Get Connected

Read Galatians 6.

In chapter five, we are told that believers are free from the Old Testament Law.  However, our freedom is not a mere state of being.  It is to be displayed in our actions toward one another.  "Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (5:13-14)  The key to this new way of life is to be filled with (controlled by) the Holy Spirit (5:16).

But some in Galatia were not behaving in the Spirit (5:25).

Genuine followers of Christ are not perfect people without problems.  They are forgiven people who are learning how to respond to their problems in a godly way.  Our correct responses are proofs we are filled with the Spirit.

The question, then, comes, how should we respond to a fellow believer when they yield to sin?

Here, Paul implements the instructions of Jesus from Matthew 18:15-20.  The correction is to be done gently with the sole purpose of restoration.  Those taking the initiative are to be certain that the Holy Spirit is in control and manifesting the description of such from 5:22-24.  When we love others enough to help them mature in their faith like this we are not being legalistic.  We are fulfilling "the law of Christ" (6:2).

Why does this not take place more often?  Some who claim they are Christians do not attend a local church.  Some who do attend do not join in to become connected.  Some who do attend regularly do not let others know about them and they do not get to know others on a personal level.  Without the benefit of a mutually caring group of other believers, we rob ourselves of spiritual growth and we rob others of our ministry to them.

This provides another reason why a person who is not building relationships in a local church will stunt their spiritual growth.  Repeatedly in Scripture, we are admonished that each of us needs the reciprocating love, care, and accountability of other committed believers in Jesus.

What freedom Means

Read Galatians 5.

"For freedom Christ has set us free."  What does that mean?  What are we free to do?  What has that got to do with me?

After obliterating the argument of the Judaizers, the Apostle Paul then described the effects of faith in Christ.  If believers are free from the Old Testament Law, how shall we live and evaluate our conduct?  Are we free to do anything we want, or does God have even greater expectations of us?  The confusion about the Law and questions of freedom evidently turned into divisiveness in the churches (v.15).  So, what are the answers?

1. Stand firm in the faith. (vv.1-12)
Truth and error do not mix.  Compromise of the word of God is sin.  In this case, the issue was either law or grace (v.4).  One cannot have it both ways.  Such toleration and accommodation of false teaching has been the destruction and downfall of every denomination that has allowed liberalism to creep in.  In world history, only one major denomination has ever recovered.   Paul expressed his shock that these brothers had given in so quickly to the influence of false teachers.  He had some strong words for those men (v.12).

2. Serve one another. (vv.13-15)
With the people choosing sides and arguing among themselves, they forgot how they were supposed to treat each other.  Even those who were on the right side of the debate, evidently, were using the freedom and firmness of their faith in in ways that violated Christian behavior.  Fighting for the faith cannot be used as a cloak for sinful words and actions.  In verse 26, Paul wrote, "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."  A true test of a follower of Jesus is to love those who are in disagreement.  Jesus said, "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Matthew 5:46a)

3. Submit to the Holy Spirit. (vv.16-26)
This is a smooth transition from the doctrinal debate of Law vs. Grace to the personal examination of the flesh vs. the Spirit.  Again, one cannot have it both ways.  It is one or the other, on a moment by moment basis.  Toleration of the works of the flesh is sin.  When one surrenders their thinking, words, and actions to the indwelling Holy Spirit, they will be identified by His fruit (singular).

The requirement is to die to oneself for the joy of experiencing true freedom in Christ (v.24).  This is a common theme in Paul's writings.  "I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)  "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11)

The day things Changed

Read Galatians 4.

Apart from personal faith in Christ, people are doomed slaves to their sinful nature.  The Galatians made professions of faith in Jesus but then turned to the false teaching of the Judaizers.  The Apostle Paul labeled this religious enslavement.  He had to remind them that "you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God" (v.7).  So, why are you not acting like it?

Here are the key questions.
Is not the Law given to Moses in Exodus and Leviticus, and then repeated in Deuteronomy, the very word of God?  Yes.  Not only on Mount Sinai but God spoke directly to Moses from the Tabernacle (Leviticus 1:1).

If we do not obey the Old Testament Law today are we sinning?  No.

What changed?
The redemptive plan of God was always that the Law would be temporary, not a permanent solution.  From the first sin (Genesis 3) and the choosing of Abraham (Genesis 12), there was a prophecy and a promise of a coming Messiah.  When He entered the world, things changed.

This is explained, step by step, in verses 4-5.
1. "But when the fullness of time had come"
Jesus was born right on schedule, in the exact city the prophets predicted, to the very nation, tribe, family, and couple to fulfill the covenants God made with Abraham and with David.
2. "God sent forth his Son."
The angelic announcement to Joseph (Matthew 1) declared that Jesus is "God with us."  The Apostle John opened his Gospel by unquestionably identifying Jesus as God in the flesh.  The Father's voice was heard from heaven declaring that Jesus is the Son of God.
3. "born of a woman"
Mary was sovereignly selected.  There was nothing special about her.  She was young, a virgin, and needed a Savior like everyone else (Luke 1:46-47).
4. "born under the law"
As Jesus grew up in the land of Israel, He obeyed the Old Testament Law.  He attended the synagogue and journeyed to Jerusalem for the various times for offerings and feasts.
5. "to redeem those who were under the law"
The primary reason for the first coming of Jesus was the redemption of the world.  He paid the price for all sin on the cross.  As the angel told Joseph, "he will save his people from their sins."
6. "so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Welcome to God's family!  "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12)

As a result, we have the confirming, indwelling, presence of the Holy Spirit to help us personally communicate with God (v.6).  He is not a distant, cosmic force.  He is indeed our loving, heavenly Father.

5 reasons it will never Work

Read Galatians 3.

Here is the dilemma.  Judaizers were accusing Jews who believed in Jesus of forsaking their heritage in Abraham.  Then, they said to the Gentiles that simple belief in Jesus was not enough.  All needed to obey the Old Testament Law.  The churches in Galatia became confused and acquiesced to these false teachers.  Paul called the Galatians "foolish" and "bewitched" at how they had become fascinated by this false representation of the truth.

Trying to mix or add to simple faith in Jesus for eternal life will never work.
1. The questions. (vv.1-6)
First, Paul asked a series of penetrating questions.  The answers all point to the fact it was the grace of God that saved them by faith and not by works of any kind.

2. The promise. (vv.7-9)
In Genesis 12, God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham and his descendants.  The Lord said, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."  Gentiles were included in the blessing of being able to know and serve God by faith in Him.

3. The curse. (vv.10-14)
The Law never saved anyone.  It only held up a perfect standard that no one could attain.  Condemnation and a curse came with it.  At the crucifixion, our curse and condemnation were nailed to the cross, "so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."

