1 Corinthians 12

 Good morning! I hope you all had a good day yesterday. It was mostly an inside day for us with the rain and sprinkles, but it was good. Play time and snack time! We had our final night of vacation Bible school last night. It was a fun week, but I'm tired!

In this chapter, Paul turns his attention to spiritual gifts. Like someone said before, I wish we knew the questions he was responding to. One theologian defines gifts as "gracious endowments leading to miraculous results through the extraordinary influences of the Holy Spirit! Paul reminds them of their past and that they may not all understand the spiritual gifts, but a good judge of the  gift is how does it enable or promote Jesus and the Gospel (v 3). 

The gifts are different, the ministries are different, the activities are different,  there is diversity in the styles, but there is only one source- one Spirit that provides these gifts. Each of us has a unique way we can serve God (vv 4-7). Each of us has different abilities, yet we all have the same goal of bringing people to God. Have you thought of your special gifts that bring people to God? The Holy Spirit is active- if we let it and are receptive to it! Granted, sometimes the Spirit is more apparent than at other times, but it is always there! That presence and our gifts are working together for the benefit of the entire church family- nit just us as an individual. Paul then goes through and describes several spiritual gifts (vv 8-11). An interesting activity to do this weekend is your own spiritual gifts inventory. You can find one here designed by the UMC: UMC Spiritual Gifts

The next set of verses speaks of how we are to all work together with our gifts. I have used these passages in school many times when teaching the kids about how the body works together. We are all special (one of our VBS kids said this several times this week!) and we all work together- like the different organs of our body have to work together for the continuation of life (vv 12-13). Our body is dynamic, our faith and church is dynamic- growing and changing and developing through the years. Each person in the church has a vital role and each person should be "used" to the best of their abilities for the promotion of the Gospel. Are we doing that? In our church, does everyone have a role for the continuation and promotion of the Gospel?

The whole of this chapter is the unique abilities we all have for the promotion of the Gospel and the integrity of the church. Are we utilizing these gifts? Are we working together? Are we unique but the same? Lots of questions and things to think about with these words from Paul.

Have a good weekend and let's report back about our gifts for Monday!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 11

 Good morning! Well we certainly got some rain last night! There was a bucket on the back porch and it had about 4 inches of water in it this morning-- it was empty yesterday! We had planned on doing the Harford Fair today, but I think Fred is going to make us stay home! Guess today will be house cleaning day!! Yahoo!

Today's reading may get interesting! The sub-text in my Bible is "Being Under Authority" and it speaks of women in worship! Paul begins with a simple statement (v 1), "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Paul knew that he was following Christ's commandments and teachings, so he wasn't afraid to suggest that the Corinthians follow his model. Paul used similar words to Timothy when he told him to be a good model to the believers.  Do we have good models in our churches that are following Jesus? 

I sense some sarcasm from Paul in v 2. The Corinthians didn't really remember all that Paul did for them and they certainly were not following the traditions! I love Paul! Paul now sets forth some regulations and foundations for the rest of the chapter. Paul uses the word "head" a few times. It may mean head as in source, like the headwaters of a stream or a trail head; it may also mean one who has authority and responsibility. In the first case, Paul then says "man came from Jesus, woman came from man, Jesus came from God"( v 3). I think this simplifies the relationship between humanity and God/Jesus; it goes deeper than that. However, we get into some sticky situations with the second concept of "head". I do think that God/Jesus is the head (i.e. has authority over or responsibility for us; and we are responsible to and under the authority of God/Jesus). The part I would disagree with is that men and women are equal- Sherri is definitely not under my authority- we are equals (I hope!). If we look at culture 2000 years ago though, women were under control of their husbands; the husband had control over her and there was no question about that. 

The idea of a head covering (vv 4-5+) may seem strange to us, but the custom was a public symbol of being under authority or control of someone else. In Greek and Roman culture is was a custom and in Jewish tradition is was a law that all women were to have a veil covering their head as all women were under authority of some male; the only women that could go in public without a head covering were the prostitutes. So, the comments made by Paul are: men should not wear head covering when they pray as they are in control and women should wear a head covering as they are under the control of others. Anyone want to comment on that?! Women are free to pray and prophesy in public, but they must show they are under the authority of a man. Regarding the comment of shaving a woman's head (v 5)- that was the punishment (in Judaic culture) of being found guilty of being an adultress (think "The Scarlet Letter"); in Greek culture is was a sign of the woman being "guilty of" adultery or homosexuality. Interesting (and not surprising) there is no corresponding punishment for men being caught in adultery or homosexuality!

