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Stay Humble (1 Corinthians 4:6-13)

  “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, w...
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Judge Not the Heart (1 Cornithians 4:3-5)

  “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God” (1Co 4:3-5). Regarding our judgment, there is no earthly court capable of making perfect judgments. Paul acknowledges that even though he is not aware of any guilt, this does not absolve him. He knows only the Lord can judge us righteously. So, let us not judge man’s heart in man’s day. Leave that judgment for the Lord at His coming. Of course, that does not mean we are not to judge behavior. Clearly there are times when the church must judge. Paul, in this same letter, does just that. “It is actually reported that th...
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You Are a Servant of Christ and a Steward of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 4:1)

  “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). A simple request. Paul wants to be known as a servant of Christ and minister of the Gospel. Wouldn’t you? More importantly, shouldn’t you? Of course, that means, “In this case moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2). When you think of trustworthiness, what comes to mind? It often involves being reliable, honest, and deserving of confidence. Let us be reliable. “... Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). Let us be honest. “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void” (1 Corinthians 1:17). Let us be deserving of confidence. “Be diligent to present yourself appr...
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Don't Be Self-Deceived (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NAS95). Beloved, guard your heart against self-grandizement. Thinking you have the corner on wisdom is the first step towards self-deception. Thinking you are serving God and the church with worldly wisdom will only lead to your demise. You must humble yourself to become wise, not with worldly wisdom, but with wisdom from above. Never boast in men, including yo...
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You Are the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

  Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NAS95). Paul uses the Old Testament temple as a picture of the body of Christ today. The foundation is Christ, and we are building upon that foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. When tested by fire, only the gold, silver, and precious stones will survive. These are good works, right attitudes, and holy behavior. Paul goes on to say that, as the temple of God, we have a responsibility to be holy. He emphasizes this responsibility with a hard saying: If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. Matthew Henry addresses these verses. From other parts of the epistle, it appears that the false teachers among the Corinthians taught unholy doctrines. Such teaching tended to corrupt, to pollute, and destroy the buildin...
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Ask God for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12)

  In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, "Ask what you wish me to give you." Then Solomon said, "You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. "Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, "Because...
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Spiritual Warfare (Exodus 17:8-13)

  Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword (Exodus 17:8-13 NAS95). Joshua was given the task of fighting against Amalek. The Amalekites were a treacherous people who hated Israel. They were descendants of Esau, whom God had cursed for their betrayal. Balaam said of them, And he looke...
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Jesus Wept (John 11:35)

Jesus wept (John 11:35 NAS95). Jesus did not weep for Lazarus; He knew well that He would raise Lazarus from the dead.  Instead, He wept for the souls of those who still did not believe that He was the Resurrection and the Life. Read what He said to His disciples. . . . He *said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep." The disciples then said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. So Jesus then said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him" (John 11:11-15 NAS95). Why would Jesus say He was glad for their sake that Lazarus had died? Clearly, Jesus was not mourning Lazarus's death. He was grieving over the spiritual deadness of their hearts. Of course He also felt their pain, but I doubt that was the ...
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Build Carefully (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

  According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NAS95). The ministry is fraught with pitfalls. Pride was the devil's downfall, and is near to every preacher and minister of the Gospel, professional and lay.  The minister preaches a powerful message, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Then, sta...
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Spiritual Pride Inhibits Growth (1 Corintians 3:1-3)

  And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NKJV). The enemy of spiritual growth is sin. The particular sins Paul refers to in this passage are envy, strife, and divisions. The Corinthians were lining up behind their favorite ministers and fighting over who was the best.  The devil excels at identifying people's weaknesses. He has always used the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life to draw believers away from Christ (1 John 2:16 cp. Luke 4:1-13). When we take our eyes off of Christ and start valuing humanism, we cease to grow. Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itsel...
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Open Line of Communication (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)

  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD THAT HE MAY INSTRUCT HIM?" But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12-16 NKJV). When a person is saved, they become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new birth not only gives you a new standing in Christ’s righteousness, it also opens a new line of communication. The Holy Spirit indwells you and communicates God’s will to you. You have the mind of Christ. This was necessa...
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Christ in You (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)

