Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Do not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

2 Corinthians 1:12-24
This is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world in the holiness and sincerely that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
Paul preached and wrote anything to Corinth is easy to read or understand, as they have understand Paul in part, 'you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.'
For no matter how many promise God had made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Why?
In his first letter Paul promised to come to Corinth bis Macedonia. Later he decided to make two visits, on the way to and from Macedonia.
In the event he has done neither, and the Corinthians have criticized him for shilly-shallying(hesitate). But this is not the reason for the changes of  plan. He took his decision because of the state of affairs in the church. Having had one head-on clash, he wanted to delay visiting them again until relations were happier. So he tried to sort things out by letter.
How?
Conduct myself in the world in the holiness and sincerely that are from God. Do not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
Especially while I am seeking my way forward in Christ Jesus.



Monday, July 30, 2012

2 Corinthians: help us by your prayers

2 Corinthians :1-11
The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
About the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.
Paul thanks God for his special goodness during recent trials. His suffering has had two wholly good side-effect:1)the experience of Gods comfort in all 2) A new ability to help and comfort those in similar circumstances.
Why?
Paul suffered distress is for the truth and the gospel, the faith and the hope under such hardship he suffered was rely on the God, this experience shows the compassion of God and deliver them, so the comfort of God will continue comfort those Christian suffer other distress.
Paul's thanks to the church in Corinth and all the saint throughout Achaia for their prayer, through prayer they experience the comfort of the Lord to Paul.
How?
The mystery of the Lord we don't fully understand, but we know that the compassion of God is firmed and we may rely on our God, through prayer the Holy Spirit will help us. I am not alone, God is my salvation and strength.


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Submit to everyone who joins in the work of the Lord and labors.

I Corinthians 16:13-24
Submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors. These- the household of Stephanas they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.
1)Be on your guard; 2)stand firm in the faith; 3)be men of courage be strong. 4)Do everything in love. Paul's encouragement.
Paul's greeting:
Greet you warmly in the Lord.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus Amen.
The letter closes with a final appeal, and greetings from the Asian churches, especially fro Aquila and Priscilla, the leather workers in whose house Paul lived during his stay in Corinth.
Why?
The warm and loving final greeting he writes himself(the rest having been dictated to a secretary" a common practice)
Be on your guard: there are many trick or cheating words in this world.
faith: when dismay come or frustrated, need more faith to resist those attack.
Be strong, rely on the Lord gives us the strength, praise His name, some are the trials, some are the temptations, all are good to me.
Do everything in Love, no complain, no partiality, devote ourselves through the gifts of spirit to the work of the Lord.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Nothing to fear to carry on the work of the Lord

I Corinthians 16:1-12
Paul asked Corinthians church each one should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income on the first day of every week, so that when he comes no collections will have to be made.  Paul will give letters of introduction to the men they approve and send them with their gift to Jerusalem.
Paul gave directions for collecting money for the poor at Jerusalem.
If the Lord permits Paul hope he may go to Corinthians church stay with them some time. Paul don't want to see them now and make only a passing visit.
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
Brother Apollos: Paul strongly urged him to go to Corinth with the brothers, he was quite unwilling to go, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
Why?
Apollos probably reluctant to return because of the split.
For donation should do it regularly as life of Christian in church to help the poor people.
Paul and Timothy carrying on the work of the Lord with nothing to fear, they are the example as his letter wrote. Let people learn from what they have done not only what they have said.
How?
Nothing to fear to carry on the work of the Lord, let other can see what I am doing. Do a good witness in my life.




Friday, July 27, 2012

We will all be changed-in a flash,at the last trumpet

I Corinthians 15:35-58
How are the dead raised? with what kind of body will they come? How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or something else.
There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written:"The first man Adam became a living being" ; the last Adam a life giving spirit. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Why?
Change of our body from dead to raise with splendor of heaven. Paul explained very clearly.
The old was physical, the new will be spiritual and immortal. It will as far out shine the old boy as a full-grown pant outshines the shrivelled seed from which it grows.
We can sing a victory song of praise ad thanksgiving to God.
Resurrection is a change from temporary body to spiritual body like seed be sown and grow in another body.
Clothe with the imperishable :  for we are given the mercy from the Lord and redeemed through Jesus Christ, so it comes from heaven, from outside.
The trumpet here is the same story described in revelation John wrote.
How?
Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Rejoice and do what should I do for the work of the Lord.


