1 Corinthians 12:12-31

This section continues with an analogy of the body. Paul paints a picture laying the initial groundwork that a body has many members, but all those members together make one body (v12). This analogy he is trying to link to Christ as he says ending verse 12. Verse 13 gives the idea that all us believers are of the same body, "we were all baptized into one body" (v13, ESV). With this in mind, the idea of the next paragraph is that each member is part of the body.

"If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body.

(v15-16, ESV)

If you were to look at other members of the body and realize that you're not like that other member, that doesn't mean you're not part of the body. You don't need to be like him or her in order to be part of the body. The body has many parts for a reason, and not all can be the same.

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

(v18, ESV)

You are the member that you are because God has arranged it that way. Be happy that God made you that way. Therefore, you should seek to serve your purpose faithfully knowing that this is the task God wants you to do. Also, we shouldn't look to other members of the body thinking we do not need them.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

(v21-22, ESV)

Even if we think they aren't needed or aren't doing much, they are in fact more important than we think. Clearly there are those members that easily seem stronger or more useful. These in the forefront and whose jobs are by nature for all to see are these kinds of members. It's not wrong that they're easily more presentable if that's simply their nature. For example, the pastors of a church or those who lead worship are front and center all the time. It's not wrong, that's simply their jobs or duties. However, those members that seem weaker may be the ones you don't notice. Maybe those considered weaker are the people who are doing the AV allowing everyone to hear the worship leaders or hear the pastor. Maybe there are particular members who come early to setup the service beforehand or those that are praying for each of the members. Simply, those working in the backgrounds are those considered weaker that not everyone sees.

If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

(v26, ESV)

Clearly we are all of one body. If your foot is hurting, then the whole body suffers because it hurts to walk around. Or maybe the eye is hurting so it's hard to see. Or simply, the whole body feels the pain and therefore, the whole body suffers. But "if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (v26, ESV). We suffer together and we rejoice together. It's as simple as that. We are one body.

Finally Paul flat out says what it means. We are all individual members of the body of Christ (v27). Parts of the body are listed in verse 28. Clearly each has their own role and not everyone is the same. However, there apparently are higher gifts as mentioned in verse 31. A commentary suggests that Paul is implying love, especially since it's the next chapter. However, the commentary also importantly states this:

This is possible grammatically, but Paul's treatment of love does not leave the impression that it is simply a means to an end. Love is to be pursued for its own sake.

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 1 Corinthians, Leon Morris)

Anyway, we are all part of the body even if we're not the same as others. We shouldn't look down on other members either. God gave us strengths and weaknesses and clearly a role as part of the body, so we should do it. We all suffer together, and we all rejoice together (v26).

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Concerning the matter of spiritual gifts, apparently those at the Corinthian church were mislead when they were pagans (v2). The first point he wants to make is this:

Therefore I want you to understand that no speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.

(v3, ESV)

So, if you were to ever say something bad about Jesus like that, you clearly are not speaking in the Spirit of God. However, if you were to attest that Jesus is Lord, then you can only do it in the Holy Spirit. This is under the assumption that you really mean it. Because anyone can just "say" those things, but it only matters if you actually mean it. With that in mind, I guess is a kind of test, even though some can say it and not mean it.

Verses 4 - 6 goes like this:

Let f(x, y) = "Now there are varieties of x, but the same y"

x = gifts, service, varieties of activities

y = Spirit, Lord, God who empowers them all in everyone

We can recognize that we have a specific gift or service and we may even recognize that other people have different ones as well. However, we must realize that it is from the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

(v7, ESV)

We need to recognize that these gifts aren't just for our own good, but for the good of others. We need to stop looking selfishly for our own needs and use our gifts to help others.

Verses 8-10 list a number of different gifts that are given by God. In addition, you can look to Romans 12:6-8 to see another similar list. In addition, there's the fruits of the spirit, which can be found in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul ends saying something similar to what was said in the beginning:

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

(v11, ESV)

Saying the same point again that it's all from the same Spirit. However, he adds that the Spirit gives to each one individually. It's not just a simple random handout to everyone, but to each for a reason specific to you.

Be happy and glad for your gift or gifts. Use your gifts for others and not just yourself.

Song Sharing -- Heart of Worship

Manson and I are going to lead worship this week. I am glad that God has always given me the opportunity to serve Him. Through serving Him, I think I am getting closer and closer to Him. It is from my bottom of my heart. Praise the Lord!

This week it is gonna be a special week, because our pastor is gone for vacation, and we will not have sermon section and the worship is gonna become a "long" version. It means there are more preparation and stuff.

When I was preparing the worship, by some reason I keep listening to the song “Heart of Worship”. I think the lyrics are very true, very often, I think we have forgotten the true meaning of what worship really about. Is that really about the music? the guitar I play? the vocal? the sound system? When we are singing the songs, is our heart really there to worship God? Or it is just a mindless word from our mouth? What worship really mean?

