Episode 203 - "Many Spiritual Gifts - One God" - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

1 Cor. 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Let me begin by saying that I believe this section offers us some of the most foundational and important truths concerning spiritual gifts, enablements of the Holy Spirit, within the life of a person who has trusted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. I will also be upfront and add that I believe these truths expose egregious errors in the teachings of some Christian groups. Without naming specific groups, I don’t question their passion or sincerity. There are people within those groups who do not subscribe to those errors, and there are people who hold those same errors while belonging to Christian organizations that don’t believe or teach the errors. But I do suggest they, whether individuals or formal groups, need to allow this Holy Spirit-inspired revelation to correct their beliefs and practices with respect to spiritual gifts. Let’s take a look.

What do you see or hear repeated in verses 4 through 6? First, there is the word “varieties.” It speaks of the broad work and enablements of the Holy Spirit. That variety is explained in verses that follow: utterances of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working miracles, prophecy, ability to distinguish between spirits, tongues (languages), and interpretation of tongues. I don’t believe this is an exhaustive list. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul, the same person who wrote this letter, speaks of leaders in the Church as “gifts.” The point is that what the Holy Spirit does in and through a believer can look different from that of another believer. Both of them will confess that Jesus is Lord. But each of them may, and likely will, be gifted differently. Why is that? We’ll come back to this question.

The second thing that is repeated in verses 4 through 6 is “same.” It’s the same Spirit, same Lord, and same God who empowers believers in a “variety” of ways. This is important to understand because Paul is not saying that there is only one spirit. He is saying there is only one Holy Spirit who provides true God-created and enabled gifts to His Church. There are other spirits who, at times, imitate some of these enablements. Think about the story of the Exodus when Moses and Aaron went before Pharoah to bring the LORD’s command to “Let me people go!” When they performed a few signs, Pharoah’s magicians also performed what was perceived as miraculous signs. Yet, there is a limit to what they could do. Look at Exodus 8:17-19 for example. When God turned dust into gnats, the magicians could not do that. They said, “It is the finger of God.” (A reference to the Holy Spirit.) Paul wants the Corinthian believers to know that there are not different spirits, lords, or gods behind the different works. Therefore, they need to be discerning. We need to be discerning in our churches today. Just because someone appears to be a great leader or has special abilities, it doesn’t mean they are being led by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 7 gives us two important truths. First, Paul says, “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit.” Every single person who places their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ is given a spiritual gift. Secondly, Paul tells us why the Holy Spirit gives each believer at least one spiritual gift. It is “for the common good.” Spiritual gifts are to be exercised within the community of faith to correct, strengthen, and encourage other believers in their faith and work out God’s mission through that group of believers. This explains why there is a variety of gifts that are given from the same God. God understands the complexity of our lives, and He wants us to work together in unity for His mission to the world. God doesn’t build “superChristians” who can do everything. He gifts everyone in the church to offer something for the others within the church to work together to be a light to the world.

In verse 11, Paul reemphasizes that all these gifts are empowered by the same Spirit and then adds one more detail. He says the Holy Spirit “apportions to each one individually as he wills.” This tells us that we don’t get to pick what spiritual gifts we are given. That is decided by the Holy Spirit. I think it’s entirely possible that the Spirit may gift people with different gifts and even change their gifts at times for whatever God deems necessary for His work.

God does not and will not feed our egos. These truths, if we really believe the Holy Spirit, should humble us in knowing that we are subject to the Spirit’s will and, in receiving what is given to us, we are to use that for the benefit of other believers around us and for God’s mission in the world.

Much more could be said on the nature of the gifts Paul listed. However, I felt the important truths centered more upon the nature of the Giver and the purpose and manner in which these gifts are distributed.

Episode 202 - "Spiritual Gifts - The First Rule" 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

Few issues among Christians can bring a hot debate like that of “spiritual gifts.” As with previous topics like “head coverings,” my objective here is not to insult brothers and sisters in the faith who have strong opinions about this topic. It is to simply put forth what the Scripture says and make an attempt to explain what it means.

Paul begins this section by explaining that he wants the Corinthian believers to have an understanding of spiritual gifts. I don’t think Paul exhaustively answers every potential question that might arise concerning this topic in this section. But he is sharing what he considers is vitally important for them to understand.

First, he contrasts Christians with people who are somehow led to worship idols that cannot speak. He writes in verse 2, “You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.” Paul’s point is that these people had firsthand experience being influenced by some unknown means to worship mute idols. These idols could not speak or communicate. We could infer that practicing idolatry will offer you no wisdom, truth, or direction. Paul’s added comment, “however you were led,” indicates that their pre-Christian experience was characterized by confusion.

In light of that experience, Paul says the Holy Spirit does not operate like that. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God. Paul says, “No one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” (1 Cor. 12:3a) That’s a pretty direct and absolute statement. What does it tell us? It tells us that God can and does communicate to and through people. God is not mute. Next, it tells us that a person who has trusted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and received the Holy Spirit will never say, “Jesus is accursed.”

Conversely, Paul continues by saying, “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:3b) This is evidence that God, by the Holy Spirit, does speak clear messages through his people. To confess that Jesus is Lord is prompted and enabled by the Holy Spirit.

This is Paul’s first point concerning spiritual gifts. Many people claim to have some spiritual gift, such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, and others. However, we should not accept these claims without discernment whether or not the message is from God. According to Paul, the first and most important rule is that the message from the Holy Spirit will proclaim Jesus as Lord.

What is Paul’s point? I believe his first and most important point for the Corinthian believers, and one that applies to us today, is that the first indication of who we can listen to in order to be edified in our faith are those who publicly confess that Jesus is Lord.

Think about what we say about Jesus. Do we exalt him according to what is revealed in the Scriptures about him? If so, that is an indication of the Holy Spirit working in your life. Give thanks to God that his Spirit is at work in you.

Episode 201 - "Do not eat the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner!" - 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

1Cor. 11:27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

1Cor. 11:33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

There are times throughout the Bible when God judges someone for an offense in which the punishment appears harsh for the particular offense. One example that comes to mind is when David had the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem. The Ark was being transported on an oxen-pulled cart. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah put his hand out to steady the Ark, and God struck him dead. ( 2 Samuel 6: 5-15) Wow! That seems a bit harsh. Even David was angry with the Lord for doing this. But the Ark of the Covenant was essentially God’s throne. When you start to examine the greater historical context of this, we discover that there had been somewhat of a casual attitude by the priests concerning the Ark. (See 1 Chronicles 15:13-15) Uzzah’s action of touching the Ark crossed a line, not too unlike what it might have been for anyone living in a kingdom and approaching the throne of the king or queen without permission. God is holy, and we must have a reverent attitude in our worship.