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Bad company corrupts good character

I Corinthians 15:20-34
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. Adam all did, so in Christ all will be made alive.
But each in his own turn : Christ, the first fruits; then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
He "has put everything under his feet". Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
If there is no resurrection what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If I fought wild bests in Ephesus for merely humans reasons, what has I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.
Why?
Jesus Christ and God are in one, but Christ is subject to him. Here is the meaning of trinity, includes Spirit.
There are two men in this world, one is Adam, all men die; another is Christ, all will be made alive.
Christ is the first fruits, fruits mean there are many fruits will follow him. In turn Christ will come again, he will reign and destroy all enemies and the death.
Resurrection is indeed truth. if there is no resurrection, why has Paul worked so hard almost lost his life ?
Be care to make friends, bad company corrupts good character of original had.
The body which is raised will be better than the boy which is buried.
At the end, when Jesus comes to rule, death itself will be defeated.
How?
Do't be misled, get along with good company, let do the right thing and honor the name of God.



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

First importance: there is resurrection of the dead

I Corinthians 15:1-19
For what I received I passed to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
After that he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to Paul, as to one abnormally born. The resurrection has many witness men.
By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them- yet not I, but the grace of god that was with me.
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
Why?
Most of the Jews believed in the resurrection of the body. To the Greeks it was the soul that was immortal. The very idea of resurrection seemed ridiculous to them.
This is of the first importance that the evidence for Christ's resurrection. On it the Christian faith stands or falls. What of those who saw the risen Lord are still alive (about 25 years after the event)
Christ's resurrection is the guarantee that his followers, too, will be raised from dead.
Paul humbled himself said he like one abnormally born. Jesus has shown to him.
The grace of God: I am what I am, has great effect on me, worked harder. It is my salvation, the work of Spirit and His mercy on me.
Resurrection is the truth of Christians. Jesus Christ was resurrection so we have hope, one day we will be raised from dead as Jesus.
Paul received this gospel and passed it out, it is the truth, no his words but the words of God.
How?
I believed that there is resurrection of the dead, and I believed Jesus was buried and was raised on the third day. In addition I have experienced effects of the Holy Spirit and effects of prayer in name of Jesus Christ.



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Stop thinking like children, But thinking be adult.

I Corinthians 14:20-40
Paul encouraged, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adult.
Tongues, then are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Unbelievers come in , whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, they will say that you are out of mind.
When you come together, everyone has a hymn or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If there is not interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
For God is not God of disorder but of peace.
Women should remain silent in the churches, they are not allowed to speak?
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached. If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Why?
In regard to evil be infants, so do not try to learn doing evil and do not know think it. But our think should be adult, smart in serving the Lord, to help, to encourage others, with the wisdom from God through the gifts of Spirit.
In contemporary religions, trances or strange, ecstatic speech showed a person's spiritual status. It was therefore not surprising that the Christian church at Corinth, to whom God gave a variety of gifts by his Holy spirit, should have been taken up with the more spectacular ones, among which was the ability to speak in unknown 'tongues'
Paul does not underestimate these gifts. He would have them all speak in tongues, he says. But it does not top the list on his scale of values. Those seeking experiences for themselves need to be reminded that the life of the church is more important.
How?
To be an adult thinking, don't like an infant think. Get more knowledge and wisdom from God, learn through His word and Holy Spirit.





Monday, July 23, 2012

Spiritual gifts are designed for building up the church

I Corinthians 14:1-19
Paul encouraged Christians follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for heir strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 
Paul would like every one of us to speak in tongues, but he would rather to have us prophecy.
I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind;I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Why?
Eagerly desire spiritual gifts: the gift of prophecy, to edify the church. Speak a tongue is good, but prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening and comfort.
Prophecy: Highly valued in the early church, this was the gift of speaking directly from God into a situation, It might be predictive or encouraging. Prophecy differs from scripture, though both come from God. Prophecy is for the particular situation, where scripture has universal validity.
Spiritual gifts are not designed for personal gratification but for building up the Christian community.
No one can even be a Christian without receiving the gracious gift, the charisma, of the Holy Spirit!
How?
Do I eagerly desire Spiritual gifts? Yes, pray to the Lord.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Faith, hope and love will outlive all the gifts

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
The greater gifts is the Loves, it is the most excellent way. If I have all gifts Paul has mentioned but have not love, I am nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
We see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. All the knowledge and prophesy are in part, it will pass away.
These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Why?
These three are for everyone. Without them no one is anything. This is the best way of all; this is what Christians should really set their hearts on.
Paul bursts into a great hymn on the theme, one of the most glorious passages in the whole Bible. And as he paints his picture of what love is, he consciously or unconsciously of this outgoing, long-suffering, self-giving, self-effacing love. Without it- without him- there would be not church.
Love is the core value of Christians.
How?
I checked the meaning of love, I need to improve my "not rude" and "not self-seeking", I always think others as my mind, it is self-seeking. My behavior sometimes are rude to others. I should always protect my wife and my family.



