 13:3)  Love is the fruit of The Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)  This love is the agape kind of love, not the brotherly love, phileo, or the passion lustful eros type of love.  It is the divine love, the love of God.  Without the love of God our gifts and talents are worthless.  The love of God is perfected within us as we keep and obey His Holy Word. (1 John 2:5)  God is love, and whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God lives within them. (1 John 4:16)  As believers, we are commanded to love one another. (John 13:34-35)

EACH AND EVERY BELIEVER IS GIVEN A SPIRITUAL GIFT

Proclamation:

“Now to each one the manifestation of The Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through The Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.”  1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul wrote to them concerning Spiritual Gifts so that they would not be uninformed. (1 Corinthians 12:1)  His point here was that there are different gifts but they all come from the same Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 12:4)  He then proceeds to list the gifts of The Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.  He states that The Holy Spirit distributes these Spiritual gifts to believers as He chooses.

Application:

The Holy Spirit of God gives Spiritual gifts to each believer as He determines is appropriate.  Every believer has been blessed to get at least one, some get more than one of them, but no believer gets all of them.  The gifts allow the believer the capacity to perform a service for the glory of God to benefit the body of Christ.  These Spiritual gifts are different from natural physical gifts like singing or playing an instrument.  Natural gifts can be used for the glory of God but they can also be used for self glorification.  Spiritual gifts are to be used for the advantage, benefit, and salvation of others.  We all have Spiritual gifts, physical talents, and natural abilities which we could use for the glory of God, and all of us could do more than we are doing.  In fact, in all that we do, we should do it to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

DO NOT PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER

Proclamation:

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim The Lord’s death until He comes.  So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of The Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of The Lord … For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 11:26-30 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter with a discussion regarding the covering of the head by men and women. (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)  Then he goes into a discussion regarding the abuse of The Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)  He recounts what he himself had received from The Lord regarding why believers were to partake of The Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)  He follows this with a discussion regarding the unworthy taking of The Lord’s Supper without discerning The Lord’s body and the consequences for doing so. (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)

Application:

The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is not to be taken lightly.  This is something which we should do reverently in remembrance of Christ.  When Christ served bread to the two believers that He met, walked, and talked with on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, their eyes were opened and they knew Him. (Luke 24:30-31)  Likewise with us it should be an eye opening and revealing experience.  Those who eat and drink The Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner bring judgment upon themselves.  Many people are weak and sick for doing this unworthily and many people have died for this offense. (1 Corinthians 11:30)  The Lord Jesus instituted this on the night He was betrayed. (Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, and 1 Corinthians 11:24)  It is better for us not to partake of it than to do it in an unworthy manner.

THE LORD GOD WILL NOT ALLOW MORE TO BE PUT ON US THAN WE CAN BEAR

Proclamation:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began by recounting the history of their ancestors from the Red Sea to the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:1-6)  He said that those things were recorded and recounted to them as examples of what not to do. (1 Corinthians 10:6 and 10:11)  Then he told them that they would be tempted, but they would not be tempted beyond that which they could bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  He spent the remainder of the chapter discussing their freedom to eat meat from animals which had been sacrificed to idols.  He ended by telling them that whatever they eat, drink, or do should be done to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Application:

We have all gone through trials and temptations.  We may be going through some of them right now, but we will definitely go through some of them in the future.  However, The Holy Spirit of The Lord God was, and is, and always will be with us.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  Being tempted is not a sin.  Jesus was tempted. (Matthew 4:1-11)  We sin when we yield and give in to the temptation.  But we do not have to yield, He will not allow us to be temped beyond that which we can handle.  Sometimes we need to remove ourselves from the places or the people that provide us with the temptation to sin.  Reading and studying The Word of God can help us when we are tempted to sin.  He always provides us with a way out of the temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  We just have to ask Him for help.