This is essentially what Paul is communicating to the Corinthians concerning the Lord’s Supper. He’s saying, don’t treat this as though it were a potluck. This is a sacred and holy event in which we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. Rather than turn this into some kind of party in which we are thinking only of our own pleasure, this is an event of the community of faith to remember Jesus together.

Paul suggests that there already has been and will be a judgment upon those who are partaking in the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy” manner. In verse 30, he explains that some among them have gotten sick, and some have even died because they treated the Lord’s Supper as though it were no different than any other meal they might eat. They treated it as something common without regard for the Lord or other believers. Therefore, Paul warns, examine yourselves (their motivations) prior to partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

In verse 31, Paul writes, “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.” We might express this in our day and culture as, “If we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll know our real attitudes and get them in check.” (My paraphrase) In other words, Paul is saying they don’t have to be paranoid that God is going to strike them down on a whim. If they truly and humbly ask themselves where they are in their attitudes toward the Lord and their brothers and sisters in Christ, they will either abstain from partaking at that time or get their attitudes in the right way.

Paul adds in verse 32 that the Lord’s discipline is intended to correct and redeem us to the right way. God is not sadistically looking to strike people down.

Paul concludes by telling them that if they’re hungry, eat at home. Do not treat the Lord’s Supper as a meal in which they can indulge their appetites. The focus is entirely on remembering Jesus’ death on the cross and proclaiming this until he comes again.

Episode 200 - "Remember Jesus!" - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

1Cor. 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

We began this section last week with Paul chastising the believers at Corinth who disregarded the Lord’s Supper and other believers in their church. To them, it was just a party where some indulged in food or wine, and others had nothing. Paul states they “despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing.” (v. 22) It was yet another example of pride and being self-absorbed.

This week's focus is specifically on what the Lord’s Supper is about. Paul says in verse 23 that he had received what he had taught them from the Lord Jesus. It’s possible that Paul was taught this by other apostles, and Paul is simply expressing how this originated with the Lord. One commentator I read argued for this. However, I take it as it reads that Jesus himself revealed this to Paul. Support for this comes from Paul’s (originally Saul) encounter with the Lord on his famous pre-conversion trip to Damascus in order to persecute Christians, as recorded in Acts 9. The Lord told Ananias to meet Paul and explained, “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:16) Jesus was going to directly communicate and reveal things to Paul. Paul backs this up in his letter to the churches in Galatia. (See Galatians 1) If the Lord was going to show him things, I don’t think he would have left out something so important to the church as the Lord’s Supper.

Either way, Paul recounted what the Lord did on the night in which he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. First, he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. He broke the bread in order to give the bread to each of them and explain that this bread “is my body, which is for you.” (v. 24) This was not the first time Jesus had told people that his body was the true bread from heaven which would provide eternal life. (See John 6:32-40) Jesus knew that his body was about to be broken on the cross. As with the bread, it’s available for us to receive. Jesus is offering us the life-giving power of his broken body. The purpose of this act of taking bread, giving thanks, and breaking it to distribute to eat is for those who are receiving Jesus' death, his broken body, to remember him. How easy it is for us to get busy with our lives and even with church or religious activities and yet forget about Jesus’ death on the cross.

Then Jesus did the same thing with a cup of wine. With that, Paul writes that Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” Paul qualifies this by saying Jesus did this after dinner. I suspect his point is that this event is not about a meal. It’s about remembering Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. He’s telling the Corinthians not to turn this event into a self-indulgent party but a sacred remembrance of Christ’s death on the cross.

Why does Jesus speak of wine as the “new covenant in my blood?” There are numerous references to a new covenant spoken of in the prophets. God had made covenants with Noah, Abraham, the people of Israel after God led them out of Egypt, and with David. Covenants were strong, binding promises enacted with a sacrifice. The one making the covenant or perhaps both parties are essentially staking their lives on fulfilling their part of the covenant. Covenants like the one God made with Abraham were entirely committed to by God. The new covenant communicated through the prophets was a promise of hope to people disciplined for their disobedience to God. God is offering hope that he would someday offer a new covenant to those who would follow the Lord. So, Jesus is saying that his blood is the blood sacrifice enacting the new covenant.

As with eating the bread, Jesus reiterated that drinking this cup is an act to remember him and his sacrifice on the cross for them. One is not to belittle this sacred act by using this as an opportunity for a party.

Verse 26 spells it out clearly. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26) The idea here is that the act of remembering Jesus through eating the bread and drinking from the cup with other believers “proclaims” or communicates our faith in the Jesus’ death to others Why is this important? Our sin has not been atoned for without Jesus’ death on the cross. If our sin has not been atoned, we are still enemies of God and have no hope of the eternal, abundant life Jesus offers us. In light of this, we can see how it is important not to partake of this sacred act lightly. Together with other believers, we are to share in eating the bread and drinking from the cup to remember and proclaim Jesus’ death.

Finally, Paul’s explanation for why they remember him in this way has a condition of time upon it. He said, “you proclaim his (Jesus’) death until he comes.” This wasn’t just an act for the twelve disciples. It is to be practiced by Christians worldwide throughout time until Jesus returns. There is an element of confident hope that Jesus didn’t stay dead. We believe the gospel that he rose from the dead, later ascended to the Father, and will someday return to raise us up to be with God for eternity. What tremendous hope we have in Christ.

Episode 199 - "Do not despise the church or its members" - 1 Corinthians 11:17-22

1Cor. 11:17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

Verse 17 through the end of the chapter deals very specifically with the Lord’s Supper and how Christians should partake of it. We’ll examine Paul’s teaching about this over the course of a few episodes.

Notice that Paul begins this section by chastising the Corinthian believers. He’d already commended them for holding to a number of the traditions practiced by churches. But concerning the Lord’s Supper, they were off track. Paul says, “In the following instructions, I do not commend you, because when you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse.” (v. 17) It would be easy to jump ahead to find out what it is they are doing that is “for the worse.” But don’t miss the point that the purpose of Christians getting together is supposed to be “for the better.” Fellowship and congregational worship is to edify, encourage, and strengthen the church as a whole and each member of the body. From the beginning of this letter, Paul has emphasized the importance of setting aside things that divide brothers and sisters in Christ. In my opinion, if we get nothing else from 1 Corinthians 11, it would be that we need to value the church and conduct ourselves within the church for the specific purpose of growing in our faith and helping others grow in their faith.

Paul lays out the problem that there are “divisions among you.” (v. 18) That’s bad, right? Yes, but then Paul writes, “There must be must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” (v. 19) I believe what Paul is saying is that while divisions within a church are not good, they will occur and need to occur in order to manifest those who are sincere about following the Lord and those who aren’t.