Saturday, July 21, 2012

The lift of the church is more important

1 Corinthians 12:12-30
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
There are many parts, but one body.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
We are the body of Christ, and each one of us is a part of it. In the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Why?
All Christians were baptized by one Spirit and drink one bread, drink one cup, it is like a body with many parts, each part is important and equal right in present of the Lord. Each part suffer and enjoy anything of the body.
The gifts come from a single Source, and are given for the good of the whole church. Every individual has an indispensable part to play in the life of the one body. This should prevent a universal scramble for the same gifts. The important thing is not which gifts are most impressive, but which best serve to build up the church. This means that prophecy- a message from God which everyone can understand- is of more value than tongues.
There are other gifts Christians should seek even more strenuously.
How?
Don't ask why I have to do this, but ask what I can serve to the God in church. I should seek greater gifts from the Lord to serve church and peoples.







Friday, July 20, 2012

The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good

1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Spiritual gifts let us know and say "Jesus is Lord" and won't speak "Jesus be cursed".
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
There are the Spirit, the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing, speaking in different kinds of tongues,  interpretation of tongues, those are the work of one and the same Spirit,and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
Why?
The Holy Spirit let us know and accept the Jesus Christ.
In contemporary religious, trances or strange, ecstatic speech showed a person's spiritual status. It was therefore not surprising that the Christian church at Corinth, to whom God gave a variety of gifts by his Holy Spirit.
The message of wisdom is the first gifts of Spirit mentioned by Paul.
We can ask the gifts of Spirit, but it is given to us as he determines. We can not determine which kind of gift.
How?
Pray to the Lord give me some gifts of Spirit, more important is my heart and my mind focus on the Lord.




Thursday, July 19, 2012

Meaning of Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Paul praised them for holding to the teaching, just as what Paul passed them. Here Paul did not praise them for their meeting do more harm than good.
Paul taught them the meaning of Lord's Supper. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.  Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilt of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
The disgrace of Corinthians: 1. there are divisions among them. 2. As you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another get drunk.
Paul asked them if hungry should eat at home, so that when you eat together it may not result in judgement. Do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?  Church's Supper is fill with love and reverence before the Lord, it is not just for food but for memory of the Lord.
Why?
In the early days the Lord's Supper took place in the course of a communal meal. It was 'bring-and share', with everyone bringing what food they could. But in Corinth the loving, sharing principles has broken down. It is a disgrace- a serious offence. Paul has to remind them of the circumstances in which the first Lords; Supper took place.
Paul praise them first, then pointed out their fault. To remind them with good sequence.
Without waiting: No good manner. Hungry and drunk : Disgrace, No love.
How?
Examine myself before eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Even in pop-luck party of church, I should keep good manner of the table.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Image and glory of God

1 Corinthians 11:2-16
The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head.
A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory. For long hair is given to her as a covering.
Because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.
If anyone wants to be contentions about this, we have no other practice- not do the churches of God.
Why?
Since Jewish customs differed from those of the Greeks and Romans, Paul needs to give a ruling about what is the proper dressing for men and women when they pray and prophesy in the church.
Paul was writing to the most licentious city in the ancient world, and in such a place modesty had to be observed and more than observed; it is quite unfair to wrest a local ruling from the circumstances in which it was given, and to make it a universal principle.
In Jewish teaching the angels represent order. A woman who does not cover her long hair when she prays aloud in church or speaks God's message contravenes the proper order in worship.
Man to be a head of woman should takes the responsibility to protest and cover his woman. A woman should obey his husband in Christ Jesus.
Under the kingdom of the Lord, there is not personal freedom or right, but the way of God. Walking on the way of God we are free.
How?
When I pray or worship in church or public should have proper dressing. For all of us are created by God, we are the glory of the Lord. Keeping the order in church.


