The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.  It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own[c] head, because of the angels. 

Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

Some of the women in the church at Corinth have flouted custom by praying bareheaded. What is the proper dress for men and women when they pray and prophesy in the church? Sine Jewish customs differed from those of the Greeks and Romans. Paul needs to give a ruling.

The men, he says, should pray bareheaded, but women should cover their heads. A covered head is the symbol of authority given to women by God. This is a difficult passage and the meaning is not wholly clear. In the end, Paul falls back on what is customary in the churches.

Why?

Pray to the Lord we should have proper dressing including the head of man and woman. 

The head of man is Christ and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. So praying to the Lord, a man ought not to cover his head.

A man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory. Long hair is given to her as a covering.

Not only for the teaching of Paul, but also it is good to rule to pray before the Lord.

How?

We have freedom after be a Christian, but this freedom is not indulgent, but honor the Lord our head.

The Believer’s Freedom

1 Corinthians 10:14-33

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,so that they may be saved.

Christians must choose between the Lord and idols (empty in themselves but behind them, real demonic powers). There can be no compromise. It is playing with fire to have any part in pagan sacrifices. as far as meat is concerned, the rule is unselfish concern for the good of others.

Why?

We are freedom face to this world for we belong to the Lord, but it doesn’t mean we can do anything or eat anything, not everything is beneficial. We should do it with our conscious and benefit to others, not to our own benefit.

We are one with Christ and in the churches, we share one bread and one cup so we should be a good example to witness our Lord in this world.

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從是否吃祭偶像之物，推到基督徒什麼可以做，什麼不可做?吃祭偶像之物會與偶像有連結，我們領聖餐就有聯合的含意。吃平安祭物，吃的人與獻的人有份！在這概念下，吃拜偶像食物，很容易落入與邪靈連合的影響！

榮神益人是基督徒的行事原則！第二是榮耀神！不要因為基督徒自由牽絆別人，也不要因為顧忌造成動則得咎！

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How?

We should seek the good of the others, not for our own benefit.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear

 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea...Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.

It is easy to be over-confident, especially when life is smooth. The fat of many of the people of Israel during the wilderness wanderings stands as a solemn warning.

Why?

Paul gave us the warning that does not tempt Christ, as their ancestor did. And God is faithful; he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Even when we are tempted, God will provide a wy out so that we can endure it.

God is love and faithful to his followers.

Do not think we are standing firm, be careful that we won't fall! Not rely on me but rely on the Lord and Jesus Christ.

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保羅放棄自己，權利，為了造就別人！不要自以為有自信，沒有問題，站的穩的人，特別要謹慎。當初出埃及的人，如同已經受洗，吃過瑪哪，喝過磐石的水，歸主在教會的人，如果只是想到自己的享受，最後都倒在曠野。以為明白真理，就是肆無忌憚的去大吃祭偶像之物，但是恐怕讓人對拜偶像無所畏，毫無警戒！面對試探、誘惑、引誘、私慾都要逃避，不要以為可以勝過，偶像算不得什麼，仍然要逃避！自以為站穩的特別要謹慎，無論面對什麼，都要為福音的緣故放下自己！為別人的好處來考量！

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How?

Turn to the Lord and be humble always for God's love and grace and faith are enough for us. 

