Blog -Bible Daily Bread Devotional (BDBD)

Paul wanted to live an exemplary life so as not to discredit the ministry of reconciliation he was called to. (4, 5:18) If I talk the talk but do not walk the walk, then, as people notice my contradictory walk, they will not listen to my reconciliatory talk. When I repeat Jesus’ message of turning to God, but show that I have not turned to God, then why would they turn to God?

Living the walk that Jesus taught in a world that continues to fall into the pit of hate towards those who live to please Christ is one that faces troubles, hardships, and distress. The world shames us for doing the right thing. We are tempted to leave stumbling blocks in their path. However, Jesus says, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.” (Luke 17:1-3)

So, as servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way. (4a) The apostles not only gave no offense in anything, but they labored to manifest themselves to be the genuine ministers of God, in much patience, bearing calmly up under the most painful and oppressive afflictions. Jesus tells us, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:17; John 15:20-21)

Every human who has ever lived has experienced events they never wanted to happen, whether self-imposed or due to nothing they had done or failed to do. In this world, everyone has troubles. Added to that some suffer from frequent depression. Troubles rebuff even the strongest souls.

Jesus’ apostles experienced perhaps some of the worst life events. Paul lists some of his life pains here. They included troubles, hardships, distress, beatings, imprisonment, riots, hard work, sleeplessness, hunger, dishonor, bad report, being regarded as an impostor, being unknown, dying, sorrow, poverty, and having nothing. Paul lists his responses in these verses.

My response to everything that happens to me, whether wanted or unwanted, is important. I can choose now not to let future events dictate my response to them. I could attempt to train my will to be set to positive and my mind to be alert ahead of time. I could commend my soul to be preset to “great endurance” (4). I would do this as a mental and emotional wall to guard against attacks on my positive inner well-being.

As wise as that sounds, I have come to realize that an attitude of no surrender to any future troubling hardships is sometimes not enough. Some mornings, I wake up feeling refreshed and strong-willed. The wall of defense is strong.

Other mornings, I wake up feeling like buttered popcorn left out all night. I wake up fatigued and melancholy. I have never been a morning person. Even on the mornings when I am raring to take on and overcome any obstacle, there is always the possibility that a major unexpected tragedy that no one could muscle up a strong will to overcome will transpire. What then?

Paul wrote here that he endured, “in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (6) and “in the power of God” (7). I have discovered that every morning, especially the melancholy ones, when I turn my mind, my emotions, and my will to God even for a minute or 30, the soul’s wall of defense is built on solid rock. It is less likely to fall, and I will be less likely to be overrun by deadly emotions and thoughts.

Jesus taught in a parable that he is a solid rock to build on. Going daily to Jesus before troubles come, I will not be overcome because my wall of defense is built on solid ground. I will not be destroyed. (Matt. 7:24-27) “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalms 18:2, 27:5, 40:2, 62:4)

Apostle Paul continues his logic with a transitional statement, “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” “Fear” is the Greek noun “phobos”. The English words “fear” and “terror” are used to translate several Hebrew and Greek words. In the Old Testament, the most common word used is “yirah”. (Isa. 7:25; Jonah 1:10,16). In the New Testament, the word used most often is “phobos” which means “fear”, “dread”, and “terror” (Matt. 28:4; Luke 21:26). Religious fear, unlike secular fear, is the fallen human response to the presence of God.

Some Christians tend to de-emphasize the fear of God in the New Testament by placing the love of God above the fear of God. There is indeed a greater emphasis on the love of God in the New Testament. However, the element of fear was part of the proclamation of the early church.

Paul admonished believers to work out their salvation “with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). The early church grew in number as they lived “in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31). The fear of God is related to the love of God. The revelation of God to people in the New Testament contains the element of God’s mysterious otherness, calling for reverent obedience. The New Testament church stands in awe and fear in the presence of a holy God, for fear is “the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).

Paul’s summary statement about knowing what it is to fear the Lord relates back to all standing before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the thoughts and actions committed while in this life (10). Paul says “we,” including himself. Does your confession of faith in Jesus include knowing the fear of the Lord?

I had estranged myself from God. I did this by not believing he loves me and that his ways are best. I harbored lust, envy, greed, and other kinds of godlessness in my heart. I thought about these and occasionally acted on those thoughts. God told me not to do these, for they were harmful. Yet, I did not accept his good and wise direction. I had a form of religion without the true God leading me. I sinned.

Then, I read about Jesus. God showed me that Jesus reconciled me to God (19). Through Jesus, God does not hold my sins against me. He takes them away through Jesus (14-15).

Jesus had no sin. Yet, when he was on the cross, he accepted my and everyone else’s sin into himself (21). So, he who had no sin was punished and died. I accept his selfless sacrifice for me. Because of Jesus, I will not be punished. The old me is gone. The new me is now and forevermore (17).

Now I live for God (15). Living for God for me means more than doing what God says is best and good for me. It is to try to persuade others of what God revealed to me and has done for me. I try to show that he can also do this for them (21). Jesus’s love causes me to lovingly share the good news with others through actions and, when appropriate, also in word (14). I share only when they are ready to listen.

Apostle Paul utilizes clever word crafting by altering the use and meaning of “at home”, “body”, and “away”. While “home” always means where we dwell, in one sentence, the place of occupation is the physical body, and in another, the place of occupation is in paradise with the Lord. The meaning all depends on which side of the grave we exist. Paul stresses that, no matter where home is, this world or the next, the Lord Jesus is the source and focus of our existence and heart.

While I am “in the body“, my source and focus can reside in Jesus because I live by faith, not by sight. Like the ancients were commended for, I am sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) This is my faith expressed in the knowledge that one day I will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what I did while “in the body”. While my home is in this body, I work on my character, practicing love for others as Jesus teaches me to do.

Jesus teaches me to be a wise builder, placing my home on the rock where rain, flood, and winds will not destroy. He also teaches me not to be a foolish builder, placing my home on sand where the torments and troubles of this world tear down faith and a good character. (Matthew 7:24-29)

Jesus also teaches me to be a man who uses the talents he gave me to increase his investment. Jesus has gone away to the home I will occupy with him. A day is coming when I will stand before Jesus’ judgment seat to settle the account with me. I want to hear his pleased word, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things while in the body.” I do not want to hear his displeased word, “You wicked, lazy servant! Take the talent from his and give it to someone else. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:14-30)

God created humans with 3 parts: a physical body, a soul, and a spirit. The soul is my emotions, thoughts, and will. My spirit was dead until Jesus gave it new life when I first believed in him many years ago. (John 3:3)

My physical body is like a tent. It temporarily contains my soul and my spirit. Paul was in the tent business, which he drew from to make the analogy in this chapter. His craft consists mostly of mending tents and occasionally making new ones. People use tents as temporary residences. Homes made of wood, brick, and metal are preferred to tents. The physical body is a tent. (1-4)

When I was young, I was in the Boy Scouts. My troop often took trips, usually staying in tents. One late fall, we stayed near a small river winding through my grandparents’ dairy farm. Most stayed in tents except my friend and I. We decided to make a tent out of a rope and a large plastic sheet. The ends of the sheet overlapped under our sleeping bags.

The first night, the weather changed from pleasant to bitterly cold, freezing rain. At first, my friend and I were safe and dry in our flimsy tent. However, after 15 minutes, ice-cold water began seeping through the overlap under our sleeping bags. We became shivering cold and wet. We soon escaped the poor tent for the warm, dry shelter of my grandparents’ farmhouse.

My physical body is like the plastic tent my friend and I made. When all is pleasant, my physical body adequately houses my soul and spirit. However, from the day I was born, my body has had flaws that do not hold up when life’s weather turns for the worse. In bad storms of life, I groan and am burdened. I feel naked, wet, and cold. (2, 4)

However, I have great hope. I believe that Jesus has made something better for me. When my current physical body finally fails, I know that God has made a strong, dry, and warm home for my soul and a new spirit. He will place my soul and my new spirit in a new physical dwelling. (1, 3, 6-8)

When my body dies, I will not be naked. I know this is true because God’s Spirit within me spiritually reminds me of all the time. I live by faith, even though I cannot physically see my new spirit, nor God’s Holy Spirit, nor have I seen my new resurrection physical body. Like Paul, I make it my goal to please Jesus, who has given me this wonderful hope. (9-10)

Believing in Jesus, faith in him, leads a person to give testimony about him. Jesus, who entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, was given great praise. The Jewish religious leaders told him to stop the praise. His reply was, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40). “I believe,” Paul and the Psalmist say, “therefore I have spoken.” Testimony about Jesus is a natural compulsion to those who believe.

Why? “Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with the saints in his presence” (14). The grace of God in this gives rise to thanksgiving and praise to the glory of God. Paul points out that the good news was also reaching many people, not just the Jews. More and more were added as people testified to Jesus.

We were made to testify. Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16) “Go!” If you are as stubborn as a rock and remain still. Then a rock will show more life than you when you are still.