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Do it all for the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
Flee from idolatry. Paul speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what Paul say. There is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too.
"Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial."Everything is permissible"- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Whether you eat of drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Christian must choose between the Lord and idols. There can be no compromise. As far as meat is concerned, the rule is unselfish concern for the good of others.
Why?
The cup of blessing/thanksgiving: The name given to the third cup in the Passover feast, over which a prayer of thanksgiving was said. This may well have been the cup with which Jesus instituted his memorial Supper.
Sensible people knows what he is doing, judge myself what I heard and what I am doing. For a christian should not be a fool.
Christian is freedom for everything on the world is the Lord's, and everything in it. But for the others good, we have to seek good of others.
Paul did a good example to us, he follow the example of Christ. forsake his own good but for the good of others- our salvation.
How?
Seek good no for my own but for others. Always judge myself, does this action is good to whom? Does it all for the glory of God?

Monday, July 16, 2012

Stand firm on the rock of Christ don't fall

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Paul warning don't like their forefather ignorant of the fact that they all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock, that rock was Christ. but God was not pleased with most of them.
Four warnings: Don't be idolaters. Don't commit sexual immorality. Do not test the Lord. Do not grumble to keep them setting their hearts on evil this as their forefathers did.
If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Why
It is easy to be over-confident, especially when life is smooth. The fate of many of the people of Israel during the wilderness wandering stands as a solemn warning.
Paul pointed out the spiritual rock is the meaning of Christ that provide us the spiritual water.
Check my life these four warnings. what kinds of idolatry?  physical material?
sexual immorality: honor my body to the Lord.
Test the Lord, Grumbling: Thanksgiving to everything.
Jesus Christ is the corner stone of our spiritual life. All of my life is based on Him and build on Him.
How?
Stand firm on the rock of Christ, don't fall. Any temptation might come to us, walk on His way, and reading the words of Lord to remind me check my life.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The crown that will last forever, no for the pride from man

1 Corinthians 9:13-27
Paul put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.
The reward is that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge.
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul preach gospel to get the crown that will last forever, so her beat himself body and make it his slave so that after He has preached to others, he himself will not be disqualified for the pride.  (Here is the pride of the world).
Why?
For the gospel's sake this 'free man' willing subjects himself to restrictions laid on him by others in order to win people for Christ.
In a Race: The Isthmian Games( second only to the Olympics) were held every three years at Corinth.
Preaching Gospel is for the love of God, not for any pride, only pride is the crown of heaven. Paul put up with anything and let everyone get gospel free of charge.
Don't be disqualified for the pride after preached to others. For the boastness and proud.
How?
Dear Lord, let me preach you message for your love not for my any pride from the men.  Let me more humble to anyone, let anyone real know the good news from Jesus Christ.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord

1 Corinthians 9:1-12
Paul defense his right to be an apostle.
Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Paul said it is not merely from a human point of view. It is written in the Law of Modes.
Paul said we sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if they reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it more?
Why?
Paul takes examples from his own life, to drive home the lesson that Christians should curtail their own freedom if there is any risk it will damage others or lead them astray.
If anyone has right, surely it is the apostle.
Seal: witness, approve it is true. By what he has done but not on what his said.
Paul tough those disciples and he himself did an example to let them know it is able to do it.
How?
I preach Gospel based on my behavior, I need more to explain it let people know the Lord, but not focus on me. And I need the power form the Lord. I can do nothing.



Friday, July 13, 2012

Knowledge puffs up, bur love builds up.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Pal talked about food sacrificed to idols.
We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, bur love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.
About eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. The Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Be careful that the exercise of our freedom may become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating i an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols. Therefor, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
Why?
We are freedom through Jesus Christ, this is knowledge, but for the love, don't let weak Christians or consciences one saw us and fall, so we'd rather never eat the food sacrificed to idols.
All of us and food came from the Father and for our live. Jesus Christ through whom all things came and through whom we live. How wonderful our Lord and Jesus Christ.
Be careful our behavior might affect others we do not know, but love can cover everything.
Trade groups and clubs held their social functions at the temples. Most of the meat sold in the shops had first been offered in sacrifice.
No one should exercise personal freedom at the expense of another person's conscience. Love is more important than knowledge.
The issue is not so much the food as where i is eaten It is never right - no even on social occasions - to eat at the table of demons in a pagan temple.
How?
Be careful to use our freedom came from God and through Jesus Christ. Pay more love to the weaker one and who does know Jesus Christ.






