Lesson 4799

 Lesson 4799) (03-26-25) 1st 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.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul reminded the Corinthians that all the Israelites in the wilderness were under the cloud, passed through the sea, and were "baptized into Moses." That baptism had NO relation to the water baptism the John the Baptist performed or the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus performs, the baptism which saves the eternal soul. But rather, that baptism symbolized their identification and association with Moses as their leader. They all shared in the same spiritual food and drink, symbolically pointing to Christ, the spiritual Rock who accompanied them. Paul used this as a historical lesson to caution believers, not to suggest that this baptism was related to the saving baptism of the Holy Spirit, which comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. ~ 

Lesson 4798

 (Lesson 4798) (03-25-25) 1st Corinthians 9:18-27 

   “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 lesson, Paul explained that his reward was to preach the gospel for free, without demanding his rightful support. He willingly made himself a servant to all, adapting to different groups—Jews, Gentiles, and the weak—so that he might win more souls to Christ. His goal was to reach people where they were, without compromising the message. Paul compared the Christian life to a race, urging believers to run in such a way that they may obtain the prize. He emphasized self-discipline, saying he trained his body and brought it into subjection so that, after preaching to others, he himself would not be disqualified by his own actions. His message highlighted the importance of humility, sacrifice, and perseverance in serving Christ and advancing the gospel. ~ 

Lesson 4797

 (Lesson 4797) (03-24-25) 1st Corinthians 9:8-17 

   “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 altar are partakers with the altar? 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.” 

 

   In today’s quoter, Paul continued to defend the rights of those who teach the gospel to receive material support for their ministry. He referred to the Law of Moses, which says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," to show that God’s concern was not just for animals but also to teach that workers deserve to benefit from their labor. Paul explained that those who sow spiritual seeds have the right to reap material things. However, he chose not to use that right for himself, so as not to hinder the gospel of Christ. He emphasized that preaching the gospel was a divine calling placed upon him, and he did it willingly, not for personal gain. Paul said that his reward was to offer the gospel freely without asserting his rights. His motivation was obedience to God’s call, not seeking compensation or recognition. ~ 

Lesson 4796

 (Lesson 4796) (03-23-25) 1st Corinthians 9:1-7 

   “Am I am 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?” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul defended his apostleship, affirming that he had seen Jesus Christ and that the Corinthians themselves were the proof of his ministry. He questioned why he and Barnabas should not have the same rights as other apostles, such as receiving support, taking along believing wives, or refraining from working secular jobs. Paul used examples from everyday life—a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd—to argue that those who work in service have the right to benefit from their labor. He emphasized that, as an apostle, he too had the right to be supported by the people he ministered to. ~