The human body is like a jar of clay, a fragile shell made of the ground we walk on, meant to store goods. When closed, it is without light. Ancient cultures used plain clay jars to conceal valuable treasures – sacred scrolls, hard jewels, and untarnished precious metals. The wonderful treasure in Christians is God’s light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (6)

Though a hard, fragile shell, pressed on every side, Christians are not crushed. Though wrestled about like a sports ball, not knowing what is happening and what to do about it, we are not without hope and deliverance. (8) Though persecuted, we are not abandoned. Though thrown down like a wrestler, we are not destroyed. We are lifted up and move on. (9)

Like a jar full of valuables is buried, our body is buried with Christ. (Romans 6:4-6) We die every day. (1 Corinthians 15:31) We always carry around in our clay body the death of Jesus. (10a, 11a). Why? So that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (10b). We die for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. (11b) Death is at work in this clay body, but life is at work in those we minister to. (12) We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (7)

Light overcomes darkness. Darkness cannot overcome light. Light penetrates darkness. Darkness cannot penetrate light. Light is glory. Darkness is not glory. A mind can be blinded so that it cannot see light. The light of the gospel is the glory of Christ. The light cannot be stopped, but it can be rejected.

The god of this age is the devil, for most people follow his ways and in doing so worship him. The devil’s followers do not believe in Christ. They reject Jesus as Lord and his gospel of glory. Their unbelief enables the devil to blind their minds. They cannot see the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (4)

John 3:19-21 says, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

God said, “Let light shine out of darkness in my heart.” God gave me the light of Jesus Christ as Lord. He made me a servant of his light. He gave me the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. I am the servant of the light of Jesus. Anyone can be brought out of darkness and placed in the light. Jesus gives sight to the blind.

Apostle Paul, not losing heart, though some attacked his character and motives, continued to preach the gospel, the very ministry given him by the Lord. Jesus tells all his disciples that opposition is sure to come. Paul contrasted his methods to accomplish the mission given to him with those of his detractors. We can learn how to proceed with our missions.

Paul’s detractors used secret and shameful ways. They were deceptive, hiding their true motives. Their methods were to distort the word of God. (2a) They were like Oz behind the curtain in “The Wizard of Oz”.

Paul, however, did not do as they did, though before he became a believer, he was like them. When the Lord called him, he put those shameful ways behind him. Opposite to them, Paul presented God’s truth plainly and clearly. (2b) Those who heard him or read his letters knew in their conscience that what he said had no hidden agenda. They knew it to be true and of God. (2c)

Referring back to what he wrote in 3:13-15, like Moses’ veil, if anyone did not understand the gospel he preached, it was not his doing nor fault. Rather, it was because they did not believe. The veil covers their hearts. (3)

As the apostle wrote Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) And the writer of Hebrews, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Today’s Bible Daily Bread Devotional (BDBD) is for those who are weak from serving in Jesus’ name. These are the volunteers, faithfully ministering from infants to the elderly. They are men and women of the Spirit, who continually walk the streets talking to strangers about Jesus. They are displaying the image of the Son of Man, Jesus of Galilee, through their words and acts. They are non-profit royal priests who get more harassment and persecution than recognition. These are practical ministers of the New Covenant, the gospel of Jesus.

Paul, in the previous chapter, said that yours is the freedom, reflecting the Lord’s glory. You are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. (3:17-18). Your ministry brings righteousness. Your glory is surpassing and will last the ages. (3:9-11) Your competence comes from God. (3:5)

The great ministry you have, though all the troubles and trials of life, is God’s mercy to you in the ministry he has given you. (1) Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Be in the words Jesus told us and be in the living Word, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Take heart. He who has overcome the world is with you in the ministry he has given you.

The Spirit is the Lord of those who believe in Jesus (17-18). Lord, in the original Greek, has the equivalent meaning of the Hebrew word Adonai. (Exodus 3:14) The meaning of both is the “Supreme and Almighty Master”. Abraham called God, “Adonai Elohim”. “Elohim,” meaning “Almighty God,” is the name for God in Genesis 1:1. The Spirit is, therefore, the Supreme Master Almighty God.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (17b) The Spirit is within those who accept Jesus as Messiah and call on his name. Our Lord the Spirit freed us from our old master, which was the laws and stipulations of the Old Covenant. They ruled over us through death and sin (7). The old master has no power over me. I have a new Master, the Spirit, and he is life everlasting (11b).

The Lord, my master, is transforming me into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. I am like the moon or a mirror reflecting light. I reflect the surpassing glory of the Lord (10), who is the Spirit. My transformation is not physical. My transformation is spiritual. My transformation is not by my power or will. My transformation comes from the Holy Spirit. We see and experience the glory now through the moving of the Spirit.

Remember Apostle Peter’s words in the days of persecution upon us and ever-increasing, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:12-14)

Moses was on Mount Sinai with the Lord, receiving the ten commandments carved in stone. When he came down the mountain, his face was radiant with glory, and Aaron and Israel were afraid to come near him. So, Moses put a veil over his face. The radiance began to fade until it was no more, but Israel did not notice because Moses kept the veil over his face. (Exodus 34:29-35). This is a lesson of the temporary and weak natures of the Old Covenant.

The Lord punished Judah for their sins and for ignoring the prophets he sent them by sending the Babylonians to burn down Jerusalem and completely destroy the temple. When the punishment was completed, the prophet Jeremiah pronounced a punishment for the day they would also reject the Messiah, Jesus, “O LORD, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me– what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long. Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs. Pay them back what they deserve, O LORD, for what their hands have done. Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them! Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:61-66; See 1 Corinthians 16:22 and Galatians 3:10-13)

The Holy Spirit reveals through the Apostle Paul that the veil remains. Is there any hope for people who have a veil over their hearts? Yes! Only in Christ is it taken away. (14) Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (16) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13a)

Glory is one of those words that has so many meanings and applications that it is hard to define. We can say, “Her hair is her crowning glory.” “The sun is a ball of blazing glory.” “Give God praise and glory.” And here Paul wrote, “If what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!” (11)

When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments of the Old Covenant, lightning surrounded the top of the mountain, it shook, and a loud trumpet sounded. When he walked down Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, his face was radiant. When Moses was in the tabernacle a column of fire entered the tent. (Exodus 19:16-19, 33:9, 34:29-35) Glory was displayed in all this. Yet, the lightning stopped, the face of radiance faded, and the tabernacle is no more.

As the glory of the stars fades away and disappears when the sun rises, so the Old Covenant faded away when the New Covenant came. (10) We of the New Covenant have a hope of the future glory of the Kingdom of God. We see and experience that glory now through the moving of the Spirit. We have a sure hope for our future. So, we are bold in sharing the gospel of the Kingdom of God. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) Is your hope sure?

How can it be determined if a person is an authentic instructor or a cult authoritarian with a desire to control people and take their earnings? The Jewish religious leaders insisted that Jesus was a charlatan because he was not “one of us”.

Pseudo-apostles insisted that Apostle Paul was a pretender because he was not one of the twelve, was not part of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and had persecuted the early believers. The Corinthian congregation would have a hard time knowing who to believe because, unlike us, they did not have the New Testament writings, could not reference-check his teachings (except using the Old Testament), and could not review a letter of recommendation (Paul did not carry any).

Apostle Paul’s response was, “Look at the fruit of my labors and remember my actions when I was with you, when I founded your congregation.” The congregation’s changed lives, the manifestations of the Holy Spirit because of his teaching, and the miracles were God’s testimony of Paul’s authenticity. He didn’t need a degree written in ink as proof. The Spirit of the living God written on their hearts proved his authenticity.

Jesus, warning about false prophets, taught, “By their fruit you will recognize them,” and, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-20, 12:33). Are you in a group, church, or campus ministry and have questions about their authenticity and motivations? Research the results of their work, their teachings, and their motivations. Seek to know the sincerity behind the smiles, understanding that you will not find perfection, but you should find fruit that aligns with Biblical teaching.

Paul presents the Corinthian congregation as a living witness to his credentials as a minister of the New Covenant (1-6). Then, he compares the Old Covenant to the New Covenant (7-18).

The Lord God presented the Old Covenant to Israel at Mount Sinai, in the desert (modern-day western Saudi Arabia), through Moses on two stone tablets (Exodus 19-20). The entire law of the Old Covenant is the first five books of the Bible (though some record historical facts too). When Moses came down the mountain to present the ten commandments to Israel, his face shone with the glory of God. This faded over time (Exodus 34:29-30, 33, 35). The Old Covenant brought condemnation because the Israelites were unable to keep it, for all have a fallen, sinful nature.

The Lord Jesus presented the New Covenant to the world at Mount Zion, where Jerusalem is located. The Holy Spirit writes it on the hearts of those who believe in him. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to his Father in heaven, his face shone with the glory of God, which never fades. The New Covenant brings righteousness because it relies solely on Jesus’s character, what he did on the cross, and his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).

When I relied on myself for righteousness in God’s eyes, I had a veil over my heart. I tried to be a good person. I tried to be accepted by God. But I could not see God nor his Christ through my self-righteousness. I failed. I was separated from God.