像大樹深深扎根地建立歷史感 士師記11章26-27節

 2022.08.28 蘭雅禮拜堂

證道信息：像大樹深深扎根地建立歷史感

證道經文：士師記11章26-27節

林義順長老

耶弗他出身卑微並沒有與他的弟兄爭執。

回來後也沒有報復他弟兄。不像亞米比勒殺死他70弟兄為了取王位。

整個士師記最缺乏的就是如耶弗他清楚認識以色列歷史的人。

第9章神已經發怒。你們去哀求所選擇的神；你們遭遇急難的時候，讓他救你們吧！

神沒有派先知揀選耶弗他

耶弗他在米斯巴將自己的一切話陳明在耶和華面前。神不管以色列人，但是耶弗他來求告神。

耶弗他派使者說明了以色列人過去的歷史，不是侵略人而是當時亞摩利人出來攻擊以色列人。耶和華─以色列的神在他百姓以色列面前趕出亞摩利人，你竟要得他們的地嗎？

願審判人的耶和華今日在以色列人和亞捫人中間判斷是非。the LORD the Judge。士師就是神，神有權審判人，而不是這些神興起的王。

耶弗他深知以色列的歷史，知道神要以色列人成為世界的祭司，不是要他們統治世界。

同樣的，我們今天在台灣我們是否知道我們的歷史，教會在台灣的使命。

多數人生活如動物，找尋可以富足的地方求發展。缺少了歷史觀。為什麼台灣幾乎有全世界部份的差會，因為當時大陸淪陷，這些差會無法在中國生存，於是轉來台灣，希望有朝一日到大陸傳福音。地方教會起源於台北南京東路禮拜堂，我們是否還記得創會長老的用心，以及建堂的歷史?我們豈是一個教會換一個教會，希望找一個更合適的教會?

我們應當如大樹札根建立歷史感如耶弗他

I do not run like someone running aimlessly

1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

The free and slave could exist in one, for we are focusing on life's target to preach the gospel for the Lord and share in its sblessing.

Paul is running all his life to preaching the gospel, he does not run like someone running aimlessly, but he is running to get the prize, which will last forever.

Be humble, and make my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Because we are weak and we are easily proud of what I have done, even for preaching the gospel.

How?

My life is the blessing of the Lord, so what I have done is the grace of the Lord, preaching the gospel and have a good witness among people is my responsibility in my life.

What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

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.

This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas]? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.”

But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since 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. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

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 rights, surely it is the apostle. Yet he has gladly given up his right to take a wife with him on his trips and his right to expect the church to provide his keep. There are more important things than rights. For the gospel's sake this 'free man' willingly;y subjects himself to restrictions laid on him by others in order to win people for Christ.

Why?

To be an apostle's right, Paul deserves to have, but Paul didn't use his right to get anything from churches or others, for he offer the gospel free of charge, so that not make full use of his rights as a preacher of the gospel.

No one like Paul devoted himself to preaching the gospel and make living in his own way and effort. 

Surely Paul has the right to do so like other apostles and other Christians, but Paul rather dies than allow anyone to deprive him.

How?

Learn the heart of Paul, devote himself to the Lord, and preach the gospel. For my life is living for the Lord, I am the servant of the Lord.

The question of food offered to idols

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.

yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

It was hard in Corinth to make a clean break with paganism. Trade groups and clubs held their social functions at the temples. Most of the meat sold in the ships had first been offered in sacrifice.

Some Christians maintain that since other gods do not really exist they are free to eat meat and attend club dinners. But others are worried. Freedom is right, says Paul. But 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 it is eaten. It is never right - not even on social occasions - to eat at the table of demons in a pagan temple.

Why?

Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

About food sacrificed to idols, so Christian has the freedom to eat, but for freedom may cause my brother or sister to fall into sin, I would rather do not eat that meat again, for I will cause them to fall. This is love for others.

Our behavior may influence others around so we have to care about what I am doing, or talking about.

How?

Knowledge puffs up while love builds up, so don't think about knowledge could put me up but only love may build up others.

Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.

So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.

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 my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

The fifth question is not so clear. Most likely it is: 'Should engaged couples marry? This must be a matter of personal decision, but in the very troubled times Paul sees ahead, single people will find it easier to work out their Christina priorities.

May Widows remarry? Yes, but Paul qualifies this.

Why?

Marriage or keeping single both are good if may keep single and without sin. Devote himself to the Lord, like Paul. If one could not conquer the sex attraction, then marriage is better for him and her.

For this world in its present form is passing away, so don't insist on something but do the good right things in the Lord.