Paul continues his statements. Man was created in the image of God, so for a man to cover his head would be a disgrace to God (v 7). Obviously, God created Adam first, then Eve came, so it is ok for a woman to cover her head since she is under man! Some commentaries suggest that this promotes different roles for men and women in the church and the home! I am not even going there! I think you all know me well enough to know my opinion, But if anyone wants to comment- feel free! To further the issue, woman was created for man (v 9). Remember (Genesis 2:18) God created a helper for man. I am not going there either- but feel free to comment!

Paul "redeems" himself somewhat in the next paragraph (not sure if that was the best word, but that's what I am using!). Men and women need each other (v 11). After all the discussion of the subordination of women to men, Paul goes on to stress the partnership of men and women- we do need partners in this world! Paul seems to be talking to Jewish Christians here (v 13) as men (in Jewish culture) did pray with their heads covered (as a sign of respect for God) so a woman should definitely cover her head! To continue, in Jewish and Greek culture, it was a dishonor for men to have long hair (as it was seen as feminine), so women should not cut their hair. The rule was men should not have longer hair than women. Then what about the Nazarites that made a vow not to cut their hair (and Paul was a Nazarene, so he had to have long hair at one time!). Paul then goes on to say a woman's long hair is her head covering- given by God (v 15). Confused yet?!

Phew- glad that's over...now to the Lord's Supper!

Paul begins by complementing them for coming together (v 17) but then slams them hard for being in disagreement! Paul argues that the factions are good though (v 19) as it allows us to see who is working for God and who is working for themselves. Can we see that in our factions in the church? 

Early Christians would combine a "pot-luck" dinner with the celebration of communion. This was the model of Christ; he often ate with lots of people gathered around the table. Since Jesus would often eat with all the disciples and many people from the town, the Corinthians followed that model and would have large community dinners. The issue Paul has is with the party style, free for all type gathering. In these community meals, the upper class would go through the buffet line first; the lower class last. Many times there wasn't enough food left for the lower class (v 21). Class division was a highly recognized difference in ancient cultures. What about our views today on class division? Paul's message is clear- if you want to eat and drink lavishly- do it at home; the community meals are just that- COMMUNITY!

Paul then describes the celebration of Jesus at the "Last Supper." Paul didn't make this up, he received it from Jesus (v 23). Maybe it was direct revelation from Jesus, maybe it was through some of the apostles, maybe it was from some other source (remember, Paul was not in Jesus' group and he was probably a small child when Christ was in active ministry). Paul then goes through the liturgy of the eucharist (Greek for "giving thanks") with the emphasis on remembering Jesus. The eucharist was part of the Passover meal (remembering the exodus of the Hebrew people from Egypt) and celebrated hundreds of years before Jesus; Jesus takes that symbolic breaking of bread and drinking of wine and imparts a new view of these foods. The bread used at the meal was unleavened (yeast was symbolic of bad/evil and needed time to "work"); the bread also probably had small holes in it and had some scorch marks from the grill. Holes symbolic of the holes in Jesus' hands and feet; scorch marks representing the whip marks on his back. There are traditionally four glasses of wine at the Passover meal (there are various things that they represent). Jesus builds a new covenant. How could a mere human develop a new covenant between humans and God?! Different Christian traditions "impose" different understandings of the bread and cup, body and blood, at communion.

Paul teaches that communion must be received with reverence (v 27) and use a spirit of self-examination (v 28). Do we? If we do not approach this sacrament in a holy manner, we are judging ourselves. That is a tough statement from Paul! Do we approach communion with that reverence or has it lost its significance and holiness?

Paul wraps up with- if you're really hungry- stay home (v 33)! And Paul has more to say- but he will address it when he visits. Wait till your father comes home!

