How to Enjoy Your Liberty Without Causing Offense

Enjoy Your Liberty Without Causing Offense

1st Corinthians 10:30-33; 11:1, 2

³⁰For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

³¹Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

³³Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1st Corinthians 11:1, 2

¹ Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

²Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Introduction:

Last week we addressed a specific problem that (as a rule) we do not face in our culture: “Foods sacrificed to Idols.” But it opened the general subject of living with our liberty, but avoiding causing others to “stumble” or sin.

The issue of the idols is a rather blatant example of a case where our liberty could be a real problem for someone else. But it served as a springboard to other such examples, and the general subject of “If I have all this liberty, but can’t use it, then what good is it?”

³⁰For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Paul asks why he should be accused, regarding something in which he enjoyed full freedom. That is a good question, and it is one we may ask in our hearts as well.

Example in Nature

I read a rather sad story, years ago, in which a brooding hen was given a clutch of duck eggs to incubate and hatch. She succeeded in hatching them all, and she was a wonderful mother to the strange-looking “chicks” which (of course) were actually ducklings.

All went well until she happened to walk near the pond. The ducklings all plunged into the pond and began paddling around in the water. The mother hen was frantic, of course, because her “chicks” had no business swimming!

The ducklings had perfect freedom to swim: they were created to do so. But the hen could not understand that. People who have not yet grasped the reality of their liberty in Christ are alarmed to see Christians doing a thing that they feel must be wrong (because someone told them it was.)

The believer has seen in the scriptures that he or she is free: Believers can eat anything, and they know their food cannot defile them. In Mark 7:15, Jesus said, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.”

Paul pointed out that all things were “lawful” to him (he had no dietary restrictions under God’s rule,) but not all things were expedient. (Yes, you can eat the meat of a puffer fish, but it truly is not a good idea: Many people have died, in an attempt to sample that delicacy, as most of the flesh of the puffer fish contains a deadly poison.)

Does it Glorify God?

The bottom line for us as believers is “Does it glorify God?”

Years ago, an older man was telling me how a particular televangelist was persuading people to give heavily to his ministry: He was financing a huge new church building, and he told his radio and television audiences, “If you send me $500, I will send you a brick with your name on it: And, I’ll put another one, just like it, in my new building!”

Stop and think what the motivation had to be: Their motive for giving was to get their name embossed in a brick in that building! They wanted to exalt their own name. (Or, possibly worse, they may have thought that identifying themselves with that evangelist would somehow draw them “closer to God!”)

I was uncomfortable with the story, and I told the man, “That seems repugnant to me!” He replied, “But the bottom line, Chet, is that it works!” I did not want to argue with him as he was old enough to be my dad, so I walked away…but after a minute or so it came to me: The bottom line is not “it works!” the bottom line is, “Does it Glorify God?”

That particular televangelist was caught in multiple acts of flagrant immorality just a few years later. I could not help wondering how his followers felt after the truth of his sin was in the open.

**When Might My Liberty Not Glorify God?**

This entire passage addresses this specific question: Last week we mentioned that we no longer use wine in Communion, because we found that we were causing some members to stumble because they were recovering alcoholics, and were afraid that embracing the “liberty” to drink the communion wine would cause them to fail in their commitment to sobriety.

Did we have the “liberty” to continue using wine in celebrating the Lord’s Table? Of course, we did! But would it have glorified God for us to ignore the fear and the need in another brother or sister’s life so that we could “enjoy our liberty?” My conviction is that it would not!

Three Groups

³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Notice that Paul lists three groups of humans that we should consider in our desire to Glorify God and to avoid causing others to stumble:

The Jews
The Gentiles
The Church of God.

There Once Were Only Two

Before Jesus died and was resurrected, there existed two main groups on earth: Jews and non-Jews, whom the Jews called “Gentiles.” (The word means “heathen.”)

Paul still referred to those two groups in Romans 1:16, when he said “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

In John 10:16, Jesus said, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

When Jesus died for the sins of the world, He began something new: In Ephesians 2:14, 15, Paul reminds us, saying, “¹⁴For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”

But Now There Are Three!

Jesus mentioned this third group only vaguely, as a mysterious truth. The John 10:16 comment is one such mention. The Jews must have wondered, “Who are the Other Sheep?”

But, in Matthew 16:18, He made the famous promise, “Upon this Rock I will build My Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” (Jesus referred to the Bedrock [Greek, “petra”] of the truth of His Deity, not the movable stone [Greek, “petros”], who was Peter)

Notice that both comments Jesus made were future tense. He intended (future) to go and bring those “other sheep.” He promised (future) to build His Church. Paul addresses these three groups in this passage in 1^st Corinthians. In the past, remember, there were believers and unbelievers within both of the people groups, but it was not so easy to define:

Who Is The Real Believer?

The Pharisees thought they were the “real believers,” because of their extreme religiosity. The Sadducees thought they were the “real believers,” because they philosophized about God’s Word and did not take it literally. They thought their “wisdom” exceeded that of the people who just believed what God said. They thought they could see “what He truly meant!” (We have folks like that, today, too! They think that we, who believe that “the Bible is to be taken literally” are poor, deluded, unsophisticated fools. That’s OK! Paul accepted that label, and so did the other apostles.)

But, while Jesus was on earth, we saw that the Pharisees and the Sadducees, along with the Religious authorities, were the primary enemies who aligned themselves against Him. Jesus taught that the Word of God meant exactly what it said, He pointed out both the extreme folly of the Sadducees and the extreme hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the priests. (They hated that, too!)

So, they continued to persecute Him, until He went to the Cross. It is important to remember that Jesus said, in John 10:17, 18, that no one was “taking” His life, but that He would lay down His life of His own will, and He would also take it up again. His death, in every detail, fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.

The Result Of The Cross

And, in Ephesians, we saw that, in laying down His life in that way, he abolished the division between the Jews and Gentiles by fulfilling all the demands of the Law and by creating one NEW man, the Church, within which all the believers from both of the earlier two divisions (Jew and Gentile) would be joined in peace.

When we share in the Lord’s Table, we underscore that unity: we confess that “His Blood was shed for ME!” We acknowledge that (one and all) our salvation is dependent upon the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross. We state our dependence upon His Death, His Burial, and His Resurrection. And, we declare our confidence that He is coming again (soon, we hope!)

The Effect of Unity

Knowing the humility of our position in Christ, that we have done nothing to earn it, we also reach out in humility to those around us. We are truly beggars who have been fed, and who now are eager to tell other beggars where to find that food.

In our new role as ambassadors for Christ, it becomes increasingly important to us that we not cause people to turn away from Jesus through our bumbling errors in behavior. We do not want anyone to be offended by our behavior. So we use our liberty wisely. As children of the Most High God, we are more inclined to “sit upon our rights,” in gentleness and humility than we are to “stand upon them” in arrogance and self-will.

**His Sacrifice Is FOR Us All, Offered By Himself**

When we share in the Lord’s Table it is vital that we remember our position in Christ and that every single truth of that new position in Him was bought by the sacrifice HE offered, of His body and blood. We do not offer this sacrifice: He offered it, Himself, on our behalf.

I once heard a priest declare, regarding communion, “We are offering this sacrifice, and Jesus is our victim!” But, Jesus said “No man takes my life from Me. I lay it down of my own will.” That priest was teaching blasphemy! Jesus is not a victim. He is the Sovereign God who created all things, and who determined, in His own foreknowledge, that He would be the Lamb slain, from the foundation of the World.

That is who we proclaim in the preaching of the Cross, and in the sharing of Communion. And that is why we desire to live in such a way as to offer His grace to others without offense.

Lord Jesus, convict our hearts of the need for unity and the need for an outpouring of Grace from our lives to the World around us. Draw us closer to your side through Your Spirit and Your Word.

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

Food Sacrificed to an Idol vs. The Lord’s Table

Foods Sacrificed to Idols Versus the Lord’s Table

1^st Corinthians 10:14-29

¹⁴Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

¹⁶The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? ¹⁷For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. ¹⁸Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

¹⁹What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? ²⁰But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. ²¹Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

²²Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

(What then?)

²³All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. ²⁴Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

²⁵Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: ²⁶For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. ²⁷If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. ²⁸But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: ²⁹Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

Introduction:

Flee Idolatry

¹⁴Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Paul circled back to his discussion about idols, and what hazard they may present to believers. “Flee Idolatry” cannot be equated with “Be afraid of other people’s images.” Idolatry is a heart-issue, and we can find enough idols in our own hearts. Other people’s idols are a separate subject. Paul expected the believers to exercise wisdom and understand what he said.

We already addressed the issue of covetousness, and we saw that covetousness is idolatry, according to Colossians 3:5. But Paul specifically speaks about food offered to pagan idols.

What Is the Table of the Lord?

We eat bread, and we drink grape-juice, in Communion, and we share that food. We “fellowship” or “partake together” of a commemorative meal. By doing so, we honor Jesus, and we confess that His Grace alone (in the form of His Blood, poured out at the Cross, and His body, torn and pierced for us) is our only hope of salvation.

When we partake together of the Lord’s Table, it is an act of Worship, and of Obedience, and of Testimony. We testify that “He died for me!” And, we confess that “My sins put him on that Cross!” We confess our faith His Death and His burial, and His Resurrection, on the third day. Finally, we declare that He is coming again.

In verse 16, Paul says, “¹⁶The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”

Communion Means Fellowship

This is where we get the word “Communion:” The Greek word, “koinonia” means fellowship, or sharing. Please don’t be confused by those who teach that “communion” means “common union:” That is simply not true. But do remember that “fellowship” implies “partnership.”

So, we ask ourselves, “Is this a person with whom (or a practice with which) I can have fellowship?” We need to remember that whatever and whoever it is, we are asking “Do I want to be a partner in what is going on, here?”