In verse 20, Paul gets more specific. He says, “It is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.” He explains that they’ve confused dinner with a sacred event of the Lord’s supper. Some eat their own meal, some drink their own wine and get drunk, and others don’t have anything. This is clearly not mutually edifying. It’s self-indulgence and disregard for others in the community of faith.

Look at his sharp indictment in the middle of verse 22 as he rhetorically asks, “do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?”

In our culture today, many people are leaving their churches and not continuing in a local community of believers. Perhaps the reason is they, too, see the divisions and hypocrisy within some churches. But we need to value coming together with others who sincerely want to follow Jesus and remember him in our worship. We cannot treat the Lord’s supper as a party opportunity. It’s not a time to fill our stomachs. It is a time for our souls to be filled with gratitude for the love of Christ and the forgiveness of sin we have through the cross. Let us share that experience with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Episode 198 - "Honor the Lord in our worship!" - 1 Corinthians 11:4-16

4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

So far in this section (verses 2-3), we’ve observed that Paul has made a play on the word “head” to describe relationships between husbands, wives, and Christ. I understand these two verses not to argue some kind of superiority/greater or lesser value of one over another but rather to suggest that there are distinctions in roles that seem evident within the divine Trinity. Therefore, God our Creator can ordain similar relationships within his Creation.

Certainly, God is greater than humanity since he is our Creator. But as I argued in the last episode, Paul’s statement that God is the head of Christ does not diminish the full deity of Christ. The Scriptures consistently show that Christ always submits to his Father’s will and looks to the Father as his authority even though the same Scriptures and the Church have affirmed him as full deity, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

This wordplay continues in verse 4, which speaks of a man praying or prophesying (in public worship). The English translation here says that if his actual head is “covered,” he dishonors his spiritual head (Christ). It would be easy for us to assume that “covered” means having a hat or shawl on his head. However, many commentators point out that the expression in the Greek language literally means “having down (or against) from head.” Therefore, the interpretation could mean that the “head-dishonoring” act is a man having long hair while praying or prophesying. I am inclined to accept this as the better interpretation since, in verse 14, Paul asserts, “if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him.”

If this is the case, the obvious question is, “Why?” Historians have noted that it was actually common in Roman culture for men to wear head coverings while praying or prophesying. But wearing long hair in that culture could be viewed as highly effeminate and have sexual connotations. Let’s hold that thought and move on to the next verse.

Paul’s instruction to women/wives was to cover their heads. In this case, since women were expected to have long hair, they should cover their heads. Why? Again, the cultural norms established the expectations of how men and women wore hairstyles and their dress. A head covering on a woman was a sign that protected her integrity and sent a “hands off” message to men who might think a woman with her hair down and uncovered was “advertising.”

Paul establishes in this section that the Corinthian believers should not use their Christian liberty to be counter-cultural in their worship. Just like his previous instruction concerning food, this is further instruction on how Christians are to be discerning, respectful, and orderly in their worship so as not to create confusion and conflict with others.

Paul’s explanatory statements in verses 7-9 are an appeal to the order of creation in Genesis 2:18-23. Paul is simply using the order of the events to offer a theological foundation of the order within the relationships in verses 2-3.

If this text didn’t have enough interpretive challenges already, Paul says in verse 10, “That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” What do angels have to do with this? One explanation is that the Greek word for angel simply means “messenger.” It’s possible that Paul is not speaking of these supernatural beings who often bring messages from God to people but simply people who are messengers between the churches and the apostles. In other words, Paul’s intent in instructing wives to cover their heads is so that people who would bring a report to the apostles and other churches would see this and report, “This is what the Corinthians are practicing in their worship. So . . . if Paul is specifically referring to the supernatural beings we call angels, I don’t have a clue as to what this means. I would have to work on this some more to see if there is a reasonable explanation for why this might be important for them.

Verses 11-12 speak of the “interdependence” of men and women. This seems to me that Paul understands men and women to be ontologically equal while having clear differences between the genders.

Paul’s primary point in this whole section is that public worship in the church should respect and reflect gender distinctions created by God and that even though there is equality and liberty, wives should act in such a way that honors their husbands, and husbands should act in a way that honors Christ.

In my opinion, there is a sense in which the advice given here is culturally bound. I don’t think we ought to be measuring the length of men’s hair in church and mandating haircuts or forcing wives to wear head coverings. Our culture would not understand or value these practices, and people would not assume that a woman with long hair uncovered was promiscuous. However, the principles within this teaching should cause us to stop and consider if our dress and appearance were such that would honor others and the Lord. We could ask ourselves, “Am I seeking to call attention to myself or to honor the Lord?”

We live in a culture in which gender dysphoria appears to be increasing and perhaps even more widely accepted. I do not think this Scripture should be used to “attack” people struggling with gender identity. They need mercy and love as much as anyone. Yet neither do we help them by compromising or ignoring what the Scriptures teach. If we look to Jesus in our times of confusion or limited understanding and respond like Peter, “Where do we have to turn, Lord? You alone have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68-69), then we are demonstrating that each of us needs God’s instruction, mercy, and love each day of our lives.

I’m sure a lot more could be said about this section and interpretations other than what I’ve argued. However, I think any different spin on some of the things Paul says comes down to how we conduct ourselves in public worship is important. We must be wise in exercising our liberty in Christ, seeking to edify others and honor the Lord.

Episode 197 - "Honoring the Lord in worship" - 1 Corinthians 11:2-3

1Cor. 11:2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

So last week, I kicked the “1 Corinthians 11 can” down the road partly because I needed to digest it a bit more. It should be no surprise that the Roman Empire during first century A.D. was culturally quite different than 21st century United States. While there are gender biases in our culture today, views of gender identity and roles would have significant variations between the times and the cultures. So, what does that mean when we are interpreting the Scriptures? Can we completely ignore things in the Bible if we don’t like what it says or if it goes against our own cultural values and norms? I don’t think so. Is it possible that some things in the Scriptures speak more of the cultural values of the day and might, in the most strict literal sense, be irrelevant to our culture today? Yes. I do think that’s possible. How do we handle such passages? I think we examine them carefully for the underlying principle of what is being prescribed or mandated and ask ourselves how we might best adopt the principle in a culturally relevant form. In other words, we can pursue following the spirit of the Law rather than the letter of the Law.

Rather than handle the entire chapter in one big bite, I think it’s best to break this down into smaller pieces. Understand that Biblical scholars disagree on various points of interpretation of this section. There is nothing in particular that makes my interpretation more right. Hopefully, I can make a reasonable defense of how I read this section.

Verse 2 seems pretty straightforward. The Corinthian believers remembered Paul and maintained the traditions that he taught them. Whether these traditions were common in the synagogues, the early churches, or both is not obvious. But the idea is that there was some continuity in the customs in early Christian worship.