Some really interesting words from Paul today! Could bring about some fun conversation!

Have a great rest of the day!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 10

 Good morning! Hoping that you all had a good day yesterday! Today looks like some rain from Fred!

We had another great night at VBS! I really enjoy seeing the kid's energy and appreciate the dedication of my team!

This morning's chapter from Paul brings some stern warnings about the lives that the Corinthians are leading. There are many references to Israel's past and how they treated God! It is an interesting and sobering chapter!

Paul introduced two related concepts in the last two chapters and brings them together in this one. Remember, chapter 8 was about eating the meat offered at temples to gods--  since Christians know there is only one True God, these sacrifices are just "regular" meat and can be eaten by Christians- unless they cause a Brother or Sister to stumble in their faith. Love for others is more important than knowledge. In chapter 9, Paul says that the Christians should give up their "right" to eat the sacrificed meat (as Paul gave up his "right" to be supported by the church in his ministry), especially when it causes someone to question the existence of God. Paul brings these two together in this chapter.

Think of the blessings that the Hebrew people received: they were all protected and guided by the cloud as they left Egypt (v 1, the cloud of Shekinah protected them from the sun during the day and burned like a fiery pillar during the night so they could see their way), they safely passed through the Red Sea as they fled from Egypt (v 2, and also seen as a baptism as they "passed through the waters"), they survived on manna and water that God provided (v 3), Christ (through God) was with the Hebrew people the entire time of their exodus (v 4). Even with all these blessings and provisions, the Hebrew people ignored God- most of them died in the desert (v 5). Only Caleb and Joshua were "allowed" to enter the Promised Land! The point Paul was making was that the Corinthians were becoming like the Hebrew people (vv 7-8). The Corinthians had so many blessings, yet they continue to be promiscuous, eat meat from the temples, carouse the night away, etc! This is a warning from Paul- like the Hebrew people, the Corinthians could be in for a bad future! Paul mentions that in one day, 23,000 people "fell" (v 8); there is no text that says that, but there is text that says 3000 men perished for sexual impurity and 20,000 women perished at the golden calf incident. Maybe he was combining the two? Paul continues giving examples of how the Hebrew people perished as a result of their sins. The message: "Shape up!"

We are to live and learn based on past examples. These stories were written so that we cold see the mistakes from prior people and learn a better way (vv 11- 13). Everyone is vulnerable to temptations; the Corinthians thought they were above that. Temptation is like a rock in a harbor. At low tide, it is easy to see and avoid. But, Satan rises the water and makes the tide come in and covers the rock so we don't see it. Then we crash! Paul is saying that we are all susceptible to temptation and we need to be active against it. 

Now, with all this information, Paul turns back to the meat offered as sacrifices to gods. "Run away" (v 14) is Paul's advice! The idea is that a little meat here and there is ok, but eventually, we would slip into the worship of that idol! If we believe that our communion celebration unites us with other Christians and with Christ (vv 16-17) then eating the meat at the altars unites us with the gods of the temple (vv 18- 20). Some of the gods were good, but some were bad and had ties to demons. Paul says we can't unite the table of God with the table of idols (v 21). The Corinthian Christians thought that as long as they ate at the Lord's table, they were safe, but Paul says this isn't so! So choose wisely!

Even if something is legal- it doesn't mean it is right or good to do (vv 23-24) especially if is causes a brother or sister to stumble! How much can we get away with and still be Christians! The biggest harm is when our actions cause others to stumble. An example for the UMC. At communion, we use grape juice. The idea is that if we are truly open to all we should be open to all. If we use wine at communion, then we are excluding alcoholics. Even though alcohol is legal for adults, it would cause a brother or sister to stumble, We may have to give up some of our rights for the benefit of others.

Paul seems to backtrack in the next few verses (vv 25-26), but what he is saying is that if "sacrificed meat" is sold in the marketplace or the butcher shop- it is ok to eat since there is no remnant of the idol on the meat. If you don't know where the meat came from, you're good too. I don't necessarily agree with this, but this isn't my letter! If you have knowledge that the meat was sacrificed to an idol, you shouldn't eat it; but no knowledge exempts you from the "sin" (vv 27- 28). 