Then God took the veil off my heart (16). Now I see Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, atoning for my sins. Now I solely rely on Jesus – who he is and what he did for my righteousness. Now the Spirit of the Lord is in me. Now my relationship with God does not rely on me. I am free in Christ. I am free of the law and condemnation. I am being transformed into the image of the Son with ever-increasing glory (18). Jesus makes me competent as a minister of the New Covenant (5-6).

A year ago, for a work-related change, my wife and I moved from the East Coast to the center of the country. The trip involved stops at a relative’s house, Nashville, and Memphis until we finally arrived at the city where we now live. Normally, a three-night trip to such locations would be very enjoyable. However, since we had a tight schedule, over 1,100 miles to travel, cleaning the old apartment, furniture packing and moving arrangements, and working at a new location and company, we had little peace of mind and physical rest. The trip was not very enjoyable.

Paul’s travel from Ephesus was also lacking in peace of mind until he arrived at the troubled new congregation at Corinth (13). Paul’s first main stop was at the port city of Troas. The door to preach the gospel was opened to him there. He taught for only a very short time because he was eager to learn if the Corinthian congregation had received his first letter well, and if they were still a congregation. He had hoped he and Titus, who was coming from Corinth, would cross paths in Troas. They did not. So he left Troas and continued to Corinth.

Though we are believers in Jesus and working for the kingdom as we should, we may at times lack peace of mind. An unsettled mind is not because God does not give us peace. Rather, peace of mind is often due to our impatience. The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6b) Jesus promised, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

Grief, distress, and anguish, especially grief, are repeated ten times in the first ten verses, all deriving from the Greek noun “lype” (a transliteration), referring to deep emotional pain. Contrasting “lype” are forgiveness, joy, comfort, and love; together they are stated twelve times.

One man’s sin in the Corinthian congregation led to grief, distress, and anguish, not just for the man when punished, but also for the congregation and Paul. The majority inflicted punishment, likely excommunication, at Paul’s direction. The man was grieved and repented. He received forgiveness and was invited back into the fellowship. Without grieving, usually the result of punishment, there is no forgiveness. As the psalmist wrote, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.” (Psalm 130:3-4)

Apostle John wrote, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:5-10)

Paul gave instructions in his first letter to the Corinthian congregation in chapter 5 concerning a man engaging in a grievous sexual immorality. He said that they should cast him out of their congregation. Now, Paul reveals two motives behind that directive. (Some point out that he may be referring to another person’s sin and/or offense.) First, he did not want to be grieved by them when he arrived (3-4). Second, he was testing their obedience (9). They did as Paul instructed and cast the man out.

The man repented. So now, Paul is encouraging them to forgive and invite him to join them again. Paul had already forgiven him.

One interesting statement here is, “if there was anything to forgive.” (The reason some believe it is another offense.) Another is, “that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not aware of his schemes.”

Satan wants to destroy all of Christ’s congregations. He has various schemes to carry out the destruction. A particularly common one is to divide us. In this case, he used a man who persisted in incest, and the congregation’s leadership lacked discipline. Thus, Paul said the man needed to be cast out. They obeyed. He grieved and repented.

Satan’s scheme did not stop there. Now the congregation needed to forgive the man and unconditionally accept him back into the church. Forgiveness is an important act of love. Jesus taught me to pray, “Forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Holding regret and judgment is self-destructive to congregations and to me. Discernment, separation from persistent sin, and unconditional forgiveness should all be done in love.

“Stand firm in Christ!” The first place in Israel’s history the command to “stand firm” is given is the Lord’s answer through Moses to Israel concerning the approaching Egyptian army led by Pharaoh, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” (Exodus 14:13) The next time the command is heard was when Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat and Israel. While standing before the LORD at his temple in prayer, the LORD replied, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

King David, learning from the past and looking to the future we now live in, prophesied, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!” (Psalm 20:7-9) The Holy Spirit, through the apostle, reminds us, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” (21a)

Troubles and suffering will come and have come. God is with us, strengthening our knees. “How do I know this?” you may ask. God anointed us with a seal of ownership. The Holy Spirit in our hearts is a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. The Holy Spirit, whom we experience life from and with, tells us that God is with us, and God strengthens our knees so we will stand firm in the Lord Jesus, as he wins the battle that is already won.

“The day of the Lord Jesus”, referring to Jesus’ coming to assess the saints’ actions while in the flesh, as Paul is using it here, is one day only. It can be understood as one twenty-four (24) hour day that starts at sunset, goes through dawn, the light period, and ends at sunset. It can only be Jesus coming and judging the saints.

“The day of the Lord Jesus” is not plural like “in the last days” used elsewhere. The single day here is Jesus’ second coming, and the plural “in the last days” is the time before his second coming. “The day of the Lord” contains the harvest that Jesus and the apostles taught, and Paul is using here. (Matthew 13:30, 39, 21:34, 41, 25:24, 26; Mark 4:29, 12:2; Luke 20:10; John 4:35-36; Romans 1:13; and 1 Corinthians 9:10-11; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 14:15-16) “The last days”, as Peter stated on Pentecost when he quoted Joel, started with Jesus’ death and resurrection, the day of Pentecost, and will end when Jesus comes on “the day of the Lord”. “The day of the Lord” starts the Lord’s one-thousand-year reign.

Apostle Paul says that he will boast of the Corinthian congregation on the day of the Lord Jesus. When I, like Paul, stand before Jesus to give an account of what I did with my life and the gifts given to me, what can I show to Jesus? What can I boast about? Jesus will say, “What did you do with the talents I gave you?” He will say this to all he calls. “He who is given much, much will be expected.”

Some who falsely portrayed themselves as super apostles were attacking Paul’s character. They claimed that the collection was not for the poor in Jerusalem as Paul claimed, but that Paul secretly planned to keep it for himself. They also claimed that Paul’s writing was unintelligible (13-14). The super apostles said these are the reasons why Paul did not arrive in Corinth as he had said he would in the previous letter. (1 Corinthians 16:5-6)

Paul defended his trustworthiness by appealing to the witness of his own conscience and to the Corinthians’ firsthand knowledge of his character. He had conducted himself in the world and the eighteen months while he was with them, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God and by the grace of God, not according to worldly wisdom.

The “day of the Lord Jesus” is often how the apostles refer to Jesus’ second coming as king and judge. We will all stand before the Bema Seat of Christ and give an account of our actions while in the flesh, just as Jesus revealed in “The Parable of the Shrewd Manager”. (Luke 16:2; Romans 14:10-12; Hebrews 13:17)

Therefore, I need to keep my character pure and sincere. When tempted to stray from these, I am to remember that God looks at my character. People determine a person’s character. Even children see a person’s character. Keep a noble character as Ruth did, who, it was said of, “All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.” (Ruth 3:11)

Apostle Paul, God’s chosen instrument to carry Jesus’ name before the Gentiles and before the people of Israel (Acts 9:15), did not live a life that some Christians today would define as “the blessed life” and “the abundant life”. While in the Roman province of Asia, which included the cities of Ephesus, Philadelphia, Colosse, Troas, and others, the apostle suffered hardships and felt the sentence of death in his heart. The great pressure was far beyond his ability to endure. He despaired even of life. Apostle Paul drank the cup of suffering that Jesus handed to him.

Paul received his suffering with mature faith. “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raised the dead.” He felt dead. He experienced, therefore, a sort of resurrection. God delivered Paul from such a deadly peril. We will drink the cup of suffering and death with Jesus. God, whom we have set our hope, will deliver us too.

When suffering comes, we should ask others to pray for God to deliver (11). I know many who do not want others to know when they suffer. They do not want others to know they are weak. So they do not ask others to pray. If they do not know, they will not pray, and they will not give thanks for the gracious favor granted us in answer to their prayers. What a shame that pride robs others of this gift.

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done,” so Jesus prayed on the eve of his suffering and death. (Matthew 26:42) Later that night, he took the cup and said during the Last Supper, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25) All take the cup that Jesus drank from, and drink from it.

Imagine a cup with wine continually pouring into it and overflowing. Underneath the cup are more cups. The wine from the top cup spills into the cups below it. When they fill, they overflow into cups under them. This continues until a multitude of stacked cups fill and overflow, all receiving wine from the first cup, a pyramid of cups.

The wine that the cups receive is the sufferings and comfort of Christ (5). We share in sufferings (7; Acts 9:4; Colossians 1:24). The suffering comes first, and when we approach him, we receive his comfort. The comfort we are given is learned (6). “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8)

The commandment we receive from the Son is love. Love and compassion are not part of the sinful, fallen nature. Apart from God, we did not know love. (1 John 3:10, 16) We need to learn love. And so we learn love through obedience. The wine of compassion we receive is learned and passed on. We drink from the cup of Christ as he taught us.

Today may contain a moment when the soul lies still, curled up in the smallest possible ball, seeking the serenity of the womb that the subconscious remembers. If not today, nature’s future holds a grave lament. Life in the world makes this promise to all. No one is spared the pang of these scorpions.

Those who believe that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has compassion for us are promised comfort when the soul slowly leaks onto the floor. The God and Father of the Lord, our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. “Look, I see you. I know you. I am with you, providing comfort in all your troubles.”