If the Person in question is Jesus Christ, or like-minded believers who desire to follow Jesus on a day-by-day basis, and who believe His Word, then Yes, I do want to be a partner in that fellowship.

If a practice dishonors Him or there are people who are advocating a different Gospel, then I must remember that Galatians 1:6-9 says they are accursed. I cannot try to be “partners” with them, nor pretend fellowship with them: They are going a different way, and it will present a wrong message, at the very least. I have to be kind, and loving, but I cannot “go along to get along.” There are some limitations to how much we can “Go Along” with the world.

Paul Also Compares Our Feast (Communion) With That Of Israel

¹⁷For we being many are one bread (or, “loaf”), and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. ¹⁸Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? (This is an important point!)

We base our unity upon the One Sacrifice that Jesus made. We declare our unity and our partnership with Him and with one another when we share in the Lord’s table.

Israel shared the bronze altar and the tabernacle. Those who ate the sacrifices of that altar declared their allegiance to, their dependence upon, and their worship of the God of that Altar.

Every single person n the original Passover, in each house where the lamb was slain, ate of that lamb! Every single person who claimed to be “under that blood”—ate of that lamb!

As a general rule, by eating food dedicated to a deity, one declares one’s identification with that deity. And eatring such food usually constitutes an act of worship to that deity. But Paul points out the facts, here, in verse 19:

^“19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?”

The Idol Itself Is Nothing…But There Is A Spiritual Connection

The implication here, as well as in chapter eight, is that the idols are just lumps of clay, wood, metal, or stone. They are material, physical, inanimate objects. The idols themselves are nothing to fear at all. They have no more power than a brick or a chunk of firewood has.

However, there is a spiritual connection that affects the adherents to that religion. Paul explains, “²⁰But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. ²¹Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”

Don’t Mingle Darkness With Light

Paul says we are not to join people in their worship of demonic creatures or forces. We are not to give the impression that we agree with their teaching. There would at least be a conflict of interest! On the one hand, we take communion, together, stating our allegiance to, and our dependence upon, and our worship of Jesus Christ.

If we then turn and celebrate something that denies that truth, we are shaming Jesus, as our actions publicly state that we do not trust in His finished work at the Cross: We are not dependent upon Him, and our allegiance is not entirely to Him, so at best, we deliver a sadly mixed message. Light and darkness don’t mix: The only way darkness can exist is in the absence of light. And the smallest light dispels darkness in the area it can reach.

Children of the Light

1^st Thessalonians 5:5 says we are Children of the Light and Children of the Day. Paul says we “glow in the dark” with the Light of Christ. Philippians 2:15, 16 says that we are to shine as lights in this dark World and offer people the Word of Life.

Ephesians 5:8-12 confirms this, saying “we”you are children oif the light…so walk as children of light. Don’t attempt to mix your light with the darkness of the world. Light dispels darkness. Light makes visible the things that are in darkness. Don’t try to mingle darkness with the Light of Life. Jesus is the Light of the World. You are a child of the Light. Shine like Jesus Shines!

²²Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

The obvious answer to both rhetorical questions is, “No!” So, if we are casual in our tolerance of worldly influences and demonic worship, then we need to remember that God is a jealous God: He does not share his honor with demons or any sort of idol. Further, it is a reminder that He is omnipotent: If you do provoke Him to wrath, nothing can stop His judgment!

1^st John 1:5. 6 says, “This is the message that we have heard of Him and declare unto You, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.”

Don’t try to mix light and darkness.

Why is this Even an Issue, if the Idol Has Not “Contaminated” the Food?

²³All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. ²⁴Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

It is not “all about us” anymore. We need to consider how our actions and words may affect others. Yes, we have great liberty, but some things could truly be counterproductive in terms of our potential for ministry. We are to seek to promote the spiritual well-being of others, not just our own comfort, convenience, or pleasure. Paul gave his commands regarding “eating meats sacrificed to idols” for a purpose. He tells us to not cause a weaker brother to sin, and to not turn unbelievers away from Christ through what they perceive as blatant hypocrisy.

What About Food Sold in the Open Market? Or Served at a Feast?

^“25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: ²⁶For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. ²⁷If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.”

The meat is not a “spiritual booby-trap” that can “ensnare your soul” because you ate it. So, the point of “not asking” would be that the seller may become convinced that the Spirit living in you is greater than the spirits of their idols. Yes, God owns it all, and He has not surrendered control to Satan, as some teach. He has always maintained control and supervision. He allows a great number of “bad things” to happen, in life, but it is because “The wages of sin is death.” The whole world is suffering the consequences of humanity’s collective sin.

The women and girls who used to paint the dials of “radium-dial” watches all died of terrible cancers of the jaw, tongue, and face. It was not their fault: The sin was not theirs! Their supervisors told them that the radium was harmless, and ordered them to twirl their brushes in their mouths to achieve a fine point for applying the luminous spots on the clocks and watches. So, they did: And the result was a gruesome death!

There are countless other historical tragedies we can recite. But God’s sovereignty stands, though He grieves with us for the consequences of humanity’s sin.

But eating that meat (as a rule) is not asin. He explains what the problem is, in the next verses:

What About Testimony?

²⁸But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: ²⁹Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

So as not to contaminate the other fellow’sconscience, in that situation, we avoid the food. (“Oh! Thanks for telling me!”) If the opportunity comes to explain that it would have no effect on you, that is fine, but to prevent an imagined “smudge” on your testimony, and to satisfy the conscience of the other person, that is a good time to abstain. Yes, we have liberty, but we do not use that liberty in such a way that it damages others.

Keep in mind that when we share in Communion, we are joining as partners with the Body of Christ at Large, stating that He is our Savior, too, and that we Believe in Him, Depend upon Him, and Worship Him. We do not do that with other things or people, nor do we have faith in any other God. Jesus is our All in All. We do not mix His service with service to any other deity,

Lord Jesus, we often struggle to understand Your Word. It is above our human ability to comprehend. We ask that You continue to teach us by Your Holy Spirit and mold us into the Image of Christ.

August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

How To Find Examples By Which To Live

By What Examples?

1^st Corinthians 10:1-14

¹ Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; ²And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³And did all eat the same spiritual meat; ⁴And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

⁵But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

⁶Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

⁷Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

⁸Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

⁹Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

¹⁰Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

¹¹Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

¹²Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

¹³There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

¹⁴Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Introduction:

Bear in mind that virtually all of both Corinthian letters is given to corrective teaching.

Paul Makes Several Odd Statements in this Passage:

Speaking of the Whole House of Israel that emerged from Egypt, following Moses, after they had all partaken of the Blood of the Lamb at the Passover, he reminds the Corinthian believers that of all those people,

All were under the cloud
All passed through the sea
They All were baptized unto Moses (identified with him) in the cloud and in the sea
All ate the same spiritual meat (food…Manna)
All drank the same spiritual drink (water…miraculously delivered)
- They All drank of a Spiritual Rock that followed them (KJV) or accompanied them,
- And that Rock WAS Christ.

Without this passage, I would have supposed that the Rock was, well …just a rock! And I assumed they either circled around, somehow and came to the same place, or it was two different rocks. But God said the Rock went with them and the Rock WAS Christ! Amazing!

So, he says that, collectively, they all had the same “foundation,” as believers.

But!

He then says that God was not pleased with all of them! As a result of their constant rebellion and sin, thousands of individuals and the entire first generation (all those who were over twenty years old when they exited Egypt) died in the wilderness and never entered the promised land.

In most Western cultures we assume that the “Promised Land” is analogous to Heaven. But it is not! Remember that those who did enter the land were immediately immersed in a war that lasted their whole life! They literally, and physically, had to fight enemies to gain every bit of land they gained, even though God gave it to them, positionally, the condition was that they had to fight for it…and He backed them. That would be a pretty rough “heaven,” compared with what little we know about it from the Bible (no fear, no danger, no death, no sorrowing, etc..)

No, the “Promised Land” is analogous to the Normal Christian Life. We, too, were immersed in a spiritual war, the moment we crossed over into life with Christ. That is why Ephesians spends half a chapter explaining the Spiritual Armor God has given to believers.

So, those who died in the wilderness for whatever reason, though they were genuine believers, never got to begin the battle for the Land. They never crossed over into the normal life in the land. In most cases, as we read the specifics of why they died in the wilderness, it turns out that there was some sin from their old way of life that they refused to let go of. Let’s look!

Bad Examples (Do Not🙂

Lust after evil things
Practice Idolatry
Commit Fornication (sexual immorality)
Tempt Christ (pushing your luck…testing His Judgment)
Murmur (complaining…desiring to “go back to Egypt,” which is a picture of the World.)

Where Do These Examples Come From?

Paul referred to Old Testament Examples in Every Case, Here:

“Lusting After Evil Things”

It can simply mean yearning after whatever feeds our old sin nature. In Israel’s case, it was very simple: They wanted meat to eat, and they were despising the manna that God miraculously supplied. So, in Numbers 11:18, 20, 33, 34 we see that the people demanded that Moses give them meat to eat. God said in verse 20 that He wouldsend meat for them. He said that they would eat meat until it came out their nostrils!

He sent millions of quail through the camp. Everyone harvested them, piling quail meat all over the camp. But, they had disrespected God and despised the manna of God. So, he sent a plague along with the quail. Verses 33 and 34 say the plague struck “while the meat was in their teeth.” Many people died. We don’t know how many, but verse 34 says they named the place “Kibroth-hattaavah:” the “Graves of Lust,” because they buried so many people there, due to the plague.

“Practicing Idolatry”

We don’t tend to think about idolatry very often. We think of it as “something people in other times and places did.” But when we focus more solidly on something other than God, than we do upon God Himself, then we are tending toward idolatry.