In Paul's closing statement- he has us focus on glory to God. Whatever we do, however we act, we should do it for the glory of God. Our goal is to be good people and to do as best as we can to help others and make sure our actions don't make them stumble. Do good for people. Be good for people. A theme that Jesus taught us!

The basic premise of the chapter- don't do something that will cause a brother or sister to stumble. Love for others is greater than anything!

Have a great day. Stay dry!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 9

 Good morning! It is such a nice sound to wake up to a gentle rain on the roof! Today is going to be a good day! Our first night of VBS was last night and we had a great time. I have a very dedicated and faithful flock that I work for and they all did a great job with the kids! 

This chapter is an interesting one. Paul seems to be defending himself in the words that he writes. People were doubting Paul and Paul's authority, and so he takes this time to outline exactly who he is. Strange place to put these words, but here they are!

Paul begins with three simple but powerful statements: I am an apostle! I am free! I saw Jesus! Paul tells of his "authority" through the fact that he is an apostle and follows nobody or nothing except Christ. He has no commitments to anyone of anything other than God. He also states that he saw Jesus; many people doubted and thought that it was only a vision, but here Paul says it was a real event- in the flesh. His work for God is evidenced in the way that he Corinthian church has started and developed. They are the people they are because of his (and God's) work in them. Surely, this is proof enough!

Paul now goes on the defensive. Paul begins with "we have the right to eat and drink" (v 4). Of course he and the other apostles do! However, Paul was saying that they have the right to do this at the expense of the churches they visit. These words seem different that what Christ taught us (and even what Paul has said a few times), that we should not burden people with our wants and needs when we are evangelizing. Pal continues with "bringing a Christian wife" (v 5). Again, the belief is that saying that the churches they  are visiting should support the entire family that is visiting- not just the apostle. Paul then says that many of the apostles are married and their wives should come along with them. Interesting note, Paul mentions Peter being married. The Roman Catholic tradition has him as the first pope- so what about the celibacy requirement? Then Paul says that, in fact, only he and Barnabas have jobs and support themselves (v 6). The strange thing is, the churches desired to fund the visitors, and this fact (that they had outside jobs) made the Corinthian people uneasy! It is like the Corinthians were saying, "If Paul and Barnabas were real apostles, they would allow us to support them!"

The church supporting the apostles takes a big chunk of text (v 7). Paul defends the concept of churches supporting the apostles. Churches do support their pastors now. Many, especially in the UMC tradition, do have second jobs to help in their own support (the UMC has many part-time clergy, especially in thus area). Paul pulls out all the stops when he brings in Mosaic law (v 9). The text from Deuteronomy 25:4 is about the humane treatment of animals, but also the broader application is for the way we treat people (slaves at that time). Those that are preparing the food should get some of the harvest bounty (v 10). I wonder if "profit sharing" Plans in large corporations began as a result of this?

If Paul (and Barnabas) planted the spiritual seeds in the city of Corinth and they started the church, shouldn't they also reap some of the benefits (v 11)? They have the right to be supported by the church, because without them (the apostles) there would be no church! Paul does add in a caveat, that if the church is struggling (spiritually, financially) then they shouldn't rely on them for support (v 12). Contrary to all that he says, Paul defends his right not to rely on the church. We see Paul's true heart here. Paid or unpaid, it didn't matter. Paul's mission and goal was the spread of the Gospel. Are pastors today like that- paid or unpaid, the goal is the Gospel?

All of these statements actually comes back to the meat in the temples. If Paul is willing to deny himself the right to salary from the church for the good of the Gospel, then people should deny themselves the "right" to the meat that was offered in the temple (v 13). Big stretch maybe? Paul's closing argument in this set of lines comes with a command from God, "If people are going to work for the Good News, then they should get their pay from it also" (v 14). They are not exact words from Jesus, but the nearest statements Jesus made are found in Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:8.

