(Lesson 4769) (02-24-25) 1st Corinthians 1:18-19 

   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.“ 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul explained that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are lost and without faith, but to those who are saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit, through faith, it is the power of God. He emphasized that humanity fails to comprehend God's plan of salvation, quoting Scripture to show that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Paul highlighted that true salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through worldly wisdom or human reasoning.~ 

 

Lesson 4768

 (Lesson 4768) (02-23-25) 1st Corinthians 1:10-17 

   “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul urged the Corinthian believers to be united in mind and judgment, warning them against divisions and quarrels over allegiance to different leaders such as Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. He emphasized that Christ is not divided and that salvation does not come through any human leader. 

Paul addressed the issue of water baptism, stating that he was thankful he had baptized only a few of them so that no one could claim they were baptized in his name. He clarified that Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel, emphasizing that salvation does not come through water baptism but through faith in Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This reinforces that it is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, not water baptism, that truly saves and grants eternal life. ~

Lesson 4767

 (Lesson 4767) (02-22-25) 1st Corinthians 1:1-9  

   Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.“  

 

  In today’s quote, Paul introduced himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by God's will and greeted the church in Corinth, along with all who call on the name of Jesus Christ. He gave thanks to God for the grace given to them through Christ, acknowledging that they had been enriched in speech and knowledge and that the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them. Paul assured them that they lacked no spiritual gift as they eagerly awaited the return of Jesus. He reminded them that God is faithful and that He had called them into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. ~ 

Lesson 4766

 (Lesson 4766) (02-21-25) Romans 16:21-27 

   “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul sent final greetings from his companions, including Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Tertius, who wrote the letter as Paul dictated, also greeted the believers. Paul mentioned Gaius, his host, along with Erastus, the city treasurer, and Quartus, a fellow believer. Paul then concluded with a doxology, praising God for the mystery of the gospel that had been revealed and made known to all nations according to God's eternal plan. He emphasized that this revelation was meant to lead people to obedience through faith. Paul ended by glorifying God through Jesus Christ, declaring that to Him belongs all wisdom and glory forever. Amen. ~ 

Lesson 4765

 (Lesson 4765) (02-20-25) Romans 16:17-20 

   “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul warned believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and teach contrary to sound doctrine, urging them to avoid such individuals. He explained that these people serve their own interests rather than Christ and deceive the weak with smooth words. (Something that is very successfully exercised today.) Paul commended the obedience of the Roman believers and encouraged them to remain wise in what is good and innocent concerning evil. He assured them that God would soon crush Satan under their feet and closed with a blessing of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~