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雖然是自己的意見，保羅覺得獨身很好，後來又覺得是神的恩典。蒙主的聖靈感動才能夠成為主的僕人，獨身能夠被神使用。一些沒有信主的尼布甲尼撒王等，都可以被神使用，何況我們這信主的人。

已婚的人會在肉身受苦，為了世界上的事情掛慮增多了！有妻子今沒有妻子，哀哭像不哀哭的，快樂的像快樂的，即世界的這一切都要過去。保羅認為應該為主的事掛慮，不要受世界上的事物牽絆。保羅也沒有主張大家不要結婚，而是主張不要受牽絆。

身子不是自己的。為主

守住原來的身份，包括兒女、婚姻、職位

無論那一種，婚或是不婚，不影響我們對永恆的期待。

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How?

Honest to our marriage and be a good Christian in the blessing of the Lord.

How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? same as husband to his wife

1 Corinthians 7:10-24

To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister 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? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

Is divorce between Christians permissible? No.

What about the unconverted husband or wife? Christians are to stick to their pagan partners unless the partner wants separation.

Why?

Christians' marriages are made before the Lord, so divorce between Christians is not allowed.

Married with an unbeliever as a couple, unless the unbeliever separates, we can't separate the couple. How do you know, wife, where you will save your husband? Or How do your know, husband, whether you will save your wife? This is the mission of every Christian.

Circumcision is nothing, but our heart needs to be circumcised.

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已婚的人不可因為信仰不同而離婚，主要不可為婚外情合法化。神祝福信主的人，也透過這個信主的人臨到其他家人。所以首先信主的人，見證很重要。

強調和睦生活，情願同住，信的一方就有信的機會。

人信主要做好原來的角色，不要對於現在不滿。守住現在的身份、職權也是神的旨意，不要藉職權強迫，做人好的見證。重要是與神的關係，神安排人在不同角色藉著順服人來順服天上的神，無論奴僕或是主人，在神面前價值一樣（神的僕人），只是崗位不同。

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How?

Marriage is holy between husband and wife and we have the Lord as our witness. So this covenant stands forever to show our life is being to the Lord.

The wife/husband does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband/wife.

1 Corinthians 7:1-9

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

In their letter to Paul, the Corinthians have raised six questions about single and married life. Are married couples to continue normal sexual relations after conversion? Yes

Why?

Sexual relations with our own couple are our obligation, we do not have authority over our own body but our wife our husband.

For we are the temple of the Lord, we should keep us clean to the Lord and to our couple.

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本章主要談婚姻，5章： 講淫亂（伊比究魯學派講淫亂）（斯多亞學派講禁慾）

保羅把夫妻雙方放在同等的地位。自己的身體屬於自己而是屬於對方，夫妻彼此委身。夫妻同房為了使對方喜悅。神造人是有慾望的、喜悅的。夫妻的親密關係是聖潔的。婚姻不是次要的選擇。

不婚不嫁，不表示比較聖潔。單身是神特別的恩賜！

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How?

Respect the marriage before the Lord, this is a covenant with my wife before the Lord. This is the symbol of a Christian before the Lord and men.

The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

The Corinthians claim they are free to do anything. 'No doubt' says Paul, 'but 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 carr-over of old ideas. For the Christian, the body cannot be separated from the whole personality. Paul deliberately avoids the Greek body/soul language and the concepts that go with it. You cannot sin with the body and keep the 'real' person untarnished: every individual is a unity. Christians have been joined to Christ's body: they must honor God in the way they use their own bodies.

Why?

Food is not for the stomach and the stomach is not for food. So our body is not for flesh, but we are united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

So Christians have to keep away from prostitutes for we are united with the Spirit of the Lord.

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基督徒的行事總原則：消極與積極性

消極性：凡事我都可行，但不都有益處。不受轄制

積極性：要在你們的身子上榮耀神

身子不是為了淫亂而存在，同樣肚子不是食物。身體是榮耀、尊貴的，與希臘的想法:身體是敗壞的不同。身體是神的殿！人特別是基督徒忘記自己的身份是尊貴的！

我們的生命是重價買回的！我們的生命貴重幾乎等於神！方法：你們要逃避淫行

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How?