In verse 3, Paul expresses the importance that they understand three specific relationships. The first is man/husband to Christ. The second is the woman/wife to her husband. Finally, the third is Christ to God. In each relationship, one member is the “head” of the other. What does that mean? Looking at other passages where Paul uses the same terminology (Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23, Col. 1:18) the head is that which has a position of authority or prominence.

Paul writes first that “the head of every man is Christ.” That seems ok. Then he says, “The head of every woman (wife) is her husband.” This is where the PCF (politically correct factor) goes off the rails in our culture. Why? Because in our culture today, we are inclined to read this statement to suggest that a wife/woman is less valuable or not equal to her husband, and that is not a culturally valued idea in much of our society. But is it possible that’s not what it means? Is it possible the husband can have a position or role of authority over his wife in a relationship where both spouses are equal and valuable to God? Let’s take a look at the third relationship Paul mentions.

He says, “the head of Christ is God.” What? Doesn’t Christianity believe that Jesus Christ is God? Yes! Check out the Nicene Creed. They make a point to refute the heresies of the day that diminished Christ from the Father. But notice the description of the relationship. Christ is the only begotten of the Father. Then speaking of the Holy Spirit, who we also believe is truly and fully God, they write the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. There is a sense of headship or authority in the role of the Father and the Son over the Spirit.

Jesus himself said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19) Jesus treated the Father as his authority even though he was equally God.

It appears that within the divine Trinity, there is an order of roles and responsibilities that does not translate into a power structure. Therefore our cultural problem is not “headship” of one over another; it’s that we have a skewed sense of what it implies. We naturally tend to believe it means there is necessarily a disparity of value between the members of these relationships. But that seems theologically untenable because Christ is not less God or less important than the Father.

We will continue to examine this as we continue to work through 1 Corinthians 11. For now, understand the context of Paul’s instruction has to do with worship. Paul wants the Corinthian believer's practice of worship to honor the Lord. As we continue through this study, let us pray that we can learn something that will inform our worship.

Episode 196 - "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ!" 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1

1 Cor. 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1Cor. 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

I made the decision to write this week's episode reviewing the last verse we covered last week and including the first verse of the next chapter. There are multiple reasons why I did this. One reason is to show the importance of interpreting chapter 11, verse 1 in light of its preceding text. The other reason is that I found the rest of chapter 11 to generate as many or more questions in my mind as it answered, and I felt that I needed more time to work on this. Furthermore, it’s a section of Scripture that leads to contentious debate. My desire is to interpret it with integrity to what Paul intended and extrapolate a principle or principles that are valuable for our worship today. I simply did not have the time to do that this week. I would encourage you to read through chapter 11 and consider what Paul is saying. If it were taken at face value and not disregarded as something culturally bound to his day and time, would it be valuable for us today?

It appears to me that those involved in inserting verse and chapter breaks may have slipped on this one. As I read the context, it seems that Paul’s statement, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” is the conclusion of the preceding section. It doesn’t seem to fit well with what follows in chapter 11, and to take it as a statement all by itself risks making Paul look self-righteous and arrogant.

Paul's words emphasized the need to exercise one’s liberty in Christ in a discerning manner that seeks to glorify God and build up other weaker people in the faith rather than give an offense to drive them away from the gospel of Christ. Clearly, Paul’s obsession in his life is to lead others to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, Paul’s instruction to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” is not a claim to have achieved the righteousness of Jesus through his own actions. He’s explaining both his priorities (that others may be saved) and his plan to accomplish that (by imitating Christ).

We are welcome to respond to Paul’s invitation as well. Let’s follow Christ with the priority of leading others into a relationship with Jesus.

Episode 195 - "True liberty in Christ" 1 Corinthians 10: 23-33

1Cor. 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

1Cor. 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

I love this passage in that it sums up what Paul has been saying to the Corinthian believers in a way that truly reveals what liberty in Christ is all about. Be careful how you read “All things are lawful” (v. 23), stated twice by Paul. Is Paul really arguing that all things are lawful? Absolutely not! Paul has already chastised them for immorality and pride within the church. If all things were truly lawful, people could live as they want. But there is something more important to Paul that he wants these believers to get, and it’s valuable that we get it too.

Paul echoes what some people in Corinth are saying: "all things are lawful.” Instead of writing out more instructions on how to interpret and apply the Law of Moses, Paul gives them principles to live in a wise manner that should attract people to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wants Christians to focus on “How can I help someone else understand Jesus” and “How can I help other Christians mature in the faith?”

If they focus on the Law, they’ll be going through life worrying about whether they’ve sinned every time they buy food in the market. That is not the way to live a Christian life. His point is basically that if someone tells you, “This food was sacrificed to idols,” and you eat it, you’re sending a message that could be spiritually harmful to the person who said that. If you don’t know, don’t ask or worry about it. Our thoughts are not to be, “Can I do this or can I not do this?” Our thoughts should be, “Everything I do or don’t do should be with the intention and desire of leading people to Jesus and building them up in their faith.” Does that mean that sometimes we avoid using our liberty in Christ? Sure! But neither serving our own selfish desires in spite of how it might affect others nor living life in constant fear of transgressing a law is liberating in any way.

Living with a single focus on “the glory of God” (v. 31) and the benefit of others is liberating. We can give thanks to God for all that he provides for us. Sometimes what he provides is an opportunity to exercise wisdom in our choices in order to be used by him to lead people to Jesus or build up other believers in their faith. What a privilege!

Paul gives us a little tip to help us do that. He says, “In everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” Paul does not seek his own advantage. Sometimes it may seem like a sacrifice to avoid or give up something. But if we are looking to serve the advantage of many others, God will use it to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. That, as we say, is a win-win.

Prayer: Lord, let us give you thanks in all things, and may you help us seek the spiritual advantage of others to your glory.

Episode 194 - "Flee from idolatry" - 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

1Cor. 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

Once again, we have a section that begins with “therefore.” So, I want to review a little bit in order to discuss what it is “there for.” In our last episode, Paul warned the Corinthians about the Israelites during the exodus and how they reverted to idolatry, sexual immorality, and debauchery in general. We concluded that episode with a promise of hope that God will not allow us to be tempted by anything that we cannot possibly bear and that he will “make a way of escape.” (v. 13)

In light of the example of the idolatrous Israelites, and the cultural pressures in and around Corinth, Paul is giving them counsel on how to best live a life honoring to the Lord. He says, therefore . . . “flee from idolatry.” (v. 14) He had previously written about the issue of meat offered to idols and Christian liberty. There’s nothing intrinsically evil about the meat itself, he argued. One has not sinned if they ate meat and later found out that it had been sacrificed to idols. So now in verse 19 he says, “What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?” His answer is “no.”