Paul tries to sum everything up with, "I have the right to be paid by the church, but I am not taking that right" (v 15). Paul wasn't boasting about his preaching the Gospel, his boasting was that he did it without expense to the church (v 16). His work was something that he was called to do; it wasn't a "job", it was a "career". He felt compelled to teach and preach the Gospel. To be honest- in my career at Little Meadows, I get so much out of teaching and preaching, that in itself is fulfilling enough! Pastors (generally) are in it for the "ultimate" reward, not the immediate reward of money and benefits! Like teaching, we are not in it for the money!

Paul was free to do whatever he wanted, yet he took his freedom to bring people to Christ (v 19).  He could have made more money and fame by continuing to persecute the Christians for Rome. However, his conversion experience told him differently! Paul sought to win people for God by being sensitive to their needs and identifying with them (vv 20-23). He became like the Jews when he talked with the Jews; he became like the Gentiles when he talked with he Gentiles. Do we identify with the people that we are trying to win to Christ? Do we meet people where they are now? Paul didn't change the words or the doctrine, but he changed his mode or style of presentation. Does clergy do  that now?

To close out this chapter, Paul uses an analogy of an athlete (vv 24-27). Sporting events were huge in Paul's time (as they are now!) and especially in Corinth. The city was home to the Isthmian games- second only to the Olympics. When we prepare for God's work, it is like an athlete preparing and training for a competition. We want to win and winning takes preparation! Our entire focus should be God and God's work; the only way to win is to train hard and train often. I sometimes feel like that. Some of my weeks when I am prepping for Sunday worship are like intense training weeks! Do you train like an athlete for God? (This will preach some day!)

I hope you have a good day and I hope that Paul's words are relevant to our lives today!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

 

1 Corinthians 8

 Good morning and welcome back. Sherri  and I had a great weekend in Vermont visiting Morgan and Bobbi-Jo. It was nice to get away for a few days and explore. Sherri and I went to Springfield VT and Hanover NH on Friday for some shopping and fun. Hanover is home to Dartmouth and also part of the Appalachian Trail! Saturday was spent in Quechee VT; there is a beautiful gorge we hiked in and also visited the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center. They have a great "Forest Canopy Walk" that takes you over 100 feet about the forest floor! Busy but short weekend. I hope you all had as much fun as we did!

Having addressed issues of sexuality, marriage, and singleness, Paul shifts his focus to eating meats and other goods sacrificed to idols (chapters 8 through 10). Typically, meat sacrificed at the pagan altar was divided into three portions: one burnt in honor of the god, one returned to the worshipper, one given to the temple priest (who could sell it at the temple market if he didn't want it).  The questions that arise are: Can Christians buy the meat at the market? Can Christians eat the sacrificed meat? What if they are in the home of a pagan for dinner?

Paul starts with a quick reminder of Christian love and our limited wisdom (vv 1-3). The goal of Christian life is love- not knowledge. Love has a huge impact on our life- building us up into stronger people. 

Christian theology is that there are no gods other than God (v 4); we are monotheistic- only one True God and there are no other competing gods. In pagan culture, there are many, many competing gods. Each one had a temple, and each had specific sacrifices that were required. There was even a god called "the unknown god" with its own temple- this was so that no god was forgotten! We know that there is just one God- our faith and theology rest on that huge principal. In the mind of the Corinthians Christians- if these idols/gods mean nothing- then the meat that was sacrificed to them was ok to eat, since it also means nothing.

Paul offers a different perspective. Some of the Christians had knowledge of the idols and so when they ate the meat, they recognized it as a sacrifice to the god (v 7). These people weren't wrong in their thought process, they just had a different way of thinking. We have all run into that: two different thought processes clashing together! You aren't more spiritual if you don't eat food offered to idols because you know they are nothing; you aren't less spiritual if you eat the meat offered to idols (v 8). It isn't the food that makes us more or less spiritual!

Paul continues by saying your actions may be a stumbling block for someone else who may be "weaker" in faith (vv 9-10). The whole concept here is that we may cause someone to "decrease" their faith in God when they see us doing something. We know that there are no other gods, so they sacrifices mean nothing, so we are OK with eating the meat. Someone else may still be questioning, and when they eat the sacrifice, they then begin believing in that god. We have caused someone to stumble. What are some of the current issues that may cause others to stumble? We need to be careful that we don't pull our brothers or sisters to sin. 