4. The history. (vv.15-18)
To prove how ridiculous the claims of the Judaizers were, Abraham never obeyed the Law!  He never saw or heard of the Law.  He lived 430 years before the Law was given.  Instead, God gave a promise that Abraham believed and received.  He did nothing to earn it.

5. The Law. (vv.19-24)
The Law became an "intermediary" step in God's plan for the world.  It was always temporary.  Paul referred to it as a "guardian", like one who would oversee the welfare of a child until the time of maturity.  This temporary time ended when Jesus came, "until the offspring should come" (v.19), "until the coming faith should be revealed" (v.23), "until Christ came" (v.25), "we are no longer under a guardian" (v.25).

 As a result, Jews who believe in Jesus do not lose their heritage as God's chosen people.  Gentiles do not have to become Jewish to complete their faith in Jesus.  The good news is this, regardless of who we are or our backgrounds (v.28), we can enter in and enjoy the blessing of Abraham: "so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe" (v.22).

From death to Life

Read Galatians 2.

The Apostle Paul had been well-trained as a Pharisee.  Zealously, he led in pursuing and persecuting those who failed to obey the Old Testament Law due to their new faith in Christ.  But all of that changed the day he met Jesus.  Paul, then, had to be re-trained in his thinking and his teaching of God's word.  It took time with the help of the Holy Spirit and the confirming work of godly leaders.

As the ministry expanded, some confusion and questions naturally arose.  Peter remained in Israel with a calling to reach Jews for Jesus, while Paul, a Jew, was called to plant churches among the Gentiles.  Added to this were the ever-present false teachers who wanted Christians (both Jew and Gentile) to obey the Law.  What was a believing Jew to do concerning the Old Testament Law?  What were Gentiles to do?  After all the Law was/is the word of God.

Peter fell into hypocrisy when he flip-flopped on this issue, depending upon whom he was with at the time (vv.11-15).  But Paul had learned his lesson well.  He boldly confronted Peter and the issue head-on.

Here is the dilemma.
1. If I embrace freedom in Christ, I am violating the Law.  Christ becomes a means of sin against God's word. (vv.15-17)
2. If I try to keep the law after it has been put away, I violate my faith in Christ. (v.18)
Either way I sin.

So, what is a follower of Jesus to do?
Hebrews 7:12, "For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law."  Even more, Paul said, "I died to the law, so that I might live to God."  A dead man has no feeling, no thoughts, no responsibilities, and no accountabilities.

Verse 20 is one of the hallmark verses in all the Bible.  When one places their personal faith in Jesus, an eternal change happens.  Our old condemned self was what nailed Jesus to the cross in full and final payment for our sin against God.  That personal identification with Jesus gives one a new life, a new beginning.  For the first time that person is able to live in faith's freedom.  Such a change and ability has nothing to do with self-effort of any kind.  It is solely because of "Christ who lives in me."  This new life comes to us by God's grace and His love for us.

Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.  He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)

Popular with people or pleasing to God?

Read Galatians 1.

Are you living to be popular with people or pleasing to God?  There is a third alternative.  It is a requirement of believers in Jesus to love people and speak the truth of God's word.  Tim LaHaye used to say when teaching Ephesians 4:15, "Be sure the amount of truth you speak is matched by the amount of love you have for that person."

The Apostle Paul loved these Gentiles in the Galatian region of the Roman Empire.  He traveled throughout that area preaching and planting churches.  Once established with local leadership, he moved on.  But in his absence, the people there fell prey to false teaching.  Giving in and/or compromising belief in the word of God is no small matter.  Paul called it "deserting" Christ!  He was "astonished" (v.6) at how quickly this happened.

These false teachers did not merely question what the Galatians had been taught.  They, in fact, were presenting "a different gospel."  Paul wrote that they were troubling the congregations and distorting the gospel of Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines the one and only true gospel.  It is the bodily and literal death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  It is only through one's personal faith in this good news that one receives eternal life and enters the family of God.  To be absolutely clear, there is "not another one" (v.7).  Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Nothing else.

Adding to or subtracting from that message is a false gospel and is "contrary" (v.8) to the word of God.  But what if a religious authority, such as an apostle, or an angel from heaven delivered a new, culturally updated, altered, or different message?  "Let him be accursed!"  The Greek word is anathema, eternally condemned.  So, there is no misunderstanding, Paul repeated it.

The evidence of belief in the gospel of Jesus is life-change.  One becomes a new person as they follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  The second half of this chapter is Paul's testimony of what took place in his own life.  "They only were hearing it said, 'He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.  And they glorified God in me.'" (vv.23-24).  May the people who know us glorify God as they see what He has done and is doing in our lives.

6 signs of a healthy Church

Read 2 Corinthians 13.

The church was in a mess and turmoil.  Nearly every chapter of 1 and 2 Corinthians deals with some unresolved confusion or conflict.  Sin among the church members was not only known, but there existed a sense of pride in being accepting of such wrong behaviors.  Predictable divisions and vulnerability to false teaching resulted.

Paul had planned several times to return to Corinth but had not been able to do so.  His promise to come and his failure to arrive became an issue for the critics.  He mentioned this again in 12:20 as he began to conclude the letter.  

The apostle's appeal to the church was to take holy actions before he arrived.  Otherwise, he would have to lead such disciplines when he came.  Next, Paul named eleven sins in 12:20-21, so there would be no doubt as to what he meant.  Then, he repeated the steps of how they should process ridding the congregation of open sins.  He had written these instructions before, but now he reviewed them one last time.

1. The goal is always restoration of the sinner. 
12:19, 13:9-10.  This is essential to the building up of the faith and maturity of the people.

2. The facts are to be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
13:1 refers to Jesus words in Matthew 18:15-20.  Some will fear that they do not have such authority to judge others for their sin.  But, the Scriptures could not be more clear.  As Paul stated in chapter 13 and as Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, when the two or three witness are in agreement about the discipline, the authority of Christ Himself is present.

3. The first step is self-examination.
13:5-7.  The questions are: "Do you really know Jesus as your personal Savior?"  "If so, does your behavior demonstrate what you say you believe?"  The test is will you "do what is right?"  Compare Galatians 6:1.

4. The results are what everyone wishes for in a congregation.
13:11-14.  Who would not want to be a part of a church family who behaved like this?  Here are six signs of a healthy church.
-Rejoice.  Church is to be happy place where people are full of the joy of the Lord.
-Restoration.  Church is to be a place where we seek to restore people to the faith and to each other.
-Comfort.  Church is to be a place where the hurting have friends who come alongside in times of need.
-Unity.  Church is to be a place where there is agreement, one mind, regarding the word of God and who Jesus is.
-Peace.  Church is to be a place where healthy relationships exist and issues are quickly resolved.
-Love.  Church is to be a place where every person senses the love and care for one another.  It is shown in how they greet each person.