Colossians 3:5 says that, from God’s perspective, covetousness (greed…avarice) is idolatry. So, in the form of covetousness, idolatry can be a nearly invisible sin, because only the heart and mind can do it. No other part of the human body can “covet.”

Idolatry is always a heart issue. When we fix our hopes, dreams, plans, and desires on God, we are truly free from idolatry. When we fix our heart on anything else, the further we go toward that thing in our commitments and desires, the further we find ourselves away from a clean relationship with God. But there are other types of idolatry:

The people of Israel set an example for us that was very easy to identify. The passage Paul cites is in Exodus 32, where while Moses was on Mount Sinai, Aaron made the golden calf and the people worshipped that calf, and evidently they were naked (according to verse 25.)

Paul quotes Exodus 32:6, specifically, though the whole chapter gives us the context. Three thousand died by the sword (verse 28), and who knows how many by the plague (verse 35.)

God is serious about sin!

“Committing Fornication”

We are very familiar with sexual immorality in our culture. Our culture has become saturated with it. But Paul is referring to Numbers 25, where the men of Israel went to the pagan worship feasts with the Midianite and Moabite women, and committed fornication with them, both there and in the camp of Israel. In Numbers 25, it says 24,000 died of the plague due to that sin.

Here in 1^st Corinthians 10:8, it only mentions 23,000… but that is the number who died in one day! It certainly does not deny that there were others, after that day, as a continuing result.

God IS serious about sin!

“Tempting Christ”

This is a strange phrase, to us, because we only use the word “tempt” in the sense of luring someone else to sin. But, in scripture, it usually carries the connotation of “testing.” Putting someone to the test: Seeing “just how far you can go,” in pushing them.

In Numbers 21:5-9, the people accused God and Moses, blaming them for all their complaints. But God responded by sending migratory desert vipers through the camp, by the thousands. Many people were bitten and died.

In John 3:14, 15, Jesus used that story (the bronze serpent) as an example, a teaching platform by which to present the Gospel. Paul used the sin of the people as an example of “what not to do if you want to learn to walk with God.” Don’t push your luck. Jesus is still the Eternal Judge!

“Murmuring”

This “murmuring went far beyond just public complaining. Numbers 14 is the passage Paul cites. The twelve spies had just returned from the “inspection tour” of the promised land, and TEN of them said, “Yeah, the land is great, but the giants in the land will eat us alive! Don’t go in!”

The remaining two spies (Joshua and Caleb) were faithful and said, “The land is exactly what God said it would be! He promised to fight for us! We can’t lose! Let’s go in immediately!”

But the People believed the ten spies. Not only were they discouraged, but they also wanted to stone to death Joshua and Caleb, replace Moses with a new leader, and head back to Egypt!

God’s response was to declare that none of the adults who had come with Moses out of Egypt would enter the land. And He destroyed the ten unfaithful spies, by plague, on the spot!

How Should We Respond to These Examples?

All these were Examples for us: the Church age believers! They are warnings to take our walk with Jesus seriously. You can’t lose your position in Christ, but your condition can become so miserable that you are no longer walking with Jesus at all: no longer living as a child of God.That is why he says,^“wherefore, let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” If we get cocky, we are headed for a fall!

**God Has Also Provided Good Examples**

Examples for us to Follow

James 5:10 says, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”

1^st Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.”

John 13:15 says, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Examples for us to Be

1^st Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (meaning behavior…conduct…how we live), in charity (Agapé Love), in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

1^st Peter 5:3 says to the elders, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”

Paul’s Conclusion:

¹⁴Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

God is with us, and He oversees the testing that we endure. He provides His Grace into which we are called to flee, to find rest and help in time of need. We have been given access to the Throne of Grace, and He invites us to come there boldly, not timidly. We belong there!

Don’t allow anything to come between you and Jesus!

Lord Jesus, we ask that You bind our hearts to You, so that we willingly choose to follow in Your steps and learn from You as disciples. Solidify our Love toward You, and make us strong in Your Love for us.

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024

What does “Strive for Mastery” Mean? What if We Fail?

How Do We Strive for Mastery? What if We Don’t?

1^st Corinthians 9:19-27

¹⁹For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

²⁰And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

²¹To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

²²To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

²³And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

²⁴Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

²⁶I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Introduction:

Paul introduced several concepts, here in the latter half of 1^st Corinthians chapter nine. He says that he:

Chose to be a servant to all, that he might gain more (reaching souls for Christ.)
Lived as those around him lived, so as not to cause an offense and turn people away.
He did all these things for the sake of the gospel…not to deceive them in any way.
He did so, that he might be a partaker in the Gospel with his hearers. He wanted them to serve Christ with him, and to be in Heaven with him!

Paul reminded the people that there is usually only one “first-place prize” in a race. The analogy only goes so far: the point is that we want to apply ourselves as if we were striving to win, not just participate. We can win collectively and individually. But if we are not giving diligence to the things of Christ, then He will reward us accordingly. Ultimately, we are slacking, and we are not “in it to win,” either individually nor as part of a group,

God has given each of us a task: If we are not applying ourselves diligently to that task, then we are not “Striving for Mastery.” We are treating our service to God only as a hobby, not a calling…and we ARE His “called ones!”

What Does it Mean, Then, to “Strive for Mastery?”

In his 93^rd year, the famous cellist, Pablo Casals was still practicing his cello three hours per day. Someone asked him why, at his age, he was still practicing so diligently. He replied, “I think I am seeing some improvement!”

If anyone had truly mastered the cello, he was the one. And still, he “strove for mastery!” He continued to work toward improvement. We cannot easily attain mastery. Perhaps a true expert would say “Mastery is never truly achieved…it can only be more and more closely approached.”

Some people (mistakenly) think that I am a master at violin making. (I absolutely am not!) There are men and women whom I consider to be masters at the craft. They might be kind enough to approve of my work, but none would say I have mastered any part of the craft. At best, they might say, “You have come a long way, Chet! Your work is improving!”

All I can do, one by one, is, try to make each instrument better than the one before. I can try not to keep making the same mistakes over and over.

So, What is Our Goal, as Christians?

In Hebrews 12:1, the writer (probably Paul) says, “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, (Meaning, the collective testimony of the Old Testament saints in chapter eleven) let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us.”

All we can do is “press on!” 2^nd Corinthians 10:12 says we are not to compare ourselves with others. “¹²For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

The race is not a competition against one another. Philippians 3:14 shows that it is a striving forward, pressing on into Christ, reaching forward “toward the mark for the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We contend “against the course itself,” in a sense: (the race that is set before us.)

When I was trying (and failing) to maintain a regimen of running, my brother advised, “Never let the course beat you!” He explained, “Set small goals, as needed, but follow through and complete the course. Don’t allow yourself to establish an accepted pattern of failure.” I never did establish such a pattern of diligence and I have suffered the consequences, physically.

However, I have occasionally been able to apply that concept in other areas. For example, at work, I analyzed my tasks and tried to determine where I was behaving inefficiently. I found ways to optimize my efforts so that I accomplished more work in a day. It was not that I was competing against other workers: I was competing against my own track record. I was striving for mastery.

God Sets Goals Before Us

In Philippians 2:5-8, He says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus….” And then he enumerates the steps of “kenosis” (the self-emptying) that Jesus followed, to be the Servant of God that He was. We can see a seven-fold self-emptying, here:

He did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped at—or clung to;
He set aside the honor and prerogatives of deity (making himself of no reputation) and literally became a “nobody”. Jesus was not honored as an important member of His society.
Jesus took on a much lower form—that of a created being, though he was the Creator; that of a servant, though He was the ultimate Lord and Master.
He was made in the form of a man—in fact, arriving as men arrive—a naked, helpless baby; completely dependent upon others for food and care.
He humbled himself. There was no hint of pride in anything Jesus did on earth. There were no “Look at me now!” moments.
He was obedient in all things, big and little, convenient and inconvenient.
He was obedient even though it cost him his life.

Then, in the following three verses (9-11,) we can see the seven-fold reward He received:

The Father has Highly Exalted Him:
Has given Him a Name which is above every name
That at the name of Jesus, Every knee shall bow
Of things in Heaven (the holy Angels, the righteous resurrected dead, and the raptured church)
And things in Earth (whoever is living on the restored Earth…in the Millennial Kingdom, apparently), and
Things under the Earth (I assume he means the inhabitants of Sheol), and
That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.

Each Person Has His or Her Own Assignment

Jesus had a different assignment than we do, and yet, we are told to see Him as our supreme example. He told us to emulate Him. None of us can become a savior for anyone else. But we can exhibit His nature as we “run the race that is set before us.”

In 2^nd Peter 1:3-11, he says, “³According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

⁴Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

⁵And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

⁶And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

⁷And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

⁸For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁹But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

¹⁰Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

¹¹For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Let’s Examine What Peter Said, There:

In verses three and four, he said that God has given to us (past tense) everything we need to live godly lives, through the knowledge of Him that has called us!

How has he given us this ability? Through the Word! He says it is by the “exceeding great and precious promises” that we can become partakers of the Divine Nature.

Which promises? Effectively, all of ‘em! But the journey begins when we place our trust in His Promise of salvation through His Blood! Romans 3:25 says, “He is the propitiation (the satisfaction of God’s Righteous Judgment of our Sin) through faith in His Blood.”

Jesus reiterated that promise in John 5:24. He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, Hath everlasting Life, and shall not come into condemnation; but has passed from death unto Life!”

Believing that promise (applying it to our own need by faith) brings us into the family of God as newly re-born children of God. From that point forward, he exhorts us to begin learning to live like His children because we ARE His children.

Next time I am teaching we will examine these things in detail.

For now, we will close, and celebrate communion together. I will be out of commission for at least a week, as I go back for the surgery on my left eye.

Randy will be teaching next week.

Lord Jesus, help us to learn to walk with You in such a way as to not cause offense, and to know You more closely, every day.

