Called To Relationships

This is a touchy subject among believers, both genders. I wish I had the opportunity to share, with both men and women alike. To look at what God said, minus our personal opinions. I think the truth is being diluted, with all the different teachings. God knows that as humans we are weak, for sexual desires. We learn how to do that, if we don't learn anything else. People can't read or write, but they're sexual deviants. More money is spent on Pornography, and illicit sex. Than any other vice in our community. We don't want to pay for the things we need. Like childcare and utilities, for our home. But we spend mind boggling amounts, on things we don't. I have yet to hear anyone complain, about the price of a table dance, at a topless club. That or how much that xxx-rated video or magazine cost. Scripture tells us: Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Many of us, obviously have our hearts in our pants. This is God's word he has given, to bring us through these trying times. It's only human to experience these feelings.

1 Corinthians 7:2-5:
2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Knowing that man will feel the way he does concerning lust. Here Paul instructs believers, on what they should do. To follow the will of God. We know as heterosexuals, it's natural to desire the opposite sex. The urges within our bodies, start when we are children. Since this is something we can't avoid. We must attack this issue with full force. Let every person have their own. You get yours, and I'll get mine. Contrary to popular belief. When you get married, you are not your own person. The wife's body belongs to her husband, and vice versa. Don't deny each other the pleasure, of each others company. Unless you are fasting and praying. You are to be as one. Don't leave room in your relationship, for infiltration. An idle mind is the devils workshop.


Passage 1 Corinthians 7:6-9:
6But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath h is proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

This is a bone of contention, in the body of Christ. Since Paul admits to this being his words, not those of the lord. Those not in possession of the holy spirit. Will take issue with this. This is a scripture everyone likes to avoid. Here Paul says, that it has been revealed to him. It would be better, if we didn't even have a mate. Everybody would act like priests, are supposed to behave. Lately we've discovered many of them have fallen short. He knows that most of us, won't have the devotion needed to accomplish this. Therefore the lord has made provisions. So it is better for you to get married, than to fornicate. To the single women keep it to yourself. Your goodies, if you know what I mean. If you aren't going to do it by the book. The book in question, being the "bible". You shouldn't do it at all.


Passage 1 Corinthians 7:10-15:
10And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

If you take on a spouse, your life changes. Here Paul establishes the authority, of his claim. Even though these are his words. The lord has put them in his spirit. In the eyes of God, most divorces are not legitimate. Man has come up with his own reasons, to grant a divorce. There is no such thing as irreconcilable differences. You can't leave them, just because you don't get along. Them not making enough money, is no excuse either. If they don't die, or abandon you. As a born again believer you have to stay with them, if they choose to remain with you.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/2/06

Called To Relationships

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 7:1-20, 23-40

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 7: 2-15

Devotional Reading * 1 John 4: 7-16

Servants In Ministry

Last weeks lesson was titled "Servants Together". It was addressed to all believers, and their duties as Christians. The church was doing the worldly thing, and dividing into separate groups. Based on their personal likes and dislikes. They believed in the messenger, not the message. Which has no room in the building of the church. Everyone has a different gift of their own. Each has it's place in the upbuilding, of the kingdom. All of them were given by God. This week Paul directs his message to the Preachers, and spiritual leaders. As Christians we are all held, to the same standard. Ministers of the Gospel have responsibilities and duties, beyond that of a layman. Ministers have to be very careful to keep their egos in check.
Even then people were drawn to personalities. Here Paul admonishes Ministers and leaders, not to believe the hype. This is something that not only applies to preachers. It applies to all believers.

1 Corinthians 4:1-4

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord

It is something special, to be a Preacher. It is a gift from God, and a job. To rightly divide and teach the word of God, is honourable. It takes a special person to be effective, in this role. But it doesn't matter how much charisma, or ability you have. It's not about what you think. To be big in the eyes of man, is not worth anything. All that really matters, is how you measure by God's standards. So here Paul is letting them know it doesn't, he is not judged by them.