When these things are evident, "the God of love and peace will be with you."

Why won't this thing go Away?

Read 2 Corinthians 12.

False teachers confused the Corinthians with their erroneous messages and their attacks on the Apostle Paul.  They brought into question everything from Paul's credentials, his words, his speaking ability, and his personal appearance.  This is the third chapter responding to those accusations. Repeatedly, Paul "boasted" in his defense; sometimes facetiously.

Was he weak?  Yes.  After reading chapter 11, it is a miracle that he survived.  It is also a fact that Luke, a medical doctor, traveled with Paul.  The nature of his weakness referenced in chapter 12 is up for speculation.  Verse 7 indicates that whatever it was came as a direct result of this heavenly experience that took place fourteen years earlier.  A thorn in the flesh, he called it; "a messenger of Satan to harass me."

In an attempt to rid himself of this hindrance, Paul invested three separate intentional times of prayer for healing.  And, the healing did not come.  Why didn't God heal him?  It would have been very human for him to ask, "Why won't this thing go away?"  Something much greater was given to him instead.  Notice what he learned in verses 7-10.

1. He learned a new depth of humility and dependence on God.
Paul was so smart, so educated, and so strong in his leadership.  To have this position as an apostle and, then, to be given this special revelation from the Lord, he could have been personally overpowering with conceit.  He could have tried to serve in his own power, with the wrong sort of independence.  Christ is special, not the messenger.  The attention and focus was/is to be on Jesus.  Every believer must learn the lesson of dependence upon the Lord, in one way or another.

2. He learned a new application of the grace of God.
According to the Greek dictionary, grace is "the divine influence upon the heart and it's reflection in the life."  Paul had experienced the saving grace of God.  Here, what he learned is the sustaining grace of God.  As with each application of grace, we do not deserve it and we cannot earn it, but it is all we need.

3. He learned a new level of contentment from God.
Dealing with "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities" is not enjoyable for anyone.  Yet, the promise of Jesus is "My grace is sufficient for you."  When, by faith, we depend on Him we discover that His grace is enough.  It satisfies.

4. He learned a new demonstration of the power of God.
The success and effectiveness of his service could no longer be attributed to him and the power of his personality.  When people saw and heard Paul they could have concluded that he just did not have what it takes.  His critics said that.  But as he depended upon God's grace, God's power became evident.   In fact, it was this weakness that became the touch point for the Lord to demonstrate His mighty work and reveal Himself when Paul ministered to others.

Once Paul realized these things, he did not try to excuse it or hide it.  He began to boast about it "so the power of Christ may rest upon me."

3 ways to identify a false Teacher

Read 2 Corinthians 11.

The Apostle Paul introduced these Corinthians to Jesus.  He planted this church and taught them.  But false teachers crept in, questioning Paul's credentials and teaching things contrary to God's word.

Paul earned the right to be bold and blunt.  In the second half of this chapter, he responded concerning his qualifications.  Though he utilized no little bit of sarcasm in presenting his case concerning himself, he held nothing back in assessing those who had been wrongfully influencing the congregation.

What false teachers can do to a church.
They were being cunningly deceived by the devil. (v.3a)
They were being led astray from devotion to Christ. (v.3b)
They were being taught "another Jesus", "a different spirit", and "a different gospel". (v.4a)
They put up with it. (v.4b)
They were being enslaved, taken advantage of, and being mistreated. (v.19)

Who false teachers really are.
These were false apostles.
These were deceitful workers.
These were disguising themselves.
These were servants of Satan.

How to identify a false teacher.
1. Are they teaching the Bible as the inerrant word of God, or are they dismissing the Scriptures as inspirational material, but culturally irrelevant and only from human authors?

2. Are they presenting Jesus as the one and only Son of God who died on the cross for the sin of the world, or are they only presenting a social Jesus who went about doing good things?

3. Is church a place where the Bible is taught and the gospel is presented for personal decisions to follow Christ, or is it only a gathering for religious rituals?

To the Galatians who were being troubled by false teachers, the Holy Spirit guided Paul to write: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."  (Galatians 1:8)

The everyday battle against our Faith

Read 2 Corinthians 10.

False teachers had swayed the Corinthians from the truth.  Criticism was leveled at Paul that he behaved one way in person and quite another in his letters.  Evidently, these articulate communicators were influencers, using man-made theories to cause confusion among the congregation.  In rebuttal and to put the congregation back on track, Paul reminded them of the real war.  It was not them against Paul.  It was not one man's view against another's.  This was raw spiritual conflict.

Every believer is confronted with these same challenges every day.  The greatest problem is that most do not even realize they are in a spiritual battle.  Far too many who claim to know Jesus have given ground to the enemy's way of thinking, instead of standing firm in their faith.

1. The weapons of this warfare. (v.3)
Paul wanted the church to know that our fight against the enemies of Christ will not be won by natural means ("the flesh").  Most assuredly, believers can be as educated, well-spoken, masters of debate.  But, spiritual war must be fought with spiritual weapons.  God has already equipped us (Ephesians 6:10-18).

2. The power of this warfare. (v.4)
We "have divine power to destroy strongholds."  The word of God and prayer are not mere religious tokens.  They are indeed the spiritual weapons we have been issued.  The message of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).  Without a working knowledge of the Scriptures, without a dependency on prayer, and without communicating the life-changing gospel of Christ we are powerless!  Defeat is the only option.

3. The battlefields of this warfare. (v.5a)
The war takes place in "strongholds", "arguments", "and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God."  If the belief system is not based on the veracity of God's word then it is a false faith.  The spiritual source of all lies and deceptions is the same everywhere.  Jesus called Satan "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).  Revelation 12:9 refers to him as "the deceiver of the whole world."  There is a spiritual war between some theories (not facts) that rail against what God said.  Evolutionary theory, atheism, astrology, and all mysticism are examples of where this battle rages against the knowledge of God.

4. The victory of this warfare. (v.5b)
The battle is won when an individual brings "every thought captive to obey Christ."  Initially, this takes place when a person renounces every false way to embrace Jesus, and Him alone, for the forgiveness of their sin.  Because we live in a fallen world, surrendering thoughts and overcoming wrong habits to obey the Lord is moment by moment exercise of our faith.  "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that overcomes the world--our faith." (1 John 5:4)

Are you ready to give?