Short chapter but lots to think about!

Have a great day! Going to get ready for VBS!!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 7

Good morning. What a nice cool morning it is so far! Hope you all had a good and cool yesterday...today promises to be hotter yet! Sherri and I are off to Vermont to see Morgan and Bobbi-Jo; slightly cooler there! We should be back Saturday night. I will not be posting anything tomorrow (Friday); sorry...I know how you all wait with bated breath for my wise words! (J.K.)

Great discussion about "looking but no touching"! Like I mentioned in one response, if we are all created in God's image then we should all be good looking- right?! Is it like appreciating good art? Not to trivialize it, but we all are masterpieces of art!

Paul changes his attention here to issues in the church that people had written him about. He tackles some sensitive issues- starting with marriage-- well more like sexuality in marriage (that's a surprise for Paul!?).  The conversation may get uncomfortable, but we are all friends!  Some translations use the word "touch" (v 1); by "touch",  Paul is referring to sexuality. Paul's take is that celibacy- even in marriage- is much better than any sex. His view is that sexuality is such a great temptation, that even in marriage it may lead to adultery or other sexual impurity! Paul goes on to say that if you must marry- you should be monogamous (vv 2-3)-- I think we would all agree with that! My translation says that the two in a couple must give their spouse "all that they owe them" (v 3). I'm not sure if I like that word "owe"; some translations use the word "due them." The point being, we should respect our partners. Note that it a two-way street...both partners are to give to the other. One isn't superior to the other! Paul touches more on this in v 4; both share each other's body. Somewhat in contrast to what he said earlier, Paul then goes on to stay abstinence isn't good- as Satan is waiting for that to happen so that the tempter can work his "magic." When we deny or deprave physical attraction or intimacy, we are cheating our partners. Any thoughts? Comments? God makes it clear that there is nothing wrong, and there is everything good, about sexuality in marriage. Satan loves it when there is "issues" with sexuality in marriage, that's when Satan can work in temptation! Paul adds the benefit of being single as she is now (v 7). There is some thought that Paul was once married; it is almost a Jewish "requirement" to be wed. Men unmarried by age 20 were basically considered "not real men" and "probably would not make it to  heaven"! We're not sure what happened to his wife.

Paul continues wit his commentary. If you can't be celibate and sexually pure...then you are better to get married (v 9). For Paul, marriage is a better alternative than temptation. I guess that's an OK thing! How would the wife feel in this case? And notice that it seems like the male is the one that is with impure thoughts!

Now to a tough subject- divorce. Remember- this is a question from the church people. If both partners are Christian- than divorce is off the table (v 10). We have talked about this before, and in my opinion, there are some times when divorce is better than staying together. Thoughts? If divorce happens- then the people should stay unmarried forever after. This, like the last section, is a two-way street. Both husband and wife are held to the same high standards. The same rules seem to hold true for a Christian married to a non-believer (vv 12- 14). The Christian is not to break the marriage covenant. The non-believer can become holy through the faith of the Christian in the relationship. God is at work even in these "mixed" marriages. However, the non-believer can end the marriage, and it is as if it never happened (vv 15-16). 

No matter what your situation is- married, single, divorced, widowed, remarried, whatever- God can and will continue to work through you (v 17). The idea of circumcision comes up (again- surprise!). We all know Paul's thoughts...if it wasn't done- it doesn't need to be done (vv 18-19). God loves all people just the same! Paul uses another example- slavery (vv 20-24). And again, the take home message is God loves you just the way you are.

Paul bounces back to the marriage debate. If you're single- stay that way; if you're married- stay that way (vv 25- 27). Paul feels that it is better to stay single, but doesn't condemn the married people.

Paul begins to comment on end times...the time is near (vv 29-31). Some treat Paul as a false prophet by saying these words (the end is near), but he was repeating what Christ was saying. Paul is emphasizing trust in God and work for God in these verses. We are to act as if the world is ending and we have so much work to do. It would be better if we weren't married, so we had more time to do God's work. Husbands take time away from wives; wives take time away from husbands. Time that we could be spending doing for God.