But there are a few problems that come with it. One is that a fellow Christian may have a past struggle, and their spiritual immaturity evokes conviction or some internal conflict regarding the food. Paul says it’s best to abstain so as not to cause that weaker person to “stumble.” In our culture, a believer who has no conviction about having a glass of wine with dinner might investigate whether a dinner guest had a problem with alcoholic beverages. Maybe they were a recovering alcoholic. Offering them wine at dinner might create a serious and destructive temptation for them. Paul is advising them (and we can learn from this ourselves) to use discernment in order to do what is good and best for others.

Another problem that Paul brings up in this section is the motives of those who offer food to idols. Paul says that people who do such things are not worshipping the true God. He is basically arguing that in worshipping inanimate things made of stone, wood, and clay, they have been deceived and are actually worshipping demons. Paul’s point is, “Don’t participate in that! Flee from it, and it won’t be a temptation.” (My interpretation)

I could think of things that people do that may not be wrong in and of itself. However, it can become an idol to some. People commit their money, time, energy, attention, and overall devotion to it, and it consumes them and distracts them from dependence upon the Lord. One’s job could become an idol. How people use their time and money for leisure may become an idol. Many other things can have the same effect on our lives as statues that people worship. When we devote ourselves to these things over the Lord, they become idols. We need to identify these things and flee from them.

We need the wisdom to discern what can potentially lead us away from honoring the Lord and flee from it.

Episode 193 - "Learn from the example of others" - 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

1Cor. 10:6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

This section begins with a dire warning and ends with strong encouragement. If you read or listened to last week’s post, you know Paul is talking about the Israelites who came out of Egypt. Even though they had witnessed God’s miracles, observed his presence in the cloud that led them during the day and the pillar of fire at night, and provided for them, they repeatedly disobeyed God and complained. You may want to read Exodus 32 to understand the historical context of what Paul refers to. They were idolatrous, self-indulgent, and immoral. God did not tolerate it. The repeated disobedience by the Israelites prevented most of them from entering the promised land. One should not get the idea that God was just waiting for them to slip up in order to punish them. Rather, he was often very patient and provided a means for them to return to God’s blessing and protection. (See Numbers 21:4-9)

Notice what Paul says about these historical events. He says that “these things took place as an example to us” (v. 6) and “they were written down for our instruction.” (v.11). What is Paul saying? It appears that Paul is suggesting that God allowed the Israelites the liberty to make these bad choices and inspired these events to be recorded so that perhaps we might not make the same bad decisions. There is some deep theology happening here. We call this God’s “providence.” James 1:13 makes it clear that God does not tempt people with evil. He continues to say the primary source of temptation comes from one’s own desires. This means that God will not necessarily stop us from exercising the will he’s given us, even if we use that will to do something God would not have us do. In this case, Paul suggests that God allowed these Israelites to do what they wanted and experience the consequences so that we would look at it and say, “I don’t want to follow their lead.” Personally, I find this encouraging that God was looking out for us thousands of years ago, long before I was born.

The importance or urgency Paul attributes to this warning becomes clear at the end of verse 11. Speaking of himself and the Corinthian believers but including us today he says, “On whom the end of the ages has come.” Paul clearly believes that Christ could return any moment, and who would want to be caught by Christ living in an idolatrous, self-indulgent, and immoral way? If the Israelites were judged for their rebellious lifestyles during the Exodus, should we expect not to receive any discipline? Of course not.

Paul transitions from the warning to a word of encouragement and hope. Verse 12 essentially instructs us not to be prideful, but humble before the Lord. He follows it with a promise that while God allows people the freedom to make decisions in their life, God will step in to mitigate the severity of temptation so that you will not experience temptation beyond what you can handle. This means we must be humble in seeking God’s help and wisdom daily. Our minds need to be on Jesus and not on our own desires.

Prayer: Lord - Guide me today. Lead me in your wisdom and truth to live in a way that honors you.

Episode 192 - "Don't take God's blessings for granted" - 1 Corinthians 10:1-5

1Cor. 10:1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Paul has been encouraging them to use their liberty in Christ in a discerning way that would edify other believers and not destroy their faith. As we begin chapter 10, Paul provides them with a historical example to warn them how they ought to conduct their lives. Some of these Corinthian believers think they know more than they really do. Paul tells them that he’s going to make them aware of a cold hard truth. Even though God had guided, delivered, and provided for the Israelites coming out of Egypt, he was not pleased with most of them. Why? How does this apply to the Corinthians or us?

Paul reminds them of the Exodus and how God had led them by a pillar of cloud that went before them. That guiding cloud led them to and through the sea that God parted for them to walk through on dry ground. It teaches us that when we follow God, he can and will overcome the obstacles. God can do the impossible. But he expects his children to have faith in following him.

Paul interprets this journey through the sea and being led by the cloud as a form of baptism. What is that all about? Baptism for Christians is an act of obedience to identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We are identifying ourselves with Christ through that obedience. In the same way, the Israelites were identifying with God’s chosen leader, Moses, by following him, who was following God. That’s good.

Paul then says that all of these people ate the same spiritual food and drink. Their food and drink were supernaturally provided by God, and they partook of it. In fact, he reminds us where they got their water; from a rock. Then Paul says something strange, “the Rock was Christ.” What is this? Does he mean that the pre-incarnate Jesus became a literal rock? No. But he is indicating his belief that Jesus was the eternal Son of God who literally existed from eternity past. He is God, and he was with the Israelites, providing everything they needed. The actual rock from which they drank water only provided water because that was the will and blessing of God to the people. He not only provided what they needed in terms of physical sustenance. He did it in a miraculous way to show the Israelites (and indirectly us) what he is capable of doing and his willingness to bless them. It was evidence their God could be trusted in all things.

There was only one problem. They quickly forgot or ignored that lesson, and time after time, they complained and did not trust the LORD. God was “not pleased” with them, and most of that generation would die wandering in the wilderness.

If Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to be aware of this, then it seems reasonable that we should be aware of this. How should it impact us? At the very least, it should remind us that God provides for us, leads us, and delivers us out of our bondage to sin. He makes himself known through his work. We need to learn not to take God for granted and to constantly seek to follow his will.

Episode 191 - "Don't be an obstacle to the gospel" - 1 Corinthians 9

1Cor. 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

1Cor. 9:3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

1Cor. 9:8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not speak certainly for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

1Cor. 9:15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

1Cor. 9:19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

1Cor. 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I believe this is a first in nearly 200 episodes of our Bible studies. I am covering an entire chapter of Scripture with the intent of minimalizing the volume of my own commentary. There is a beauty in what is revealed in this chapter that I do not want to split into tiny pieces or pollute with my own words.