Read 2 Corinthians 9.

The Corinthians made a promise to help the poor believers in Jerusalem.  And, Paul had spoken highly of the church for their commitment.  However, nothing had been done.  To avoid embarrassment of Paul and the church, Titus and others were sent to help.  This was not a forceful move to compel them but simply a way to encourage and to facilitate the transport of the funds.

This chapter is coupled with chapter 8 in discussing the grace of giving.  The subject, the principles, and the promises here concern contributing out of generosity toward a project and not the regular tithe to the local ministry.

1. They were not ready. (vv.1-5, 7)
They said they were.  But the truth was the funds had not been collected.  There should be a place in the life of a follower of Jesus to give spontaneously to a need.  The discussion here is different.  The congregation announced a commitment to participate and over time should have already prepared the funds.  The instructions for such readiness toward a project are found in verse 7.
-"Each one"  Every individual should consider their involvement.
-"one must give as he has decided in his heart"  A decision must be made concerning the amount of participation.
-"not reluctant" A believer in Jesus is to be marked by their generous spirit and not resentful, nor hesitant about a willingness to give.
-"or under compulsion"  Since this is over and above regular support of the local ministry, generosity giving is indeed a freewill offering.  Not everyone may be able to financially contribute to every opportunity.
-"cheerful” The Greek word is "hilarious."  There is joy being a part in helping minister to others.

2. They will be reaping.  (vv.6-10)
A farmer who is stingy when planting seed cannot expect much of a crop.  A law of life is "you reap what you sow."  When a person is thoughtfully generous in investing in others, they live with a bounty of returns.  A stingy person worries about the loss of giving.  A generous believer has placed their trust in God.  The Lord supplied the ability to work and the opportunity to earn.  It is all His in the first place.  Since He is the supplier, He is able to "multiply", "increase", and cause us to "be enriched in every way" when we give.

3. They will be rewarded.  (vv.11-15)
The results of giving generously come full circle.  God supplies the funds.  We are to be faithful stewards of what He has provided.  Participating in opportunities to help others is a blessing to them.  They in turn give thanks to God and glorify Him.  They, then, "long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."  But it all started with the change God made in us because of "His inexpressible gift" to us in Christ.

Putting grace into Action

Read 2 Corinthians 8.

The effects of the grace of God are many.  For example: There is saving grace; that one time act of God when we place our eternal faith in Jesus.  Then, there is sustaining grace as the Lord strengthens us through trials.  Here, in this chapter the Holy Spirit reveals to Paul giving grace.

Contextually, during this time believers in Jerusalem were in great need.  The Apostle Paul let the need be known and was in the process of collecting funds for this project.  Note that the instructions and the principles in chapters 8 and 9 are not referring to tithing but to giving over and above regular offerings to the church. Four times in chapter 8, Paul attaches the word grace to this type of giving.

Too often grace is left as a theological concept.  The Greek word is Charis and is defined in Strong's Greek Dictionary of the New Testament as "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life."  In other words, when God does a work of grace in a believer, there will be noticeable evidence.  Grace is active!

1. It was the grace of God that moved the Macedonians to contribute to this project when they had great needs of their own.  "in a severe test of affliction,"  "their extreme poverty," "beyond their means."  (vv.1-3)

2. It is the grace of God that motivates believers to respond to the needs of others.  Twice (vv.7 and 19) such generosity giving is called "this act of grace."

3. It is the grace of God that is inseparably links true love to giving.  It was love that caused God the Father to give His one and only Son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16).  In the case of the Macedonians, "they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us" (v.5).  In verses 8 and 24, Paul urged the Corinthians "to prove...your love is genuine" by financially fulfilling their promise to give.

The quote is attributed to several and Biblically holds true.  "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving."

Pain with a Purpose

Read 2 Corinthians 7.

Paul wrote a strong, corrective letter to Corinth.  As seen in his first letter, the church had become lax concerning morality and confused about several doctrinal issues.  They had become proud of their tolerance of sin and false teachers.  It is evident that dealing with and resolving the problems brought grief. This was not limited to the restoration of an individual but of a congregation.   But as in all good discipline, it was pain with a purpose.

The intent was never merely to vent anger or to rid themselves of wrong-doers.  Proper correction is unifying as it brings people back on the right course.  In this case, they had to confront their sin.

Too many are fearful of hurting someone's feelings.  They fear the repercussions from people more than they fear God.  They choose to protect themselves from the stress and try to keep a pretense of peace more than to obey God's word.  It is only in the confessing and forsaking of sin that one experiences genuine peace with God and with each other.  Every other human attempt is merely a cover-up.  And, like a cancer, sin will metastasize and spread throughout the entire body.

After reading Paul's first letter, the Corinthian church "grieved into repenting" (v.9).  Here, then, is the principle: "Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (v.10)  One type of sorrow results in life-change; the other only results in regret and will kill relationships.

For this to be restorative, all parties must be motivated to do what pleases God and love the people involved.  This is a test.  Are we truly followers of Christ?  Do we truly believe God's word?  Will we humbly submit to each other in order to make things right?

In verse 11, Paul responded to this congregation with seven statements of commendation.
1. What earnestness!  They were not anxious or reluctant in following through on what needed to be done.
2. What eagerness!  They did not hesitate, but moved quickly, to make things right.
3. What indignation!  They became as upset about the sin as Paul was.
4. What fear!  They were alarmed when they realized what they had allowed to happen.
5. What longing!  They possessed a strong desire to take action.
6. What zeal!  They acted fervently.
7. What punishment!  They did what was necessary to vindicate themselves and to correct the problem.

Personal and church health is dependent upon following through when correction is needed.  Though stressful, and even painful, do not miss the outcome.  "Therefore we are comforted.  And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more...I have complete confidence in you." (vv.13-16)

What does it mean to be a temple of God?

Read 2 Corinthians 6.

"We are the temple of the living God." (v.16b)

This is not the first time Paul has written that.  In 1 Corinthians 6:19, he wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you...?"  Believers are indwelt by the Spirit at the moment they place their eternal faith in Jesus (Romans 8:9).  He is the seal and guarantee of our salvation.  God is omnipresent, but this underscores the special relationship true Christians have with the Lord.  It also should cause us to be circumspect in how we live 24/7.

In the first half of this chapter, the Apostle again defended his ministry to the Corinthians.  His heart was transparent and wide open to them.  Now, he asked they do the same for him. (vv.11-13).  But this would require some changes on their part.  They would have to break off listening and tolerating those who had swayed them from the truth.

