Called To Love

In the Greek language there was no root word for love. There was no pagan word, because love wasn't a pagan concept. If you notice, in the scripture they only use the word charity. In the scriptures posted below. I can replace the word charity with love, and get a clearer understanding. Paul instructs us in all that we do. Love is the greatest virtue of all.

1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Regardless of how appealing or intelligent, the conversation may sound. If you don't exhibit love in what you say. You're just talking loud and saying nothing. A cymbal was used as an analogy. It is the simplest musical instrument known. It doesn't require any special knowledge or training. It just makes a noise. Paul was one very knowledgeable of the truth. He was the only apostle who didn't walk with Jesus. He received his ordination, on the road to Damascus. I think that would make him eminently qualified. Here he declares without love, it means nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

You can do wonderful things in the eyes of man, but ultimately it doesn't matter. God truly does know your heart. This takes me back to the story of Cain and Abel. When they offered their sacrifices to the lord. It wasn't the gift, but the spirit in which it was given. It doesn't take much to give a lot, if you have much more. Why did you give? Was it to look good in the eyes of man, or was it from your heart?


1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

The Corinthians exhibited many of the same shortcomings, Christians exhibit today. The appearance of love isn't evident in our lives. Like it wasn't in theirs. Love is not impatient. It's not in hurry. It is kind and not envious. Love is not driven by your ego. It doesn't lead you to always expect the worse. You look for the good in all situations. Not to the point of being gullible though. Love won't find consolation in unrighteousness. It requires that you have hope and belief, as you endure the trials of life

1 Corinthians 13:8-13:

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When all else fails, love will prevail. What we know is limited and reaches it's end. Our faith and what we await, is perfect in it's design. In the end all these earthly things will come to pass. Here the difference in being a child and an adult is used to demonstrate maturity. Even at our brightest point. We still don't have the full understanding, but we must forge ahead. In all that you retain. The most important thing is love.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/30/06

Called To Love

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 13

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 13

Devotional Reading * John 3:16-21

Called To The Common Good

The Corinthians in this lesson, have begun to take advantage of their God given gifts. Instead of taking their respective gifts, and helping each other out. They are using their spirit endowed gifts to compete with each other. I wonder did the Corinthian people recognize what we now call the "crab mentality"? Paul teaches Christians that everyone is a individual, in their service to the body of Christ. We are all designed, to glorify Jesus Christ in one way or another. Whatever God has blessed you with. Make it do, what it do.

1 Corinthians 12
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Before the gospel of Jesus Christ. You as Gentiles were left out, of the equation. If you weren't a direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The race of people we now refer to as Jews. The original covenant wasn't made with you. It was made with them. You were worshipping Idols, and didn't have a clue. Then Jesus came and walked the earth, and was crucified for everyone's sins. Now the blessings are promised to everyone. Now that you have come into the faith. Don't try and rewrite the script. Any new found wisdom that you possess. Is a gift of the holy spirit. Not of your own doing. Anyone exhibiting gifts of discernment, healing, prophesy and other gifts given by God. Are priviledged to be exposed to the same knowledge as everyone else. God is no respecter of persons. All that know the truth, accept Jesus as lord. As revealed to them by the holy spirit.


Passage 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:

4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.


Everyone is good at something different. Some people can speak, others can sing. Some have the gift of prophesy and some discernment. While others offer encouragement, or consolation. Regardless what you do best, it should be to upbuild the kingdom. Not to glorify yourself, or your abilities. Within the different denominations, you will find different modes of organization. Different denominations are set up for different beliefs and dislikes. You can find another group of believers, that thinks just like you. Some people speak in tongues, others have the gift of interpretation. Week before last we learned not to let our preferences, be a stumblingblock to others. If it's not of God, it doesn't really matter. I have developed a system to detect the spirit, that always works on my behalf. What's from the heart, reaches the heart. Even if you don't agree, you connect on some level. Whatever your point of view. It should be focused toward the same point. We all have our own piece of the puzzle. It is our job as Christians, to find out where it fits.


Passage 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into e one Spirit.

We all are the same, and there are many believers. Though sometimes it doesn't seem like it, we are not outnumbered. There are more good people than bad. We are all baptized by the same spirit. In bibical days you were one or the other. You were Gentile, or you were Jew. You were a master, or you were a servant. Today we have sectioned off into various identifiable races. In spite of the past or present situations. Don't believe the hype. We are all the same in Christ.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/23/06

Called To The Common Good

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Devotional Reading * 1 Corinthians 12:27-32

Called To Win The Race

In the past lessons Paul has instructed the Corinthian believers, on the need to remember the spiritual things that they have been taught. Corinth being the second church that Paul established. He was particularly disturbed, that they didn't get it right. Here he makes his teaching relevant, by relating it to something of interest to everyone. Spectator sports were even more of a big deal then, than they are now. In Greek culture, a high premium was placed on athletics. People trained year around, just to receive a wreath. Signifying that they had won. Note... Unlike here on earth, this race can have more than one winner. Anyone who accepts, believes and confesses. Are entitled to this uncorrupt, unblemished crown. The Corinthians hosted the Isthmian games. These games were not as prestigious, as the famed Olympian. These games were carried out in Corinth. So they had a particular affinity or interest, for the Isthmian games. Here Paul tells the Corinthians, to exhort the same effort and zeal toward the gospel. As they do to win this wreath.