I still remember clearly a good friend of mine from church asks me, “Honestly, Do you realize that non-Christians are more passionate than Christians?” I kept silent at that moment, and my heart was broken. It’s sad but true. Rock bands are passionate, hockey fans are passionate, charities are passionate, even homosexual groups are passionate. Why aren’t we passionate for Christ?

Oh Lord, please set me free.

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me”

It is from Romans 7:15-20. A brother from our church shares this verse with me.

A lot of questions I don’t understand and don't know how to answer. But in my bottom heart, I do see His glory within the darkness. You seek, and you will find. That's the promise. And we believe that one day we will see our Father again. This is our faith, and that make us different from the norm of this world, and we should be passionate to share this to others.

1 Corinthians 3

Here Paul is addressing those in the Corinthian church as "people of the flesh, as infants in Christ" (v1, ESV). Going along with the word "infant", he speaks about feeding them milk as opposed to solid food (v2). With this in mind it gives the idea that they aren't quite up to par. They're not ready for solid food and are infantile in their faith. However, it is reasonable to progress through these stages. People who first believe begin in the initial stages in their faith, so it's not wrong to be in those stages. However, Paul makes a clear statement that reveals otherwise as far as it goes for those in the Corinthian church, "And even now you are not yet ready," (v2, ESV). This seems to imply that they *should* be ready but they aren't. There is an allotted time for one to be infantile, but after a certain amount of time they are supposed to progress to solid food. However, they have yet to do so.

for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

(v3, ESV)

Having jealousy and strife is probably one way to tell that someone is still infantile in their faith. There are probably other ways to tell, but this is the one in particular for this chapter. In fact, as you read on through 1 Corinthians you will see many different things that they are doing wrong. In order for us to progress to being mature, we definitely can't be "still of the flesh" (v3, ESV) or have "jealousy and strife" (v3, ESV), or "behaving only in a human way" (v3, ESV). Verse 4 points out the division among that which will be discussed for this chapter. The division is between people who say that they follow Paul, and those who say that they follow Apollos (v4).

Paul and Apollos are only servants (v5). It seems silly to follow a servant of God. They should really follow God. However, we know that Jesus showed us humility and how to be a servant and we should follow him. But in this case they are following humans who are simply servants of God, but they should follow God.

Since Paul and Apollos are servants, they are duties. Paul plants and Apollos waters (v6), which seem like fairly important duties. In fact, I'll bet as Christians when we see those who plant or water we hold them in high regard and desire to follow them. We are supposed to follow and imitate Christ; however, it's not wrong to have intermediate goals. We may look to someone and admire a certain characteristic in them and attempt to imitate them. This works especially if they are imitating Christ. I get this from the beginning of Chapter 11.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

(1 Cor 11:1, ESV)

However, back to chapter 3, the point Paul is trying to make is that "God gave the growth" (v6, ESV). So really, Paul who plants and Apollos who waters isn't really anything since they don't cause the growth, only God does (v7). Not to say that those who plant or those who water are nothing, but they are servants to God and it is God that allows any growth to happen in the first place. Those servants are diligently and faithfully working for God. Because of this they will receive wages (v8) and are called "God's fellow workers" (v9, ESV).

Going along with a building analogy, Paul stresses the importance of being careful as to how you build on the foundation (v10). The foundation is very important, and it is Jesus (v11). In the rest of the chapter Paul describes how the work will be tested by fire to see which one is good and bad and the results. Clearly the result is good if it passes the test and bad if it doesn't pass. Fortunately, it says that the one with a failed work will be saved, but it isn't without a cost. It reminds me of the last paragraph is chapter 9. The race and the boxing analogy can be found here.

So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

(1 Cor 9:26-27, ESV)

Each person is God's temple and God's Spirit lives in us (v16). A serious warning is provided:

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

(v17, ESV)

So we should take care of ourselves and others that we do not destroy that temple. Going along with the testing with fire, we should be careful how we build so that it will pass the test. If it doesn't pass the test, then it will be burned up.

The last paragraph revisits ideas from the first two chapters. God's wisdom and man's wisdom is discussed (v18). It also says "If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise." (v18, ESV). This goes along with the first will be last and the last will be first idea (Mark 9:31). More specifically, you must become a fool with regards to human wisdom so that you may be wise in God's wisdom. The idea of boasting is revisited again as well (v21).