1. Paul's questions. (vv.14-15)
He asked six rapid fire questions to confront them about their behaviors toward those who do not know Jesus.  Notice the key words in the questions: yoked, partnership, fellowship, accord, portion, agreement.  Notice too the descriptions of those who do not share our common faith: unbelievers, lawlessness, darkness, Belial (worthless person or Satan), unbeliever, idols.

2. Paul's quotes. (vv.16-18)
Next, the Holy Spirit guided Paul back to passages from Leviticus 26:12 and Isaiah 52:11.  God sovereignly chose the people of Israel to be His own representatives on earth.  They were to live like holy people of God.  That means they were not to act like the pagan peoples around them.  Their mission was to be an influence for the Lord and not to be influenced by evil.  The call was to "go out from their midst," "and be separate," "and touch no unclean thing."  Believers are in the world but not of the world.  The world should readily see the difference Christ has made in our lives.  When those without Jesus cannot see a difference in us, there is a spiritual problem.

3. God's promises. (vv.16-18)
With this call to separation comes seven promises to us from the Lord.  Blessings follow obedience.
"I will make my dwelling among them."
"I will walk among them."
"I will be their God."
"They shall be my people."
"I will welcome you."
"I will be a father to you."
"You shall be sons and daughters to me."

4. Our responsibilities. (7:1)
"Since we have these promises..."
-"Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of the body and spirit..."  First, sin must be confessed and forsaken.  God is waiting for us to agree with Him so He can "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
-"bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."  Once we have dealt with our sin, we are live holy, obedient lives, seeking to please the Lord in all things.

Why we do not lose Heart

Read 2 Corinthians 5.

Jars of clay.  That is what Paul called human bodies in 4:7.  Genesis 2 recounts the Creation of man.  "...then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature."  In this chapter, contrasts are drawn between what we experience now versus what we look forward to after this life.

The immediate context begins in 4:16 and continues into chapter 5.  Here is the definitive Christian perspective of life. Because of faith in Jesus our view of all things changes.  This new look on life gives us hope and causes us to "not lose heart" (4:16).  "So we are always of good courage." (5:6)

1. Our perspective of life.
Our outer self is "wasting away" each year with age.
Our inner self is "being renewed day by day"

Our afflictions are light and momentary; what is seen.
Our future is eternal glory; what is unseen.

Now we live in a tent, an earthly home.
Then, we will have a building, a heavenly dwelling.

Now we are mortal.
Then we will be immortal; "swallowed up by life."

2. Our purpose in life.
"We make it our aim to please him." (v.9)  He created us.  We belong to him.  Our goal is to live in such a way as to please the Owner, as the Lord of life.  We have been entrusted with this earthly life only for a few years.  As in any trust, there is accountability for what we did with what we were given.  Believers will one day stand "before the judgment seat of Christ" for accountability.  What we do this day has bearing on that day.

3. Our position in life.
No matter where we live or our occupation, God has given every believer a commission to be His ambassador to this world.  We understand "the fear of the Lord" (v.11).  We know "the love of Christ" (v.14).  We have been changed by our faith in Jesus into a new person (v.17).  Therefore, we look for every opportunity to share this good news with as many as possible so they too may experience forgiveness of sin and have eternal life.

Our future is secured in Christ.  "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." (v.5).

2 costly Commitments

Read 2 Corinthians 4.

The Apostle Paul represented Jesus Christ with everything he had.  Living for Jesus and seeking to make Him known carries with it the urgency of life and death.  No one enjoys rejection.  But we also are aware that not everyone will understand and appreciate God's good news.  It is difficult not to take personally such negative responses.

In contrast to the false teachers, Paul made two unchanging commitments.
"We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways."
The false teachers crept in seeking influence and personal profit while pretending to represent the Lord.  Peddlers, Paul called them (2:17).  Genuine ministry is straightforward and transparent, with sincere concern for the eternal salvation of others.

"We refuse to practice cunning or tamper with God's word."
One mark of a false teacher is their attempt to explain away the plain truth of the Bible.  They will treat God's word as myths and folklore.  They will dismiss passages they do not like and blame it on the human author.  They will intentionally skip portions of the Bible.  They will want to change the Scriptures and update their teaching to fit modern cultural trends.  They will want churches to be accepting of sin, instead of helping the sinner experience life change.  Instead of teaching the truth, they will want their denomination to vote to give them permission to violate God's word.  Not Paul, not any other true believer!  The word of God is not to be tampered with.  It is to be proclaimed.

These commitments cost him dearly.
Notice the list of things Paul endured in verses 8-9.
1. We are afflicted.  He was often put in a tight spot spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and relationally for his faith in Jesus.
2. We are perplexed.  He faced situations when there seemed to be no way out.
3. We are persecuted.  He had rejecters who pursued him in order to chase him out of their city.
4. We are struck down.  He physically suffered many times, including being stoned on one occasion and left for dead.
Notice also how he handled each of them.
Meanwhile, so many are fearful of just talking about their faith with the friendly next door neighbor.

Why is it that not everyone sees the truth of God's word and embraces Jesus as their Savior?
In verses 3-4, we are given the explanation.  We are not naturally the children of God.  There exists a spiritual "veil" that prevents a person from seeing the truth.  "The god of this world", Satan himself, "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers."  They either refuse to read the Bible for themselves or they look at a verse and it does not make sense to them.  Therefore, without Christ, people will pursue their own self-interests and even self-destructive behaviors.  But when a person becomes willing to know the truth, the Holy Spirit removes that veil of spiritual darkness and the light shines in their hearts.  Then, God's word begins to make sense.

What's on your Resume?

Read 2 Corinthians 3.

The Apostle Paul had zero tolerance for false teachers.  If they attacked him, his ministry, or the message, the Holy Spirit would guide him in a forceful response every time.  Evidently, some such person(s) had influenced the Corinthian church and questioned what Paul was doing.

In 2:17, Paul began his response by indicating that he is not like those challengers who were "peddlers of God's word."  False teachers looked only to profit from these believers.  Many times, Paul had to work to support himself.  Yet, most often he depended upon the prayers and financial generosity of those to whom he ministered.  And, frequently their support lagged.

It does not require much to read between the lines in this chapter to understand the personal attacks that had been launched against him.  These same responses should be for any believer who is serving Christ.

1. His Commendations. (vv.1-3)
Paul was highly educated and trained.  After his conversion to Christ, he joined the local church in Antioch, Syria.  It was this congregation that sent him on his missionary journeys.  He could have mentioned such qualifications and more, but instead, he pointed to the results of his ministry.  The many lives in Corinth, who had been eternally changed, substantiated the veracity of his ministry far more than pieces of paper ever could.