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024

How Does The Burden of the Gospel Affect Us?

The Burden of the Gospel

1^st Corinthians 9:1-19

¹ Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? ²If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

³Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

⁴Have we not power to eat and to drink? ⁵Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? ⁶Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

⁷Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? ⁸Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? ⁹For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

Application of Old Testament Truth in New Testament Practice

¹⁰Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. ¹¹If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

¹²If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

¹³Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? ¹⁴Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

¹⁵But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. ¹⁶For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

¹⁷For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. ¹⁸What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

¹⁹For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

Introduction:

Wherever the Gospel went, there were various responses. The most common response was (and still is) rejection. But, among those who seem to receive the Gospel, there is a wide range of “receptions.”

Some claim to believe the message, and they verbally agree with every point of the message. But when it gets “close to home,” so to speak, then they begin to argue. If the message requires a change in their beliefs or their behavior, they balk. They say, “Well, I don’t see it that way! I don’t think that is what it really means!”

The false believers attack the messengers as the arguments become more intense. They question the credentials of the messenger. If that doesn’t work, they attack his or her looks, mannerisms, grammar, or some other (equally irrelevant) thing. If the message is true, it does not (should not) matter who brings the message. It doesn’t matter whether you “like” that messenger.

God did not tell us what the accusations against Paul were. We can deduce from his defense what the various attacks might have been.

Appearance Is Not A Good Criterion for Judgment

Appearance is not an accurate predictor of the content of books, nor the expertise of teachers. The adage, “Never judge a book by its cover” is especially true in teachers. Our society has taught us to think that, “If a person looks good, they must be good. If they look trustworthy, they must be trustworthy.”

This is not peculiar to our society: God prophesied against the Jews, that they would do the same. Isaiah 3:6, 7 “⁶…. a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

⁷In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.”

In that prophecy, one person attempts to nominate another for public office, because he looks good, and has appropriate clothing. But. the response is shallow, too. The man says that his outward appearance is deceptive: that he is truly destitute, so he declines to rule.

But when has physical wealth ever been a good predictor of leadership quality? Both outlooks are wrong! Remember Nabal: He was very wealthy, but he was an utter, self-centered fool.

Grammar and Accent are Also Undependable

Rudy Johnson was a humble and a truly Godly man. He was one of my best teachers. But, he had an odd speech impediment that made it very difficult for him to pronounce words correctly. He did not allow it to stop him, though it engendered a good deal of humor amongst those who heard him. Some people meant it as good-natured humor, but some were derisive.

Some simply enjoyed what seemed to be just a dialectic peculiarity, because he also had a deep southern accent. But others rejected him because “he can’t even talk right!”

I enjoyed him immensely, but I did not find out until years later that his garbled speech was due to some medical anomaly. He and his wife both assured me that he wanted to pronounce words correctly, but he was unable to do so. It was frustrating to him, but he served faithfully anyway.

Orthodoxy is Not Necessarily a Guarantee of Godliness

The word “orthodox” simply means “having correct opinions,” or “teaching correctly.” But a person may recite a creed correctly without believing it. They “parrot the words.” They learned the words. But they have not applied the meaning of those words to their own lives.

I have known blatantly ungodly individuals who could correctly quote scriptures and teachers who could correctly teach through a given passage of scripture, though they, themselves, were not believers, and did not believe the Bible was the Word of God. It was “literature” to them.

They had “correct opinions” about what the Bible said, but no personal commitment to those truths. So, at best, a person who chose to pursue the “job” of preaching, because he saw it as a “reasonably well-paid job, with minimal real work,” is a hireling. He may superficially believe that the Bible is “true,” but he does not allow it to direct his life. He may have learned “correct information” only because he saw it as a means by which to “get the job.” But, at worst, he may be a charlatan, hoping to “fleece the flock of God.” Money may be his only motive.

Remember, the Priests and the Pharisees were “orthodox” as a rule, but they hated Jesus, and they had zero care for His flock. They only wanted the prosperity and honor that came along with their social status.

**So, Why Did People Reject Paul?**

Appearance, Perhaps?

Paul had gone through some pretty savage treatment at the hands of unbelieving Jews, in the weeks or months just before he first arrived in Corinth. (Acts 14, 16 and 17)

Stoned

The people at Lystra (Acts 14:19) stoned Paul. They thought they had killed him. But he eventually got up and walked back into the city, and he left the next day. He suffered some serious injuries in that attack, for sure: possibly permanent disfiguring marks and scars.

Beaten

The magistrates at Philippi savagely beat Paul and Silas in Acts 16:22, 23. He and Silas were probably still bleeding from that beating when they came to Thessalonica. (His arrival there was only a few days after the Philippian Jailer had dressed his wounds and those of Silas.)

At Thessalonica, there was a riot and a revival, in response to the Gospel. Many had believed the Gospel, but the unbelieving Jews stirred up a mob of Gentiles and made an attack on the house where Paul had been staying. Paul wasn’t there at the moment, though; and the believers sent him away for his safety and theirs. He had only been in Thessalonica for about three weeks.

Paul then went to Athens, but only stayed a short while. He preached there, but he had very little fruit, so he left and went to Corinth. And, there, he preached only Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

As a result of all of the above, he arrived in Corinth looking “pretty rough.” We don’t know just how badly he was wounded in the stoning at Lystra, but we suspect there were severe head wounds, and later, it is revealed that his eyes were affected. We can’t prove it was because of the stoning at Lystra, but it seems likely. So… the people who eventually argued against Paul had his appearance to use for “ammunition,” if they chose to do so.

In reality, those scars should have been seen as emblems of integrity: Paul had endured the stoning and the beatings, and he continued to teach, wherever he went. (People don’t usually do that for a message they know to be a lie.) See his comment about those scars in Galatians 6:17.

Language, Mannerisms, and Motives?

Paul was a Jew from Tarsus, so whatever stigma that added could be used as well. His detractors were local, whether Jews or Gentiles, so they may have seemed more attractive to their audience simply because they spoke in the same way as their hearers. (They sounded less “foreign.”)

Further, Paul says he came to them determined to “…know nothing except Christ and Him Crucified.” (1^st Corinthians 2:1, 2) His detractors had no such limitation, and some of them (we see later) were professional orators. Paul was simply giving the truth of the Gospel.

Unorthodox Teaching

Unlike the Judaizers, Paul was preaching the Gospel of Christ, which eliminated the “partition” between Jews and Gentiles. So, to both the Jews and the Gentiles, Paul seemed to be teaching “strange doctrines.” Had they listened closely (and some did) they would have learned that this “new doctrine” was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In other words, it was not “unorthodox,” in the truest sense. It was just “unusual:” They had never heard it before.

Unorthodox Behavior

Also, unlike other “traveling teachers,” Paul was not “taking up a collection.” He was not demanding anything in return for the message he proclaimed.

There is a common notion that something of lesser “price” must therefore be of lesser “worth.” It is a common idea today, too. “There must be a reason it is free, or offered at such a low price!” “You get what you pay for!” “Yes, you got it for free and it has been worth every penny!”

We know the price of something without knowing its value. Notice that the words “priceless” and “valueless” have opposite meanings.

So, the fact that Paul refused to be a burden to his listeners may have been one of the things used as an accusation against him.

Corrective Teaching

Paul pointed out that he DID have the right to expect support from those he taught, but that he chose to forego that right, so as not to burden these new believers.

He pointed out that the other apostles were married, and were supported, but that he had chosen to serve single, and to support his ministry by physical work. (As a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, there in Corinth. Acts 18:1-3) They saw him working, supporting himself and his entourage, and they jumped to the wrong conclusion that he had less credibility and authority than the traveling teachers who perhaps rented an auditorium and then charged admission fees to attend. In verse 18, he said that would have been an abuse of his authority.

Paul confirmed that it was ordained by God in the Old Testament that the teachers and leaders were to be supported by those of the flock.

Pauls Motive in Declining Pay

But, in verses 15-18, he said that he would sooner die than have his testimony destroyed by such a small issue. He went on to say that his assignment was to preach the Gospel of Christ, whether he did so willingly or unwillingly. If he worked willingly, there was a reward coming! But, if he was unwilling, the assignment did not change: You see, he saw the preaching of the Gospel as his only job. And if he failed to do it, he was in trouble with the Lord!

Remember in verse one, he said, “Am I not free?” (meaning, “I am not your slave!”) But he concludes in verse 19 that though he truly was free from bondage to any human, he counted it a privilege and a reward, to offer the Gospel of Christ free of charge. Therefore, he willingly became the servant (slave) of all people so that he might reach more people with the Gospel.

We would do well to emulate that attitude, ourselves.

Lord Jesus, please allow us to emulate Your Humility as described in Philippians chapter two, and empty ourselves of our incessant demand for recognition. Let us lay aside our “rights” and our self-aggrandizement and our self-affirmation, and offer Glory only to You!

July 6, 2024July 6, 2024

What Is the Meaning of the Bible Word: “to Offend?”

What Does it Mean, “to Offend?”

1^st Corinthians 8:6-13

⁶But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

⁷Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

⁸But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

⁹But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

¹⁰For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

¹¹And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

¹²But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

¹³Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Introduction:

Today, “I’m offended” is the ultimate weapon against whatever people “don’t like.” We need to ask, “What does ‘Offend’ mean, anyway?”

A young man approached me during my first year in Bible School. He told me that my shoes “offended him.” They were nearly brand-new, but rather large, awkward-looking shoes, called “after-ski-boots.” I bought them during my drive to get to the school,. I was just trying to keep my feet warm as I drove an ancient VW with no heater, from Oregon to Michigan, in January. I made a long, cold trip, through the frozen heartland of the United States.

But, when I arrived, they told me there was a school “dress code.” I only had one other pair of shoes that fit me, and they were not acceptable to wear to class. But those “after-ski-boots” (though they were sloppy-looking, and oversized) were acceptable. So, I wore them.

