“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” -1 Corinthians 12:27 Most discussions of 1 Corinthians 12 concentrate on the controversy of spiritual gifts. While these gifts are important, what is often missed is Paul’s summary found in verse 27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” We are the body. Not me or you or someone else out there, but... Read more
One of the strongest correctives to the cultural Christianity of our time would be for every believer to live in such a way that others could follow their example as they follow the example of Christ. Read more
"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 Unlike an exam in school, temptation is often a test of persistence, not one of achievement. Read more
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law... Read more
In Paul’s discussion about foods sacrificed to idols, he mentions and important concept we often overlook in living out our faith among our brothers and sisters in Christ. Verse 8 reads: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” The context is that Paul is teaching that it doesn’t matter whether you food has been dedicated to an idol or whether you eat a certain type of food. Yet he... Read more
Though much of 1 Corinthians 7 focuses on marriage issues, it includes a brief section that highlights the attitude Christians should have regarding our view of time: 29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were... Read more
Sometimes people ask me, "Why do people make sex such a big sin in churches? How is it different than any other problem?" The answer can be found in the above verses from 1 Corinthian 6. Read more
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” Many Christians apply God’s teachings backwards. How? They expect people who don’t follow the teachings of Jesus to live as though they do. Paul addressed this predicament in 1 Corinthians 5. The focus of the chapter is on a young man who had become sexually involved with a person who was likely his step-mother. The Corinthian... Read more
“…in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” 1 Corinthians 4 offers a convicting insight into our role as Christ’s followers. What is it? That we are to live lives worth imitating. The apostle Paul did not only mention Jesus as the one to follow, but challenged believers to copy his own life. Further, he mentions in this chapter Timothy, a next-generation leader he had mentored, as coming soon to remind... Read more
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow... Read more
Holy Writ
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