Lesson 2067

(Lesson 2067)(06-30-17) 1 Corinthians 10:24-33

"Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If 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. But 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: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

In today's quote Paul taught that the children of God are to do all that they can do toward the betterment of their neighbors. We are NEVER to do things that are offensive to others.

Even today there are many religious isms that refuse to eat certain foods, and some (Roman Catholics et al) will eat certain foods only on certain days. All that is nonsense to a true child of God. Just as God demonstrated to Peter before sending him to minister to Cornelius ( A Gentile), "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven." (Acts 10:9-16 in part.)

All things created by God are clean and edible to Christians, however, we are not to eat anything that might offend others.~

Lesson 2066

(Lesson 2066)(06-29-17) 1 Corinthians 10:18-23

"Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But 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. Ye 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. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."

    

In today's quote, Paul related that, although there's nothing spiritually wrong with eating meat that has been sacrificed to an idol, the very appearance of it is not expedient for a child of God.

As born again children of God, we know that nothing we do in these mortal bodies will be held against our eternal souls, even so we are to keep ourselves away from doing things that might mislead a weaker brother or sister by giving the appearance of evil.

Paul said, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." That means that appearance matters and if a child of God must wonder whether or not he/she should do a certain thing, he/she should probably refrain from doing it.~

Lesson 2065

(Lesson 2065)(06-28-17) 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

"The 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? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread."

This lesson relates that we, the born again children of God, are a separate people united and bound together through a kindred faith in the sacrificed blood and body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, and as such, we are to keep ourselves from even giving the appearance of supporting any spiritual beings other than God our Father through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our two "great" commandments are; "The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31 in part.)~

Lesson 2064

(Lesson 2064)(06-27-17) 1 Corinthians 10:5-15

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither 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. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There 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. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

In today's quote Paul, referring to the Children of Israel who, with Moses, escaped from Egypt told how quickly they had turned their backs on God and had begun to worship graven images.

Also in this lesson Paul warned the membership of the Corinthian church to stay the course with Jesus Christ, refraining from idol worship and those things that would lead them away from their responsibility to their brothers and sisters in the church. He also told of the punishment that was heaped upon the Hebrew people for their disobedience before God and how that same wrath awaited those among the Corinthians who might stray.

Even today we, the children of God, are to stay the course for Jesus Christ in every thing we do. We should walk as examples to those who have not yet tasted the sweet taste of salvation through the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 2063

(Lesson 2063)(06-26-17) 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

"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; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

Today's quote relates how all those who had been with Moses through the escape from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea were "baptized unto Moses" (Bound to Moses in kind.) That phrasing simply meant that all of the Hebrews who had escaped with Moses were kindred, both by blood and in spirit of purpose.~

Lesson 2062

(Lesson 2062)(06-25-17) 1 Corinthians Chapter 9

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who 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? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For 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? Or 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. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If 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. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with the alter? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But 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. For 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! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What 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. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And 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; To 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. To 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. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And 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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But 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."

In today's quote, Paul made it clear that the churches are to take care of the physical needs of their pastors. He then went further, referring to his own ministry, and in essence related that even though he had great personal investment at great personal cost in the work that he had done for the churches, he expected no repayment. He expressed, as we all should, that the work he did for the Lord was a work of love that he was willing to freely give that effort for the honor and glory of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The over riding lesson herein is that even though our preachers do what they do out of love for Jesus Christ, we, the membership of the church, should see that the ministers are aptly rewarded and paid for their efforts. ~

Lesson 2061

(Lesson 2061)(06-24-17) 1 Corinthians Chapter 8

"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As 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. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But 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. Howbeit 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. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For 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; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

In today's lesson, Paul made it clear that, to a child of God, food that has been offered as a sacrifice to an idol takes on no special characteristic other than just being food to sustain the body. However, a child of God should never allow him/herself to be seen as taking part in a ritual eating of a sacrificial offering since a brother of sister who is weaker in faith might misunderstand and be led to believe that the meat has some other significance than just food for the body.

Today's lessons seldom applies because sacrifices to idols is very rare in our society.~

Lesson 2060

(Lesson 2060)(06-23-17) 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

"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. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 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. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 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; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 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: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 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. 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. 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. 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. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 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. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God."

In today's quote, Paul explained that it is much easier for a single person to serve the Lord than for someone who is married. That is true seeing that a married man or woman spends much of their time in their devotion to their husband of wife.

Today's quote provides much of the basis for the Roman Catholic contention that a priest or nun should remain unmarried and celibate, devoting every minute of every day to the service of the Lord instead of to a husband or wife.

As we see above, it is perfectly okay for a child of God to remain unmarried and celibate, but it is also perfectly okay for the children of God to marry and still worship and serve the Lord.~

Lesson 2059

(Lesson 2059)(06-22-17) 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

"But 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. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For 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. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."

Today's quote relates that it makes no difference what a person is, or does, before becoming a child of God. None of that has any bearing on that person as a child of God. Herein, Paul clarified that in order to be a born again child of God one need do nothing more than believe in and be wholly faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.

In simpler terms, as Paul put it, if one is marked (Circumcised) as a Jew, there is no need to alter those markings. The same applies to those who are not Jews (uncircumcised), there is no requirement to be circumcised.~

Lesson 2058

(Lesson 2058)(06-21-17) 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

"But 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. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For 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. But 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. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?"

In today's quote, Paul established that a man who is married to an unbelieving woman or a woman who is married to an unbelieving man, is NOT "unequally yoked together" with an unbeliever, as some assert today. To the contrary, Paul made it very clear that a man or woman who is married to an unbeliever, should remain in that marriage in order to possibly save his/her unbelieving mate, "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband".

There is a misconception that is, and has been, being taught by many so-called Christian denominations, that a child of God should not be married to an unbeliever because he/she would then be considered "unequally yoked together". That is simply not true, as Paul clarified in today's quote.

"The scriptural text from which that erroneous contention is derived is found in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

To be UNEQUALLY yoked together with an unbeliever would require one to be married to an unbeliever who has the power to force that one to betray his/her own belief or worship something or someone other than the One true living God. In short, one who is weak in the faith should not marry an unrelenting idol worshiper.

It would be a bonus blessing if, through marriage, another otherwise lost soul could be brought to the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, marriages between the children of God who are standing on solid spiritual ground and unbelievers should not be discouraged.~

Lesson 2057

(Lesson 2057)(06-20-17) 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."

    

In today's lesson, Paul says that the Lord commands that a married woman not divorce her husband. He then went further to say that if a married woman does indeed divorce her husband, she is to either remain unmarried or reconcile with her original husband. The very last statement of the quote also warns that likewise, a married man is not to divorce his wife.~

Lesson 2056

(Lesson 2056)(06-19-17) 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

In today's quote, Paul advised the unmarried to either remain celibate, or marry, so as to keep themselves from fornication.~

Lesson 2055

(Lesson 2055)(06-18-17) 1 Corinthians 7:1-6

"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The 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. Defraud 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. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."

Today's lesson is a simply one. Herein, Paul established that in marriage, there is no superior partner concerning the sexual aspects of a marriage. As Paul said, the woman is accountable to the husband, and the husband is equally accountable to the wife.

Paul's contention is contrary to the beliefs of many who assert that the husband is to hold dominance over the wife in all aspects of a marriage. As we see in today's quote, that assertion is simply not scripturally founded.~

Lesson 2054

(Lesson 2054)(06-17-17) 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

"Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Today's quote warns us, the children of God, that our bodies are "the temple of the Holy Ghost" and should reflect honor and glory toward the Lord Jesus Christ at all times in everything we do. Jesus gave up His perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could be redeemed without living perfection. We are bought with a price. Though we can NEVER be wholly righteous in the flesh, everything we do should be as near righteous as we can make it. We should do our very best to live a life that demonstrates the awesome grace of God that has saved us.~

Lesson 2053

(Lesson 2053)(06-16-17) 1 Corinthians 6:12-14

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power."

In today's quote, Paul reiterated that, even though there are no restrictions on what we (The born again children of God.) can do while we occupy our earthly bodies, we are bound by an obligation to Jesus Christ to do everything within our power to avoid even the appearance of things that are contrary to the perfect will of God. Assured salvation is NOT a license to commit sin.

We should always be mindful of the two "great" commandments left to us by Jesus Himself and to obey them to the fullest of our ability. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39) If we obey these two simple commandments and be prepared to teach the gospel to those who seek it, we will have fulfilled our scriptural obligation.~

Lesson 2052

(Lesson 2052)(06-15-17) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

    

Today's lesson is a very, very, very important one that should be indelibly stamped into the minds of every child of God.

Most every so-called Christian doctrine today, will openly contend that if a born again child of God does not, after accepting Jesus Christ, maintain a perfect sin-free life, abstaining from even the appearance of evil, that one will lose their salvation upon the commission of the very first sin. However, most so-called Christian doctrines do also contend that if one asks for forgiveness for the sin before death, the sin will be forgiven and that one's saved status will be re-instated. That whole idea is just another pathetic means by which mankind attempts to insert him/herself into an act of grace that belongs to God alone.

As today's quote so clearly proves, the contention that a child of God must live a totally righteous life here on earth in order to maintain his/her salvation, is absolutely and totally false. In today's quote, Paul unequivocally stated that the sins of one who has give his/her life to Christ, no matter what those sins are, are "JUSTIFIED in the name of our LORD JESUS, and BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD".

If a person's actions are "JUSTIFIED" by God Himself, there can be no penalty for those actions.~

Lesson 2051

(Lesson 2051)(06-14-17) 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."

In today's quote, Paul commanded the church members to avoid law suits against each other, and to judge their failures among themselves. Declaring that the children of God should be far more fair in their judgment than the "unbelievers". ~

Lesson 2050

(Lesson 2050)(06-13-17) 1 Corinthians Chapter 5

"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

In this fifth chapter of first Corinthians, Paul clearly demanded that the children of God separate themselves from those brothers and sisters in Christ who walk outside the limits of Christian morality.

Even though, as born again believers, we are to refrain from judging the worldly actions of non-believers. Conversely, when it comes to the members of Christ's church, we are most certainly commanded to point out the errors of those brothers and sisters in Christ who break the known laws of Christianity. Paul lists fornicators, drunkards, the covetous, and railers as a few of the violators of those laws.

If we learn of a brother or sister who has broken the moral laws of Jesus Christ we are to "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." This quote assures us that even if we throw out from among us those who commit "sins", though their bodies will be given over to destruction by Satan, their souls will remain preserved by the seal of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ until "the day of the Lord Jesus".~

Lesson 2049

(Lesson 2049)(06-12-17) 1 Corinthians 4:15-21

"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"

In today's quote, Paul made a plea to the children of God in Corinth. He asked that they, above all else, follow what he had preached to them. He required that they refrain from chasing after those who would make flowery but empty speeches, and remain devoted to the core principles of the doctrine of Jesus Christ as he had presented it to them.

Sadly, there are far too many today who are willing to follow after every new wind that blows while ultimate bible truth is getting gradually blown away by those same winds.

The lesson of today is that we, devoted Christian people, should stay the course with the doctrine of Jesus Christ in its perfect form as divinely presented by the Holy Ghost through constant prayer to that end.~

Lesson 2048

(Lesson 2048)(06-11-17) 1 Corinthians 4:6-14

"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. 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? 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. 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. 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. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you."

In the beginning of today's quote, Paul again iterated that it makes no difference from whom one might have received the gospel of Jesus Christ. The important thing is that, by the grace of God, they received it.

In the latter part of the quote, Paul revealed the suffering that was being withstood by all the apostles who had devoted their lives to the work of spreading the good news of God's saving grace.

What a glorious thing it would be if today there were more persons like Paul, Silas, Barnabas, Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos who would eagerly abandon all else to do nothing but serve the purposes of the gospel of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 2047

(Lesson 2047)(06-10-17) 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 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. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 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."

Paul made it very clear in today's quote that we, the children of God, are "stewards of the mysteries of God." We are to neither impose judgment upon, nor fear the judgment of any man, but rather, we are to reserve the ultimate judgment to God alone when He is come to redeem or condemn all of mankind.~

Lesson 2046

(Lesson 2046)(06-09-17) 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

This is another short lesson, but again one of the most important lessons to be found in the New Testament. Herein, Paul clarifies that no matter by whom, or how, one is brought to the saving grace of God, the praise and glory belongs to God alone.

The operation of God that allows for the redemption of mankind through faith in His supreme sacrifice, the perfect Jesus Christ, belongs wholly to God. There is NO allowance for mankind to take ANY of the credit for his soul's eternal redemption.~

Lesson 2045

(Lesson 2045)(06-08-17) 1 Corinthians 3:16-20

"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain."

Today's lesson advises the children of God that nothing they do is hidden from God. Our bodies are the very temple of God, and our lives are meant to be the service of that temple. We should reflect nothing but the truth in Christ in every thing we do.

Although we, the children of God, being fully redeemed from sin, are "justified" in all our earthly actions, we are still responsible to the judgment of Jesus Christ for all those actions, whether they be good or bad. We, the body of Jesus Christ, (The church) are the only representatives and demonstrators of the imputed goodness that comes through the acceptance of blood the of Jesus Christ. We should, therefore, NEVER mar the appearance of the "temple".~

Lesson 2044

(Lesson 2044)(06-07-17) 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

"Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

In today's quote, Paul clearly explained that if a child of God uses his/her "justified" status, or the power of the Holy Spirit, for personal gain, that person's life reward will be burned to nothing in a trial by fire, yet the soul of that person will remain exempt from the final death and an everlasting hell. "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." Conversely, if a child of God uses the power of the Holy Spirit in the manner that has been commanded by the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that person will receive untold rewards. I believe that those rewards will come both in our earthly lives as well as in heaven.

NOTE: This lesson proves, once and for all, that the physical works of a saved man or woman has anything to do with whether or not he/she will remained saved and safe from the final death. "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.".