Honor our God with our bodies, our behavior, and our heart.

There is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?

I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!

The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Christians should not take one another to court, as some of the Corinthians have done. Jews did not take cases before Gentile courts - not because the courts were corrupt, but because it would be an admission of Jewish inability to operate their own laws. Surely the Christian community - their 'wise' Corinthians - should be capable of settling internal disputes. Better to be wronged than drag one another to court.

Why?

Christians should not take one another to court, for we love each other, if there is a dispute among us, there is someone wise to judge a dispute between believers.

Why take suit before the unbelievers? It is shame among the Christian and churches.

It is shame to take a Christian dispute before the ungodly for judgment. For we are love and righteousness people before the Lord. We have excellent laws and power beyond this world.

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信徒的身份權柄是超越世界的。為什麼不在教會裏處理，怎麼去教會外法院，讓不義的人來審判基督徒，不是矮化自己嗎？豈不是教會的羞恥?將來基督徒要審判天使，今天面對的都是短暫的事，為此事使弟兄跌倒還是得著一個弟兄?聖經的原則最高是公義，公義中包含愛！不可去欺壓人。愛是不求自己的益處！世界以競爭為原則，教會是以愛為原則。

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How?

Love is the true value among Christians!

Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

In the name of their boasted 'liberty' the church is condoning incest. It is a case which would shock even the pagans in that notorious city. These Christians have brought their old values with them into the church, and never given them up. So the whole church is endangered as Paul had warned in a previous letter, though they had mistaken his meaning.

Why?

Sexual immorality among Christians is not allowed so liberty is not an excuse but it is a sin. For Jesus, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed, we have to keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness.

This world is full of many sins, sexually immoral or greedy... these will be judged by the Lord. But among us, the church, Christians should expel the wicked person from us.

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哥林多教會問題在結黨紛爭，因為受世俗影響，重要是學問、能力、成功，而生命、服事動機、心態變不重要，對罪視若無睹。教會中犯的罪不會比外面的人輕。這裏只提到淫亂，其他還有。

交給撒旦：逐出教會，看他如外邦人，停止他在教會的服事，聖餐。

敗壞他的肉體：不在神的道路當中，沒有神同在的孤單，讓他肉體的情慾也消毀了。使他懷念教會中的生活。也就是停止他的服事。

罪用酵來比喻：發酵：變質，虛胖。

這裏的與他吃飯，是指認同他。不是說教會人的人犯罪而不和他吃飯，不關心！教會對外邦人，不認識主的人，不該去要求他們，批評他們。因為他們沒有律法，不認識神！

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How?

Keep our behavior and our mind with truth and righteousness. For my God is a living Lord!

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers

1 Corinthians 4:6-21

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

Why?

Paul works hard because he hopes he could be their sample, they may learn from Paul. All of us received the gospel, it is the grace of the Lord, why do we boast it?

We have many guardians in Christ but do not have many fathers, so we do not say we belong to anyone, but belong to Christ only. 

Paul put effort into them and suffered much trouble for the gospel, why did the members of Corinthians divide themselves into different parties?

We have one God, one faith, and one Holy Spirit.

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傚法聖經是唯一的，保羅、彼得……都是搖槳的人，使船前進，每個人也都很重要。

你們已經豐富了，反諷的話。自己好像演員，好像死刑犯，等著被人看出糗。教會傳道人對於會眾，教會對鄰居，同事朋友們對每個基督徒都是等著看好戲，我們是被渺視的。若你們真的豐富，我們也可以沾光，這當然也是反諷！我們的家人也是一樣，你去信耶穌，我看著你會如何?不會認為是蒙福的道路。所以我們不用在乎人如何看我們，我們又何必在乎別人的評價?

最後用為父的心來勸大家。此父親是負責看顧有錢人生活起居、教育小孩的老師，這個人有權柄來照顧這個孩子，同樣保羅有此權柄來要求哥林多教會的人。用愛來教導，而不是用權柄來壓迫，像父親、像師傅，權柄來自服事，來自愛，來自神！傚法我如何愛基督的心，所付出的作為。

我們做任何事都是在主的手中，主若許我！

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How?