2. His Competence. (vv.4-6)
There is no doubt about the boldness of Paul.  Was this because he was a type A personality?  Was he behaving in an arrogant manner toward the Corinthians?  No.  One who has personally experienced new life in Christ and believes in the absolute truthfulness of the word of God develops an unusual confidence.  Preachers and teachers of God's word may speak with authority.  Where does this come from?  "Such is the confidence we have through Christ toward God..." (v.4)  "Since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (v.12).  But this is not self-confidence.  Nor is this the power of a dynamic personage.  Paul asked in 2:16b, "Who is sufficient for such things?"  And, in this paragraph, he explained that our sufficiency to communicate the word of God and serve with such confidence comes not from ourselves but "our sufficiency is from God."  Without dependency upon the power of the Holy Spirit, all ministry efforts will be so much empty religion.

3. His Communication. (vv.7-18)
Apparently, the false teachers were telling the Corinthian believers that they needed to obey the Old Testament Law.  After all, is not that the word of God?  Paul presented a defense of contrasts that is unmistakably clear.  The old covenant is called the law of death ("For the letter kills") because the Law only condemned and covered sin.  The new covenant in Christ "gives life."  The old covenant has been "brought to an end" (v.7), "has come to no glory at all" (v.10), and "brought to an end" (v.11a).  The new covenant has brought more glory, "permanent glory" (v.11b).  Therefore, believers in Jesus with sins forgiven have life, hope and freedom (v17).

3 encouragements for Christian Soldiers

Read 2 Corinthians 2.

If you know the story has a happy ending, there is less concern for the lead character during the threats along the way.  The end of our story as believers has been written down for us.  We know where this world is headed and who will be in charge.  We are safe for eternity and will be rewarded accordingly.  In the meantime, there are stresses, challenges, and threats of every kind.

The Apostle Paul listed some of his personal ordeals in chapter 3.  But with each challenge, he responded with endurance.  Like the prize fighter said, "I am either up or I am getting up."  Adversity could not keep him down.  What kept Paul going was that he knew Jesus has already won.

Here, in verses 16, the Holy Spirit guided Paul to draw a comparison with the Roman victory parades.  By faith, we can envision one day Christ leading us like this.  Such spectacles were not only marked by tremendous sights and sounds but with smells also.  Laurels, flowers, and burning incense filled the atmosphere with fragrances.  The winners in such military campaigns rejoiced.  But that likewise means that there were losers.  The defeated foes do not celebrate.

Paul took that picture into present tense as the Gospel of Christ is being shared.  "To those who are being saved" the good news of Jesus is a celebration of life.  The aroma is welcomed and refreshing to the soul.  But "among those who are perishing" the message carries the smell of death.  They are repelled by it.   It is an awesome assignment to relate to others God's eternal truth.  That very thought caused the Apostle to ask, "Who is sufficient for these things?"  Sometimes the assignment, especially the negative responses, may be more than one can handle.

Again, if one knows the how the events will all play out at the conclusion, we have hope.
1. "Thanks be to God..."
It is His message, not ours.  It is His assignment for us to tell others, not our option.  It is His responsibility to open hearts as we are faithful in presenting the good news.  It is about Him, not us.

2. "...who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession...."
Living as a believer is not a sometime thing.  It is not only when life goes well.  It is "always", at all times.  Not because of circumstances, but because of our faith in Christ.  We can endure the current battles knowing the victory has already been won.  We need to stand tall in this current march of triumph.

3. "...and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."
Everywhere we go, whether we are aware of it or not, we carry this aroma.  Others can sense from us.

4 insights on suffering as a Christian

Read 2 Corinthians 1.

The Apostle Paul often wrote of suffering being a part of following Christ.  To Timothy he wrote that all who desire to live a godly life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).  Specifically, in this chapter, the hardships to which he refers are not due to our own mistakes, or the griefs that are common to all, but these sufferings are the direct result of our faith in Jesus and our obedience to Him.

Reading Hebrews 11:32-40 should give us pause.  They lived by faith and paid dearly for it.  They were faithful but "did not receive what was promised" in this life.  God has prepared something far better.  The closer we move to the culmination of this age, the spiritual war will intensify and become increasingly blatant.  Some will be killed simply because they have committed their lives to Jesus.  More often, Christians experience personal rejections and suffer relationally and emotionally for their stand on the word of God.

Knowing that those without Christ will spend an eternity in torment for sin breaks our hearts.  Knowing that Jesus is their only hope urges us to share our faith.  When a family member, close friend, or neighbor repels our loving attempts to have such a conversation, it hurts.  This is a small comparison but Paul stated, "For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too" (v.5).  God is with us both in our sorrows and in ministering to us.

He is the "Father of mercies".  Mercy is not receiving what we justly deserve.  All mercy ultimately originates from Him.  Administering such compassion on us requires that God sees what we are going through and responds in our time of need.

He is the God of all comfort.  He comes alongside to console and provide solace to our souls.  Without suffering, there is no need to comfort us.

Here, then, are four insights on suffering as a Christian.
1. The corporate result of our comfort. (v.4)
The Bible knows nothing of a "lone ranger" follower of Christ.  Believers are actively engaged in a local church body.  One of our responsibilities is to encourage one another during times of their suffering.  We are to pass along how faithful God has been to us when we suffered, how reassuring His word is, and how confident we may be in our future hope.

2. The personal purpose in suffering. (v.9)
In a word, the spiritual purpose is dependence.  We cannot make others become believers.  We cannot fix all the world's problems.  We cannot even fix ourselves!  We must unashamedly cast our complete faith on the One who is in control.  "...to make us not rely on ourselves but on God" and His future plans.

3. The reminder of our hope. (v.10)
If we are not careful, our sufferings can discourage and disillusion us.  Some with insincere faith have given up hope and even stopped following Jesus.  They put their hope in this life, in temporal and/or external blessings in the present.  The true believer never puts their trust in the things of this life.  "On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."  If not now, He will reward us later.

4. The partnership in suffering. (v.11)
We are not to suffer alone.  Not only do we believers have the Holy Spirit alongside to comfort us, but we have brothers and sisters in Christ who can pray for us.  Paul said this is a part of their "help" to him.  Then, when the answer to our prayers is realized we are able to celebrate together.

5 musts for an effective Ministry

Read 1 Corinthians 16.

The last question that Paul answered concerned their financial giving.  At issue is not their tithe but beyond in responding to a project offering.  Word had come to the Corinthians about the needs of the saints in Jerusalem.  The instruction was to collect those special funds on Sunday, when the church met, and save it up until he arrived.