1 Corinthians 9

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.

Run as if there will only be one winner. Though everyone has a chance to be a winner. Act as though they don't. People in search of worldly recognition. Seek something that's only temporal.We as believers look for spiritual things. We are not striving blindly, we know what the end brings. So in spite of persecution and tribulation. We must persist in our faith. We seek a reward only provided through faith in Jesus Christ.


1 Corinthians 10


1Moreover, 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.

Man's intent and ultimate goal, has always been the same. To be justified in the eyes of God. Every since Eve ate of the fruit,and Adam followed suit. We have struggled to obtain what we already had. Starting with the exodus of Moses and the Israelites. From beneath the bondage, of an unjust pharaoh in Egypt. Where they were required to make bricks without straw. The pharaoh figured if they had time to worship their God. They had too much time on their hands. He decided they could spend it making bricks. As soon as they got the opportunity, they were breaking the rules. Falling prey to all the wickedness and immorality. That had held them captive to begin with. At the first sign of trouble, they fell off the wagon. The Israelites being the recipients, of the original salvation. Through the God ordained guidance of Moses. That wasn't enough to make them faithful. Some of them were very poor examples. Here we can see an example of God's wrath. For the sin of fornication, 23,000 people died in one day. Don't test the waters, they're to deep. You can't go through life sitting on the bank. Half way in, and half way out. If you know it's wrong, leave it alone. If you want to stay dry. You have to get all the way out. If you don't know this. You're still lost.


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.

You won't face anything, that those believers before you haven't. Nothing is new under the Sun. You don't have to worry, that you won't be able to endure the test. God will not put more on you than you can bare.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/16/06

Called to Win The Race

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

Background Scripture * 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

Devotional Reading * Hebrews 12:1-12

Called To Help The Weak

For the past seven chapters, Paul has dealt with issues that arose in the Corinthian church. At first he dealt mainly with immorality, and sexual perversion. Remember Corinth was like Sin city, when it came to sex. It was the equivalent of a redlight district,in bibical times. Now he deals with yet another issue. The issue of Christians partaking of food, that has been used for sacrifice. We must consider the times in which these letters were written. Idol and demonic worship were rampant practices. New Christians were worried that they were involved in pagan activities. Paul takes this opportunity to focus on something, of much more importance. Here Paul takes the time to explain to Corinthians, this is no big deal. This is just another bone of contention, in the body of Christ. Instead of spending time debating that.What we must do as Christians is exhibit love, in all our actions. Not leaving anyone out. In these passages Paul attempts to straighten out some false beliefs. As well as emphasize the importance of love.



1 Corinthians 8

1Now 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.

Paul starts here by pointing out the importance of exhibiting love. If we focus on the knowledge we receive in Christ. We have something this world doesn't provide us with. If not used in a responsible manner. It tends to swell our heads. It gives us an air of self-righteousness. The confidence one receives, in knowing the word of God. Is unparalleled in it's scope. It can make you appear pompous.Your knowledge is no doing of your own. But that which God has given you. Your knowledge is a testament to his goodness. If anything be remembered of you. Let it be said, that you loved God.


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.

Anything that relates to another supreme-being, is false from the start. You don't even have to ponder it, there is only one God. Everything around us came from the same source. He is the start and finish of our faith. It was spoken in the beginning of time. The adamic nature of man, causes him to challenge God's sovereignty. You will encounter many things in life, claiming that distinction. There is but one God, and one way to him. Through his son Jesus Christ.


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.

Everyone doesn't possess the same level of commitment or understanding. Those who have a full understanding of the scripture know. Since the idols are false themselves. They have no significance, neither any food offered to them in sacrifice. Eating of this meat, won't make a difference one way or the other. Your justification to God, isn't dependent on your diet. Because you have obtained this knowledge. Don't let this maturity form a division between those, who do and don't know.

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.

If seeing you doing something, misleads your brother. That is reason for you to refrain. If they don't know, that it doesn't make a difference. Don't give them reason to defy their belief. If they believe they shouldn't do it, don't entice them. Our concern for doing the right thing. Should go beyond our personal actions. We must serve as examples, to those who might be watching.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/09/06

Called to Help the Weak

Printed Text* 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Background Scripture * 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Devotional Reading * Mark 9:42-48