  However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV). What a privilege you have to know the wisdom of God. It is the mystery made manifest to the saints, Colossians 1:26, though formerly hid from the heathen world; it was only shown in dark types and distant prophecies, but now is revealed and made known by the Spirit of God. Jesus Christ is the Lord of glory; a title much too great for any creature (Matthew Henry).  Make it your passion to explore the depths of Christ's love. Do not be content to know the Gospel on a superficial level. Praise God for your salvation, but dive deep into this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory...
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Delight in Your Lowly Position (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

  For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, "HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD " (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NKJV). Oh, how thankful I am that God elected me out of His good pleasure and not because of some human attribute or virtue I needed to measure up. Grace, grace, all of grace, beautiful grace, loving grace that I can’t comprehend saved me. I can honestly say, even on my best day, ...
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Don't Doubt the Power of the Gospel (1 Corrinthians 1:18-21)

  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18-21 NAS95). Don’t doubt the power of the Gospel. I have sat in meetings and heard men speculate that the Gospel is just not effective in our day and age. “We need a new method,” they would say, or “We need to use drama in our worship services.” Have they not read the subject passage? The world, through its wisdom, did not come to know God. Paul had just said that Christ sent him to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of ...
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No Elitism (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

  Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void (1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NAS95). There is a...
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Make No Provision for the Flesh (Romans 13:12-14)

  The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:12-14 NAS95). Sometimes you might struggle with particular sins. Nagging sins that rob you of joy and give place for the devil to insert his prybar as he seeks to pry you away from Christ. Of course, nothing can pry you away from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). For Christ will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). However, sin, particularly stubborn sins, will have a devastating impact on you spiritually. These are sins you don’t seem able to control. You repent, but victory only lasts a short time. You must ask yourself, “Have I truly repented?” Could it be that you are making provisions for the fles...
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Hope in God (Psalms 42:1-11)

  For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And Hi...
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A Soul Burdened by Sin Psalms 41:1-4

  For the choir director. A Psalm of David. How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble. The LORD will protect him and keep him alive, And he shall be called blessed upon the earth; And do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health. As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You" (Psalms 41:1-4 NAS95). There are many physical calamities the people of God may experience. Attacks, oppression, illness, and other challenges are significant, but none weigh as heavily as a soul burdened by sin. The feeling that God is displeased with you due to sin is indescribable. The only remedy is God’s grace and mercy. Thankfully, God is merciful and willing to provide grace. For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the con...
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Praise God Psalms 40:1-4

  For the choir director. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD. How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood (Psalms 40:1-4 NAS95) There are times in life when you find yourself stripped of all earthly resources. Yes, doctors can help in many cases, but modern medicine cannot always provide the kind of hope needed in those dark hours. Only God can lift you out of the pit of despair and put a song in your mouth. David waited patiently for the Lord to answer his prayers. When God did, David praised God for his lovingkindness. But, notice something else David did, he said, “Many will see and fear and will trust in the ...
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Combat Worry with Prayer (Psalms 4:8)

  In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety (Psalms 4:8 NAS95). One of the great enemies of sleep is worry and stress. Having faith to trust in the Lord is the remedy. Prayer is the catalyst that solidifies that faith. Notice the following. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NAS95). Letting God know what is on your heart will give you peace that goes beyond comprehension. Why is this? For one, God already knows your thoughts and needs. When we pray, we are transferring our burdens to God, trusting that He will handle them with our best interests in mind. We know He will because He has said so.  As it is written: In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, bu...
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The Tyranny of the Urgent Psalms 1:1-3

  How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers (Psalms 1:1-3 NAS95). I like what Matthew Henry says about this passage. “To meditate in God's word is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of thought. We must have constant regard to the word of God as the rule of our actions and the spring of our comforts, and have it in our thoughts night and day. For this purpose, no time is amiss.” The devil often attacks believers through false teachers and doctrinal errors; however, another effective tactic is when he whispers to us that there is no urgency. The psalmist reminds ...
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Pray for Evangelistic Opportunities Ephesians 6:18-20

  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:18-20 NAS95). Having put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17), we are able by God’s power to stand against what the devil might throw at us. Being able to stand allows us to use the Word of God, our sword, offensively. To do so will require much prayer. How often do you pray for God to open up doors so that you might share the Gospel? Paul, who by any account was prolific in sharing the Gospel, asked for prayer. He needed God to do three things. He needed opportunity, boldness, and faithfulness. He needed opportunity, divine appointments to share. Sometimes, it is d...
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Our Armor (Part Two) Ephesians 6:10-17

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17 NAS95). Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s protective gea...
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