The ending is a bit confusing to me. Upon reading a commentary, here's what I get from it. Paul is making a contrast from what they are saying when they say "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos". They are limiting themselves to one specific leader, but when Paul says "all things are yours" (v21, ESV), it is not limited by anything. They are limiting their minds to one specific leader, but we are not limited because we are saved through Christ. Christ has victory over death, and we are redeemed through him. Not only that, but with reference to Philipians 1:21, the only life we have to live is that in Jesus. We have hope for life beyond death, but those not in Jesus end with death. Again, we revisit the fact that we have victory through redemption in Jesus.

Hm... I tried, but I'm still confused. Regardless, we should grow up and evolve to eating solid food. We shouldn't be divided and worrying about following a specific person. Whether that person is a really good planter, or a really good waterer, it doesn't matter. God is the one who causes the growth. If you plant, make sure you are planting or laying the foundation of Jesus. If you water, be careful how you build. Seems like a lot to think about or a lot to worry about. Don't worry, seek God's wisdom.

1 Peter 4 -- Stand Up for God

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (Verse 7)

Every moment in life can be a test from God. I found myself often easily fall into the trap of this world, because I am lack of foundation of the word and lack of prayer. A lot of time I have been absorbed and agreed with the philosophy from the modern society, toward issues such as relationship, career, church ministry etc. The society teaches us about individualism, but God teaches us to love each other deeply, sacrifice ourselves for the good of others, since Jesus have sacrifice himself for us. God teaches us to use wherever gift he has received to serve other.

I shouldn’t keep being drunk and living the old self in this world. I should stand up for God; even the world is going to against me. The end of all things is near, Lord I pray that you will give me a more mature mind to know what is right and wrong, through challenges and test in my daily life. Lord I pray, I keep praying. Teach me how to pray and apply your word in my daily life. There is nothing more important than being close with you.

1 Corinthians 2

Verse 1 is similar to chapter 1 verse 17. He doesn't present the gospel fancy words. In chapter 1 verse 17 he says he does it "lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." (1 Corinthians 1:17, ESV). He somewhat mentions it again in verse 4. It's not his words, "but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power," (v4, ESV). Clearly this isn't his power, but the power of the gospel. This is the power of God. In verse 5 he explains why he does it.

that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

(v5, ESV)

Verse 5 explains why he does it with reference to those who hear it. He wants them to only rely on God. If they were to rely on anything else, they would fall. However, in chapter 1 verse 17, he's saying this more with reference to himself and God. He doesn't want himself to be a hindrance to the Gospel. He understands that his power is nothing compared to the power of the Gospel, and to get in the way of that would be wrong.

The rest of the chapter is about wisdom.

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

(v6, ESV)

Apparently it's not the same as their wisdom. Depending on how you define wisdom, you may think they do not have any. Is there even such a thing as wisdom apart from God? Regardless, these rulers don't even understand this wisdom (v8). More importantly, we receive this wisdom through the Spirit (v10). Paul explains this in the next few verses in a methodical fashion. First only the spirit of that person can know that person's thoughts (v11). Since the Spirit is God's spirit, only the Spirit can know God's thoughts (v11). Fortunately for us, we have received the Spirit (v12). Therefore, we are able to understand the things given us by God (v12).

The last paragraph finishes off on a similar note. This wisdom we have from God is stupid to "The natural person" (v14, ESV). Clearly we have the Spirit, so we are able to discern these things, but they cannot because they do not have the Spirit. It's cool how the chapter ends off.

"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

(v16, ESV)

Clearly nobody can instruct the Lord. God almighty is not instructed by anyone. Now, you may want to argue with Abraham changing God's mind about Sodom (Gen 18). Well, we can leave this to another time... Back to this passage, it's talking about God's wisdom and man's wisdom. Also, we have the Spirit and are able to understand the things given to us by God (v12). However, that doesn't mean that we're in any way wiser than God. It's more of a contrast between our wisdom and the worldly wisdom. You may want to keep in mind also that it says "that we might understand the things freely given us by God." (v12, ESV). It is God who imparts wisdom to us, so he is the one who controls how much we receive. This doesn't make us wiser than God. If at all possible, you could imagine the possibility of us being equal with God if He were to give us all His wisdom, but I will quickly throw that off as impossible.

Anyway, our wisdom comes from God and is different from worldly wisdom. Often those with wisdom of this world may laugh or think God's wisdom to be stupid, but that is because they cannot discern God's wisdom. We know that His wisdom is far greater than worldly wisdom.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

(1 Cor 1:25, ESV)

Don't back down. Be proud of the faith you have and the wisdom you have. "we have the mind of Christ." (v16, ESV)

1 Corinthians 1

I started back at 1 Corinthians, but I may jump from place to place. I skipped through verses 1 - 17. I'm sure there's some great treasure within these verses as there are for all of scripture... but I'll just try to be brief.

Chapter one begins with greetings. Paul is the author and is writing "To the church of God that is in Corinth," (v2, ESV). The verse continues on to say "to those sanctified in Christ Jesus," (v2, ESV). This letter is written from Paul to the believers in the Corinthian church.