In verses 1-14, Paul presents his credentials and role given by God and says that it comes with rights that are reasonable, supported by the Law of Moses, and supported by the Lord himself. In other words, it is fair, and it's Biblical for Paul to be supported by those he serves. (Such as the believers at Corinth) No one can offer a reasonable accusation against him concerning this.

In verses 15-23, Paul says that he’s not taken advantage of these rights, and he’s not asking for them even though there’s nothing wrong with it. Why? His answer is so that it could not become an obstacle to leading people to the good news of Jesus Christ. His priority is the gospel, and his reward is to share the blessing of those who receive it. He understands the joy, peace, and hope that people get when they experience God’s grace to them, and that is what Paul desires.

Finally, in verses 24-27, Paul likens his work in the gospel to a race to be won. Like participants in a race, one must be disciplined and have self-control. He’s not racing other people. His race is in the finite amount of time he knows he has in this life. He is not going to live his life worrying about getting his rights or making sure everything is fair. He knows that if the priority and focus turn upon himself, he will not be effective in his race to lead as many people to Jesus as he wants.

Isn’t that awesome?

Prayer: Lord, help us regard others and not ourselves. May our priority be to lead others to Jesus and not become an obstacle to your grace and mercy to others.

Episode 190 "Forgo your rights for the benefit of other believers" - 1 Corinthians 8:4-13

1Cor. 8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

1Cor. 8:7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

At the beginning of chapter 8, Paul moved to the new topic of “food offered to idols.” It would appear that this was a matter of concern or debate among some of the believers at Corinth. Paul then seemed to divert to a topic of knowledge. However, I suggested that he was likely confronting the source of the debate over this issue of food sacrificed to idols, and that would be people claiming to have superior knowledge and trying to force others to submit to their instruction on the matter. His correction sets the tone for his counsel on the question about this food. He argues that love is more important than knowledge.

In verses 4-6, Paul says matter of factly that idols are nothing; they have no real existence. “There is no God but one,” he says in verse 4. He concedes in verse 5 that people believe in and worship many so-called gods. But from a Christian perspective, “there is one God, the Father, . . . .and one Lord, Jesus Christ.” (v. 6) Don’t miss the fact that while Paul strongly asserts there is one God, he speaks of both God the Father AND Jesus Christ and it’s through both of them that all things exist. This is Scripture that lends support to the doctrine of the Trinity.

So, the implication of this is that food offered to idols is not really an issue because there are no real gods behind the idols. To use a modern expression, “No harm, no foul.” But wait a minute. Paul’s not finished. Paul explains in verses 7-13 that the issue is not the food. The real issue is looking out for your brother/sister in Christ. He points out that some of them have come from a background of worshipping and believing in other gods, and he says in verse 7 that their conscience may be “weak.” (v. 7)

What’s the point? The point is that a person with a background of idol worship who comes to faith in Christ may be spiritually harmed if other Christians are eating with them, knowing the food was sacrificed to idols. For one person, it’s not a big deal. But it may have a detrimental impact on the person who is new in the faith and has come to reject the idols they once worshipped.

The key lesson is in verse 9, “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” Paul is saying to forgo your “right” or liberty to eat the food if this creates a problem for your weaker brother. Paul adds that this is not a suggestion. He argues in verses 11-12 that it is a sin against Christ to act with such disregard for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and act in ways that may spiritually harm them because Christ died for them.

I understand that we might think this doesn’t apply to us because we’re not purchasing food at the market that has been sacrificed to idols. But, that’s not the point. The point is how we act around other believers and to be sensitive to their spiritual edification. We may need to avoid certain activities that are not sinful in and of themselves. But if it could negatively impact their faith, we need to abstain for the good of that person or people.

Love is superior to knowledge! In love, let us build up our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Episode 189 - "Love God and Love Others" 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

1Cor. 8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Were there ever a few Bible verses that were more confusing than this? Paul has been writing about sexual purity and dedication to the Lord, and “remaining as you are.” All of a sudden, he switches over to “food offered to idols” and something about knowledge. What is going on? To be honest with you, I had to check out what the experts had to say about this because it wasn’t immediately clear to me. It turns out that if I’d followed my often repeated advice to you to read the context, it’s not all that confusing. Here’s what is going on.

When he says, “Now concerning . . .,” he recognizes a question they asked about. Back in 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul wrote, “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote . . .” They had written him a letter with a list of questions and concerns they had. So the switch in the topic is just Paul moving to the next question.

But, what’s up with the statement about all of us possessing knowledge? What does that have to do with food sacrificed to idols? The English transition gives us a clue. Notice the quotation marks about the statement “all of us possess knowledge.” Paul is quoting some of those at Corinth who are extolling the value of knowledge. Perhaps they were gnostics who elevated themselves above others and were imposing dietary rules on others within the church. Paul is diplomatically conceding that “all of us” have some knowledge. But notice what he says about it. He says, “This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up.

Therein is the principle that we need to get from this passage. Love is superior to human knowledge because it actually helps others grow, but the so-called knowledge people in Corinth are claiming to have is being used to control others and not truly help them. The people who claim to have this knowledge are puffed up in their pride and self-importance. It doesn’t have any significant value from God’s perspective.

Paul adds, “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” (v. 2) What does that mean? It means that the knowledge they claim to have is not from God and is not in line with God’s thoughts and divine knowledge that God alone gives.

Now we come to the next important principle of these three verses. “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (v. 3) It sounds to me, that in this short passage, we have some solid principles in which to live our lives and walk a walk of faith. Our focus and priority in life should be to love God and love others instead of imagining how much smarter or wiser we are than others. When we love God, we are known by God. The One who has true knowledge knows us. Wow!

As we continue in this chapter, this principle will be more evident as Paul addresses their concern about the issue of meat sacrificed to idols.

Prayer: Lord - Help us love you. Let us be thankful that you know us.

Episode 188 - "Be dedicated to the Lord" - 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

1Cor. 7:25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

1Cor. 7:32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

1Cor. 7:36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

1Cor. 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

In this episode, you’ll notice that we’re looking at a longer-than-normal section of Scripture. The primary reason for this is the principle within this Scripture is a continuation of what he’s already said in the text we’ve read in the past few episodes. That principle is there is wisdom in remaining how you are. In verses 25-31 Paul expresses his opinion that single people should remain single. Why? He explains that it’s because of “this present distress.” (v. 26) In verse 28 he says, “those who marry will have worldly troubles.” Then in verse 29 he writes, “ the appointed time has grown very short.” What does he mean by all this? I think he explains it in verse 31, “the present form of this world is passing away.” Paul wants Christians to focus on preparing for Christ’s return.

He explains this more in verses 32-35. His point is that when you’re married, you have obligations in this world. If you are single, you don’t have a wife, children, or perhaps others to take care of. Therefore, one can dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord.