BELIEVERS NEED SELF-DISCIPLINE

Proclamation:

“Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the crown.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter by talking about his rights as an apostle.  He provides a justification for them using worldly and Biblical examples to support his claim. (1 Corinthians 9:1-12)  Then he goes on to say that he did not use or claim that which is rightfully his. (1 Corinthians 9:13-18)   He ends by describing the need for self-discipline among believers, apostles, and preachers, including himself.  He states that we ought to run our race in such a way as to make sure that we get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)  For the prize which we seek is an eternal crown.

Application:

In an athletic race event, there is only one winner.  Athletes must train and practice and make sacrifices to prepare for the race in order to win the prize.  However, in our spiritual race all of us can be winners and get the prize.  We must also work and make sacrifices in order to get our prize.  We must walk His way (Psalm 128:1) and exercise faith and self-control. (Hebrews 11:6)  If we live by The Word of God and follow His way, we will all receive a crown as our reward.  Our salvation is not our reward; our salvation is a gift from God for those who believe in Christ.  Our rewards will be based upon the work we do during this life which gives God glory.  One day we will receive our crowns. (2 Timothy 4:8 and James 1:12)

SOMETIMES DOING WHAT WE KNOW TO BE RIGHT CAN BE WRONG

Proclamation:

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”  1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul tells them about eating food which had been used in sacrifices to idols. (1 Corinthians 8:1-6)  Some people thought that if they ate the meat of an animal which had been sacrificed to an idol that they were defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:7)  Paul told them that the idols can do nothing and that eating the meat which was sacrificed to them would not make them better or worse in the sight of God. (1 Corinthians 8:8)  He said that the problem is that those who are weak in The Word may see them eating that meat and they may do likewise and then feel defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:10-11)  They may also change their opinion of the believers that they see eating that meat.  Paul said that the strong in The Word sin when they do things which cause the weak in The Word to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:12-13)  If eating meat in front of a brother offends him, then do not eat it in front of him.

Application:

It is possible for a believer to do something which is right, but has the appearance of being wrong, which may cause someone who sees them to stumble and fall into sin.  As believers we must avoid even the appearance of doing evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  It is better not to do something which we know to be right if it would cause someone who is less knowledgeable in The Word to stumble.  We are always being observed, especially by children, and we do not want to cause a child to sin. (Matthew 18:6)  Just because something is right, or legal, does not mean that we should do it.  We do not want to be guilty of causing someone to fall away from The Lord because they saw our behavior.

A BELIEVER CAN SANCTIFY THEIR UNBELIEVING SPOUSE

Proclamation:

“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her husband.  Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”  1 Corinthians 7:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul tells them about marriage.  He is responding to a matter which was presented to him in a letter.  They said, “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1)  Paul told them that each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and that each woman should do so with her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)  He said that those individuals who were unmarried should stay unmarried.  However, if they cannot control themselves, then they should marry, because it is better for them to marry than to be consumed with passion and lust. (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)  He also told them that the married believer provides some covering for their unbelieving spouse.  Then he told them that whatever status they were in when they came to Christ, that they should remain in that status. (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)  Paul spends the remainder of the chapter addressing his concerns with marriage.

Application:

Here the word “sanctified” means “lawfully espoused together” and it implies the provision of a type of “protective covering” for the spouse but it does not give them salvation.  With respect to marriage, it is much better for a believer not to be “unequally yoked” and married to a non-believer. (2 Corinthians 6:14)  However, if a believer is married to a non-believer, it is better for them to stay married and not to divorce their spouse just because he or she is a non-believer. (1 Corinthians 7:12-14)  Marriage is a Divine institution. (Matthew 19:5-6 and Mark 10:6-9)  Hopefully, the believer can lead their non-believing spouse to Christ.

WE BELONG TO THE LORD GOD AND NOT TO OURSELVES

Proclamation:

 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of The Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you are bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that they were wrong to take one another to court in lawsuits.  Ungodly people should not judge The Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)  He said that they were cheating themselves and doing wrong and that there is no place in the kingdom of God for wrongdoers. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)  He told them that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified by The Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)  He told them to flee from fornication. (1 Corinthians 6:13, 6:15-16, and 6:18)  He also told them that they had been united with The Lord God and they were one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:16-17)  Then he told them that their bodies were temples of The Holy Spirit of God and that they should honor God with their bodies. 