Paul thanks them in the next paragraph. It's weird though, because he's thanking God for God's grace given to them (v4). As you read later on, they have a lot of things that they need to fix that Paul addresses. And yet, he still is able to be thankful. Even though it's thankfulness towards God for God's doing in them.

The next section deals with divisions within the church. Apparently, they were divided among themselves.

What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."

(v12, ESV)

Clearly there is something wrong with this as Paul points out asking rhetorically in the next verse

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

(v13, ESV)

Chapter three goes on to talk in more detail about the divisions as well. Regardless, the point is that there shouldn't be any divisions.

Now arriving at verse 18 we arrive at a section I particularly like. I'll include verse 17 because it's pretty darn good as well and it ties in anywho.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

(v17-18, ESV)

First Paul is responding to what he mentioned in the last paragraph. First he asks rhetorical questions ending off with "Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (v13, ESV). Next he mentions that he's glad he only baptized Crispus and Gaius and nobody else (v14). He doesn't want them to say that because it's totally wrong. He finishes the paragraph saying how he was sent to preach, not baptize (v17). In this he mentions that he doesn't do it with fancy talk "lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." (v17, ESV). He doesn't want to hinder the work of the Gospel with his own human words. This power is stated logically in the next verse "but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (v18, ESV). Looking at verse 18 we can see that there is power in it for those of us who are being saved. But for those who aren't being saved they think it's ridiculous. It's sad that they think this way... but I guess it's because they think this way that they're perishing. For them to consider God's saving work and grace to be folly... to look upon God's saving grace as folly, it's sad really. Totally snubbing God off or something...

The paragraph continues on speaking about God's wisdom verses human wisdom. Clearly we know which is far superior to the other. I particularly like how the paragraph ends.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

(v25, ESV)

It's almost like the image that God doesn't even need to lift a finger to be smarter than you. Pastor James McDonald often describes God as with his feet up. "God is so in control that He rules the universe with His feet up." (James McDonald). It seems like this is in direct relation to verse 22's reference to Jews and Greeks.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom.

(v22, ESV)

Christ on the cross seems like weakness to the Jews who demand signs. And to Greeks who seek wisdom, it looks stupid. However, God is wiser, even his foolishness. And God is stronger, even in his weakness. Not that God is weak or foolish, but he is stronger and smarter without even lifting a finger. That's the idea I get. Or maybe more accurately, when God appears to be weak in the eyes of men (in particular, the Jews), it is actually powerfully strong. And when God appears to be foolish in the eyes of men (in particular the Greeks), it is actually genius.

The next section is about how God uses the weak to shame the wise. This section leads into boasting as well. This kind of thinking can be seen all over scripture. He used the disciples, who were sinners (Matthew the tax collector) and simple fishermen. They weren't anything at all in the eyes of those Pharisees and others around them. God used David mightily to defeat Goliath and as King even though he was the youngest among eight children. Jesus even talks about becoming like Children.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 18:3-4, NIV)

In addition, there is often this idea of order being the other way around.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

(Mark 9:31, NIV)

Those who seek to be first may be doing so to boast, but they will have no grounds to boast if God shames them with that which is weak. These last verses are so beast. Actually, all scripture is so beast, but here are the last few verses.

So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

(v29-31, ESV)

God is the source and it is because of him that you have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Because of him we can live and breathe. All that we are is because of him and he can bring us to nothing if he wanted to. All we have is because of him and therefore is his. With that in mind, let us boast in the Lord. If we boast in anything other than God, God will simply shame us with the weak. Have you ever seen that happen? It happens all the time. You'll see someone being particularly cocky or proud. It's okay to be boastful about God, though it's also possible to turn that around depending on how you define boasting about God. Anyway, they are proud and they eventually or somehow get shamed. Maybe someone's bragging about how good he is in a video game, and then someone comes and beats him. Or maybe someone's talking on how smart they are and then they fail a midterm or something like that. Anyway, back to the last verse, let's boast in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Apparently Paul is hearing that the Corinthian's were not properly partaking in the Lord's Supper. "...when you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse." (v17, ESV). What they are doing is actually counterproductive. First of all, there were divisions among them (v18-19). Beyond that, they weren't properly recognizing and understanding what the bread and the cup really were signifying. Some were not waiting for others before eating in their hunger and some were getting drunk (v21). They clearly were viewing the Lord's Supper as any other meal and not giving it the honour and respect that should be given.

Paul explains it in the next paragraph. What the bread and the cup signify and why we should partake in the Lord's Supper. This section and going into the next paragraph is often quoted during communion in some of the churches I have been to. I found the end of this paragraph to be particularly catching my eye today.