Lesson 2043

(Lesson 2043)(06-06-17) 1 Corinthians 3:8-11

"Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According 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. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

The essence of today's lesson is that every one of us who work to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ are all, in effect, pulling the same wagon, and that we are all in this together seeking the same outcome. That ultimate desire, for every born again child of God, that every lost soul will find redemption in the amazing grace of God through faith in the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In his letter to the Corinthians, in order to end the "contentions" among them, Paul's aim was that no man/woman be recognized above his/her station in the church and that ALL praise and glory was/is to be given to God for His amazing saving grace.~

Lesson 2042

(Lesson 2042)(06-05-17) 1 Corinthians 3:1-7

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."

In today's lesson Paul left the impression that there were many in Corinth who had not yet received the power of the Holy Ghost and therefore could not fully understand the gospel of Jesus Christ causing the need for him to preach to them as children, "babes", in Christ.

Paul went on the affirm that it is not necessarily just the teacher that is responsible for the understanding of those who follow them, but rather, it is a collection of input that eventually leads to one's full understanding and eternal salvation.

Sadly, still today, there are many so-called preachers, who, out of their own selfishness and pride, and in an attempt to increase the numbers of their followers, try to hand out the power of the Holy Ghost as if it were a free toaster.

It is the duty of the elders of the church to keep preachers in line with the perfect gospel of Jesus Christ and to make sure that every prospective child of God understands that we are just the planters. It is God the Father who will reap the great harvest when His day comes.~

Lesson 2041

(Lesson 2041)(06-04-17) 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

"But 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. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For 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. Now 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. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But 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. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

In the first part of today's quote deals with the fact that the children of God have a spiritual insight into the things of God that unbelievers simply don't have. That is because, by being born again in spirit, we are *baptized (*Immersed) into the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, or more literally, we are *immersed into the Holy Triune of God. That *baptism, or *immersion, instills us with the insight and mind power of the Holy Spirit.

(* The use of the terms baptized, baptism or immersion, does NOT in any way refer to the use of water in any manner.)

We are assured of our extra insight by what Paul said in the last sentence of Today's quote; "we have the mind of Christ.". I don't believe there is a more profound statement made in the entirety of the bible. Paul, in essence, said that those of us whom have accepted God's saving grace literally "have the mind of Christ", and therefore, we the born atain, are able to see into spiritual things, (The "mystery" of the doctrine of Jesus Christ) whereas those who reject Jesus Christ, cannot.~

Lesson 2040

(Lesson 2040)(06-03-17) 1 Corinthians 2:1-8

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit 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: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

In today's quote, Paul, separating himself from the great orators, made the point that though his own manner of speech was coarse, and not so eloquent, with the power and voice of the Holy Spirit to guide, he had preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to perfection.

In the latter part of the quote, Paul provided that the doctrine of Jesus Christ is a "mystery" to those who are outside the Spirit of God. Only those of us who have accepted God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and who have received the power of the Holy Spirit, have the ability to understand the mystery of that doctrine. This was done so that; "your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" rather than in the selfish wisdom of mankind.

In the last part of the quote, Paul says, in essence, that had the Jew actually understood who Jesus was, they would never have crucified Him.~

Lesson 2039

(Lesson 2039)(06-02-17) 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Today's lesson is a very profound one and should be intently studied to determine its true intent toward all of us.

In the first part of the quote, Paul established that there will be a limited number of souls who are called to the redemption of the gospel provided by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul also established that there will be no room for those who falsely hold themselves in high regard, those who, because of their own over-imagined self import, are intent upon being a part of their own salvation instead of relying fully, by faith, upon the redeeming blood of Christ. Paul also established that those who are called will be made up of the much lower esteemed, those who in their humility, understand that they will NEVER be worthy of eternal salvation.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."

This part of the quote deals with how God intended that the sheer simplicity of the gospel would be a confounding factor to those who insist that there must be far more to the redemption of mankind than simple redemption upon request and belief that appears in the affirmed gospel of Jesus Christ.

The over-riding message in today's quote is that, in God's imminent grace, He made total redemption perfectly, and absolutely, free to all who will simply call upon the name of Jesus Christ and wholly believe that He is the ONLY remitter of sins. "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:27-28)~

Lesson 2038

(Lesson 2038)(06-01-17) 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

In today's quote, Paul demonstrated that to those who seek to save themselves by their own earthly rituals, the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified, is foolishness.

The major stumbling block to those who claim to seek eternal salvation, is now, and always has been their own hypocritical, and false, sense of self importance. In the entirety of Paul's ministry, he preached that everlasting redemption of the human soul comes ONLY from the acceptance of the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for all sin. There is NO sin that mankind is capable of justifying within, or by, him/herself. The ONLY remitter of sins is the grace of God through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Romans 3:23-25)~