“When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from the rebellious– that you, O LORD God, might dwell there. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:18-19)

When he comforts us in all our troubles, let us not forget others. I can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort I myself have received from God. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Paul wrote this letter to the young congregation at Corinth shortly after the previous one. He wrote it as he neared the end of his third missionary journey in the very late 55 AD while residing in the Roman province of Macedonia. Paul wanted to visit Corinth to the south again, but had not done so, and thus explained and apologized for his delays.

Verses 21 and 22 are moving. God makes me “stand firm in Christ. He anointed (me), set his seal of ownership on (me), and put his Spirit in (my) heart as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” God’s grace is wonderful and precious.

I am not the one who does any of this. God does it all. I am weak in faith, and my actions prove it. Yet God in his grace makes me stand firm in Christ.

When I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and asked him to take full control of my life, God anointed me with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit entered me. It was something entirely new to me. It was pleasant, loving, powerful, and warm. I was anointed.

Seals of ownership are used to this day. A rancher’s seal of ownership is called a brand. He or she puts the brand on a metal plate. The plate is heated and pressed against the steer hide. This burns the brand on the steer. The brand is a claim of ownership.

God burned his brand on my hide. This is what happened when I first believed. God branded me with the Holy Spirit. Now, when the Holy Spirit moves in my spirit just as he did the day I first believed, I know that I am his and he is mine. I feel his guarantee of what is to come. These movements are small in comparison to what is to come. With them, I am encouraged to continue in troubles and hardship just as Paul did.

Five more believers in Jesus are mentioned in Paul’s closing remarks: Stephanas and his household, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Aquila, and Priscilla. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus delivered the letter containing the Corinthian congregation’s questions to Paul (17, 7:1). Stephanas is Greek. Fortunatus is Latin. Achaicus is Latinized Greek. Aquila and Priscilla were a Messianic Jewish couple who at one time lived in Corinth, Greece (then called Achaia). They moved to Ephesus and maintained a house church there (19), where Paul was currently located.

The household of Stephanas were the first converts in what is modern-day Greece, then called Achaia (15). Acts records that the first converts in Greece were at Athens, Greece. Athens is around 42 miles (68 km) east of Corinth, Greece (Acts 17:34). Athens is on the route of Paul’s letter requesting the financial gift collection for the impoverished Jerusalem believers. So, the letter arrived at Athens first, where Stephanas lived, and then went to Corinth. The Corinthian reply retraced the trip through Athens back to Paul in Ephesus.

Apostle Paul says that Stephanas’ household is devoted to the service of the saints, and those at Corinth should submit to them. It seems that many in the Corinthian congregation who were proud of their gift of knowledge looked down on Stephanas and his household. Such a shame, but this is still common in congregations today. Flashy, proud perishiners look down on humble servants.

Paul purposely mentioned Aqula and Priscilla. Most likely, they were still respected by the Corinthian congregation because they housed the beginning of the Corinthian congregation, just like they were still doing in Ephesus, and just like Stephanas’ household was doing in Athens. As Paul told them, “God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (12:24b-25)

Apostle Paul delivers five encouraging and heartening directives at the conclusion of this bitter scolding letter. “Be on your guard” was a phrase Paul received from Jesus. (Matthew 10:17, 16:6, 11-12; Mark 13:9, 23, 33; Luke 12:1, 15) I am a soldier on the wall of my soul and body seeking to repel the enemy’s spies, soldiers, seducers, and thieves.

“Stand firm in the faith” was a common call among the first church. (15:38; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 24; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:14; Philippians 1:27, 4:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; James 5:8). I am assigned to the front line, facing the enemy who has weapons in hand, anger and hate in their countenance, and threatening with forward charges.

“Be men of courage; be strong” was the Lord’s message to Joshua and Israel as they were about to cross into the promised land. (Deuteronomy 31:6-7, 23; Joshua 1:6-7, 9, 18, 10:25). I am a soldier sent out into the world to fight the good fight. Not with weapons of this world, but with faith, hope, and love. (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12; 2 Titus 4:7).

“Do everything in love” is Jesus’ command, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Paul went into great detail about the nature of love in chapter 13. The battles are fought in love. The war was won by love. In all these, a Christian differentiates themselves from the world. Be encouraged as we continue onward and upward.

Paul wanted to send Timothy with his letter to Corinth per 4:14-17. However, it appears that neither he nor Apollos (12) were compelled to return to the congregation, for Paul used the phrases, “if Timothy comes…” and speaking of Apollos, “I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now…”

Timothy and Apollos had been there a few years earlier when the congregation was new. (Acts 18:5, 27, 19:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:6) They had friends in the Corinthian congregation. But now, they did not want to visit their friends. Why?

The two most probable reasons both did not want to visit Corinth were first, because the environment was hostile, with infighting and corruption, and second, because Timothy was timid and Apollos was more interested in an undefined opportunity than in dealing with the complicated issues at Corinth. They defaulted on the human impulse to avoid and put off the problem.

The result was Paul’s very long and detailed letter. I envision Paul, upon receiving the Corinthian delegation’s ill report (17), going first to Apollos to request him to go to help with their problems, then, when Apollos refused, Paul went to Timothy to go, and when he refused, and Paul himself was unable to go, Paul’s last resort was to answer them with a long, detailed rebuke in the form of this letter.

Life is weary enough without big problems stressing us even more. So, we ignore big problems, hoping they will either solve themselves, go away, or hope and pretend they are not as big a problem as we imagine. Perhaps they are not. Usually they are. No simple direction exists when they come except one: pray, pray, pray, and trust God. Be in his peace. Psalm 107:29-30 says, “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”

An inciter to a depressing grey day is manifested in the mumbled thought, “Nothing ever goes my way.” A person makes plans that have good, right, and pleasant goals. When the goals are blocked, moved, and prove inadiquit, the mood turns from sunny rays to an overcast soul. We feel alone, perhaps even abandoned by God or good fortune. How can a bright, hopeful heart return?

Paul reveals his travel plans. He intended to strengthen the congregations and collect the charitable offerings for the suffering poor Christians in Israel. This seemed like a good plan. His plans allowed for unforeseen problems, for he used phrases like, “Perhaps I will…” and “if the Lord permits.” Paul knew from past oppositions against the Lord’s work through him, that even the best laid out plans, go ways we do not want and perhaps never expected.

Paul was correct in his expectation of troubles that would cause his plans to change. Verses 3 and 4 indicate that, at this time, Paul did not intend to return to Jerusalem with the offering. The letter to the Roman congregations, written while in his future brief stay in Corinth, indicated that his desire after bringing all the offerings together was to visit Rome. This did not happen for he said to the Ephesus elders he was “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, though “in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” (Acts 20:17, 22-23)

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21). I make plans. I have intent. So, is it plausible to answer, “How then can anyone understand his own way?” while ignoring, “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.”? (Proverbs 20:24) Can I say, “I make plans with intent, so yes, I know my own way?” I cannot when I understand, accept, and live by humble faith. Did I plan without asking God’s leading in time past to be where I am now, doing what I am doing now? Is this truly my construct? Am I now what I intended before? No. Absolutely not. I am now what my loving God intended before. Accept this, invites a bright, hopeful heart’s return.

Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation’s final question. They wanted to know how to collect money for God’s people in Israel. Paul had asked them for this charity in an earlier letter that we do not have. Those in need were poor, persecuted Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. (Acts 8:1, 11:28, 44 or 46 A.D.)

Corinth was a Greek city in the Roman province of Achaia in Europe. Galatia, also involved in the charitable collection, was not (1). Galatia was a Roman province in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) in Asia. 2 Corinthians 8:1 and 9:1-2 reveal that the congregations in Macedonia were also collecting a charitable donation for the Jews in Israel. Macedonia in Europe was a Roman province north of Achaia province. Thessalonica was located in Macedonia. Cross-cultural giving was purposely prepared.

Paul wrote to them, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (3:19) To the Roman congregation, he wrote, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) Expressing love is to provide charity to fellow believers who are persecuted and/or in troubles not brought on by themselves.

Paul concludes his letter to the congregation at Corinth with an instruction, a personal request, and final greetings.

The Corinthian congregation met on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath, our Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the grave, and the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent. (2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) Paul told them to gather together money to help the believers in Jerusalem and collect it during their regular Sunday meetings. (1-2) Judah, where poor persecuted Christians lived, was experiencing a severe drought. (Acts 8:1, 11:28, 44 or 46 A.D.) They were to plan and prepare according to their income to help fellow Christians. Helping other believers is a good part of life in Jesus.

Paul also encouraged hospitality toward traveling believers, such as Timothy, whom he was sending to them to deliver this letter. (10-11, 15-17) At times, I was stationary for many years and accepted others into my abode. Other times, I moved here and there often. Once in 15 months, I stayed at 8 different places. Some for a few days, others longer, and still others I visited more than once. Some of these times, the Lord’s people and family welcomed me in. Most of the time, I was alone renting. A few times, I had guests. It is good to open my home and share time with believers.