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

(v26, ESV)

Who do we proclaim to? We are not proclaiming to God, though God does see, but we are to proclaim to other people. This goes hand in hand with preaching the Gospel and stuff like that. In our lives, we are to be examples to others.

Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise,

(Eph 5:15, NIV)

The next paragraph is how you are to partake in the Lord's Supper. First, do not partake in an unworthy manner. Pastor Brian at Unionville Oasis once made a point to ask yourself "Do you love Jesus?" before partaking. He began saying how we can never be perfect in that sense of trying to be worthy. However, we have faith.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

(Rom 3:28, NIV)

We can't be perfect and in that sense be worthy before partaking in the Lord's Supper. However, we can become worthy in faith. We are justified by faith. In addition, the next few verses talks about examining yourself. We are to examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and the cup. The initial question "Do you love Jesus?" I believe encompasses these things. You need to believe him and have faith in what he said if you say that you love Jesus. In addition, we should do what we say if we love him.

If you love me, you will obey what I command.

(John 14:15, NIV)

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.

(1 Thess 4:7, NASB)

We are not called to lead lives of sin, though we will continue sin, but in a process of sanctification. Part of that requires examining. It's interesting how it is explained. Well, first we are "guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord" (v27, ESV). But also:

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgement on himself.

(v29, ESV)

It's like asking God to judge you. And if God judges you, its game over for you man, because you are not perfect unless you are Jesus.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

(Rom 3:23, NIV)

So what to do? Wait for others before partaking of the bread and the cup. If you're hungry, eat at home before coming. Regard it with reverence. When we partake in it, we are proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes. Acknowledging that he died and he rose and he's coming back. We should not shame his name by living in an unworthy manner. We should examine ourselves before partaking of the Lord's Supper. "Do you love Jesus?"

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

The chapter begins as a connection to the last paragraph.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

(v1, ESV)

Unfortunately, I find sometimes we hold others we respect in high regard. However, since we are all human and all sinful, eventually that person lets us down. Since they are in such a high place in our view, it's that much worse when they fall. However, it's not wrong to imitate others. Sometimes other people have qualities that we admire. With that in mind, it's not wrong to look to that person and those qualities and attempt to imitate them. That is of course first if their admirable quality is Godly. More importantly, it's even better if they are imitating Christ. Of course we are all to imitate Christ. However, it's not wrong to have intermediate steps or goals all in the process of imitating Christ.

The rest of this section and paragraph speaks about men and women and how men are the head just as God is the head of Christ. Apparently, men are supposed to uncover their heads when they pray or prophesy (v4). However, women are supposed to have their heads covered when they pray or prophesy (v5). Apparently it was customary for Jewish men to have their heads covered, so this is a bit different from what they're used to. But the reasoning for this is explained in verse 7.

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.

(v7, ESV)

We men are the image and glory of God. God is the head of Christ and is not subjecting himself to anyone. We men should similarly keep our head uncovered as Paul instructs. Paul continues on to describe how women should keep their head covered. This ties with how the "head of a wife is her husband" (v3, ESV). Apparently, women are supposed to shave their head or cut their head short if they will not cover their head. The explanation Paul gives begins with how a woman with an uncovered head is as if she had a shaved head (v5). If her head's uncovered, she should cut it short, but that's disgraceful, so she should keep it covered (v6). The reasoning for the head covering comes from talking about respects between men and women.

For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

(v8-9, ESV)

This goes back to creation and how the Eve was made as a helper for Adam. In addition, Eve was created from the rib taken from Adam. In the same way that the angels are subject to God, women are supposed to be subject to men or something like that (v10). The logical reasoning for uncovered head follows in verses 14 and 15. Long hair on a woman is her glory. However, as mentioned back in verse 7, "he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man."

I guess in my attempt to explain how I see it as a whole, if women were to uncover their head, they are displaying their glory for all to see. However, they are subject to men, so they shouldn't show of their glory with their head uncovered and "show up" the men in a sense. If they were doing that, they wouldn't be properly submitting respecting the order God made. The order is that man came first, then the woman came as a helper for the man. In the same way, men should realize that they are "the image and glory of God" (v7, ESV)

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.

(v11-12, ESV)

Though women are supposed to submit to men, there is a partnership involved. Taking another step back, "All things are from God" (v12, ESV). Even if the woman is supposed to submit to the man, everything is under God even if the man is the head in that sense.

Anyway, all this reminding me about marriage and the roles we have. But even beyond that, there are signs of these same principles even outside the bounds of marriage. May I continue to live in such a way that I remember and show that I am "the image and glory of God" (v7, ESV).

NOTICES -- Jon will be out of town this weekend

So there will be no update, until I am back on Monday =)

Cheers to Moo!!!

Jon

1 Peter 3 -- Be a Man, Do the Right Thing

Today’s topic is about wives and husbands. It says that wives have to be submissive to the husband. What it means by submissive? It is not only being supportive to the husband in good time, but also even when the husband fall, they will be won back without the words but by the behaviors of the wife. That is the true beauty of a woman that man should seek, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quite spirit come from their inner self. For husband, it says that we have to take good care and be considerate to their wife. Although the wife might not be the weaker one in spirit, tread them as a weaker partner with respect.

Indeed, it is a really gracious gift of life to have a godly wife. This has reminded me again of what is the most important when I choose my woman. And also reminded me what kind of characters I need to build in order to be a good husband.

Before starting the list, this passage also gave me some insight about the different between a male and a female. Since God has made us differently, if I can able to understand the different, it will help to build a healthy godly relationship with the wife.

To be continue… heehee

Although marriage is still a long away from me, but it is getting closer everyday if I think that way. And perhaps I should start thinking and get ready for that.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Paul begins with "All things are lawful..." (v23, ESV) repeating it twice, which is similar to something he previously said.

"all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything."

(1 Cor 6:12, ESV)

This time he's making a point about building up and with reference to others as he mentions in verse 24. Paul speaks in the previous paragraph not to participate in sacrificing to idols. However, in this paragraph, he says it's okay to eat any meat in the market. The meat some would be worried about or question eating are the ones that have been sacrificed to idols.

So, it's agreed that we shouldn't partake in sacrifices to idols, but it is okay to eat meat from the market including the meat sacrificed to idols. Really, it's hard to tell which is which and there's no point making a fuss about trying to determine each meat's origin. In fact, any of those meats were from God or a provision from God in a sense, as Paul reassurances in verse 26.

There is one case where you shouldn't eat meat sacrificed to idols. This case is if another person makes a big deal out of the fact that the meat has been sacrificed to idols. If that's the case, then you shouldn't eat it. The reason is not for your own sake, but for that person's sake. This goes back to the beginning of the paragraph with reference to "...but not all things build up." (v23, ESV) and "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbour." (v24, ESV). After reading this, you should know and understand that it's okay to eat meat sacrificed to idols. But for the sake of someone else, you may decide to not eat it. This is somewhat similar to chapter 8 where Paul talks about the same thing with reference to causing a brother to stumble.

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

(1 Cor 8:13, ESV)

Here the focus is on not causing a brother to stumble. Coming back to chapter 10, the focus is on your conscience and the conscience of someone else.

I can't really think of a good example right now. However, I will continue to live in a way that glorifies God as Paul instructs in verse 31. If in my heart I know what I am doing is neither against God's will nor does it cause others to stumble or is sin, then I shouldn't worry. However, if someone else brings it up and it's not a big deal for me to simply not do it, then fine. I can give it up for his or her sake. Furthermore, if it's a brother or sister, I would definitely not want them to stumble. Going further to the end of the chapter, Paul is instructing to try to please others and give them no offense. He does all this not seeking his own benefit, but for the purpose of saving souls.

Walk in a way that glorifies God. Think about the benefit of others, not simply your own. You don't want to cause a brother or sister to stumble, but you also want to consider other people's conscience (non-believers too). Seeking for their well being and not offending them and all these things all for the purpose of possibly bringing them to Christ. And of course spreading the gospel in order to save souls to Christ is included in walking in such a way that glorifies God.

1 Peter 2 -- Live as Free Servants of God on Earth

As we are saved from the blood of Jesus, we should live our life as a free man. This means we are no longer hindered by the fashions of this world. It also means that we are no longer depressed about the treatment of this world, because we have a greater and wonderful and beautiful goal ahead. What is that? It is to meet God and be in the present with God, our father, again.

Now we live as free men on earth, though be aware that we do not use our freedom as a cover-up for evil; instead live as servants of God. So what should we do?

“Show proper respect to everyone:

Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the king (on earth).” (verse 17)

In life, there is so many opportunity that we can practice our faith, even on the most little thing. The hardest part tough is when no one around or no one reorganize your work, we do it simply with a servant heart and the heart of worship.

Dear God, I pray that the more I am close to you, the more I am aware of what you like me to do, and I will do it because I want to please you, and glorify you through my short life on earth.

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

The first half of chapter 10 was about the Israelites and how most of them did not please God. They fell into sin even though they were God's people and had God's blessings. These things happened as examples for us so we could learn from them. This is followed by Paul's warning to not follow the path they did and a powerful verse 13:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

(v13, ESV)

Verse 14 picks up in a logical step beginning with "therefore". Because of all that previously stated, he tells the reader to flee from idolatry. "Here, as there, the present imperative gives the thought of habitual practice" (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). It's not just idolatry, though we are to flee from idolatry, but from all sin. Not even to have this attitude of toeing the line. I remember hearing a pastor speak about how there's this line. On one side represents things that are okay to do, but the other side represents all the things that are sin. And he explained how sometimes we try to walk on the line, see how close we can get to the line and often we lose our balance and step over. Or even sometimes it's not just that we lose our balance, we wilfully take a small jump to the other side then jump back. Instead, we should flee temptation. You draw the line, and then you run far from that line (in the direction away from the sinful side of course). I've heard another idea where instead of a line with two sides, you draw a circle of boundary. Within the circle are all the things that are okay to do, but outside the circle would be to do something sinful. So you live within the circle and continue to draw a smaller circle. Anyway, all these ideas that I've heard, but the main point is that you should flee from sin instead of see how close you can get to it.

Paul continues this paragraph talking about the cup of blessing and the bread and the participation in the blood of Christ and in the body of Christ. He uses this to later argue that we cannot partake in both this and sacrifices to idols. However, he makes the point that the meat offered and the idols themselves are nothing (v19-20, ESV). However, "...what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons." (v20, ESV). Having built up this idea and imagery, Paul is explaining that we cannot both share in God's blessing and participation in the blood and body of Christ AND sacrifice to demons.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

(Matthew 6:24, NIV)

Though the verse ends saying you cannot serve both God and Money, the same is true for anything. You cannot serve both God and ______. God must be number one. And in this, Paul is showing that we cannot participate in the sacrificing to idols, which is really bringing yourself to participate with demons.

God is first and foremost in your life. Do not sacrifice to idols; though idols are nothing, it is really an act bringing yourself to join with demons in a sense. Not just this act but in all sin you must flee. Don't toe the line, get far from it and keep going.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

This section for the most part is referring to Moses and the Israelites. Paul describes some of the blessings they experienced from God as God's people. But, even though they were blessed and were God's people, they failed in a sense. Well, of course, they kept sinning and falling from God's favour and well, most of them didn't even enter the Promised Land.

Anyway, the next paragraph continues to speak of some of their failures. How some of them were Idolaters (v7) and some of them were sexually immoral (v8) and so on. But Paul does have a point by saying all this as he initially states that they are examples to us (v6). It reminds me of a quote I heard in my high school days: "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it" (George Santayana). Paul's warning those who think what they're doing is okay. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (v12, NIV). Some of those must have been walking the same path the Israelites did. Maybe they were confident in their position as God's chosen people. Even though they were converted, they may have been sticking to their Jewish roots. However, clearly looking at the Israelites, it goes to show that it is the same path. And if they follow the same path, they will end up in the same place. They "...drank the same spiritual drink..." (v4) and "They all ate the same spiritual food" (v3), but they also fell into sin of idolatry (v7), or sexual immorality (v8), or testing the Lord (v9), or grumbling (v10).

However, there is good news ahead. What would be the point if Paul just ended it there? Paul ends the third paragraph with a comforting verse that I'm sure is a somewhat common verse that people memorize.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

(v13, ESV)

God is faithful. Don't give in to sin. Fight, stand firm and know that God is faithful. I hate how today people work their theology up to the point where they acknowledge that we are sinners and we'll never be perfect. Therefore, we'll always sin and even if we are repeatedly stuck in a cycle of sin we can never escape because... we're not perfect... and that's just the way the world works. NO. Though it's true that we are sinners and it's true that we'll never be perfect, that is the worst attitude. Don't stop there. Because we have this verse. God is faithful. Each and every temptation you encounter is not beyond your ability and there IS a way of escape each and every time. It almost seems like everyone has already been defeated because they stop at several truths. But that's not the whole story. We can have victory over sin. Jesus has victory over sin and over death.

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

(Romans 6:6, ESV)

We are no longer enslaved to sin, so don't live with this "ho hum" attitude that we can never escape it. It's the process of sanctification. At the end of the last chapter Paul was talking about running in a race and the prize. Don't run as if you're going to lose, run as if to attain the prize. It's possible. God is faithful.

1 Peter 1, 2 -- Live Our Life as Strangers

“All men are like grass

And all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

But the word of the Lord stands forever.”

1Peter 1:24

Today I continue look at 1 Peter 1:9-25, 2:1-3. It says that we have to live our life as strangers on earth in reverent fear, because nothing can be taken after life, but the salvation from Jesus Christ. So set my hope FULLY to the grace, and prepare my mind for action, not to fall into the evil things. Get rid of all sham, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of all kind. Be transform in the mind, like a new born baby.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” Romans 12:2

Lord, help me to remember that, as I am living in this world, always turn my eyes upon you. Life is short in this sinful world, so don’t take account of what is in the earth, but remember the purpose of life is to magnify your glory to others; bring hope and love to the nature, as that’s how you have saved my soul in the beginning.