I was shocked and dismayed when he confronted me. But before I could open my mouth to explain, he said, “I know what you’re gonna say! ‘They’re all you’ve got!’”

And, I replied, “But…they are all I’ve got!”

I don’t recall how the rest of that conversation played out. He did not “volunteer to help me find more acceptable footwear.” He only condemned what I had, and said my shoes “offended him.”

What IS the Meaning of the Bible Word “Offend?”

In 1st Corinthians 8, Paul concluded in verse 13 that His behavior might cause someone else “to offend.” It did not mean that they “didn’t like” what Paul was doing: They might like it a lot! But the issue (in verses 7, 9, and 10) is that through his liberty to eat whatever he liked, other people might be emboldened to do something they believed to be sin.

God repeatedly says that when we violate our conscience, we are doing wrong, even if it turns out that the thing we were doing was completely all right. And the reverse is also true: James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” That is one of the four New Testament definitions of Sin. Another such passage, specifically addressing the matter at hand, is Romans 14:23, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

A Real Life Example:

When my Dad was in graduate school, majoring in Chemical Engineering, obviously his Chemistry textbook was vitally important to his education. At that time, the school in which he was enrolled had a separate building as a student cafeteria, and it had a large, covered porch. It was common practice for students to leave their books or other belongings outside, on that porch, when they went into the cafeteria to eat. So, Dad left his books there, too, and went in; but when he returned, someone had taken his Chemistry book. (This was a real disaster!)

Disaster for a Struggling Student

He had no money for another book, so he tried borrowing from various other students, but, as final exams drew closer, they were not free to lend their books, because they also needed them, to prepare for their exams. Dad was a believer, and he knew that stealing was wrong, but his fellow students kept telling him, “Just steal someone else’s book!”

He truly was not willing to do it, but finally, as the exams were upon him, he was becoming desperate: He went to lunch one day, and he saw a Chemistry book left on the cafeteria porch. He looked around and no one was in sight, so he grabbed the book, shoved it under his sweater, and hurried back to his apartment, feeling deeply condemned and guilty. (And he should have!)

But when he arrived home and opened the book, he discovered that he had stolen back his own book! His name was written inside it! He was furious, and he wanted to go find the person who stole his book (seeking revenge.) Fortunately, he never found the person.

However, the lesson is clear: They were guilty of having stolen his book. But He was guilty of having violated his conscience! But verse 9 says that we are not to be a “stumbling block to those who are weak.” Dad’s fellow students had been a stumbling block to him, but it was because they were not believers. Had he looked in the book first and seen his name there, he could have taken it with a clean conscience. But he did not. He felt guilty because he was guilty!

So, Who is the “Weaker Brother?”

In Romans 14:1, 2 Paul identifies the “weaker brother” as the one who thinks he should not eat certain foods. (In that particular case, all meat-eating was in question.) The weaker brother thought that he should only eat vegetables. But God defines that person as “the weaker brother.”

In the case of 1^st Corinthians 8:1-6, the issue is specifically “food offered to idols.” And, yes, the food usually was the flesh of animals that had been offered to idols. (Bear in mind that the old English word “meat” only meant “food.” What we call “meat,” the King James Bible calls “flesh.”)

In verse 13, Paul concludes that if his eating flesh (at all) was causing someone else “to offend” (to sin against their conscience) then he was willing to never again eat flesh. If that is what it took to avoid damaging the weaker brothers, he was willing to become a vegetarian. But, Paul does not require that: he simply stated his priorities. (What is the value of a human soul? How important is it to you that you do not harm the flock of God?)

Who is the Weaker Brother in THIS Passage?

The person identified here as the weaker brother is the one who is fearful of foods that have been sacrificed to idols. (I can sympathize with that feeling! It just seems that, after it has been offered to an unclean spirit, the food must be “spiritually hazardous.”) But, in verse four, Paul says that the idol is nothing. And, in verse five, he says that all the different things the world calls “gods” are not gods. And the idols representing those “gods” have no power at all.

In Isaiah 46:6, 7, the LORD points out that though the people lavish gold upon their project of building an idol (that they will call a god,) they have to carry that “god” wherever they want him to go! And though they pray to that man-made god, and bow down to it, and worship it, it cannot answer and cannot even move, let alone save anyone from danger. The idols have no power for good or for evil, though the evil spirits they represent can cause trouble sometimes.

But, if the act of eating that food is seen to be an act of worship to that idol, (notice in verse ten, the food was eaten in the idol’s temple!) then it will be a stumbling block to weaker believers. It may also ruin your testimony with unbelievers, as they will see what they think is a contradiction to your professed faith.

When Might it be Appropriate to Eat Food that has been Offered to Idols?

In his book, “Lords of the Earth,” Don Richardson told of a situation among the Yali people, in the highlands of Irian Jaya. A known witch doctor brought a gift of a freshly killed pig to the missionary. The missionary was suspicious: he knew the man saw him as an enemy, so there must be a hidden agenda involved. He asked his language helper, “Why is he giving me this pig? What does he really want?”

The language helper explained that the pig had been killed by wild dogs. The religious people of that area worshipped and served the Kembu spirits…evil, dangerous spirits. They believed that if one of their pigs was killed by wild dogs, it meant that the Kembu spirits had claimed that animal, and that if the people ate it, they would die! So, the witch doctor’s motive was attempted murder, in a sense!

But, the missionary immediately turned toward the house, where his wife had been watching this exchange: “Honey? We are having pork tonight!”

Why did he choose to eat meat that had effectively been “sacrificed to idols?” Because he saw that there was a spiritual war in progress, a war for the souls of the Yali people. He knew that the Holy Spirit indwelling him and his wife, was the all-powerful God of the universe, and the evil spirits had no authority over him. The way to demonstrate that truth was to go ahead and eat that pig, so the Yali people would see that the Kembu spirits were powerless over Christians.

**When Might it Not be Appropriate?**

This passage, 1^st Corinthians 8:9-13 makes it clear that the real issue is not whether you have liberty ( and, you do, by the way) but whether you insist on using your liberty in a way that may hurt other people. Using your freedom carelessly can cause serious problems for immature believers.

A Personal Example

I used to love certain classical music compositions, and I felt free to whistle or hum their music…or even to sing the words in one case, because they were Latin and I didn’t know what they meant. (Was I in sin? No… I was just enjoying well-written symphony music, I thought.)

But, one day in my ignorance, I was singing the few words I knew of a very old piece of music, and a younger friend confronted me, saying, “WHY ARE YOU SINGING THAT??” I was astonished at the outburst, and I just said, “It’s nice music! I like it!”

He persisted, “Do you know what that song is?” I said, “Sure! It’s Franz Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’!” And he pressed on, saying “But don’t you know what that IS?” By now I was truly puzzled, so I said, “I guess I must not…!” He said, “Chet, that is the ‘Hail Mary,” put to music! It is a worship song to Mary!”

I replied, “I did not know that! I will not sing that song anymore!” (And I haven’t! It is sad, of course, because it is gorgeous music, but the fact remains that it truly was written as a worship song to Mary, as seen by the Roman Catholic Church.

So. why was it such a “big deal” to him? Because he was a brand-new Christian! He had just recently escaped the Roman religion, in which he had been born and raised, and he was horrified to hear me, his friend and teacher, apparently supporting the false religion he had just escaped.

Was that a good enough reason to permanently abandon that song? It absolutely was!

How Should We Apply The Teaching Today?

There may be things in our society that carry emotional baggage. We eventually stopped using wine in our Communion services. Why? Because we had recovering alcoholics among us. They were afraid they would regain a taste for alcohol and revert to drinking. It was an easy decision!

Do some churches strongly disagree with us about that? Certainly, they do…but we simply exercised our freedom to abstain from alcohol. We did so for the sake of those who might have been caused to stumble.

There are other examples in our society, where real freedoms may need to be set aside, to avoid a bad testimony. We hear people loudly say, “Stand on your rights!” But, according to God’s Word, sometimes it is better to “sit on ‘em!”

Philippians 2:5-8

⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Remember: Jesus had the right to all the riches of the universe, let alone the paltry offering of this world. But, as Philippians chapter two tells us, He set aside those rights. He emptied Himself of His eternal prerogatives as God, the Creator, and the Author of all things.

The Greek word for this act is “Kenosis.” It means a “self-emptying.” He took on the form of a servant…specifically, a human baby! And we are called to follow Him in His humility. Set aside your own prerogatives as a proud, self-willed human, and embrace the humility of the Cross!

Lord Jesus, please free us from the tyranny of our self-will and pride. Allow us to join You in Your role as a servant. Allow us to be Your hands and feet and voice in this World. Let us offer all those around us the Gift of Eternal Life.

July 1, 2024July 1, 2024

The Old Fashioned Way (1914 Hymn)

“The Old-Fashioned Way”

by Civilla D, Martin 1914

They call me old-fashioned because I believe
That the Bible is God’s holy Word,
That Jesus, who lived among men long ago,
Is divine, and the Christ of God.

Refrain

My sin was old-fashioned,
My guilt was old-fashioned,
God’s love was old-fashioned, I know;
And the way I was saved was the old-fashioned way,
Through the blood that makes whiter than snow.

Old-fashioned, because I believe and accept
Only what has been spoken from Heav’n;
Old-fashioned because at the cross I was saved,
At the cross had my sins forgiv’n.

Refrain

Old-fashioned, because I am bound to do right,
To walk in the straight narrow way;
Because I have given my whole life to God,
Old-fashioned because I pray.

Refrain

Old-fashioned, because I am looking above
To Jesus, my glorified Lord;
Because I believe He is coming again,
Fulfilling His Holy Word.

Refrain

I Can Relate to ALL of These Words!

I guess this labels me an Old Fashioned Christian, going to an Old Fashioned Church, reading an Old Fashioned Bible, singing Old Fashioned Hymns!

And, That’s OK by me!

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024

How To Govern Knowledge by Agapé Love

Knowledge Must be Governed by Agapé Love

1^st Corinthians 8:1-6

¹ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. ²And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. ³But if any man love God, the same is known of him. ⁴As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

⁵For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) ⁶But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Introduction:

There are several possible lessons we should gain here:

One is that our knowledge, while it may free us from fear, is not enough to build up other believers. That requires the Agapé Love, considering how to meet the needs of those around us.

Another would be knowing that the food is physically and spiritually undamaged by someone having sacrificed it to an idol.

Still another would be that the idols themselves are nothing: just lumps of clay, stone, precious metals, or wood.

Finally, even the evil spirits associated with the worship of those idols are just created beings like ourselves. They are fallen angels, and we are fallen humans. They are called “gods,” but they can’t be compared with the One True God. He created all of us and them!

Real Life Example:

One of the missionaries we support, Jim Burdett, told of an incident that occurred years ago in Papua New Guinea. He and Gena, his friend and Language Helper, were coming home to Gena’s house one evening. (Gena is one of the Dom people in the Chimbu district of Papua New Guinea.) When they approached the gate, they saw a slim bundle of grasses knotted through the latch of his gate.

To any Westerner, the knot of grasses would have been meaningless…a childish prank at worst. But, to Gena, it was a frightening message. It meant that a witch doctor, or some other practitioner of black magic had placed a curse on his home.

Jim had been living in that culture long enough that he knew what it meant, too. But Gena was a relatively new Christian. So, Jim waited to see how Gena would respond. He did not “decide for Gena.” He wanted to see what Gena would do, on his own initiative.

Gena stood quietly, for a few moments, staring at the taboo symbol knotted through his gate. But then he stepped forward, ripped loose the bundle of grass with his fingers, and he threw it aside. His actions silently discarded the symbol as meaningless. The two men entered the house together, with nothing more to say. But Jim was rejoicing, because he knew that Gena was maturing! He was confident in the indwelling Holy Spirit, not crippled by fear of the Evil Spirits he had once served.

“Knowledge Puffeth Up”

Jim had known the God of the Bible for many years before he ever met Gena. He could have scoffed at Gena’s fear. That would have demonstrated carnality and pride on Jim’s part: (“Knowledge puffeth up!”) But, Jim had taught Gena the principles of the Bible for several years by the time this incident happened. He could see that the attempted curse was going to be a test for Gena: So, he waited. (How would Gena respond?)

Had Gena still been too fearful to enter, Jim might have done more teaching. He probably would have prayed with Gena before persuading him to cast aside his fears.

Also, Gena had the (relatively new) knowledge that the Holy Spirit who indwelt him was immensely more powerful than the evil spirits surrounding him. Just “passing the test” himself was good, but, what if Gena had then turned to the other people living around him and shamed them for fearing the evil spirits? (He did not do any such thing.) If he had done so, he would have damaged his people, forcing them to go where they felt it was unsafe to go, and pushing them to dosomething they believed to be wrong.

“Love Edifieth (Builds up)”

Jim built up Gena’s maturity and strength as a believer, by allowing Gena to handle the situation with God alone as his help. Gena continues to do the same thing today, as a Bible teacher and evangelist in his village and the surrounding villages.

The long-range effects might have been much different if Jim had just stood back and verbally coerced Gena, forcing him to remove the taboo symbol.

Similarly, it is not a loving action, to persuade a “weaker” brother (See Romans 14:2) against their conscience to eat food that they think is forbidden. On the other hand, such a brother is not to accuse those who have the freedom to eat.

Don’t Be An Accuser!

An acquaintance at work confronted my brother-in-law-to-be at lunch, aggressively asking, “Why are you eating ham??” Bill stared at him for a moment with his mouth full of his ham sandwich. So, I blurted out, “Because he’s not Jewish!” Bill swallowed his food and said, “Yeah! It’s because I’m not Jewish!” Both of us understood what God said in Exodus 19:5, that Israel was to be a holy nation, a “peculiar” nation… “a special case!” None of the dietary laws that God gave them were to be passed to the Gentiles.

But the man doing the accusing was raised in a Seventh-Day Adventist environment, and he was adamant that pork was forbidden. So, we did not offer him any ham: we only explained that the prohibition against pork was specific to the children of Israel. He was free to maintain his “non-eating” stance.

I don’t know whether he ever changed his beliefs. He was a very troubled man in many ways. But we went out of our way to try to be a blessing to him, for years afterward. I can’t say for certain that it helped any.

The Food Is Unchanged.

There is no change to the food, because of having been sacrificed to an idol: it is not “dangerous” in any way. But some people are deeply afraid of such things, supposing that they could be attacked spiritually through the food, because of the contact with idolatrous worship.

In Mark 7:15, Jesus said, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.”

This is an important concept: When I was a child, I had a classmate who was alarmed to see me swallow my chewing gum. He insisted that it would “stick to my heart” and kill me. I tried to explain that things we swallow do not just “trickle down” past our internal organs to approach our stomachs: they go directly there, through the esophagus, and eventually out the other end.

But the boy was adamant, saying, “My grandmother told me!” So, we asked the teacher. He seemed quietly amused by the question, and confirmed that there was no danger of the gum “sticking to your heart.” But he was kind about it: he did not shame the other boy in any way.

**It is What Comes Out That Defiles Us**

Jesus also said, later in the Mark 7 passage, that the things you take into your mouth do not enter your heart. (Meaning the seat of emotions and the soul, not the blood-pumping organ.) He said that the things that come out of the heart defile the man, and listed some in Mark 7:21-23. “²¹For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, ²²Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: ²³All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Food has no spiritual value. Is it possible to poison good food? Certainly, it is! But that is not the question in this passage: The people thought that some “spiritual danger” was attached to the food because it had been sacrificed to an idol. But, in reality, the food was unchanged.

The Idol Itself Is Nothing

I am always a little disturbed to see physical idols in our society: but some more than others. Buddhist figurines are the most common, but so “foreign” that I am not alarmed by them: They are just a curiosity. Statues of Mary and other humans who have been elevated to semi-deity status are more disturbing because I have known so many people affected by that particular teaching. One rarely sees the statues of specifically satanic idols, but they are truly chilling: Probably because we see that people today are willingly enslaving themselves to evil.

Siddartha Buddha

But the historical man, Siddartha Gautama (Buddha,) despised idols, and he taught against them. So, it is especially ironic that there are more statues dedicated to him than any other deity.

Mary

Mary was a Godly, young, Jewish woman, living in Nazareth. She only gave one recorded command in her life: She told some servants at a wedding (in John chapter 2) to do whatever Jesus said to do. She would be deeply offended by the images of her now in existence! The Jews were forbidden to have images of any kind, specifically to avoid idolatry.

So, as a Godly Jew, she would be horrified that the images were made at all, and even more, that She is now called the “Queen of Heaven!” Why? Because “the Queen of Heaven” was a specific female pagan deity, by whom the Jews had gotten into trouble with God, in Jeremiah’s time!

(Jeremiah 7:18 says “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.” There are more verses about this female deity, in Jeremiah 44. The people insisted that they would continue to worship the queen of heaven.)

Other Idols

The various other deities, once common there, also included Molech, the vile god to which people sacrificed their children. And today, there is a large statue of a character called “Baphomet:” a monstrous creature with a goat’s head, horns, and hooves. The picture is very disturbing.

**But What is the Real Danger?**

When we look at the picture more closely, we see that the abominable carved image includes images of little children worshipping at the knee of the monstrous idol. There is the real danger: people are drawn away from the living God to serve idols, and their children become the slaves of those evil spirits that are behind the idols.

In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul warns against “false gospels.” He says that anyone bringing a false gospel (in contrast to the Gospel of Christ,) is to be accursed! Even if the person bringing it seems to be a wonderful (or even angelic) person, they are to be accursed.

We do not take lightly the danger of cults and false religions. We also do not tremble in fear of them. As born-again believers, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, and He guarantees our security. But the danger is very real for anyone who is not one of God’s children.

The Evil Spirits Cannot Undo the Work of Jesus at the Cross.

Remember that Satan was unable to do anything to Job without God’s permission. The Evil spirits are defeated enemies.

The Creator God of the Universe now lives in you in the person of God, the Holy Spirit. He is the only “Real God” there is. Jesus said so, in John 17:3 addressing the Father as “the One True God.” In John 14:17, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be in the believers. In John 14:23 Jesus promised that He and the Father would also take up their abode with them. As Pat James used to say, “You’re bullet-proof!”

Next week we will talk about how we are to use our freedom in ways that do not damage others, nor mar our testimony with others.

Lord Jesus, please awaken in us the reality of the indwelling Christ. Let us follow You intentionally, choosing moment by moment to do the things that please and honor You.

June 22, 2024June 22, 2024

Last Thoughts on Marriage: Marriage In Troubled Times

Last Thoughts: Marriage In Troubled Times

1^st Corinthians 7:25-30

²⁵ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. ²⁶ I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. ²⁷ Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

²⁸ But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. ²⁹ But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

³⁰ And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; ³¹ And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

1st Corinthians 7:31-40

³² But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: ³³ But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. ³⁴ There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

³⁵ And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. ³⁶ But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

³⁷ Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. ³⁸ So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

³⁹ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. ⁴⁰ But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Introduction: What is Paul saying about Marriage, here?

We always want to compare scripture with scripture; We saw earlier that God ordained marriage in Genesis 2:24. God blesses it still today, (Hebrews 13:4. ) We also see that it is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church, in Ephesians 5:31, 32. In fact, in verse two of this same chapter, Paul said “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” Paul already gave full approval!