May my life could be a light of truth in this world. I was chosen to complete the mission of the Lord in my life.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes

1 Corinthians 3:18-4:5

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! 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.

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I 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 until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

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. That is the example to follow.

Why?

Don't judge others, we have no right to judge others, for we are servants of the Lord, and all of us have been given a trust that must prove faithful.

The wise of this world is a fool to the Lord and to us. Don't use the standard to look at our faith and belief in the Lord.

How?

Don't judge others but love each other among Christian and my neighbor.

For we are co-workers in God’s service

Corinthians 3:9-17

For we are co-workers in God’s service.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

It is not one proud wisdom of God's plan of salvation through Christ's death on the cross, but those who are spiritually wise. This kind of wisdom, and with its true values and real judgment is God's gift through his Holy Spirit. A person must become good in the world's eyes in order to be really wise.

Once the basic foundation of faith in Chris is laid, every Christian is responsible for what they do with the new life they have been given. See to it that you build to last.

Why?

We are co-workers in God's service. The Lord laid the foundation, which is Jesus Christ. Then someone else is building on it. 

We are God's temple and God's Spirit dwells in us. We should take care, if anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person.

The fire will test the quality of each person's work. No one can cheat himself.

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我們本與神同工，自己做計劃，求神配合，達成自己的計劃目標。人心都有籌算，惟有神能成就大事。

神記念誰的工作?金銀寶石： 體積小卻很有價值，不容易看見。草木禾稭：體積很大，明顯看見，裏面是空的，且經不起考驗，有宗教禮儀，卻沒有生活的敬拜。

教會指的是教會的群體及基督徒，毀壞教會就是指結黨紛爭的人，無法建造教會，只會拆毀教會。人用世界的智慧在誇口就是結黨分派的人，自以為聰明有智慧。

或保羅，或亞波羅，或磯法全是你們的，意思是這些牧者全要服事你們的。

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How?

We have to take responsibility for our life, we are the Temple of the Lord and God's Spirit dwells in my midst. Do I have the light of the Lord shine from me?

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow

1 Corinthians 3:1-8 

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 

It is not proud and clever people who appreciate the wisdom of God's plan of salvation through Christ's death on the cross, but those who are spiritually wise.

So Paul and Apollos are not rivals but partners, sharing the work of building God's church.

Why?

All Christians are servants of the Lord, no matter what is our jobs or position in the church. We serve the Lord according to the grace of the Lord. We need to grow up in our life, to be good servants of the Lord. There is no perfect Christian, but we all need to grow up in our spiritual life.

We are different when we may work together and serve the Lord it will be the great church in our community to honor the Holy Name of the Lord.

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我們所講的智慧，不是世上的智慧，只有屬神的人才明白這屬靈的智慧！教會中為何連傳道人也會想自己建立人馬，因為沒有安全感，想要有人來支持他，幫助他。其實我們需要的是神，我們的安全感應該來自神，若非如此，他信仰的根基有問題。澆灌、栽培、收割等雖然我們在做也很重要，但是生命是否成長在於神！每項事工都重要，每個人恩賜不同，做他能做的，神都認可、紀念，如此一來，為何要結黨?可以分部門，因為我們善長的不同！時間不會讓人生命成長，可是這人是否願意去吃副食、正常飲食，吃奶比較容易，吃飯還要咀嚼，分配等比較麻煩、願意嘗試。我們屬靈的生命成長也是如此！

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How?

Leave the start point of Christian, but grow up to be a real Christian. Don't let the Holy Spirit worry about us.

Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?

Corinthians 2:10-16

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. What is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

They stand in need of teaching. They have to be reminded that human cleverness is a far cry from God's wisdom.

Why?

No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. So we have no right to be proud of what we have done.

Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? No, no one can do it for all of us are created by the Lord.

How?

To know the Lord is the gift of the Holy Spirit leading us to know the Lord. Be humble and Honor the Holy name of the Lord. Make decisions not by my mind but by the leading of the Lord.