He’s said it before. But in verses 36-38, Paul reemphasizes that it is not a sin to get married, and if one has difficulty controlling their sexual urges, they should marry. But, if possible, he says it is best if one can remain single and focus on service to the Lord.

Finally, in verses 39-40, Paul applies this same principle to widows. He repeats that marriage designed by God is a lifelong commitment. When a woman’s husband dies, she is free to remarry. However, he says that it’s best if she can “remain as she is” and serve the Lord.

It may be easy for someone to read this and say, “it doesn’t apply to me.” But it does apply to each one of us. It applies by teaching and exhorting each one of us not to prioritize relationships and activities over what the Lord may want of us. There are people who may experience a divorce or perhaps the death of a spouse, and their highest goal is to go out and find a new spouse. People who’ve never married may feel as though they haven’t been successful in life unless they get married and have children. Paul is advising against these trends, which are common in our society. Paul would say to this that our priorities are messed up.

It appears to me that what Paul is advocating is in line with Jesus’ teaching. In Luke 14:26, Luke records Jesus’ words as, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Jesus is not contradicting the Ten Commandments, which teach us to honor our parents. His point is that our priority is first to the Lord.

Whatever life situation we are in, we should seek to serve the Lord the best way we are able.

Episode 187 - "Use your freedom!" 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

1 Cor. 7:17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

To begin this brief study, I want to call attention to statements Paul makes about what he says and what the Lord says. Since we uphold the books of the Bible to be the word of God, some people may get concerned about whether or not we consider Paul’s opinions authoritative. What follows is my opinion about Paul’s opinion expressed within the Holy Scriptures.

Paul was specifically called by the Lord to serve as an apostle, a servant to all who would come to faith in Jesus. I find Paul’s qualifications about his opinion and principles versus what the Lord says to be helpful rather than disconcerting. Why? Because if the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, providentially called Paul for this role, then He certainly gave Paul wisdom to offer the Church. This means that when I read something that Paul says, “This is my rule in all the churches” (v. 17), Paul is offering wisdom from the Lord that is intended to mitigate problems and help Christians live in a way that will best serve the purposes of the Kingdom of God.

Already Paul has instructed the Corinthian believers not to divorce their unbelieving spouse if that spouse was content to remain in the marriage. This advice appears on the surface as contrary to what was commanded to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon having married unbelieving wives. (See Episode 186 for my brief treatment of that issue). The encompassing principle in this Scripture I’ve just read, and the previous text is If it’s not leading you to immorality or other unrighteous thoughts, values, and actions, don’t change anything.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we see the kind of problem Paul is attempting to mitigate with this “rule.” Among the believers addressed in that letter, there were people who had been pressured or otherwise convinced that having been made righteous in Christ through faith in him, they now needed to become circumcised and follow the Law. Paul teaches the Law is insufficient to accomplish what Christ did on the cross, and therefore no one should think that being circumcised, getting married, getting divorced, or any other life-status change should make them better Christians.

Even with the slaves of that day and culture, Paul says that in Christ, they are free. While he says they may obtain freedom from their bondage if possible, they are not sinning if they don’t. He continues by saying that those who are not slaves have been “bought with a price” and have become a “bondservant of Christ.” (v. 22)

When he says in verse 23, “Do not become bondservants of men,” I take this to mean that he is saying, “Don’t let people control you and make you act in ways that are not in keeping with the liberty we have received in Christ.” (My interpretation)

In no way should this Scripture be used to justify the injustices manifested in slavery in times past or present. The focus of this Scripture is really telling us that when you come to faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lord can and will use you just the way you are. Don’t be distracted and inhibited by thinking you have to do other things before God can use you.

Prayer: Lord - Thank you for the freedom in Christ you have given me. Help me use that freedom to share the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.

Episode 186 - "God's extended blessings to others" - 1 Corinthians 7:6-16

1Cor. 7:6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

1Cor. 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

1Cor. 7:10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

1Cor. 7:12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

The beginning of this section is a continuation of the topic of human sexuality, singleness, and marriage. Paul says, “I wish that all were as I myself am.” (v. 7) What does that mean? He explains in verse 8 this refers to his status as a single person. Note: This is not a command from the Lord. This is Paul’s opinion. When God created the world and human beings, he blessed them and told them to multiply (see Gen. 1:28). If everyone were single and celibate, there wouldn’t be any multiplying going on. Why does Paul say this, then? He explains later that a single person can be dedicated to the service of the Lord. We’ll get that later. He then concedes that marriage is good too. (v. 9)

Paul moves on to a topic that is frequently debated to this day; the question of divorce of believers. The reason it’s debated is that people often pick which Scripture passages, speaking about marriage and divorce, they most prefer to defend their view of this issue. I will not enter into a lengthy discussion of various texts relevant to that debate. However, one example is when the Jews, who returned to Israel after their exile in Babylon, “put away” their foreign wives. It was not condemned. In fact, it was encouraged. Why? Like Solomon, the issue wasn’t that their wives were of different nationalities, ethnicity, or race. It was because they worshipped foreign gods, and it led the Jews away from their God. It was why they had been disciplined by God in the first place and were sent as captives in Babylon and later Persia. So, what these Jews were doing was in keeping with their desire to be faithful to God over a relationship with their spouse. It’s one of those situations that demonstrate how sin messes up our lives. Sometimes none of the options available to us in the wake of our sin are ideal. (See Ezra 10:10-11)

Interestingly, Paul contradicts that measure in this first letter to the Corinthians. The counsel is that a believing spouse should not leave their unbelieving spouse. There are a few things to note about this specific situation of a believing and an unbelieving couple. Notice the specific situation calls for the unbelieving spouse to be content to stay in the relationship. The next thing (at the heart of much debate) is Paul saying the unbelieving spouse who is content to remain in the marriage is “holy.” Wow! What does that mean? That’s a tough question, and I can’t be certain. However, I don’t believe it means the unbelieving spouse is “saved” (meaning right with God and guaranteed eternal life). Otherwise, why would Paul feel the need to write about this, speaking of an “unbelieving” husband or wife? Furthermore, Paul asks the question in verse 16 to the believing husband or wife, “How do you know whether you will save your (spouse)?”

That question in verse 16 leads us to an answer I think is more likely. The unbelieving spouse is considered “holy” by virtue of being content to remain with the believer. By virtue of that willingness, they participate in the blessing of God upon that home. They receive blessings from God because of their willingness to not be so offended by their spouse’s faith that they walk away from it. Perhaps they even value or admire their spouse’s faith. Paul’s question then in verse 16 is to suggest that through that extension of blessing, the unbelieving spouse may ultimately come to faith and be saved.

Children of this believer/unbeliever relationship also receive this extension of God’s grace and blessing to them because of the faith lived out by the believing parent, and they have an advantage that ideally would lead them to faith as they grow and make decisions for themselves. A perfect example of this is found in the story of Jacob and Esau with their father Isaac. Neither son appeared to appropriate their father’s faith even into their teens or early adult years. Esau did not value the birthright that was his by virtue of being born first of twins. Jacob, when pulling off the charade to steal the blessing of his father, said that he had gotten the requested game (meat) so quickly because “The LORD your God gave it to me.” (Gen. 27:20) It is later that God reveals himself to Jacob in a vision, and Jacob is moved a step closer to affirming his faith in the LORD. (See Gen. 28:10-22) God extends grace to Jacob, and Jacob comes to faith in the LORD.

There is so much here, and perhaps more questions have been raised than answered. But I believe a principle underlying all of Paul’s advice here is the significant way that God can use us in whatever situation we are currently in. Whether single or married, we shouldn’t think that we need to change it to please or serve the LORD. We should seek to honor the LORD in the situation we are in right now and trust him to extend his blessings through us.

Prayer: Father in heaven, let me be used to extend your blessings to others around me, and may it lead them to faith in you.

Episode 185 - "Marriage and Sex" - 1 Corinthians 7:1-5

1Cor. 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

In the first sixteen verses of chapter 7, Paul provides advice on being single or married and one’s dedication to the Lord regardless of which state each is in. Given the recent warnings against sexual immorality, it appears that Paul feels the need to offer counsel on how that might be accomplished.

Notice the church had sent Paul a letter (v. 1). The English Standard Version translators interpret “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman” as a statement or question for which they desired Paul’s response. It’s difficult to say whether Paul or the Corinthian believers are saying this. However it came about, the response is what is important. In verse 2, Paul explains that marriage is the appropriate relationship in which sex should occur. Later, Paul will explain the benefit of being single. But a sexual relationship between a husband and wife is not immoral and is the appropriate, God-ordained relationship to mitigate the temptation of sexual immorality. He states in verse 3 that neither partner should avoid sexual intercourse with their spouse because, in God’s design of marriage, your bodies are co-owned with your partner. That argument reflects back to the “two shall become one flesh” argument from Genesis 2.

Paul then adds there is an appropriate occasion to avoid sexual relations for a limited time. The reason is to “devote yourselves to prayer.” (v. 5) We often think of fasting as a spiritual discipline in which we abstain from food or drink for the purpose of directing our thoughts and energy to the Lord and not indulging in pleasing the flesh. Paul suggests that the same principle applies to sex as well. He cautions that this should be for a limited time to avoid being tempted “because of your lack of self-control.”

What are the priorities evident in Paul’s counsel? I would summarize them this way. First, understand the power of sexual temptations. The believer should consider finding a spouse with whom a sexual relationship is mutually understood and expressed. Second, the two people within a marriage are not strictly two individuals anymore. Each member belongs to the other. This is a principle that I believe more marriage relationships would benefit by the spouses mutually understanding this principle. The spiritual life of each person in a marriage is a priority, and the sexual union can be put temporarily on hold for a time of prayer and focus on the Lord.

Paul’s counsel perhaps evokes as many questions as it answers. However, I think that reveals the liberty couples have concerning this. There is no mandate on the frequency of sexual relations or the amount of time for abstinence. Neither is there allowance for making demands upon one’s partner. I don’t believe Paul’s instruction is intended to be used as manipulation and putting a guilt trip on one’s spouse. That does not meet the spirit of this advice.

Thought for reflection: How might taking to heart these principles affect our marriages in our churches today?

Episode 184 - "Glorify God in Your Body" - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

12 All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

In this text, we receive a theology of why sexual immorality is wrong. In other words, it’s not just the what; it’s the why. Notice that Paul says twice, “All things are lawful for me.” (v. 12) Are we to take that literally? Is Paul throwing out the Ten Commandments? You might argue, “Dave, you’re always making the point that repetition reinforces the importance of what is being repeated. Paul must be making a point that nothing is unlawful anymore.” My response would be, “I’m also always saying that we need to interpret the Scriptures in their context.” If you look at the context, Paul is actually arguing that sexual immorality is contrary to God’s law of what is right and wrong.

So, why does Paul say, “All things are lawful for me”? He’s actually quoting what some Gentiles might have been thinking or even saying. Perhaps the man sleeping with his father’s wife argued, “We’re not under the Law. All things are lawful for me.” Paul is echoing this mindset to expose its flaws. Even if all things were lawful, Paul argues, “not all things are helpful.” In fact, doing what is “lawful” might even be harmful. If there were no stop signs at an intersection, it would be lawful to drive through without even slowing down. But you might get hit and be injured or killed.

Paul continues by saying that even if something is lawful, it can control and dominate us. We see this in our society. People can legally drink alcoholic beverages, gamble, eat whatever they want, and so forth. But if we let any of those things dominate us, it will destroy us. Paul then builds an argument to counter the way they are thinking. This is important for us today. Namely, we can’t do whatever we want in our bodies because they belong to Christ, and the way we live needs to honor him.

Food and the stomach work together, don’t they? Food is useless to nourish the body if there’s no stomach to break it down for the body, and the stomach is pointless if there’s no food for it to process for the sake of the body. We cannot employ that argument to justify sexual immorality. Paul says, “the body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” (v. 13) Notice the sequence of facts Paul gives.

God raised the Lord (from death) and will raise us. (v. 14)

Our bodies are members of Christ (As such, we should not be joined with a prostitute.) v. 15 Paul explains this from Genesis 2:24, describing God’s creation of marriage and the sexual relationship ordained within that union as the two becoming one flesh. (v. 16) Notice that this isn’t Paul’s ideas or bias. His theology is based upon what God has revealed and has been understood and accepted by the community of faith.

There is a spiritual union that occurs between the believer and Christ when the believer has accepted the gospel. (v. 17)

The conclusion then is that the believer must “flee from sexual immorality” (v. 18) because we are sinning against our own body (v. 18) that belongs to Christ.

Paul rephrases or reinforces the justification for not using personal liberty as an excuse to sin. He says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” (vv. 19-20)

Look at that. Your body is indwelt by the Holy Spirit that God gave to you, and you are joined with Christ as a member of his body, and he paid the price of that privilege with his body on the cross. The Holy Trinity has a vested interest in how we use our bodies.

Paul concludes with, “So glorify God in your body.” (v. 20)

It’s so easy for us to talk about how our bodies are “under the curse” and are dying, and we’re looking forward to the resurrection. Those are all true. But, it doesn’t give us an excuse to do anything we want in or to our bodies. Our walk of faith should be one that says, “I want to honor the Lord in this body today. It is a tangible expression of our faith and love for Jesus Christ.”

Prayer: Lord - Help me honor you through my physical body and not just my words or thoughts.