We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul reminds us that we need to watch where we “walk”.
1 Corinthians 8
4 So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. 5 There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. 6 But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 7 However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 8 It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do. 9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you - with your “superior knowledge” - eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live - for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
Stumble. As a Jesus follower, I need to be conscience of the fact that what I say and do has an affect on people ... especially people that don’t follow Jesus (check out John 13:34-35) and people that are just starting to follow Jesus. I’m not talking about making changes in my life so that I can feel like I am earning my salvation or feel like I am more spiritual than other people or feel like I am earning extra gold stars from Jesus (they don’t exist). I am talking about choosing to make decisions, about what I say and do and watch and listen to, that honor God because I “live for him” (reread verse 6). Out of love for God (and his love for others and his desire for me to love others), I don’t want to create confusion or distractions for people, thinking about or trying to “live for him”, that would cause them to make a bad decision. So, I’m going to try using verse 13 as a filter in my life.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Knowledge
We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul makes a very important distinction.
1 Corinthians 8
1 Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
Knowledge. Let’s just get this out of the way, I love verse two. In case you were wondering, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with knowledge (the accumulation of information). The cause for concern lies in where the knowledge leads us. Does it turn us inward creating a selfish attitude that leads to pride and an expression of arrogance? Or, does it turn us outward creating a selfless attitude that leads to humility and an expression of love? Really, it is another “mindset” question (in what seems like a week full of them), is our goal recognition from man or recognition from God?
1 Corinthians 8
1 Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
Knowledge. Let’s just get this out of the way, I love verse two. In case you were wondering, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with knowledge (the accumulation of information). The cause for concern lies in where the knowledge leads us. Does it turn us inward creating a selfish attitude that leads to pride and an expression of arrogance? Or, does it turn us outward creating a selfless attitude that leads to humility and an expression of love? Really, it is another “mindset” question (in what seems like a week full of them), is our goal recognition from man or recognition from God?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Best
We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul answers another question posed by the church in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 7
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. 29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
Best. I love when Paul says, “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best”. As you know, most of the responses (to questions asked by believers in Corinth) in this section of Paul’s letter are focused on the issue of marriage. However, this thought “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best” is really a question that should apply to every “big” decision we make. When you are deciding who to marry, ask yourself, “Will this relationship help me serve the Lord best?” When you are deciding where to work, ask yourself, “Will this job help me serve the Lord best?” When buying a house, ask yourself, “Will owning this house help me serve the Lord best?” This question forces us to rethink our decision-making priorities. The search for the “best” forces us to delve a little deeper when it comes to two great options. If the answer isn’t obvious and you need a little help, ask a trusted (wise) friend for an honest, outside perspective. Most importantly, pray. Who else would know the best way to serve God than God?
1 Corinthians 7
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. 29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
Best. I love when Paul says, “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best”. As you know, most of the responses (to questions asked by believers in Corinth) in this section of Paul’s letter are focused on the issue of marriage. However, this thought “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best” is really a question that should apply to every “big” decision we make. When you are deciding who to marry, ask yourself, “Will this relationship help me serve the Lord best?” When you are deciding where to work, ask yourself, “Will this job help me serve the Lord best?” When buying a house, ask yourself, “Will owning this house help me serve the Lord best?” This question forces us to rethink our decision-making priorities. The search for the “best” forces us to delve a little deeper when it comes to two great options. If the answer isn’t obvious and you need a little help, ask a trusted (wise) friend for an honest, outside perspective. Most importantly, pray. Who else would know the best way to serve God than God?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Slave
We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul forces us to take a long look at who is in control.
1 Corinthians 7
17 Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. 20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you - but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.
Slave. There are so many great phrases in this passage; but one really stood out, “you are now a slave of Christ ... so don’t be enslaved by the world”. The question that keeps rolling through my mind is, “Who/what controls me?” Am I a slave to this world and what it considers important? Am I a slave to Jesus and what he considers important? A pretty good question to consider ... especially this time of year.
1 Corinthians 7
17 Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. 20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you - but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.
Slave. There are so many great phrases in this passage; but one really stood out, “you are now a slave of Christ ... so don’t be enslaved by the world”. The question that keeps rolling through my mind is, “Who/what controls me?” Am I a slave to this world and what it considers important? Am I a slave to Jesus and what he considers important? A pretty good question to consider ... especially this time of year.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Stay
We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul provides some patient advice regarding a really important decision.
1 Corinthians 7
8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows - it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. 10 But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife. 12 Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. 13 And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. 14 For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. 15 (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) 16 Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?
Stay. The prevailing theme that Paul presents in all these scenarios is to stay. Some times we are so anxious to move onto the next chapter of life (jumping into a marriage or running away from a marriage) that we don’t let God finish the current chapter ... and we miss out on what could have been a much better ending. On one hand, you may be rescued from a relationship that would cause years of trouble. On the other hand, you may see the Holy Spirit miraculously change your spouse and your relationship. If you have any reservations at all ... stay ... let God finish what he is writing in your life.
1 Corinthians 7
8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows - it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. 10 But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife. 12 Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. 13 And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. 14 For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. 15 (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) 16 Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?
Stay. The prevailing theme that Paul presents in all these scenarios is to stay. Some times we are so anxious to move onto the next chapter of life (jumping into a marriage or running away from a marriage) that we don’t let God finish the current chapter ... and we miss out on what could have been a much better ending. On one hand, you may be rescued from a relationship that would cause years of trouble. On the other hand, you may see the Holy Spirit miraculously change your spouse and your relationship. If you have any reservations at all ... stay ... let God finish what he is writing in your life.
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