Thursday, July 12, 2012

Live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord

1 Corinthians 7:20-40
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.
Each man as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.
Married and unmarried are not sinned, but Paul recommended keep virgins. If you do marry, you will face many troubles in this life.
Paul would like Christians to be free from concern. Paul said this for our own good, not to restrict us, but that we may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
Have wife should live as if they had none, so as Happy, Mourn,  buy something and use the things of the world. For this world in its present form is passing away.
The man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no computation but has control over his own will. Talked about the virgin.
A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In Paul's judgement, she is happier if she stays as she is.  Talked about the widow.
Why?
Paul asked Christians do not desert their wives, or be irresponsible. He is talking about priorities, and how everyday concerns can dominate life.
The Lord chose man when he was in different situation let everyone could be free, but to be slave of the Lord, and do witness in his situation.
Married men has more concern about the world and please his wife. So Paul chose no marry and serve the Lord.
No matter married or unmarried should live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
Circumcision and marriage is not relate to sin but keep God's command is what counts.
How?
Do as I can to live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. Appreciated Paul gave us so clear mind in marriage and living.



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Respect the marriage which has made before the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:1-19
Paul say this as a concession not as a command. since there is so much immorality, each man should have hos own wife. and each woman her own husband. they should fulfill their marital duty to each other.
The unmarried and the widows Paul said: it is good for them to stay unmarried, as Paul was, but if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
To the married Paul gave this command (not Paul but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband, and a husband must not divorce his wife.
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through her believing husband. If the unbeliever is willing to live with, he(she) must not divorce her(him).
If the unbeliever leaves,let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? husband, whether you will save your wife?
Each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
Why?
In their letter to Paul, the Corinthians have raised six questions about single and married life.
1. Are married couples to continue normal sexual relation after conversion? Yes
2. Should single people marry? Paul prefers the single life - but only for those with the gift of self-control.
3. Is divorce between Christians permissible?
4.What about the unconverted husband of wife? Christians are to stick to their pagan partners, unless the partner wants separation.
5. It is not so clear. Most likely it is: Should engaged couples marry? This must be a matter for personal decision, but in the very trouble times Paul sees ahead, single people will find it easier to work out their Christian priorities.
6. May widows remarry? Yes, but Paul qualifies this.

Retain the place in life and live in peace, for the Lord called us and assigned to us. About the marriage Paul mentioned the rule very clear.
To be a Christian is Holy one but we have our mission that assigned from the Lord, so we should love our partner much more than other unbelievers.
How?
Do my work in my life. Let my home be a good testimony for the Lord. Respect the marriage which has made before the Lord.


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I am sanctified. Honor God with my body

1 Corinthians 6:9-20
The wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God. Wicked includes deceived, sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, home sexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards , slanderers and swindlers. It was existing in Corinthians church. It is possible existing in our churches.
We are washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial.
Food for the stomach and the stomach for food- but God will destroy both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
"The two will become one flesh". But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. How can let he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body.
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. Honor God with your body.
When we believed in Jesus Christ, we were washed and sanctified, we can't united with prostitute. Paul emphasized this do not allowed. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
Why?
Food for the stomach so man doesn't live for food, but for the Lord.
We are free from sins when we became Christian. "no doubt". says Paul, 'but I for one will not let anything make free with me.' Sexual needs they argue, are like hunger: they must be satisfied. The body is not important anyway. But this is wrong thinking, a carry-over of old ideas(Greek).
Christian have been joined to Christ's body.
How?
Food and sexual is needed but not live for them. My body is live for the Lord. Don't think too much about the food, both will be destroyed. Our life is more important. I am sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord and his Spirit.

Monday, July 9, 2012

No lawsuits among believers

1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Paul pointed out that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.
Why not rather be wronged why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brother.
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? are you not competent to judge trivial cases? judge angles? How much the things of this life!
Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
Why?
Christians should not take one another to court, as some of the Corinthians have done. Jews did not take cases before Gentile courts. Because it would be an admission of Jewish inability to operate their own laws.
Pail said that the saints judge the world is speaking of the final judgement.
Paul used many questions to ask Corinthians church, their lawsuits among them. Church should resolve this quarrel, and it is shame they attack one another for their own benefit. Jesus Christ told us rather be wrong and be cheated for the love among us.
Humble ourselves to treat each other. How much the things of this life, if we don't know humble, we will have lawsuits everyday.
Church's spiritual leader should to judge the matter if there is arguments.
How?
Christian is follower of Christ Jesus, so I should show the characters of Christ, humble, mercy and gentle.. spiritual fruits.


Sunday, July 8, 2012

let us keep the bread of sincerity and truth

1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Paul asked the sexual immorality, greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler among church should not associate with them. With such a man do not even eat.
But Paul said that is not at all meaning the people of this world who are doing immorality. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand over this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
Boasting is not good. Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but the bread of sincerity and truth. Yeast is means the malice and wickedness.
Why?
Those Christians have brought their old values with them into the church, and never given them up. So the whole church is endangered.
Hand over to Satan: Short-term discipline is to be exercised for the long-term good of both the church and the individual concerned. The man is to be expelled from the church:'delivered over into that region where Satan holds sway'. It is hard to see how this would result in the 'flesh' or 'body' being destroyed.
Leaven: Yeast. often used as a picture of the corrupting power of evil. Bread for the Passover was made without leaven, as a reminder of the Israelite hasty departure from Egypt. Christ has become our Passover sacrifice; it is time we got rid of the old yeast of evil in our lives.
How?
Get rid of all of our old yeast- malice an wickedness.  Bread for the Passover was made without yeast for us, let keep the bread of sincerity and truth.




Saturday, July 7, 2012

The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power

1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Paul encourage brothers in Corinthians imitate him. Paul wrote about what he suffered and persecuted is not to shame them but to warn them. To be a servant may prepare the heart to suffer those persecution.
Paul treated them as his children in gospel, you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. We have only one father in heaven and only one father in the world.
Guardians: Slaves who looked after their master's children and took them to school.
Paul sent Timothy to Corinthians church teach them Paul's way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what he teach everywhere in every church.
Paul warn them don't arrogant as if Paul were not going to them. Paul asked them what he should bring to them? whip, love and with a gentle spirit?
The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. The Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power.
Why?
Paul did his best in Christ Jesus to be imitated from his disciples, his children in gospel. It is not easy to be imitated, for people easy has fault or has sin.
Paul did every thing let people can not criticize him, a blameless man.
Treat other brothers and sisters as our own children is the Love from the Lord.
To be a spiritual leader have to warning his followers and teaching them to learn how to be a real christian.
The kingdom of God is not only talk but also living by God's power. Under the power of God not any evil or worldly matter exists in churches.
Timothy is Paul's younger colleague in the work.
People is easy to be arrogant when there is not spiritual leader with them and remind them.
How?
Fear the Lord for this power and his sovereignty, then could be humble and follow the words of the Lord.
To be a real Christian have to be do it, but not only talk about it.



Friday, July 6, 2012

Honest and to be trusted servant in home of God

1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those c. It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Care very little if I am judged by any human court; do not even  judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time, wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts.
You may learn from us the meaning of the saying " Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. For who makes you different from anyone else? If you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
It seems to me that God has put us apostles o display at the end of the procession like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universal. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ.
Why?
There should be no place for pride among Christians and no looking down on others. The greatest Christians regard themselves as no more than God's slaves. This is the example to follow.
All we have is received from God, so we have not reason to boast as if we did not receive.
All of us are servant of the Lord and what our motivation will be revealed when the day is come.
Don't judge each other, only the Lord has right to judge everyone. And I should learn from Paul who care less if he was judge by human.
Paul suffer many condemnation and persecution for the gospel. He hope he could be an example to all Christians. He did is not for his benefit but for ours.
How?
The Lord knows what our motivation of serve is. Learn from the altitude of Paul, he did an good example of Christian.  Honest and to be trusted servant in home of God


Thursday, July 5, 2012

No more boasting about men! All things are ours

1 Corinthians 3:10-23
No one can lay any foundation other than the on already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it us, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed by fire.If it is burn up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
You are God's temple, here Paul means the whole church; later he refers to the individual.
No more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future- all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
Why?
There should be no place for pride among Christians and no looking down on others. The greatest Christians regard themselves as no more than God's slaves.
Paul and Apollos are not rivals but partners, sharing the work of building God's church.
All things are they had an interest,in all that could go to promote their welfare. They were common partners of the benefits of the talents and labors of the apostles; as they belongs to Christ, and all to God, it was improper to be split up into factions.
All of us build house on the foundation laid by Jesus Christ.
Using any material will be revealed on that Day by fire. All believers are saved but he will suffer loss, when his work is by hay or straw.
How?
I am one servant of the Lord, all other Christians are my partners, we are doing the same missions and all things are belong to the Lord, all our talents and all out have are belong to Christ. No more boasting about men!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Do the labor of my part, stop jealous and quarrel.