1 Corinthians 4: 5-6

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

A modern term would be "don't put the cart, before the horse". Don't take on those spiritual things. Which has been promised by God, to be revealed in the end. It is the nature of man, not to leave God's plan in place. Paul is talking to some people, who are calling themselves followers of Paul. He did not find this comforting at all. He informs them of the fact that he and Apollos, are simply servants of God. Who have shared with them the gospel of Jesus. There is no reason to have division, in the body of Christ. We are all benefactors of the same covenant.

1 Corinthians 4: 7-13

7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Who is the creator of all things? What do you possess, that wasn't given to you by God? Wouldn't he know better than anyone else? What the future holds. The Corinthians have become self important. They think they have devised a path of their own. The Corinthians much like Christians today, seek a customized relationship with God. They are basing salvation on the accomplishments deemed important by man. They have been blessed to obtain worldly success. But the Corinthians are not giving God the credit, for the blessings they have received. They think it's due to their own actions, as opposed to grace. Paul uses several contrasts to illustrate. What the world thinks is good, as opposed to the word. Some of Paul's comments could be perceived as sarcastic. We must remember the context in which the letter was written. Here Paul is talking to, for a lack of a better term a group of "know-it-alls". Paul's letter was to let the leaders know, of their error in teaching. But everyone can learn a spitual lesson. Since we should study and show ourselves approved. This shouldn't happen anyway, we should kowThe written word is the same for all believers.

Next Weeks Lesson 6/25/06

Servants In Ministry

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Devotional Reading * Matthew 23: 8-12

Servants Together

This is more of Paul's teaching concerning cliques, and divisions in the church. This part of what is known as the "pastoral letters". This letter is addressed to the church at Corinth. The recipients of Paul's second missionary journey. Athens Greece was his first. Here we learn how our carnal nature, impedes the churches progress. We must commit to work as a unit. One way to always remember. There are no big I's and U's, in the word one. Christians should be together.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3:

1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Here Paul states his case. Here he tailors his message, to his audience. Obviously the Corinthians haven't matured, based on their actions. Since they hadn't matured beyond their initial introduction to the gospel. Here Paul takes them back to the basics. The people of Corinth were still doing the same thing they did. Prior to the teachings of Paul.

1 Corinthians 3:4-7:

4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Here Paul is saying to the believers at Corinth. Since you have broken off into your respective groups. Some following Paul, some Apollos. Who are these men but other mortals, like yourself? Paul lets them know that he is just a minister. Just like his co-worker in the faith Apollos. God is the only one worthy of Glory. The workers may plant and water, but God gives the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:8-15:

8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

We all start out at the same place, with a clean slate. You will be rewarded according to your labor. When we do God's work, we become his fruit. His greatness and mercy will manifest itself, in our lives. Based on the authority awarded by God. Paul laid the foundation, for a relationship with God to be built. What you do with your life, will determine how it ends or begins. Good works will withstand the fire, weak works won't. It is important that we work together as a group. Individually we must produce as well. Our individual efforts combined, will build the kingdom we all hope for.

Next Weeks Lesson 6/18/06

Servants Together

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

Devotional Reading * Matthew 13: 3-9

Servants Of Wisdom

In the previous lesson Paul addressed divisions within the gospel. Here he addresses the importance of wisdom, other than that of the gospel. It really is just for nought. I always have conversations or encounter situations, to give me a deeper insight into that weeks lesson. This lesson takes me back, to a question that arose a couple of weeks ago. The issue was the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Generally speaking they are the same. As we mature as Christians, we know there is a distinct difference in the two. It doesn't surprise me that we naturally, take on a worldly view of things. Here we refer to them both as wisdom. The worldly and the spiritual. I think my earlier definition still holds true. Knowledge is what we gather from man. Some refer to it as worldly wisdom, I don't. Wisdom are those things we get from God. They will never change.

1 Corinthians 2:1
1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

Paul comes out in the beginning letting them know, it's not about him. We as Christians today, and obviously even then. Want a resume of sorts, to choose our leaders. We should have qualifications. We as humans measure the wrong things.