In light of Jesus’ resurrection, our bodily resurrection, and Christ’s ultimate victory, Christians should not be moved by worldly temptation. Rather, we should give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Jesus sternly tells his disciples, “It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'” (Mark 13:34-37)

Yes, each one of Jesus’ disciples has been assigned work of the Lord. The work is “of the Lord”, not work for our food, shelter, and clothing. The Lord’s work is not for essential living needs, for our Father knows what we need. That is why Jesus told us, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mark 6:32).

The Lord’s work is not in vain. Kingdom work is not pointless, does not lack substance, value, or lasting effect. The work that we do for King and Kingdom will last for eternity. Keep up the good fight.

Are eternal questions worthy of never-ending, deep thoughts? Perishable and imperishable? Mortality and immortality? Death, sin, law, and victory unto eternal life? Does a never-ending seeker desire to know the answer? Or does he love seeking so much that he refused to find the joy of meeting and embracing truth? Listen for the shout of truth.

Knowledge has no real satisfaction if it has no love of truth. Truth is the word that has been spoken from the beginning. But man does not love the truth. They are afraid of the truth. They hid and ran from the truth. The truth swallows up death in victory with one word. And the word is “It is finished.”

Another word will soon be spoken. I listen for that word. Deep thought is not needed. Concentration and cross-references need not be employed. Listen for the truth to speak again. “Rise up!” Truth will trumpet in victory, “Rise up!” Truth will sting, “Rise up!” I love the truth. The simple-minded find truth easier to accept than those who get lost in deep thoughts.

When will Jesus come again? A question that the prophets and even the apostles asked. Jesus’ reply was, “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) So, the apostles watched believing Jesus could come any minute for Paul wrote, “…when we will be changed”, including himself in the group who will still be alive when Jesus comes. Over 2,000 years have passed. Are you still watching?

Many false prophets since the early 1800s, in grave error, have predicted either Jesus’ second coming or the sound of the trumpet at the rapture -many in my lifetime. Sadly, the followers of those false prophets remain in the cults that formed around their false prophecies.

Apostle Paul repeats what Jesus taught. The saints’ change to an imperishable body will occur instantly, “in a flash”, at his coming. Jesus told a Pharisee who asked about the coming of the Kingdom of God, “For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” (Luke 17:24).

Apostle Paul also refers to Jesus and the prophets’ references to “the last trumpet”. (Leviticus 23:24, 25:9; Isaiah 18:3; Jeremiah 4:5, 31:27; Ezekiel 7:14; Joel 2:1, 15; Zechariah 9:14) Jesus said, “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31). Paul had already wrote this to the congregation in Thessalonica). (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18)

Several years after Paul’s letters, Jesus revealed to the Apostle John that he would send seven angels with seven trumpets, “the last trumpet” blown is our transformation, when he comes again. (Revelation 11:15-19)

Do not be confused or misled. The book of Revelation is presented from a Semitic view, not a Western, consecutive, sequential view. On the day that Jesus comes, whenever that will be, “the last trumpet” will sound, “the dead in Christ will rise imperishable”, those who are alive “will be changed,” we will all meet Jesus in the sky as he descends to earth to establish his kingdom. (Revelation 8:1-5, 11:15-19, 16:17-21, 18:1-19:21 are all referring to the same time, the end). Therefore, keep aleart, keep watch, always be ready for we do not know the day or the hour.

The Holy Spirit inspired Apostle Paul to declare that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. “Flesh and blood” refers to people who are descendants of Adam and Eve, but are not born a second time, in Christ Jesus through the Spirit. As Jesus told Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3)

The “kingdom of God” is where God rules in sovereignty, more specifically it this chapter, it is refering to Jesus’ second coming with his people following him, and establishing his rule on earth (Matthew 6:9-10, 13:24, 31, 33, 44-45, 47, 20:1, 22, 25:1-46).

The Holy Spirit reveals through Paul that we “inherit” the kingdom of God. An inheritance comes only when someone dies. And so Christ died. With Jesus’ resurrection in glory, we inherit the kingdom of God. The author of Hebrews wrote, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance–now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)

Know this: if you accept and live by the gospel, then whether you are alive or asleep (physically dead) when Jesus comes, you will be changed, see Jesus as he is, and inherit the earth. Jesus has a place for you, and that place is very good, and that place is with him forever in a glorious resurrection body. You have an inheritance that will never spoil, rust, fade, or be stolen (Matthew 6:19-21).

God created the first man. “Man” is “Adam” in Hebrew (45; Genesis 1:26-27). Adam was formed from the dust of the earth and became a living being when the Lord God breathed life into his nostrils (Genesis 2:7). All people come from him and his wife, Eve.

Apostle Paul, led by the Spirit, reveals that Jesus is the last Adam. Jesus is in a newly created spiritual body, a life-giving spirit (45). When Jesus rose from the grave, he went to his Father (as presented in earlier BDBD) and was transformed into a glorious spiritual body, as he was transformed on the mount of transfiguration before Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; 9:28-36). After his heavenly transformation, Jesus came from heaven (47) and appeared to his disciples, as mentioned in verses 5-8. Then he ascended into heaven, where he has been to this day.

Jesus is new life for those who have faith in him, for he is a life-giving spirit (45). We are born again, born of the Spirit (John 3:3-8, 16-21). When he comes from heaven, we will bear his likeness, as he is now in heaven (49). The contrast between the natural body and the spiritual body follows from their two representatives: Adam and Jesus.

Jesus promised, “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:26-29)

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Do you want or need a part of your body changed, something that no matter what you do, you cannot seem to change, or simply, there is no way to change? Perhaps it is a matter of perspective. And one of these perspective changes is with believing and understanding the coming change for the believer in Christ.

Apostle Paul uses two phrases concerning the resurrected bodies awaiting the disciples of Jesus: “it is sown” and “it is raised”. As seeds are cultivated, so our bodies undergo cultivation. When we die, we are usually buried, and someday we will come forth from the earth with a new body. Though the average cell lifespan is seven to ten years, there is no need to be concerned about which cell it will be. That is just as silly a question to ask as the Corinthian congregation’s questions.

The present state of our resurrected body is as we are now: perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural. The regenerated resurrected body will be raised imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. Most likely, the human cell will be perfected, though the cell we have now, with self-replication, membrane-skin, a skeleton, micromachines-organs, and a nucleus containing the supercomputer code DNA, is rather remarkable.

The resurrected body will be more than physical. It will also be spiritual. Apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

We who believe in Jesus shall be like him. How is he? After writing this, John saw Jesus and gave an account of it in the book of Revelation. “I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand, he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'” (Revelation 1:12-18)

A change is coming. And that change will be you; your body will change.

When conversations and Bible studies address the coming bodily resurrection of the dead, a question of recognition is always brought up: “Will I recognize my family and friends? Will they recognize me?” It appears that the question is asked because of Paul’s three illustrations concerning the resurrection body. In reality, the person is afraid of being alone for eternity, forever searching for people they love.

Paul’s three illustrations are meant to answer the questions in verse 35, their disguised objection to the resurrection. The first illustration, the seed illustration, was considered in yesterday’s BDBD. The other two are in these verses: the vast array of animal bodies and all the bodies in space, what ancient writings, including the Bible, refer to as one of the heavens.

Apostle Paul’s point is that God has an infinite imagination and inexhaustible and irresistible power. He is not saying we will be like a seed, an animal, or one of the lights in the sky. He is only pointing out the foolishness of the people asking silly questions like the ones in verse 35. (2:6-10a; Romans 1:19-10, 6:6; 1 John 3:2)

Today, people ask questions about recognition. The question of recognition has the same root problem as the questions of some in the Corinthian congregation. They do not trust God. Therefore, do they know God? Worse yet, are they more concerned about recognition between them and their family and friends than Jesus and his Father?

The intimate presence of God takes all fear and sadness away. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isn’t his loving recognition better than a, “I don’t know you. Away from me?”

Furthermore, do you need to see your loved one to know they are in the next room? If they wear a costume, how long would it take you to recognize your spouse, children, and parents? A person is more than their looks. We will recognize the ones we love no matter their appearance. Paul defined love in chapter 13. Appearance is not in the long definition. Love remains no matter the appearance. God will not let us down. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He was the one who designed for use to be in a community with those we love.

Apostle Paul, still countering a claim coming from some in the Corinthian congregation that there is no resurrection of the dead (12), presents and addresses two questions that the “bad company” (33) was using as a clever mind trap, a disguised lie. They asked questions that most could not answer due to ignorance of God and the Bible (34).

“How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” they asked with a sly smile.

The corrupters implied that they knew the answer because they believed themselves gifted with knowledge. Their answer was, “You do not know, nor do you know anyone who does, because no one has ever seen anyone who has died come back to life and walk around. Yep, no zombies here. Therefore, resurrection from death does not exist.”

Apostle Paul responds, “How foolish!” He then proceeds to give the illustration of a seed. It dies, transforms, and amazingly becomes a healthy plant. How? God designed it to be that way.

Where did Paul get this? Jesus, who said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Beware, for the devil talks through many split tongues who try to humiliate and deceive God’s chosen people. (1 Peter 5:8)

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Associating with bad people will ruin decent people. This does not mean we should disregard Jesus’ example and prayer, “My prayer is not that you (God his Father) take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:15-18) Jesus gave his disciples a mission to go into all the world. However, we are not to keep a continual association with the bad company.

Being misled has a negative effect on oneself, others, one’s character, and on the peace of mind and heart. Worse still, bad company can hinder our relationship with Jesus. That is why Jesus prayed for his disciples to be “sanctified by the truth”. He also said, “Be on your guard against the yearst of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and that of Herod” (Matthew 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1).

With commands like “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27), and “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24), and “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13), Jesus moves us forward in spiritual battle.

Apostle Paul took these commands seriously, for he told the congregation at Corinth, “I die every day – I mean that, brothers…” (31)

When Paul said he fought “wild beasts” in Ephesus, the Roman capital city of Asia, he probably actually meant wild animals. Though the act is not mentioned elsewhere, the city did contain a 25,000-seat Great Theatre and a 755ft x 130ft (230m x 40m) sports stadium that included a U-shaped track that was used nine years later during Nero’s empire-wide persecution of Christians (64 A.D).

Apostle Paul, the rest of the apostles, and many others gave up so much and endured so much for Jesus, the gospel, and the church. Why? More than one reason exists. However, the one reason that is noticed by God is for the love of God and others. These can be merely human reasons, but coupled with a hope of the resurrection of the dead through Christ, these two reasons bring on another meaning

Therefore, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3).

A hierarchy exists now, and that order of majesty and power will be finalized at the end of time. The hierarchy that exists now consists of Jesus, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit acting upon the will of the Father in the affairs of creation. To accomplish the work assigned to them, which they willingly and eagerly accepted, the Father placed “everything under Jesus’ feet” (Psalm 8:6). When their work is finished, and all is as it should be, the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him (25, 27a).

The Son will be made subject to the Father in the sense that administratively, after he subjects all things to his power, he will then turn it all over to God the Father, the administrative head. This is not to suggest that the Son is in any way inferior to the Father. All three persons of the Trinity are equal in duty and in dignity. The subordination referred to is one of function. The Father is supreme in the Trinity; the Son carries out the Father’s will; the Spirit is sent by the Father and the Son to vitalize life, communicate God’s truth, apply his salvation to people, and enable them to obey God’s will.

Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” (John 8:28-29)

And Jesus said, “I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” (John 14:30-31)

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. In Christ Jesus, death is no more. Therefore, what reason is there to remain our own ruler when another ruler exists that has the authority over death and will utterly and completely destroy it?

Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveals the order of the transformation from an earthly body to a glorious spiritual body. Jesus is already transformed as the firstfruits of the barley harvest (23a). When Jesus comes again, those who put their faith and hope in him, those who belong to him, will be transformed into a body like Jesus’ (23b). What good news!

Many have said that the Old Testament does not reveal the long gap between Jesus’ glorious resurrection some 2,000 years ago, and our future glorious resurrection. They are wrong. The Mosaic law does reveal the long gap, and more, through the then-required celebration of the Israelite feasts. (Exodus 34:22-23; Leviticus 23; Numbers 9:1-14, 28:16-29:40; Deuteronomy 16:1-16)

The spring feasts were discussed in previous BDBD -Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits (aka Ingatherings) at the barley harvest (Exodus 34:22-23), and Pentecost (aka the Feast of Weeks). Jesus fulfilled and replaced the spring feasts, celebrated at the beginning of the Hebrew year, during his first coming

The other feasts are celebrated in the fall –the Feast of Trumpets, the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22), the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus will fulfill these when he comes again. In between the spring and fall feasts is a long gap of several months where nothing happens.

The wheat harvest is our bodily resurrection from the dead when he comes again. Jesus often used wheat in parables to illustrate our resurrection (Matthew 13:24-30; Luke 3:17; John 12:23-26). Jesus concluded the Parable of the Weeds and Wheat with, “Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.” (Matthew 13:30) Are you wheat or a weed?

Do you need some happy, joyful, good news today? Well, if you care to take less than three minutes of thinking time, read on.

Through one man, Adam (who is called the son of God in Luke 3:38 because he had neither father nor mother), came man’s subjection to mortality, sicknesses, physical death, and eternal death and misery in another world because he sinned. We are born in Adam. So also, it pleased God that through one man, Jesus, who became flesh of our flesh, who though he was the eternal and the only begotten Son of God, came the FREE gift of physical resurrection from death for those who believe in him and his power over death. (Hebrews 2:14) Anyone can become born again in Jesus.

As in Adam all, that were and are in him, became subject both to temporal death, and all the afflictions and miseries of this life, which are so many little deaths (Romans 8:36) and forerunners of natural death, or attendants upon it; and also to eternal death, which is the consequent of the guilt of sin (Romans 6:23). So in Jesus, that is, through the merits of his death, and through his resurrection, all that are in him, being chosen in him, given to him, and by faith implanted into him, are not only spiritually made alive, being passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14), but will also be raised from physical death unto eternal life.

The happy, joyful, good news is that you can live happily ever after eternally in paradise with someone who loves you and will continue to love you forever, Jesus.

Apostle Paul logically and completely disproves a “no resurrection” claim made by some in the Corinthian congregation (12, 16). Epicurean and Stoic Greek philosophers discredited the resurrection. (Acts 17:18) Jewish Sadducees also did not believe in the resurrection. (Matthew 22:23; Mark 12:18; Acts 23:8) That is why they were Sad-u-see?

Paul says they are ignorant of God. (33) Jesus said such false belief comes from not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:18) It seems that those in Corinth who say there is no resurrection were influenced by these false doctrines. (33)

Perhaps, you still do not believe in life after physical death, even after reading the first 11 verses, previous BDBD, and reading the commentary at FreeBibleStudyHelp.com. Recently, someone who seems to be a believer asked a question to make people think in a group Bible Study, “What about all the people who, after dying and being brought back to life, claim that they have been to heaven or hell?”

My response, perhaps, was not what he expected or wanted to hear. “I know of a person who has been to both heaven and hell. He has given his testimony a few times since, and you would be surprised at the responses. As Jesus concluded the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” (Luke 16:31)

A vast amount of evidence is in the Bible. Sure, personal testimonies of being in heaven and hell may make someone think. But in my experience, personal witnesses are as Jesus said. Acceptance of the physical resurrection to come, when the current body is replaced, comes by the will and power of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s testimony. Ask with all honesty and sincerity with a humble and repentant heart, and you will know.

Apostle Paul listed some of the people who saw the resurrected Christ before 55 A.D., when this letter was written. He includes himself, “last of all” and the “least of all” (5-8).

Jesus came to Paul when he was known as Saul in approx. 35 A.D. (Acts 9:3-19; 22:6-21; 26:13-23), approx. 5 years after Pentecost, the day of the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Paul converted from Judaism to faith in Jesus the Messiah when Jesus came to him on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus. Three days later, Paul was baptised by the disciple Ananias. The Holy Spirit entered Paul. Paul was born again. Thus, Paul called his spiritual birth “abnormal”.

All those who come to faith in Jesus Christ are spiritually born again as the Holy Spirit becomes one with our soul and enters our body. We are born again by the grace of God (John 3:3-8). That day is our spiritual birthday.

The spiritual birth is not without effect (10). The Spirit enables us with gifts as we work for the good of the body of Christ. It is not us that works, but the grace of God that is with us. What effects has and will God enabled you to do today?

The bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead is well documented. Apostle Paul records some eyewitnesses. The gospel writers record more. (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21; Acts 1:1-10) Other historical documents, both Christian and non-Christian, also record Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Clement of Rome’s letters in 85-86AD, the Jew historian Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews in 93-94AD, Ignatius of Antioch’s letters from 107-110AD, the Roman historian Tacitus in his Roman Annals in 116AD, the Roman governor Pliny the Younger’s letter in 112AD, etc.

The apostles and many others held through threat, abuse, torture, and even to their martyrdom that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. They witnessed the empty tomb and met the resurrected Jesus, talked with him, listened to him, ate with him, and touched the holes in his hands and side. Then they said he ascended into heaven to be with his father, as he had told them.

Apostle Thomas was not with the other apostles when Jesus first appeared with them. When they told him he would not believe them. With the doors locked, Jesus came and stood among them again and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he addressed Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

Jesus did not say, “God?!? Oh no, Thomas. I am not God.” No, Jesus did not say that. Jesus reply to Thomas, who said, “My Lord and my God!” was “Because you have seen me (bodily raised from the dead), you have believed (I am Lord and God).” Then, he added a very important fact about all who followed Thomas’ declaration that Jesus is divine. All who believe in Jesus, who bodily rose from the dead, are Lord and God is blessed. It goes without saying that if a person does not believe Jesus is Lord and God, they are not blessed.