The next few lines are confusing (vv 36- 38).  Parents are responsible for arranging marriages for their children. The question being answered here is, Can a Christian parent recommend celibacy for their child? Given what Paul has said about marriage, it is not wrong for a Christian parent to arrange a marriage for their child, but celibacy is a good option too and it should not be looked down upon. 

Finally- a Christian woman has the right to marry a Christian man if her first husband dies (v 39); however, Paul thinks she will be happier if she stays single (v 40). And he is probably correct on that! (J.K.). Again, Paul affirms celibacy because then the person will be more focused on God. 

This chapter had lots of discussion points, but the overall theme seems to be stay focused on God!

Can we? Do we?

Have a great weekend.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 6

What a beautiful day yesterday! Helped a neighbor plow several acres of field for planting (eventually) clover, radish, and turnips for deer food plots. It was fun to be on the tractor for a few hours...nothing to think about but just drive! 

I hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy the day...not too bad. Today may be a different story! Really warm today so stay inside as much as you can! 

 Paul takes another strong stance in this next case. Apparently one Christian felt they were wronged by another of the faith and decided to have the case heard in court. The issue that Paul brings up is that the judges were not Christians, so the people had no right to take the case to them. Paul argues that because of our destiny, we are able to judge cases brought to the church (v 2). Paul says that we will even be judging the angels (v 3)! I'm not so sure of that! Are there evil angels that need to be judged? Are there? Paul essentially says that these matters should be taken up by members of the church. What do you think about that? Paul talks about how wise the Corinthians think they are, but then they go and do something like this (vv 5-6)! How would you feel hearing a case between two people in your church?

If you are truly Christian, you should try to work things out on your own and not get the courts involved. The fact that the Corinthians already have several cases that have been tried by the courts says that they have failed in their faith (v 7)! It is better to be wronged than to defend your "rights" at the expense of God's glory. Use the church system is was Paul is saying!

Christians certainly shouldn't be doing wrong, but to do wrong to another Christian is even worse than that (v 8)! I can almost hear Paul saying; "How can you do that?! Don't you know how bad that is?! Come on people!" The man that did wrong is in the class of all the other sinners (v 10+). We can talk about the list and what's in there...but... Anyway, God's great work in each of us is described in three terms: washed, sanctified (made holy), and justified (made right). That's quite a process! Do you feel washed, sanctified, and justified?

Paul has brought up sexuality in the last two sections, and he continues here in this section. I hope you're ready! Paul reminds them that just because something is legal, it doesn't mean you should do it (v 12). Think about that...just because something is legal doesn't make it something you should do! Any "for examples"? Paul especially wants the people to know and recognize that some things will make them a slave unto them (food, drugs, etc...). That's what the people need to be mindful of. V 13 may need some explaining: The Corinthians were probably justifying rampant sexuality with this statement (v 13). My body wants food so I eat, my body wants sex, so I have sex. Sounds logical- right? But, Paul states that he body is for God and should not be defiled. If we are part of Christ, and Christ is pure, then we should never join our body (and then by extension, Christ's body) with a prostitute. Sex is defined as between two monogamous people forever; there is no "casual sex" in the Bible. The two people are united as one in that moment. Any discussion?!

Paul saya (v 18) "Run away from sexual impurity!" Sounds quite urgent! And its specifically sexual impurity- not sex...there's a difference. Paul doesn't say that sexual impurity is a greater sin than others- it just affects us differently...body and mind and soul. Just a quick giggle (?): It is said that Augustine had difficulty keeping sexually pure. This is supposedly one reason why it took him so long to begin following God. It is said that he would pray often, "God, make me pure-- just not yet." He did turn his life over to God and several years later, he visited a town on a business trip. He happened to see one of his lady friends and she came running, arms outstretched, yelling his name. He saw that, turned the other way, and began to run. She yelled, "Why are you running? It is me!" He returned with "I am running because I am not me!" Not sure if it is a true story- but that will preach some day!

Paul closes with the reminder that our bodies are temples...holy places that should not be defiled. Also in that temple is where God is living. Do you feel God living in you?

Some interesting words on an interesting topic form Paul! Hope you enjoyed it!

Stay cool today!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul