Lesson 472

(Lesson 472)(11-30-12) 1 Corinthians 10:33, "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. 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. 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."

This lesson warns the Church to maintain the purity of Christ's doctrine. Herein, Paul addresses those who were attempting to mix Christianity with other pagan beliefs. He uses the metaphor that, to Christianity, the body and blood of Christ, (the Church) is the food and drink that sustains us, whereas the lost, and those who would deceive, feed from the abundance of meat sacrificed to idols.
We, as Christians, are to rigidly maintain the true tenets of the Church as they were established by Jesus Christ, disallowing the distortion brought about by the intermingling of differing religious traditions. We are not to abide the watering down of those principles that bind together the Church founded by Jesus Christ Himself.
Examples of such wrongful intermingling is demonstrated by Catholicism and Mormonism, et al.
Around the time of Constantine's reign, the already scripturally perverse Roman Catholic "Church", by the order of Constantine, incorporated into its tenets the general beliefs of Hellenism, a religious mysticism that involved, among other absurdities, the idiocy of Greek mythology.
Similarly, Joseph Smith distorted the pure gospel of Christ by adding his own, no doubt Satanically inspired and blasphemous "Book of Mormon", to Holy Scripture.
Although the connection may be difficult for some to understand, it is my belief the Paul's intention, is to warn the faithful against just such distortions of the pure doctrine of Christianity.~

Lesson 471

(Lesson 471)(11-29-12) 1 Corinthians 10:13-15, "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."

　

Today's lesson is short and directly to the point. Paul tells us to be careful not to bloat ourselves up with false pride, believing that the things we might accomplish are the fruits of our own efforts.
He says God will never allow us to become overwhelmed by temptation, without providing us with a way out.
We should always be thankful for the grace of God and His promise. We can accomplish anything through Him.~

Lesson 470

(Lesson 470)(11-28-12) 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, "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. 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."

　

In this lesson, Paul explains how we are all interlinked with Moses and therefore heirs of the covenant with those who fled Egypt. "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"
NOTE: The term "baptized", as it is applied in this passage, means "united with, or molded into". There is no implication of water immersion in this passage. At the crossing of the Red Sea, the Jews crossed over on dry land, they were never immersed in water.
Jesus, centuries before his human birth, guided the forty year journey of the freed Hebrew People. Though few recognized it, Jesus' presence, and a semblance of His inevitable Crucifixion, was exposed when Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert so that those who would simply walk by and look at it, would be saved from it's bite (sin). Jesus became sin, (the serpent) so that sin (the serpent's venom) would have no affect on those who believed.
Romans 8:3, in part, "God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"
A serious, Holy Spirit guided, study of the old testament prepares Christianity with a full understanding of the "operation of God". It gives us insight into the reason and method behind the coming of our savior.
This lesson also demonstrates how the Hebrew people, even though Moses had received their instructions and commandments straight from the mouth of God, continued in sin. Openly worshiping idols and defying the one true God. These things are examples that, without Jesus Christ, we cannot achieve salvation.~

Lesson 469

(Lesson 469)(11-27-12) 1 Corinthians 9:15-27, "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 this lesson Paul makes if very clear, by example, that as we serve the Lord, we are to do so with all humility, expecting nothing in return.
Contrary to what many teach, we are to go among the lost, wherever they are. Subjecting ourselves to their culture so as to gain credibility among them. Paul said, "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."
Spreading the gospel of Christ should always be foremost in the minds of Christian people, always giving the glory to the Father through the Son.
Through that effort, we are guaranteed our reward in heaven.~

Lesson 468

(Lesson 468)(11-26-12) 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, "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."

　

In this lesson Paul appears to be preaching to someone in the Church who had obviously complained about being required to share their worldly goods to provide for the needs of those who preached the gospel.
Paul explains how he, and the others, should bear no guilt for partaking of the bounty of the flock because they had earned their keep by tending to the spiritual needs of the Churches. By using the example of how the priests who kept the temple were cared for by the offerings that were placed on the altar, Paul demonstrated that, just as in his time, today's Christians are to provide food and shelter for those who preach the gospel. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."~

Lesson 467

(Lesson 467)(11-25-12) 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."

　

Although the sacrifice of animals has almost disappeared from practice today, the lesson that is conveyed herein can still be applied to Christianity today.
The lesson tells us that in order to avoid the appearance of evil, Christians should refrain from doing those things that others might see as sinful.
We Christians are to respect the beliefs of others and to conduct ourselves in a manner that is always mindful of and obedient to our own belief, but also respectful of those who might not believe as we do.
Christians are always better served when they simply obey the two commandments Jesus specified in Matthew 22:37-39, "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."
If we always consider the thoughts of others first, and always have their best interest at heart, we will never go wrong.~

Lesson 466

(Lesson 466)(11-24-12) 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 this lesson, Paul declares that he is only giving his opinion of how Christians are to conduct themselves whether they choose to marry, or not. He makes a distinction, in the ability to serve, between married people and those who remain single. Of a necessity, married Christians would spend much more time doing those things necessary to living a family life than would single Christians, therefore, being single would allow more time to serve the Lord. But he further states that it is perfectly ok, for those in the service of the Lord, to marry.
These few verses are also used by Roman Catholicism to bolster their contention that men in the service of the Lord (priests) as well as women who are in the Lord's service (nuns), should remain unmarried and celibate.
If one simply reads carefully what Paul says here, and what is said elsewhere in the New Testament, concerning this issue, one must conclude that the Catholic contention of requisite celibate service has no basis in New Testament fact.
Paul finishes the lesson by saying that if a Christian man or woman be widowed they are free to remarry, but only to another Christian. However if a man, or a woman, be divorced, they are not to remarry.~