The four Gospels, in great detail, answer the questions of who, what, when, and where concerning Jesus’ death and burial. (Matthew 26:47-27; Mark 14:43-15; Luke 22:54-23; John 18-19) Apostle Paul directly answers the “why,” whereas the Gospels indirectly answer the why through Jesus’ predictions of his death and burial. (Matthew 12:40; 26:28, 61; John 1:29, 2:19; Mark 10:33-34, Mark 14:24; Luke 9:21-22; 17:25; 18:31-33, 20:13-18; etc.)

Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian congregation that Christ died for our sins and was buried according to the Scriptures. The why is that Jesus died for our sins. Paul passed that on as of first importance. Even before the first century AD ended, Jesus’ death for our sins and burial were part of our tradition of the highest importance.

Apostle John records a seemingly strange, insignificant fact we might overlook concerning Jesus’ death for our sins, “The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” (John 19:32-35)

John then states that Jesus’ legs were not broken to fulfill scripture. Why then tell us of the sudden flow of blood and water when Jesus’ side was pierced, a seemingly strange, insignificant fact? Not so. It undoubtedly shows Jesus had been dead for at least half an hour, perhaps even one whole hour, before his heart, which is in the center, slightly on the left side of our chest, was pierced. His heart was pierced at the bottom.

When the heart stops pumping, the blood stops circulating. Blood consists of translucent plasma, white blood cells, clear platelets, and red blood cells. When stagnant, these separate.The heavy red blood cells sink to the bottom of the heart, the lightest translucent plasma rises to the top of the heart, and the white blood cells and clear platelets are in between. The separation in the heart begins immediately upon death and is visible within half an hour and complete by two hours, considering crucifixion. Even if Jesus were completely healthy at his age, the appearance of a flow of blood and water would have happened no later than an hour after the heart stopped pumping, a part of postmortem lividity. The blood looks like blood, then water flows out.

Jesus was dead, dead, dead, his heart emptied of blood, and any left in his body completely separated when he was buried. There was no chance of recession, to the shame and ignorance of those who suggest it. Jesus indeed died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

The gospel saves if held onto firmly. The gospel saves from sin and its consequences, which is death. The gospel is a message preached. Some receive it. Others reject it, and still others are contemplating it. Those who receive it must hold firmly to the gospel. Salvation is evidenced by continuing in faith to the end. Such perseverance reveals those who share in Christ. (Hebrews 3:14) Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Everyone needs to prove their love for God. Noah’s proof was building an ark completely. Abraham’s proof was being willing to offer his one and only son. Hannah’s proof was bringing her son to live with the priests. David’s proof was keeping his faith while on the run in the wilderness from Saul’s pride and greed. Mary’s proof was believing the angel’s message of the immaculate conception. All these kept their faith till the end. God looks to see if all keep their faith in his promises to the end.

Apostle Paul addresses misconceptions about the resurrection of the dead in chapter 15. He counters a false belief that there is no resurrection of the dead.

People live after the body dies. It’s a fact. Jesus bodily died and was buried. It’s a fact. Jesus rose from death bodily. It’s a fact. Those who believe in Jesus will die, rise from the dead, and when Jesus comes again, will receive a physical resurrection body. It’s a fact. The resurrection body is far better than the current physical body. It’s a fact. The current body is a weak flesh earthly body. The resurrection body for those who believe in Christ will be a powerful spiritual-flesh body like Jesus’ body when he rose from the grave. These are facts.

When I think of the resurrection to come, I think of several illustrations from this world, like a caterpillar. They have a long, fussy body with many feet that traverse on plants and the ground. They eat and grow, eat and grow, and eat and grow. Then one day, they form a cocoon around them. In hiding, their worm body is amazingly transformed into a colorful, delicate flying body. They are the same creatures on the inside. Yet outside, they are something entirely new. Somewhere in a caterpillar’s DNA is an old body and a new, better body. For me, it’s an amazing picture of what God can do and will do.

Apostle Paul’s conclusion to chapters 12-14 begins with verse 33b, “As in all the congregations of the saints…”, then it skips to verses 36-40. Paul was saying in verse 33b, “Coming together as a church and the conduct during the meeting is an established pattern in the body of Christ in Asia Minor. Your congressional meetings are different from every other congregation.”

Paul’s instruction that a wife should not make inquiries to her husband while someone is speaking is between 33b and 36-40. Was Paul’s thought interrupted? I am not sure. It seems the different translations don’t know where to put 33b either. (First-century Greek had no punctuation. So, translators do not know if 33b is the end of 33a, the beginning of 34, or the start of a thought that picks up again at verse 36.)

The two rhetorical questions in verse 36 have the same concept as verse 33b. “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” The answer is no. The word of God originated many millennia ago and has continued unbroken to this day. The word of God has spread to many people, including many congregations is Asia Minor.

Paul’s general conclusion is that the Corinthian congregation has started to do their own thing, separate from their neighboring congregations in Asia Minor. Paul writes, “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (40). He meant, as it is done in all the other congregations.

Consider Paul’s two rhetorical questions carefully (26). God’s word and church tradition have existed unbroken by the power of God to this day. The Word of God has been passed down to us through ancient documents, maintained by God’s power. God keeps the long history of the Bible and the church.

New false so-called Christian groups say that only they have the true Bible and religion. They say that all other translations are from broken manuscripts generated in the mid-fourth century. They say the original documents were lost and changed. They say the tradition we have, as Paul wrote, calling it tradition, is wrong. They have no proof of this. I have seen the proof that shows they are wrong. If they are willingly ignorant, let them be ignorant and ignored by God. Do not be fooled by people who say, “An angel told our founder the true way.”

Have you ever been to a play, movie, or presentation where there were disruptions? Paul addresses in verses 26-40 rude people being boisterous and obnoxious in a congregational gathering designed for one person to speak. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” (26b) Many were speaking at once, which isn’t right (27, 30). It sounded like a large flock of segals on a rocky ocean beach with waves crashing.

First, he tells them to no longer simultaneously speak in tongues and prophecy during their gatherings (26-33). Only one person is to speak in front of the congregation at a time.

Now Apostle Paul addresses interuptive side conversations, specifically mentioning wives. Paul is not contradicting his statement in 11:5, “And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head–it is just as though her head were shaved.” Women can pray and prophesy during congregational meetings.

When Paul says “women should remain silent in the churches” (34), he specifies that his statement concerns “if they want to inquire about something”. The original Greek word “eperotao” is used more often implying a pointed, urgent, or challenging inquiry demanding an answer. It is often used in association with people interrogating Jesus. (Matthew 22:35) Here, it is women asking questions.

Who are the women asking demanding questions and expecting an answer? Paul continues, “they should ask their own husbands at home” (35). The scene is this. One speaker, a prophet or teacher, is up front, and a wife turns to her husband and asks a question. What is her husband going to do? Any wise husband would answer. And so this side conversation interrupts those around them. Tell me you haven’t experienced this in a play, movie, classical concert, presentation, or church? I experienced it just last week during a Bible study.

Everyone, please be respectful. Silence your cell phones and stop the side conversations! Let the rest of us hear what we came to hear!

Apostle Paul was concerned that disorderly and unregulated congressional meetings at Corinth would discredit the name of the God who had called those in Christ to peace and unity (33; 10:11-13). He gave them orderly instructions for speaking in tongues, and that only if there is an interpreter (26-28). He gave them orderly instructions for prophets, and that their every word should be weighed carefully (29-32).

God is a God of order and peace. Order exists in DNA and the cell though they are complex. Order exists in the atom and the solar system though they are complex. Order exists in geology and nature though they are complex. Edward Lorenz discovered that order exists within chaos theory. In 1961, while simplifying weather prediction models, he developed a set of three nonlinear differential equations—now known as the Lorenz system—which demonstrated that chaotic, unpredictable systems follow a “strange attractor” that forms a distinct pattern resembling a butterfly.

When a congregation comes together, the proceedings should have order and peace, even though they are complex. Family life is complex, but that doesn’t mean that it should be void of at least some order and peace. How? Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Yesterday’s blue morning, followed by today’s gray. Tomorrow we pray, the Son to split open the sky.

Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, concludes his correction to the Corinthian believers concerning speaking in tongues during their meetings with a sharp rebuke. His rebuke mimics Jesus’ rebuke to the apostles concerning their childish arguments about who was the greatest. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 18:15-17)

Paul wrote, “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” (20) The Corinthian believers, like the apostles, had childish thinking that sought human recognition and conformity. The mature in Christ in love think about how to seek the welfare of others even at the expense of self.

Paul directs their selfish, childish thoughts towards someone who comes to their meetings with inquiries about Jesus and the gospel. If that person were to come in and see all them speaking at one time in a strange language, the chaos and confusion would have the same response as at Pentecost, “These people are drunken mad!” They would quickly leave. However, if someone speaks in clear language and with honest emotion about the gospel, they will come to faith in Jesus and repent.

So what of my thinking? Is it mature or childlike? Do I heed Jesus serious rebuke? Do I in love think about how others will see my actions? Does all of me prophesy? (24)

Prayer, song, praise, and thanksgiving are presented to God personally and congregationally. Prayer is often defined as a formal request, a petition, and simply communion with God. A prayer can be written by someone else. For example, we pray the Lord’s Prayer as recorded by the gospel writers. (Luke 11:2-4) We also pray with our mind and heart, as Jesus did during the Last Supper (John 17).

A song has melody and meter. Praise may or may not have melody and meter. Jesus and the apostles sang a traditional Jewish hymn during the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). Thanksgiving is gratitude expressed exclusively to God.

Prayer, song, praise, and thanksgiving can be given from our mind with understandable words through our physical tongue, and from our spirit with unperceivable words through the same physical tongue (13-14). Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian congregation when it is proper to use each. When we are before the congregation, we should edify the mind with perceivable language. The minds of all present should understand what is said. When we are alone, we can pray in a tongue even though our mind does not understand (15-17).

Apostle Paul spoke tongues in private and thanked God for it. I have too. When you are alone and want to praise and thank God, but have no words or lack perceivable language to express your thankfulness and praise, rather than ramble on with repetitive words as the pagans (Matthew 6:7-8), pray and/or sing your praise and thanksgiving with your spirit by the use of tongues if you have that gift. God looks at the heart and sees your offering that comes from the spirit and accepts it.

My mother said to the young me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I do not remember what I was always saying that wasn’t nice. Perhaps, she just wanted me to stop talking and let my siblings say something for a change. I do tend to babble on, and what could a young boy say that would be of interest to a working mother with four children and one more on the way?

The Spirit through Apostle Paul says, “If you do not bring some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction from God that is understandable, then you should stop speaking in front of the congregation.” (6) “You are ‘speaking into the air’. Sit down, be quiet, and let others speak who will say intelligible words.” (9-11)

Perhaps a parallel exists between the young me, my working mother, the Corinthian congregation, and those who would speak before it. I have been to congregational meetings that ended with people yelling babbles, shouting against the devil, stomping their feet, and making more commotion than any other event I have personally witnessed, all in the name of being led by the Spirit. Their justification for the chaos conflicts with Paul’s parallels to organized musical pieces and an army’s trumpet call in verses 7 and 8. (Numbers 10:9; Joshua 6:4, 9) As the organized and recognizable notes convey a clear tune and message, so should the proceedings in a congregation’s meetings.

I can apply this principle to my life. Am I conveying a clear message about Christ and living his truth in my tune? What would those I trust say: my spouse, parents, children, friends, fellow perishers, and perhaps even my coworkers? Am I a chaos of messages, or do every aspect of my life convey a clear message? Am I like Christ, following his example as is revealed in the gospels?

The basic principle Paul insists on is that whatever is done in congregational meetings must contribute to the edification, that is, building up, of the congregation (3, 5b). He first stated this in 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This also agrees with the previous chapter concerning the way of love. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (13:1)

What is spoken in congregational meetings, then, must be intelligible to the listeners, in the style and language they would understand, or at least interpreted. Even if the message is in the same language, if it is not in a style and dialect they are familiar with, it could hinder the message.

Years ago, I gave messages in countries where I did not speak the native language, and they did not speak mine. So I was given an interpreter. If I had not used one, my message would not have been received, and so I and my message would have been useless to them. The principle applies to speaking in tongues. Therefore, prophecy that is understood is better than tongues that no one understands.

The message is not only what I say, but how I say it. If a message is to be received, it needs to be conveyed in the best possible way. Communication is more than words. Communication involves dialect, style, and body language. Conviction and heart from the messenger is as much, if not more, of the message as the words. Even actors practice their art before they perform on a stage in front of an audience. Therefore, I should seek the gift of prophecy, present God’s messages to other, doing so in a manner that in a way that is best received by the audience. They should fall in love with Jesus, not fall asleep.

Paul continues and concludes his point about the gifts of the Spirit by explaining how they are to be used when they come together as a group. Some congregations call the gathering a mass, a worship service, a joyful celebration, a Bible study, or simply a gathering.

First, he states that speaking in tongues should not be done when they are gathered as a group unless someone can interpret what they are saying. The reasons are that tongues are for self-edification, and if a stranger came in during the gathering, they would think they are all drunk. (1-25)

Second, only a few are to sing a hymn or song. He does not specify the style or the meaning of the lyrics. He neither includes nor excludes instruments. He does say it should be done in turn. (26-28)

Third, he says that two or perhaps three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. A prophet, then, is called today a pastor, priest, shepherd, missionary, evangelist, and speaker. Those who speak should speak in turn, not all at once. (29-33a)

Fourth, Paul wrote that women should remain silent. Today, this is shocking and labeled as anti-women. The reason Moses wrote this and Paul agreed was not that women are unintelligent. Rather, they were not educated in ages past and therefore, could not read the Bible. The speakers should be able to read. I have great respect for two ladies who taught the Bible for many years at church. I spoke to one yesterday who went to the same seminary as Billy Graham. Her knowledge of the Bible and 60 years of teaching are clearly a gift of the Spirit. (33b-40)

“Love never fails” (8a) conveys the meaning of “never-ending,” as some English translations render it. Love was before eternity and will continue, for within the nature of God is love, and God never fails. (1 John 4:8) Those who will live forever emanate love in their life. What is an adult man? What is an adult woman? The essence that will remain of the mature is God’s love (11). Those who live it are adults. Without love awaits the second death. (John 5:42; Revelation 21:8, 20:14, 6, 2:11)

God knows me fully (12b). He understands me completely. He knows my motives. He sees my heart. He knows my situation. He knows my past, present, and future. Nothing about me is hidden from God. I cannot keep anything from God. The Spirit searches all deep, hidden things. (2:10)

Knowing God is a continual process in this age. (12) Paul says now we know in part, then we shall know fully. Being in the presence of God cannot be compared to any experience we have in this life. How can it be described? There is no experience like being in the presence of God. Any attempt is a poor reflection in a poor mirror. In those days, mirrors were polished bronze. That is not remotely the same as seeing someone face-to-face, being surrounded and indwelled fully in the power and love of God. No comparison.

Do you have a desire to live eternally? Know God. One cannot know God if they do not have and express love.

A prelude to chapter 15 lies hidden in these verses, acting as a bridge. Chapter 15 is the letter’s culmination: the believer’s bodily resurrection, being with our God Jesus for all eternity, who bodily rose from the dead. Something better is coming, not in this age where Jesus said we will have trouble. (John 16:33) Rather, the age to come is our better existence (8).

The spiritual gifts given by grace in this age are but the whiff of a baby’s breath compared to what is to come in the next age (9). “For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” (9-10)

Paul parallels the progression of human life to the Christian’s progression from this age to the age to come. Humans start as children, becoming adults as God programmed. The human child does not live like an adult, and an adult does not live like a child, though they are the same person. (11)

Similarly, the way a believer in Jesus is in this age will not be the same as it will be in the next, though we will be the same person. Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will cease because they are partial in nature (9) and will be unnecessary when what is complete has come (10). Now the Christian sees “a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (12)

God is not through with us. He has just begun. Be patient and believe. Love is patient. (4) “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8)

From ancient times, poets and songwriters have asked and/or answered the question, “What is love?” A popular song by the group Foreigner in the 1980s was titled “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The author’s friend, who is a popular Christian artist, John Elefante, answered with a song titled “This is What Love Is.” John Elefante quoted 1 John 3:16 in his song. The apostles who saw and learned love from Jesus Christ defined love through the Spirit in the New Testament.

Apostle Paul describes love with seven positive adjectives and with seven negative predicative adjective phrases. The positive adjectives are patient, kind, keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. The negative predicative adjective phrases are does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and does not delight in evil.

The list could be added to. Paul limited himself to these because some are clearly references to the Corinthian congregation’s heart infection. Paul wanted the believers there to change their ways. God’s grace is revealed. They had a chance to change. Now I know. I can now change too. Love expressed starts with a God revelation and continues with my choice to do.

Apostle Paul is explaining the most excellent way to the Corinthian congregation (12:31). By “way,” he means the way to live in Christ and to interact with others, especially other believers. The way is love. (Galatians 5:22) “Love” is “agape,” in Greek, equivalent to Jesus’ love manifested on the cross. (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16)

Paul, using hyperbole, opens with three comparative illustrations – comparing super-spiritual gifts without love against the same gifts with the virtue of love. The super-spiritual gifts are speaking in all tongues, prophecy, Solomon-like wisdom, immense faith, and profound philanthropy. He even includes suffering martydom through burning at the stake, as many early Christians experienced.

Paul states that if I have super-spiritual gifts and become a martyr without love, I gain nothing (3b). Does this mean that if I use the spiritual gifts God gives me in love, then I will gain something? Yes. Some of Jesus’ parables teach this truth. Consider the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, where the workers received a denarius (Matthew 20:1-16), and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where Jesus concluded with, “For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

Doing is not enough. Doing it with the right motives is what is required. The Pharisees and other religious leaders did many things. However, Jesus the Messiah rebuked them because they did not do them in love. I do not want to be nothing in Jesus’ eyes. I do not want to gain nothing and be humiliated at the BEMA seat. Lord forgive my hard heart.