Generosity is a hallmark of the Christian life.  Regular, systematic, Biblical financial support for the local church ministry should be a given for a follower of Jesus.  In addition, there are times when opportunities arise for capital expenditures or the emergency needs of others.  Such offerings are often referred to as "over and above" one's tithe.  This would include support of those in ministry outside the local church, such as Paul (v.6) and Timothy (vv.10-11).

Reading the accounts of Paul's ministry in Acts and the many spiritual, moral, and practical corrective instructions of 1 Corinthians, one understands how difficult the ministry truly is.  Opportunities?  Many.  Exciting?  Yes.  Rewarding?  Absolutely.  But it is not accomplished without the calling and empowerment of God, coupled with the strong sense of urgency and self-discipline.

Here is how Paul explained it.  "...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." (v.9)

The adversaries were in every city; some ready to kill him.  Some adversaries were in the church, teaching false doctrines and dividing the believers.  Satan's goal is to distract and derail ministries so they lose any effectiveness in presenting the Gospel.

So, what are we to do in light of the opportunities and the adversities?  The answer is in verses 13-14.
1. Be watchful.  Do not let your guard down.  This is a spiritual war.

2. Stand firm in the faith.  Be confident in the word of God.  It is not up for debate or vote.

3. Act mature.  Immature believers are "tossed to and fro" by other teachings (Ephesians 4:14) and events.

4. Be strong.  Collaborative?  Yes.  Working well with others?  A must.  But a servant of Christ must also be resolute in their commitments.

5. Serve in love.  Paul invested the entirety of chapter 13 on this one point.  Our ministry will be ineffectual if we do not love the people we lead and serve.

Is belief in the resurrection Necessary?

Read 1 Corinthians 15.

In the beginning of this letter, Paul said that the preaching of a crucified Christ seemed foolish to the thinking of the Greeks.  It was a foolish teaching and hindered some from believing in Jesus (1:23).  Now, at the end of the letter, Paul answered the disbelief of some in a resurrected Christ (15:12).  This is masterful presentation and pulls together a number of pertinent issues.

The resurrection of Jesus is not an optional doctrine.  It is core to the entire Bible.  This chapter answers a series of questions the Corinthians posed and that apply to every human being.

What is the Gospel? (vv.1-4)
The gospel, or good news, of Jesus Christ is to be at the heart of all Christian communications and belief.  The Holy Spirit left no uncertainty concerning the definition.  It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Nothing else.  There is no other Gospel.  Some have tried to substitute acts of human kindnesses for the Christian message.  Woe to those who try to add or detract from what God has made plain.

How reliable is this message? (vv.5-11)
First, the payment our sins was all in accordance with the prophecies of Scripture.  Genesis 3 and Isaiah 53 are two good examples.  The crucifixion and resurrection of Messiah should have been no surprise.  Next, Jesus showed Himself alive to hundreds of different people in various locations over a forty day period.  Dr. Luke called these appearances "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3, KJV).  Then, quite some time later, Jesus personally appeared to Saul of Tarsus (Paul) (Acts 9).  In a court of law, two or three witnesses would have been sufficient.  In verse 20, Paul calls the resurrection of Jesus a "fact."

Exhibit "A" as to the veracity and the power of the Gospel is the Apostle Paul.  In verses 9-11, he shared part of his own story.  He persecuted believers in Jesus, arresting, punishing, and even oversaw the execution of some.  Yet, on that day when he experienced a personal encounter with Jesus, it changed his life forever.  His salvation was by the grace of God, not as the result of anything Paul was or did.  "....his grace toward me was not in vain."

What has this got to do with me? (vv.12-19)
It is by personal belief in this message that one receives forgiveness of sin, escapes the eternal punishment for sin, enjoys acceptance into the family of God, and has eternal life.  However, if the resurrection is not true, Christians believe "in vain" (v.2), preaching is "in vain" (v.14a), our faith is "in vain" (v.14b), and all work done in the name of Jesus is "in vain" (v.58).  Emptiness.  Going through the motions of religiosity.  Of no real value.

 And, we have no hope of the future.  "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." (v.19)  The remainder of this chapter teaches how the resurrection is the basis of our hope in the future: the second coming of Christ (v.23), the establishment of His kingdom (v.24), His reign on earth (v.25), the end of death itself (v.26), and our immortality (v.53).

In the meantime:
1."Wake up!" (v.34)  Why?  "For some do not have the knowledge of God.  I say this to your shame."  It is to the shame of every believer that there are those who do not know the truth and many in the world who have never heard the good news.  Accountability.
2. Go to work! (v.58)  Find a place where God can use you to have a part in spreading this knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus.  Responsibility.

The purpose of spiritual Gifts

 Read 1 Corinthians 14.

The Corinthians were spiritually immature and confused in their faith (v.20).  The Holy Spirit moved upon the Apostle Paul to address the needed corrective issues and to answer their questions.  This is the third chapter in which the use and abuse of spiritual gifts are addressed.  In chapter 12, we read the basics concerning spiritual gifts.  In chapter 13, loving the people to whom one ministers their gift must be the priority.  Here, the purpose of the gifts is underscored.

Not only was the congregation in confusion but so were their church services.  They had become so enamored with "manifestations of the Spirit" (v.12) that, evidently, when they met together chaos broke out.  The reason God gave them such abilities was missed.  The purpose of all spiritual gifts is this: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (12:7).  The root problem, as with most of the issues in this church, was self-centeredness.  The gifts were being high-jacked for some personal benefit, instead of using what God gave them to build up the faith of others.  This is repeated throughout chapter 14.

Therefore, communication in the church must be clear and understood by all.  Otherwise, there is no value others (v.16), only self-expression (v.4).  The proclamation of the word of God in the native language, or with the interpretation of a foreign language, not only edifies the believers but an unbeliever "is convicted...and will worship God..." (vv.24-25).

Speaking in tongues is first mentioned in Acts 2.  People from many nations were in Jerusalem for the annual feast days of Passover and Pentecost.  God empowered some followers of Jesus with the ability to speak in languages they had never studied.  Those present said, "...we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God" (Acts 2:11).   As the pilgrims returned home, the gospel quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire.  Corinth was a major seaport for trade in the empire.  People from many different nations were coming and going in the city.  Presenting the gospel of Jesus and teaching the word of God in that context had some challenges.  Supernatural help with languages was needed for the ministry to foreigners (v.22).  Note how many times they are referred to in this chapter.