1 Corinthians 3:1-9
You are mere men, as worldly: there is jealousy and quarreling among you.
Neither he who plants nor he who waters in anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Each will be rewarded according to his own labor form the Lord.
We are God's fellow workers: you are God's field, God's building.
Why?
Paul encouraged those men in Corinthians church, for jealously and quarreling are not spiritual life, it like a child can't eat food as mature man. Leave all worldly mind, what we do is our mission for the Lord, we are his fellow workers.
We preach gospel to the people, they are the field of God, we do our labor, then we will have reward from our labor. Don't think I can cover everything.
Jealousy and quarreling are always existing in our heart, for we like to compare with friend, colleagues or brothers. We want the equal right or equal treatment, but actually everyone is not the same, we have different face, different parent and different talent. Walk my way that the Lord has arranged for me, according to my gift to show the witness to glorify name of the Lord.
Jealousy and quarreling make us detestable and unwelcome people. Jealousy gives birth of bitterness and speak cruel words, quarreling makes our friends keep away from us.
Christian is a fellow worker of the Lord. Out identity.
How?
Do our part that I can do, don't think I can do everything and preach gospel let everyone around me will become Christian. Do labor of my part. Stop jealous and quarrel.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

We have the mind of Christ

2 Kings 2:1-16
Paul did not preach about God with eloquence or superior wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Paul wanted to preach nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Paul speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God, the Spirit who is come from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things but he himself is not subject to any man's judgments.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Why?
It seems from these chapters that the groups were making invidious comparisons between Paul and the more eloquent Apollos. Paul although a trained scholar, had had his troubles at Corinth.
Preach Christ and him crucified with the spirit of God and his wisdom. Let people's faith rest on God, not on the preacher. Sometime we will stolen the glory of God.
Stand tall, don't fell, all for one, one for all to preach gospel when we stand on the rock of Christ Jesus and his truth.
How precious we are have the mind of Christ, let we know Christ's secret wisdom.
How?
Doing testimony to show the glory and wisdom of God only. All I have is came from God. I always need the spirit of wisdom from the Lord.





Monday, July 2, 2012

Boasts boast in the Lord

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
To those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. So no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God.
It is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."(Jer 9:24)
Why?
A clear statement of God's message, not style without substance, was his main concern.
National characteristics show through. The Jews want evidence. The Greeks are into speculative philosophy. Nor do the two share the same concept of salvation. For the Greeks, to be save means rescue, healing or being set free from slavery.
Most people judge things from the center of human being, using the style and substance to measure the value. The value of Christ they can't understand, and they don't like it. It is power of the Lord to all us believed in Him.
How?
I have to humble myself, I am not wise than any other, my wisdom is come from the Christ. I can boast in the Lord only.



Sunday, July 1, 2012

Do testimony to confirm others as Paul. 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. New relation with the Lord.
Paul always thank God.
For in him you have been enriched in every way- in all your speaking and in all your knowledge- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Paul's testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Paul appeal to them, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel- not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Paul's opening and thanksgiving are characteristic. He believes in encouragement.
Why?
It is easy to see how divisions could arise in a day of before church buildings, when Christians met in houses or halls.
Apollos was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria(Egypt). When he arrived in Ephesus, Quila and Priscilla took him aside for fuller instruction He traveled to the province of Achaia, where he proved a powerful and eloquent teacher.
Enriched in every way when we are in Jesus Christ. Especially in speaking and knowledge for He is the Lord. Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. The Lord provides us anything we need and it is good for us. It is not what we wanted.
The Lord gave us many spiritual gifts, show this gift to preach Gospel.
Preach Gospel and do good testimony is not with words of human wisdom but the power of the Lord and Jesus Christ.
All of us, Christians, are baptized by the Holy Spirit and under the name of Christ Jesus.
How?
Am I lack anything? No, If I need any spiritual gift I can pray to the Lord.
Preach Gospel I need more power and words from Christ, and please the Lord add me more strength and wisdom to do good testimony.
May my testimony may confirm other Christians around me and give hope of life and joy to unbelievers.