In the previous lesson Paul addressed divisions within the gospel. Here he addresses the importance of wisdom, other than that of the gospel. It really is just for nought. I always have conversations or encounter situations, to give me a deeper insight into that weeks lesson. This lesson takes me back, to a question that arose a couple of weeks ago. The issue was the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Generally speaking they are the same. As we mature as Christians, we know there is a distinct difference in the two. It doesn't surprise me that we naturally, take on a worldly view of things. Here we refer to them both as wisdom. The worldly and the spiritual. The two are very different. I think my earlier definition still holds true. Knowledge is what we gather from man. Some refer to it as worldly wisdom, I don't. I call this knowledge. Wisdom are those things we get from God. They will never change.



1 Corinthians 2:6-8:

6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The word of God sounds foreign to non-believers, it doesn't make any sense to them. No matter what you learn on this earth, if it isn't spiritually discerned, or it doesn't align with the word. It won't get you closer to God. Any thing we learn is after the fact.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
The things ordained by God, never change. Let's not get caught up, in what someone else says. Every time you look around, someone has introduced a new twist. Look at the "Davinci Code". Millions of people view this as a credible belief. Even though it's listed as fiction, and was written in 2000. Verse 8 asks the question. If man was so smart, why did they kill Jesus?


1 Corinthians 2:9-12:

9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Man has not seen, and cannot even imagine the wonders of God. When you look around at all the wonders of this earth. There are things beyond even that. These are things the future holds, for those that believe. When Jesus went back to his fathers side, he left us with the holy spirit. If your concerns are only bounded by the earth. You can find all your answers in the minds of men. Since God is the creator of all things, I would think he has a better plan. Those Christians that are mature in their faith, have a given advantage. This knowledge is only exclusive, to those who love the lord. You don't have to go to a certain university, or be of a certain pedigree. To receive the promise given to all believers. The spirit of God is within you. That is the center of our being.


1 Corinthians 2:13-14:

13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


We as Christians have already been given, all we need to do Gods will. The word will make a way for itself. You don't need anything added or taken away. I always say "we try and apply godly principles, to ungodly things". The two don't mix, it's one or the other. You either follow man, or you follow God. If you do follow one. You better choose one that follows God.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Any knowledge you can possibly have,does not exceed God's original wisdom.

Next Weeks Lesson 6/11/06

Servants Of Wisdom

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 2

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 2:1, 6-16

Devotional Reading * Ephesians 1: 15-21

Servants Of Unity

I apologize for being late for posting this weeks lesson. For those who may have been expecting the lesson earlier. It is the beginning of a new quarter. We didn't get the new books last week. I have been being prepared unknowingly, through conversations I have had. I was talking to a brother who said he didn't witness to Muslims. They have a litany of questions, he wasn't prepared to answer. They harp on the differences of doctrines, in the various denominations. We should be seize the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the thing as Christians, our message should be the same.

Passage 1 Corinthians 1:10-12:
10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Paul was concerned that the people of Corinth had factioned off, into separate groups. Due to the fact that the gospel had been preached by other capable preachers. Often those who had been converted. Started to follow those who they liked personally, for whatever reason. This had been brought to Paul's attention, by someone from the house of Chloe. He only said this to make them aware of his authority. He was informed by a reliable source. A student of Pauls personal instruction. Apollos was appealing to the intellectual crowd, or the Greeks. Then there was Cephas(Peter), who appealed to the converted Jews. Paul was letting them know that all of them were supposed to be preaching the same thing.

1 Corinthians 1:13-16
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other

Does this behavior represent Jesus? Did either of your teachers die for you? Your salvation is not afforded you, by those who ushered in your conversion. Paul was happy to say, these were not the fruits of his labor. Crispus and Gais were both converts, Paul had baptized himself. Obviously Christians who were not guilty of this. Other wise they would be participating too. Paul also mentioned Stephanas this was the first family he baptized in Greece. These verses show the diversity of the message. In it's proper context, it is the same for all believers.


1 Corinthians 1: 17
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Paul simply states his purpose. He was sent to preach and teach, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to captivate audiences with his oratory skills, and charisma. The message of all believers should draw people to God through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Next Weeks Lesson 6/4/06

Servants Of Unity

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 1: 10-17

Background Scripture * 1 Corinthians 1: 10-17

Devotional Reading * 1 Corinthians 1: 2-9