Your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power

1 Corinthians 2:1-9

When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him.

Their argumentative, judgmental attitude shows they are still bound by the world's way of thinking. They stand in need of teaching. They have to be reminded that human cleverness is a far cry from God's wisdom.

Why?

The real wisdom is not the wisdom of the world but comes from the Lord. It does not come with eloquence or human wisdom.

Even we have faith in Jesus is not resting on human wisdom but on God's power. So no one can boast in himself, but give glory and honor to the Lord.

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傳福音不是用戶智慧的言語。保羅不去用高深學問來講訊息，或是華麗言詞，或是精彩演講。不希望人跟從保羅而要人跟隨耶穌。希望人不是被我吸引，而是被神的道所吸引！人沒有可以誇口的，所以不應該有結黨分派！

我們以為在堅持真理，其實只在堅持自己的成見。

有人說神為什麼不要……不要……神若是存在為什麼不出來給我看一下，神為什麼要出來給你看?這個國家有總統嗎？有，總統可以讓我看一看嗎？總統為什麼要出來給你看?

神的智慧是要人得榮耀，人是有限的，人不能判斷神，為什麼要犧牲弟兄?

我不也是因為神的呼召來到宏閩，豈可因為一時的情緒忘記神的帶領與使命?

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How?

I can do nothing without the Lord for I am little without the Lord. Be humble always in my living every day.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

For 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.

For 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. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but 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 human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

So that 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—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

It seems from these chapters that the groups were making invidious comparisons between Paul ad the more eloquent Apollos. Paul, although a trained scholar, had had his troubles at Corinth. A clear statement of God's message, not style without substance, was his main concern.

Why?

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. This is true from the time of Roman until now.  Every real Christian should be a humble man before the Lord and men.

We are nothing to boast, Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.

All of us, Christians, no many were influential, noble birth, or wise by human standards.

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施洗比較屬於牧會工作，傳福音屬於開拓。不是用口才傳福音，十字架的道理由人來看似乎愚拙，讓人不要受自己的判斷力影響。

猶太派求神蹟，希臘人追求智慧、學問。一個求感性，一個求理性。神用人以為愚拙的方法來成就神的工作。愈單純的人愈容易信主。教會是否看重口才、智慧、能力、身份?而是看自己是否能夠放下?否定人的方法，作為。十字架上耶穌沒有從上面下來才是最大的神蹟，讓撒旦無話可說！人卻看不到。十字架下的羅馬百夫長看到了，說這真是個義人。

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How?

Be Humble and enjoyable for we are chosen by the Lord to be a servant of the Lord, and have the power and grace above this world.

All of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Paul's opening and thanksgiving are characteristic. He believes in encouragement. Of all his letters to churches, only Galatians lacks this note of praise. In a day before church buildings, when Christa met in houses or halls, a large group might well have to split up. it is easy to see how divisions could arise. Paul mentions three factions centered on rival 'leaders': Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. A fourth division, in their pride, claimed exclusive rights to the label 'Christian'.

Why?

Paul pointed out all of us are the same, belong to Christ, and do not belong to each teacher or group, even though we are learning with some teachers.

We are united in mind and thought. We follow Christ.

Baptized in name of Jesus Christ through any follower of Christ, but all the Christian belong to the Lord.

Paul pointed out the important point in this church, which may mislead the way of Christian.

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保羅看重同工的合一，他的書信總是提及他的同工一同關心這個教會。

哥林多教會很有錢，會友也很有才華，無論講道、敬拜、……。恩賜是為了等候耶穌基督再來讓人持守信仰，藉此讓人信心得著堅固。哥林多教會最有恩賜，可能在當時是最好的教會。

會結黨紛爭就是因為看不起別人，自認為自己的對。神給我們恩賜時，要知道我們很多恩賜也沒有。我們是耶穌基督的門徒，不是教導我們讀經老師的門徒。

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How?

We attend worship in a church and serve there, all of us are belong to Jesus Christ.