Application:

What Christ did on the cross at Calvary paid the price for us.  In effect, He bought us and redeemed us, and now we belong to Him.  We do not belong to ourselves, we belong to Him.  Our bodies are the temples of His Holy Spirit, who resides within us, and we need to behave in such a way as to honor Him.  That includes not only what we do and say to others but also how we treat our bodies.  We cannot live in immorality and effectively serve The Lord.  We should live our lives to the glory of God.

BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU ASSOCIATE WITH

Proclamation:

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler.  Do not even eat with such people.”  1 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that it had been reported that there was sexual immorality among them.  Not only was there fornication among them but some of the men were sleeping with their father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)  Members of the church knew about this but did not do anything about it and Paul urged them to take action. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)  He had written to them previously warning them not to associate with sexually immoral people (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) and now he was being more specific in this letter. (The epistle entitled First Corinthians is actually the second of four letters written by Paul to the believers at Corinth.)

Application:

We may not have control over who is in our family, or the people that we work with, but we choose our friends.  We need to give some thought to the people that we choose to spend time with.  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  None of us is perfect, we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23)  This is not to say that we should not speak to non-believers or back-sliders.  However, if we continually spend time with unapologetically, incorrigible sinful people, what does that say about us?  We should fellowship with people who share our beliefs, values and principals. (1 John 1:7)  We should not fellowship with those who continually walk in darkness. (Ephesians 5:11)  We really should not call ourselves “Christian” if we continue to walk in darkness with our sinful friends. (1 John 1:6)  Once we accepted Christ we were changed into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we should put away our old sinful ways, and our old sinful friends.

THE LORD GOD WILL BRING TO LIGHT THAT WHICH IS DONE IN THE DARK

Proclamation:

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until The Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.  At that time each will receive their praise from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that they should regard all of the apostles and leaders as servants of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:1)  He said that those entrusted with leadership positions must be proven faithful and that it is The Lord God who will judge them. (1 Corinthians 4:2-4)  The Lord will judge the leaders, and everyone else.  He will bring to light all of the things which were done in darkness.  He will also expose the motives for every action and spoken word.  Those who are worthy of praise will receive it from God.

Application:

We really should not judge people because we are not qualified.  We do not have all of the relevant information available to us upon which to base a just decision.  We can only hear what is said and see what is done in our presence.  (Recordings can be so easily manipulated.)  We have no idea of the thought processes or motives which were behind them.  Only The Lord God can see the heart and the mind, (Jeremiah 20:12) and only He has all of the information about a person which is necessary in order to judge him justly. (Hebrews 10:30)  All of the things which were done in the dark will be brought to light.  One day we will have to give an account of our stewardship (Luke 16:2) including every thought, deed, and spoken word. (Matthew 12:36)  We will all stand before Christ. (Romans 14:10-12)  Don’t believe the people who say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

A BELIEVERS FOUNDATION IS JESUS THE CHRIST

Proclamation:

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation … no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If anyone builds on this foundation … their work will be shown for what it is … it will be revealed with fire, and fire will test the quality of each person’s work.  If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.  If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved …”  1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter by telling the believers in Corinth that they were still “worldly, mere infants in Christ” quarreling and jealous, and he had to feed them The Word of God as milk for they were not ready for it as solid food. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)  It was not important which leader they followed for all of them were servants, vehicles which brought them The Word of God. (1 Corinthians 3:4-5)  One of them planted the seed and one watered it but only God made it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)  Then he told them that he given them the foundation, Jesus Christ, and they should be careful what they build upon that foundation.  All that they built, their work in this life, would be judged and tested with fire.  Only those things which gave God glory would pass through the fire.  He ended the chapter by telling them that their body is God’s temple.  The Spirit of God dwells within them and they should be careful how they treat that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Application:

Only what we do for Christ will be counted in the end.  As believers we will pass through the fire on Judgment Day but our work and efforts here on earth which did not glorify God will be burned up.re.  Only those things which gave God glory will survive the fire and we will receive a reward for them.  Everything that we have done in our lives from the moment we accepted Christ will constitute our works, and only that which glorified God will be counted in the final tally.  As believers, it is on Christ the solid Rock we stand and build our house. (Luke 6:48 and 1 Corinthians 10:4)

SOME THINGS CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE AID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

Proclamation:

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,’ the things God has prepared for those who love Him; these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter by telling the believers in Corinth that he only spoke to them about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  He said that his message and his preaching were not full of enticing words or reflective of human wisdom but they were a demonstration of the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)  He declared God’s wisdom and power and said that no man has seen, or heard, or imagined what The Lord God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)  Here Paul quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. (Isaiah 64:4)  It is by The Spirit of God that he preaches and not by anything that he learned from man. (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

Application:

It is possible to learn some things by what we see or by what we hear.  However, there are certain things which can only be learned and understood through the aid of The Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)  This is why we as believers should prayerfully read and study The Word of God.  There are some things which will never be understood by non-believers. (1 Corinthians 2:14)  Some things are only for those who love The Lord and who wait on Him.  “Wait, I say, on The Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS THE LOVE AND POWER OF GOD

Proclamation:

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul had heard that there was disagreement and division between the believers in the church at Corinth based upon which leader they were following. (1 Corinthian 1:10-12)  His message to them was that they should on one accord.  Christ was not divided.  They should focus on the message of the cross.  He said that the world may think that the message of the cross is foolishness, but those who are saved know that it is the power of God.

Application:

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  It divides mankind into two groups, believers who are saved and non-believers who are not saved.  The message of the cross should not divide saved people, it should unite them.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  It was out of His love for us and His obedience to God, The Father, that Christ stayed on the cross. (Matthew 26:42 and Luke 22:42)  The fear and reverence of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10)  Those of us, whom God has called to believe, know that all power and wisdom come from God. (1 Corinthians 1:24-25)  As we think about whom we are, what we have done, and what we have become, we know that all of it is due to the blessings from God. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)  To God be the glory!!!

WHEN TROUBLE STRIKES

Proclamation:

“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.”  Acts 28:3 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Paul was arrested by the Roman commander, (Acts 21:33) and ordered taken to the barracks, (Acts 22:24) he underwent a series of trials.  Paul testified in his defense before the Sanhedrin council, (Acts 23:1-10) before Governor Felix, (Acts 24:10-21) before Governor Festus, (Acts 25:6-11) and before King Agrippa. (Acts 26:1-31)  As a Roman citizen, Paul requested an appeal before Caesar and it was granted. (Acts 26:32)  As they sailed to Rome, the winds were not in their favor. (Acts 27:4)  Paul warned them not to continue sailing but they did not listen to him. (Acts 27:9-11)  The winds turned into a violent storm. (Acts 27:13-20)  After two weeks at sea in the storm, they struck a sandbar and the ship was broken into pieces. (Acts 27:27-41)  The crew and the prisoners all made it safely to shore. (Acts 27:44)  Altogether there were 276 people on board the ship. (Acts 27:37)  The people on the island of Malta welcomed them and helped them to build a fire because it was raining and cold. (Acts 28:1-3)  That was when Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.  However, he did not die; he just shook the snake off and kept on working. (Acts 28:5-6)  Eventually, Paul healed every sick person on the island before continuing on to Rome. (Acts 28:7-9)

Application:

We will all go through various trials and tribulations along this journey called life.  At times bad things will happen to good people.  We just need to keep on telling people the truth and keep on doing the right thing.  When trouble strikes, don’t panic because that will only make things worse.  Just shake it off, count it all as joy, (James 1:2) and keep on working for The Lord.  He did not say that we would not have any troubles.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  There will be storms in our life but He will be with us during the storms and He has the power to control the storms. (Mark 4:39)  So, when trouble strikes, keep the faith and keep on doing what thus says The Lord.