1 Peter 1 -- The Beginning of Change

This is my first time doing devotion and writing my thought down on paper, since a long time ago. I feel that I no longer know how to write and pray and devote to God anymore. Lord, please forgive me. Now I do this because I have made a commitment with my brother, Christopher. May You will continue guide our journey, and once again we will draw back close to You. I want to see change in my life for You.

1 Peter. There is no special reason why I picked this book to start. I just think that every time when I started a devotion revolution, I always picked either James, or Romans, or Matthew, etc. I thought I never read 1 Peter. So there you go.

Some basic background about the book of 1 Peter, it was written for the five provinces of Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1-2), which areas were evangelized or re-evangelized by Paul (Acts 16:6-7, 18:23). It has total chapter of 5.

Today I read 1 Peter 1:1-9. It writes about we will have joybecause of what Jesus have done to us. Though in a short while, we will have to face different challenges in life. It reminds me that I should NOT get discourage on the challenges, because they are the test in life on faith to pursue a greater worth (verse 6-7).

Load, I know I am a sinner. I have done so many mistakes in life. I do not understand my own action. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15-20). I do because I follow my own flesh, instead of my own soul. Lord, please remember me. Teach me, strengthen me, refine me, through different challenges in life, though I know your grace is sufficient, and your power is made perfect in weakness. I have joy because I see the beautiful ahead. Amen.

1 Corinthians 9

Paul begins this chapter with a case about his rights. He is putting up an argument saying that he is entitled to a few rights as someone who works under the Lord spreading the Gospel. Mainly he means the right to “...reap material things...” (v11, ESV) or gain from those he spreads the gospel to. It’s probably better explained by verse 14.

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

(v14, NIV)

However, Paul continues on saying “But I have made no use of any of these rights...” (v15, ESV). It sounds a bit odd. First he makes a case explaining his rights, but then he says that he doesn’t even take advantage of this right. However, he does this in order to receive a reward, “... That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge...” (v18, ESV). It makes me think of desire and getting what you deserve and motivation. This may not be what Paul is talking about, but how wrong of me if I were to spread the Gospel with the main purpose of getting material things in return. May it never be so.

In the next paragraph (v19 – v23) Paul is describing how he is winning others to Christ. Verses 20 – 22 become like this: “To (x) I became as (x)... that I might win (X).” Where x = the Jews, those under the law, those outside the law, and the weak. Paul is becoming like the people he is preaching to. However, he also mentioned within those verses “(though not being myself under the law)” (v20, ESV) and “(not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ)” (v21, ESV). Even though he becomes like those people he’s preaching to, he does not go as far as being without the law of Christ if he is being as one without the law. Or when he becomes as those under the law, he acknowledges that he truly is not under their laws. Regardless, it makes me think of back near the beginning of 1 Corinthians.

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

(1 Cor 1:17, ESV)

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

(1 Cor 2:1, NIV)

And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

(1 Cor 2:3-4, ESV)

Paul is not trying to persuade people with fancy words. He doesn’t want to hinder the Gospel with his words, for it is far more powerful than anything his human wisdom can come up with. Coming back to chapter 9, Paul is becoming like those he is preaching to. In the same way, we should take note of the types of people we are witnessing to. We don’t use one plausible argument coming from human wisdom as a one size fits all for everyone when spreading the Gospel. More importantly than what we say, it’s what we do. How do we acknowledge who they are in our acts rather than trying to convince them force feeding them the Gospel. Now, this doesn’t mean I subscribe to “living it out” to them. I don’t like hearing that because I believe it causes people to only live it out and never ACTUALLY tell someone about Jesus. Sure, we are to live it out to others and be an example to others. How terrible it is when my actions and daily living brings shame to the name of Christ. Therefore, I should live it out. However, I don’t like hearing that as the end all be all answer to evangelism. As I said, it causes people to ONLY live it out and never actually TELL someone about Jesus. It’s like sitting there twiddling your thumbs as you wait for someone to flat out say “Can you tell me about Jesus”. I’m not denying that it can happen. And when it happens, hallelujah, great, take advantage of that moment and tell them about Jesus. But preaching the good news isn’t passive, it’s active.

The last paragraph in chapter 9 (v24-27) Paul is describing his efforts and his life as a race. Paul is in a race and those in a race run to win a prize. In the same way, in our race of life living at servants to Christ Jesus, we should run as to win the prize. We should also train ourselves and discipline ourselves for the race so that we may win it in the same way that an athlete exercises in preparation for the race. The last verse sums up why we should run as to win the prize and train ourselves.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

(v27, ESV)

With that in mind, let us train ourselves, let us not give up, an let us “run with endurance” (Heb 12:1, ESV).

INTRO

WhAt is this?

Why we are doing this?

What we want to get out from this?

Our theme Verse?

May God blesses the one who loves Him.

Roman 7:15-20