As stated in chapter 12, not everyone has the same gifts (12:29-30).  Verse 5 should not be misunderstood.  This desire that all should speak in tongues is the same statement Paul made concerning celibacy in 7:7.  No one thinks God wants everyone to be unmarried.  Further, as is explained, the only benefit of speaking in tongues is for all to understand what was said.  If no one is present who is equally gifted in interpreting, then the person is to remain silent (v.28).  If that qualification is met, then only two or three may speak, each taking a proper turn.  This along with the other elements of worship mentioned in verse 26, are to be conducted "decently and in order" (vv.32 and 40).

Keep in mind that in those days the church did not have a New Testament to confirm what was being taught.  All communications, then, were subject to the confirmation of the other preachers for veracity (v.32).  With the completion of the New Testament, all believers may check the truthfulness of a message for themselves to see if it is from God or not.  Also, remember the Holy Spirit does not draw attention to Himself.  Jesus said, "He will glorify me" (John 16:14).

The priority of Love

Read 1 Corinthians 13.

Chapters 12-14 are answering questions the Corinthians asked concerning spiritual gifts.  In chapter 12, the Apostle Paul laid out the basics.  Every believer has a spiritual gift and it is to be employed for the benefit of others.  The proper working of each part of the church in using that gift is necessary for the health of the body.  Though some may be more visible than others, all are of equal value.

But there is an overriding requirement for one using their gift.  Without genuine, sacrificial love (agape) for those to whom one is ministering, the gift is of no spiritual value.

1. The categories of the gifts. (vv.1-3)
The list of gifts is often categorized into three groups: sign gifts, speaking gifts, and serving gifts.  In verses 1-3, Paul used an example from each category and proclaimed that unless they are properly used with the motive of love for the recipients each would amount to nothing.  A spiritually effective teacher first must love those learners.  One who serves must do so with love for those being served.  Otherwise, it amounts to nothing more than what an unbeliever might do.

2. The characteristics of love. (vv.4-7)
What is love?  Fourteen practical characteristics are provided here.  Note that seven of them are positive traits, while the remaining seven are stated negatively.

3. The continuation of love. (vv.8-13)
Further, it is explained that all spiritual gifts are temporal, even incomplete.  A point will be reached when they will no longer be needed.  But for now in our service for Christ we have faith, hope and love.  And, "Love never ends."

Why is love the greatest?
One day we will no longer need faith.  Our faith will become sight.
One day we will no longer need hope.  Our hope will become reality.
But forever we will love and be loved by the One who "loved us and gave himself up for us." (Ephesians 5:2)

The ABC's of Spiritual Gifts

Read 1 Corinthians 12.

The next question raised by the Corinthians had to do with spiritual gifts.  The congregation was confused and divided, even believing that some gifts were valuable and others not so much.  Too often we may get sidetracked by the list of gifts in this chapter and miss the basic instructions.

What is the source of all spiritual gifts?
In verses 4-6, it is the same Holy Spirit, Lord and God.  The Trinity endues and empowers the believer with the spiritual ability to serve Him effectively.  This is not be confused with natural talent and personality.

How does a believer obtain a spiritual gift?
As a gift, it is received.  There is nothing a believer can do to earn it.  The Holy Spirit sovereignly "apportions to each one individually as he wills" (v.11).

Why are we given a spiritual gift?
Verse 7 is clear.  We are to use what God has given to us "for the common good."  A spiritual gift is not for personal benefit.  It is to be employed in the ministry to others.

In explaining what this looks like, the Apostle Paul compared the church to a human body with all its many parts.

1. There is great diversity. (vv.4-6)
Not only are there varieties of gifts but there are various ministries by which these gifts may be employed by individuals.  Not only are there many different ministries but the specific activities of those ministries will vary greatly.  Not every believer has the same gift.  Not every believer has the same calling to serve.  Not every believer uses their gift in the same way.  Expecting all believers to behave the same manner and use their gifts all alike is the opposite of what the Holy Spirit intends.

2. There is to be great unity. (vv.12-13, 25a)
Diversity does not mean divisiveness.  We are one in Christ on the same mission.  There is no room for boasting since we did nothing to receive what we have.  Humility before God and fellow believers recognizes what we do not have.  For a body to be healthy, each of the parts comprises a whole, works together, and needs each other.

3. There is great responsibility. (vv.25b-26)
We are responsible to use our gifts to serve and care for one another.  Preachers and Teachers are not gifted to puff up their knowledge, nor to provide a platform for a personality, but to help others understand the word of God.  Those with serving gifts are not to be known merely for their willing and tender hearts but their tireless activities of helping others in practical ways.  In the church, people must know each other and be involved with each other in order to obey these two verses.  Church is not a spectator sport.  Every believer has been gifted to be involved meaningfully.

JOY comes when a person realizes what God has given them and uses it for His glory.
Y-you will desire it.
O-others will recognize it in you.
J-Jesus will bless it.

When rituals are not Right

Read 1 Corinthians 11.

When the Apostle Paul planted the local church at Corinth, he taught them certain practices of the faith (v.2).  One of them was to celebrate what is now called the Lord's Supper, or Communion.  It is a reenactment of what Jesus did and said in the upper room on the night before His crucifixion.  Such a regular presentation should take us back to the high price that was paid for our sin on the cross.  "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22)  "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." (Hebrews 9:26b)

Evidently, the congregation maintained the event on the calendar but totally missed the reason why.  They practiced a ritual, went through the motions, and violated the very meaning of it all.  They indeed sinned against others by their behaviors and sinned against God by their lack of confession to Him.  Any Christian practice without a changed life becomes an empty, meaningless ritual of no value.

The word communion speaks of community and unity.  The Corinthians were divided.  Those who were under-resourced left the service feeling humiliated (v.22).  As a result, some of the offenders experienced the immediate judgment of God when they became physically sick and some died (v.30).

What are we to do?
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." (v.28)
The process begins with self-examination before the Lord.  Is there any sin I need to confess and make right with God?  Is there anything between me and another person that I need to make right?  In the context concerning giving, Jesus said "...if your brother has something against you....First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)

What are we to be celebrating?
1. The past foundation of our faith.
"Do this in remembrance of me."  Take time to reflect and remember what Jesus did on the cross.  The unleavened bread represents the body of Jesus.  The cup represents His shed blood.  He paid a debt He did not owe.  We owed a debt we could not pay.  This is, perhaps, the most solemn and sobering practice of the Christian church.

2. The present proclamation of our faith.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death..."
We not only look back, but we celebrate how our personal acceptance of that payment on the cross has changed our lives forever.  It is the good news of God.  As Paul explains in chapter 15, the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

3. The future glorification of our faith.
"...you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."  Jesus is coming back, just as He said.  It will be a visible, physical, powerful return to this earth.  He will put down His enemies and establish His earthly kingdom.  We will "reign with him for a thousand years" (Revelation 19:6).