So, then, why does it seem that Paul now suggests that “believers are better off to stay single?” Is that even the point of the context?

Notice that, in verse 26, Paul prefaces the entire following passage with the phrase, “…this is good for the present distress…” (WHAT “present distress?” What does he mean?)

Temporary Distress Can Temporarily Change our Priorities.

When all is well in a transoceanic flight, the passengers may care about which in-flight meal they are to receive. They may be slightly concerned with what in-flight video is offered. But if an engine seems to be failing, no one cares about the “comfort” issues for the moment! They are only concerned with survival. For the immediate future, their priorities have changed!

In Matthew 24:19 Jesus said that a time will come , during the great tribulation, when to be pregnant or to be a nursing mother will be a very dangerous thing. The “present distress” of that time will be the trauma of the Great Tribulation.

The “present distress” in Corinth (at that time) was that the Temple of Aphrodite was the center of their civilization. It was on the highest peak of the city, and it dominated the skyline from any part of the city. At that time, (according to Encyclopedia Britannica,) it boasted a staff of 10,000 temple prostitutes, both male and female. It attracted people from all over . It was almost certainly a “trading house” for every kind of disease, as well as the gross immorality involved.

How Did This Become Such a Problem?

There was a very narrow, low isthmus at Corinth, between the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. They used teams of Oxen to hauil ships out on log rollers. It was cheaper and safer to drag ships across the isthmus than to sail around the coast. So, most trading ships stopped there, just for economy and safety in their travels.

And, naturally, their crews often took a port-liberty while the ship was being transported across the neck of land. Sailors from all over the known world came up from the port area, walking through the city to approach the Temple of Aphrodite and everything it entailed. Whatever diseases they brought with them were also spread there in Corinth, to be passed along to anyone else who practiced this sin.

This was the depraved society into which the fledgling church at Corinth had been born. There, in the midst of them, was the biggest “house of ill repute” in history, and it enjoyed the full approval of everyone except these born-again children of God.

They had become outcasts within their own society, but Paul did NOT tell them to “pack up and leave town:” Paul told them to live holy lives, separated from the wickedness of the world.

So, then, within the context of that situation, we address the continued question about marriage.

**Under What Circumstances Might Marriage Be a “Bad Idea?”**

Paul suggests that under the circumstances the Corinthian believers were enduring, marriage might be a questionable option. In a culture so soaked in immorality and (probably) sexually transmitted diseases, how likely are you to find a “safe” marriage prospect? And how likely is your spouse to share your desire to live for the Lord?

Paul has already shown that, in general, marriage is a good idea, because it provides a moral, legal, and safe outlet for normal, God-given human desires. And in other places, as we said earlier, he confirms that marriage was God’s plan before sin entered the world. It was and is a holy gift from a Holy God.

But, he now says that because of the corruption of the human race, we need to think carefully before we plunge into marriage. He hastens to tell us that, regardless of the “present distress” it is not a sin to marry. He warns, though, that it will not be an easy life: There will be heartaches and hazards, along the way.

In What Way Does Marriage Change Our Walk with God?

In my case, marriage has absolutely enhanced my walk with God. My wife is my very best friend and companion and my very best help in all things, including my spiritual life.

However, I remember that when we were first married, in August of 1981, there was a sharp economic downturn, nationwide, and I lost my job, along with millions of others. Had I been single, “footloose, and fancy-free,” as they used to say, I could have drifted across the country looking for work, and probably I would have suffered little stress. I would have said, “The Lord is faithful! He will provide!” (And it was true!)

However, as a new husband, with a lovely young wife expecting our first child, I failed to think “The Lord is Faithful! He will supply!” I felt that it was my responsibility to care for my wife and child and to earn the money for their upkeep. And I was failing to trust the Lord.

I was not “cheerfully waiting on the Lord, while actively seeking work.” I was actively seeking work, and obsessing over where I could earn money for our groceries and housing. My first waking thought. every morning, and my last waking thought, every night, was “What can I do to earn some money?!”

My Focus Had Changed!

I was not resting in Christ at all! Now, was that Ann’s fault? Of course, not! I had allowed my focus to become redirected to my own strength instead of God’s supply. That was my fault, no one else’s! But the context was that of a newlywed couple in a harsh economy. I was distracted by the rigors of unemployment and my unrelenting responsibility.

Keep in mind that God has assigned that responsibility! He does hold me accountable for how I care for my family! But He also says, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!” He says, “Be anxious for nothing, but, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

And I was totally missing the mark by ignoring those promises. I had no peace because I was not willing to trust God for the needs of my family. I chose to think that my responsibility somehow negated God’s promises.

Don’t Allow Marriage Or The World To Alter Your Relationship With Christ

Verses 29-31 tell us that married or unmarried, in joy or tragedy, in business or in pleasure of any kind, we are not to allow circumstances or relationships to interfere with our walk with God. This is one reason he later says to not be “unequally yoked” together with unbelievers.

But verses 32-35 tell us that the whole issue is about being distracted and weighed down by our cares. Paul says God desires that we be able to avoid unnecessary distractions.

He admits that there may come a time when, despite the circumstances, marriage is a wise choice, to avoid other issues; A man may begin to behave inappropriately toward a young woman to whom he is attracted. That may be a “red flag” that he probably should marry her, rather than continuing to court disaster.

What About a Widow?

Paul says a widow is “freed” from her husband. He says she is free to remarry, provided the new man is also a believer. But Paul concludes that his personal opinion is that she will be happier in the long run if she can learn to live cheerfully without a husband.

Why? Because she has been “set free” from what may or may not have been a profitable relationship, and she may find, given a little time, that she feels happier and freer alone. This is certainly true if the alternative is to marry someone who will not treat her as Christ treats the Church (See Ephesians 5:26.)

So…Is This “Just Paul’s Opinion?” Or Is It God’s Word?

Some teachers insist that passages such as this (along with 1^st Corinthians 7:10-12) are “not authoritative.” They teach that “this was just Paul’s opinion.”

I choose to believe when God said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2^nd Timothy 3:16, 17) that He meant “ALL!”

It is just fine for God to give “Law” in some areas, “Guidance” in other areas, and “Full freedom of choice” in others.

But if there are portions of the scripture that are truly not His Word, then I am in trouble, as it means I will have to either declare myself to be the arbiter of what “is or is not His inspired Word, or I will have to find someone else who claims to have that wisdom. (I know I do not possess inerrant wisdom. My experience and God’s Word both tell me that other humans are not reliable, either.) Ultimately, I am forced to make a choice: Believe God, or believe someone else!

I choose to believe what God says. It is God’s Word!

He tells us what the issues were in Corinth, and why “sometimes” marriage may not be a safe bet. But sexual sin is always wrong! So, he has given us a set of choices and tells us that, while it is not a sin to marry, a Godly Single Life might be a better plan in some cases. Paul outlined the “Pros and Cons,” but he leaves the choice up to us.

God Leaves Us With Choices, Too!

Throughout the scriptures, God gave commands, some to specific people, some to all believers. But He also taught principles for living: He gave solid, wise counsel by which we can make good choices, and have better lives for having made those good choices. Finally, He gave each person a choice: You can heed His counsel or ignore it.

He offers Salvation to all: Eternal life, based on the simple choice of Believing His Promise or rejecting it. You can either believe Him or not.

To all who have chosen to believe His promise, and who have received His gift of eternal life, He still offers a choice: walk with Him in obedience; or fail to do so. To those who choose to serve Him, He adds reward to their redemption. All those who follow His advice invariably find it to be wise and good.

He has told us the consequences of our bad choices. God warned us from the very beginning that Sin results in death. He allowed Adam to make a choice that affected the entire human race.

Your choices will not be as earthshaking as Adam’s choice was. But your choices will have consequences, for good or evil. And He leaves those choices to you!

Lord Jesus, help us to learn from Your Word: Help us to make Godly choices, so as to honor You with our lives and thus to have Your Blessing.

June 15, 2024June 16, 2024

Are YOU “Called by God?” (YES!) How Will That Affect You?

How Should the “Calling of God” Affect Me?

1^st Corinthians 7:17-24

“ ¹⁷But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. ¹⁸Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. ¹⁹Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

²⁰Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

²¹Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. ²²For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. ²³Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. ²⁴Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”

Introduction:

Obviously, in the eight verses, above, the Lord used the words “called” or “calling” eight times. Therefore, we should find out what the “Call” of God entails. For example, “Who is called? Also, “How do you know if you are “called?” “Furthermore, to what are you called?”

Romans 8:28-30 tells us that every born-again believer is “called” to God’s service.

“²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

It is quite a list:

Foreknown
Predestined to be conformed to Christ
Called (according to His purpose)
Justified
Glorified

But you can surely see that, if you are a child of God, you are “called”…whatever that means!

Here we can also see that there are no surprises for God.

All those who would believe, He knew from eternity past, and he chose them in Christ.
All who choose to trust Jesus as Savior WILL be conformed to His image.
Every believer is “Called” (whatever that entails.)
All believers are “justified” (meaning “declared righteous” by God.)
All believers are “glorified.” (Ephesians 2:6 says you are now seated with Him in Glory!)

Along with this idea, we want to review Jesus’s promise: John 6:37 says, “He that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out!” You are His forever!

Hebrews 3:1 tells us that every Christian, without exception, who has partaken of this holy calling (having placed his or her trust in the blood of Jesus for salvation,) has also been declared to be holy…You are God’s private possession. “Holy Brethren!”

We saw in 1^st Corinthians 12:13 that those same people have been baptized into the Body of Christ by the direct action of the Holy Spirit (now indwelling each believer.)

And, 2^nd Corinthians 5:20 says they have been declared to be ambassadors of Christ. YES! You are called! And that is the job to which you are called!

**So, How Does That Calling Affect You?**

Did it require that you drop everything you normally do and run off to seminary? No…in fact, the Apostle Paul had a superior education to most people of his time. But he declared it to have been a waste of time. It did not contribute to his role as an ambassador of Christ. Interestingly, some of the other apostles had a very poor education, even for their time. The Priests and Pharisees were astonished that they knew God’s Word at all.

God’s Power

But it did not limit their service: Peter and John were both commercial fishermen. Their formal education was quite limited. But God used Peter and John to heal the lame man in Acts 3:1-11. Their education (or lack thereof) had no bearing on the power of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Judgment

In Acts 5:1-11, Peter discerned that Ananias and Sapphira were “lying to God.” (How did he know? The context indicates that God showed him.) The wisdom of God and the severity of God’s judgment were delivered through an uneducated man! The Holy Spirit needs only a clean vessel through which to flow. The Gifts of the Spirit are His to give. He does not take them back.

Romans 11:29 says that the gifts AND the calling of God are “without repentance” (or, as some translations render it, “without revocation.”) God does not “take the gift away,” but He may “put the recipient on the shelf” as unusable. Balaam, in Numbers 22-24, was a genuine prophet of God, but he “sold out”, and God permanently set him aside… just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. (Read Numbers 31:8 to see “the rest of the story.”)

Paul feared this potential consequence of sin in his own life. He said that he kept strict discipline in his own life, lest, “after having taught others” he possibly could become a “castaway,” (as it is rendered in the King James Version, or “shipwrecked,” as it appears in other translations.) A shipwrecked sailor is “out of service” for the time being. If he is soon rescued, he may go back to work. If he never gets off that reef or that island, his service has ended!

God does not discard His servants…but He may remove them from service, either temporarily or permanently. A dull tool may be sharpened. A broken tool may be repaired. A non-functional tool may simply be set aside for the time being, or, as in the cases of Ananias, Sapphira, and Balaam, it could be permanent.

What DOES the “Calling of God” Imply?

Walk Worthy!

In Ephesians 4:1-3 we see several things:

“¹ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, ²With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

For one thing, we see that we ARE called. We also see that we are to behave accordingly. “Walk worthy of the calling with which you are called!”

How Do We Do That? With…

Lowliness,
Meekness,
Longsuffering,
Forbearance, and
Love,
Endeavoring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace!

If you are a child of God by His Grace, through Faith in Jesus, then at a bare minimum you are called to “walk worthy of that calling!” Live like a child of the Holy God of the Bible because you are His child! You received Jesus as your Savior by faith. You walk with Him also by faith.

We are called to mutual accountability, and mutual submission, as we live to bless one another.

Foreknown

Yes, God recognized you from Eternity past! He knew what you would choose, but YOU had to make that choice. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but most choose to reject His Grace. The offer of Eternal Life was genuine and free to all. But most reject His offer.

Predestined

Noticed that it does not say we were predestined to be saved: it says that, as saved individuals, we are predestined to be conformed to His Image. When God is finished working with you, He guarantees you will be “just like Jesus!” He already sees you only in Christ. But when He is done, that is how the whole universe will see you!

Called (According to His Purpose)

Yes, you are called! To what specific service? I can’t tell you! You will have to walk with Him to find out your assignment! It isn’t always what we expected! But it will be according to His purpose. Choose ahead of time to desire His purpose, rather than your own.

Justified

God has already declared you to be righteous, in Christ. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And this is where Peace was established, once for all, between God and us. Romans 5:10 says we started out as sinners, and as enemies of God. But now we have Peace with God, and He no longer looks upon us as sinners.

Glorified

Colossians 1:12-14 says that God has made us fit (KJV says “meet”, meaning “fitted for”) to share in the inheritance of the Saints in light. He has already delivered us from the power of darkness, and He has already translated us into the kingdom of His Dear Son. Notice this is all past tense. This is not “goodies we will get if we are good:” He has already glorified us, and we now stand before Him, clothed in the Full, matchless Righteousness of Christ. In Ephesians 2:6, He says he has already seated us in the Heavenly realms with Jesus!

Your Calling Does Not Necessarily Demand a Change in Occupation

Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers. They continued to serve as tentmakers, but they hosted a church in their home, and they taught other believers to walk with God. (He wanted them right where they were!) One person they taught in their home turned out to be a powerful itinerant preacher, named Apollos. God had him moving from town to town, but he didn’t know the whole truth about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla had learned from Paul, so they taught Apollos what they had been taught. They equipped him for the ministry God chose for him.

Unless what you are doing is already condemned by God, there is no mandate to “change jobs” due to your new position in Christ. But if He gives His blessing to move into a better ministry, and HE is the one engineering it, then take it. If you harangued and schemed your way into it, I would lack confidence that it was from Him.

When soldiers (the police of that area) asked John the Baptist what they should do, as believers, he simply told them to be satisfied with their wages and to not abuse their position or their authority. He did not tell them to resign their commission and all become street preachers.

**Your Calling Does Not Require a Change in Social Status.**

There were more slaves in Rome at that time than freemen, we are told…but they were not asked to “throw off their chains.” He told them if they had the opportunity to be free, to take it, but not to fret about their slavery in the meantime. He said that in receiving Jesus as their Savior, they truly had been set free. He went on to point out that those who always thought they were free had been confronted with the fact that before they met Jesus, they had been slaves to sin; And that now they belonged to Him. They were not their own masters!

The Gentiles were told to remain Gentiles. The Jews were told to go on living like Jews. All such differences, Paul reduced to meaningless details compared to our position and calling in Christ.

**Your Calling is Secure! What Are You Doing About It?**

Jesus said, “He that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out!” He also said, in John 10:27, 28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

You cannot lose His Grace: but you can fail to enjoy it.

If you will consistently walk with Him, you will enjoy His Grace daily. If you fail to walk with Him, you may find yourself “on the beach…on the shelf,” so to speak…shipwrecked and miserable, lonely for the fellowship of Christ and the camaraderie of other disciples.

The Choice is Yours.

Walk worthy of your calling, or don’t. But God has told you the potential results of that choice.

Lord Jesus, help us to continually make Godly choices before You, seeking Your face in Your Word, and seeking Your fingerprints in our lives.

Enjoy Your Liberty Without Causing Offense

1st Corinthians 10:30-33; 11:1, 2

1st Corinthians 11:1, 2

Introduction:

Example in Nature

Does it Glorify God?

When Might My Liberty Not Glorify God?

Three Groups

There Once Were Only Two

But Now There Are Three!

Who Is The Real Believer?

The Result Of The Cross

The Effect of Unity

His Sacrifice Is FOR Us All, Offered By Himself

Foods Sacrificed to Idols Versus the Lord’s Table

1st Corinthians 10:14-29

(What then?)

Introduction:

Flee Idolatry

What Is the Table of the Lord?

Communion Means Fellowship

Paul Also Compares Our Feast (Communion) With That Of Israel

The Idol Itself Is Nothing…But There Is A Spiritual Connection

Don’t Mingle Darkness With Light

Children of the Light

Why is this Even an Issue, if the Idol Has Not “Contaminated” the Food?

What About Food Sold in the Open Market? Or Served at a Feast?

What About Testimony?

By What Examples?

1st Corinthians 10:1-14

Introduction:

Paul Makes Several Odd Statements in this Passage:

But!

Bad Examples (Do Not🙂

Where Do These Examples Come From?

Paul referred to Old Testament Examples in Every Case, Here:

“Lusting After Evil Things”

“Practicing Idolatry”

“Committing Fornication”

“Tempting Christ”

“Murmuring”

How Should We Respond to These Examples?

God Has Also Provided Good Examples

Examples for us to Follow

Examples for us to Be

Paul’s Conclusion:

How Do We Strive for Mastery? What if We Don’t?

1st Corinthians 9:19-27

Introduction:

What Does it Mean, Then, to “Strive for Mastery?”

So, What is Our Goal, as Christians?

God Sets Goals Before Us

Each Person Has His or Her Own Assignment

Let’s Examine What Peter Said, There:

The Burden of the Gospel

1st Corinthians 9:1-19

Application of Old Testament Truth in New Testament Practice

Introduction:

Appearance Is Not A Good Criterion for Judgment

Grammar and Accent are Also Undependable

Orthodoxy is Not Necessarily a Guarantee of Godliness

So, Why Did People Reject Paul?

Appearance, Perhaps?

Stoned

Beaten

Language, Mannerisms, and Motives?

Unorthodox Teaching

Unorthodox Behavior

Corrective Teaching

Pauls Motive in Declining Pay

What Does it Mean, “to Offend?”

1st Corinthians 8:6-13

Introduction:

What IS the Meaning of the Bible Word “Offend?”

A Real Life Example:

Disaster for a Struggling Student

So, Who is the “Weaker Brother?”

Who is the Weaker Brother in THIS Passage?

When Might it be Appropriate to Eat Food that has been Offered to Idols?

When Might it Not be Appropriate?

**When Might My Liberty Not Glorify God?**

**His Sacrifice Is FOR Us All, Offered By Himself**

1^st Corinthians 10:14-29

1^st Corinthians 10:1-14

**God Has Also Provided Good Examples**

1^st Corinthians 9:19-27

1^st Corinthians 9:1-19

**So, Why Did People Reject Paul?**

1^st Corinthians 8:6-13

**When Might it Not be Appropriate?**

1^st Corinthians 8:1-6

**It is What Comes Out That Defiles Us**

**But What is the Real Danger?**

1^st Corinthians 7:25-30

**Under What Circumstances Might Marriage Be a “Bad Idea?”**

1^st Corinthians 7:17-24

**So, How Does That Calling Affect You?**

**Your Calling Does Not Require a Change in Social Status.**

**Your Calling is Secure! What Are You Doing About It?**