My title is taken out of Numba 1's post. Nathan was commenting on his insight of not just understanding what a servant is or does but BEING a servant. We just read three chapters with some heavy knowledge about Marriage, Widows, and things offered to idols. These issues have divided friendships, churches and denominiations, I love Pauls comment concerning knowlege.
8:1 We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing as he ought to know.
All of us read the scripture from a different place and a different understanding. Paul gives us understanding from the place he is coming from, and is hoping others would live where he comes from. It is found in v.6
yet for us us there is one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
He then quickly points out that everybody does not come from this place of understanding. True life comes when somoene lives from a place of love. I am not sure how well you know your abba Father Daddy. When coming from a place where all things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are in Him. Those things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are not issues anymore but rather just part of the way you be (live).
So today it's not what I know about my marriage, what I eat or drink that may cause other people to stumble it's who I am (Be) and like Paul, my being is through Him. It is not I who lives but Christ in me.
How is Christ going to work through me today? My prayer is that we would function out of love today and not knowledge. If you want more insight call me up and be ready to buy me a cup of joe.
Love Ya,
Joe
Hey I would love to know who still is with us after 8 days. Don't let the fear of making a comment keep you from posting. Remember knowledge puffs up. Give a shout out if you've been loving the study even though you haven't had the time to post.
18 comments:
I'm going to comment on Chapter 7 and skip Chapter 6. As most of you know I have moved up to Valencia to be a Youth Pastor. One of my greatest "struggles" if you will has been the fact that I desire a wife. I mean, I desire to live a life with someone, to be in ministry side by side with her, to glorify God together. Yet, in this time of being a Youth Pastor, that desire, not to say it has lessened, but I have seen what is of most importance. 7:32 "But I want you to be without concern. He who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord- how he may please the Lord." Finally, after all these years, I can say and act on the fact I have and serve someone more important than my own desire. Being a Youth Pastor is much more than I ever thought, there is much more dedication, prayer, reliance on God, coming to terms that it is God alone and not me doing all this. By being concerned with a wife, I become distracted from what is most important right now. Which is to build up the Youth into the image of Christ. To love them, be there for them and be that example. If it is the Lord's desire to bless me one day with a wife then so be it, but right now i am perfectly content and satisfied with what He is doing in me and my kids and I would rather have that.
Now to chapter 8. This whole stumbling thing can become a gray area for many people. I know one argument in the Christian community is drinking alcohol. Is it ok, does that mean that I am a bad Christian, etc. etc. I would have to say on that topic that I don't know. I think it depends on those around you. For me, I don't. It's a two-fold argument for me. One is that I struggled with it in the past, and two, because alcoholism runs in my family I choose not to so that I can be an example. I think rather than looking at causing someone to stumble because of what we eat, drink, watch, read and viewing it as some strict rule, I think we should look at it from the example we set. Let us not get stuck on regimented rules that say you cannot do this or that, but rather let us choose not to do such things because we love others so much that we would not want them to stumble. Let it be love that causes that action.
That's my take on it. I'm noticing more and more that I go off on tangents. I figure I can be honest and allow the scriptures to really spur my thinking.
Thanks Joe for all the good stuff. I am reading along even though I haven't commented yet. It seems every time I get ready to post something happens, a poopy diaper...someones crying etc. Keep it coming. I am enjoying it and getting alot out of it as I am sure everyone else it.
hey everyone. not sure if you're already doing this but be checkin back periodically on the older chapters because people (like myself) are still posting! i think it sends you an email when someone posts but im not sure...anyway...
Lovin the study joseph! good stuff
nathan
(6:12) Just because you can do something it doesn't mean you should. Sometimes we can get caught up with the "legalistic" defense when someone suggests that we should not do something. We usually don't like to be told what not to do, but guess what, the Holy Spirit leads us to ALL truth and that includes the don'ts. Those don'ts sometimes are not can't but shouldn'ts. "Lord, give us the wisdom and humility to opt out of those things that are not necessary, nor beneficial.
Nathan, thanks for the Dios es bueno.
Bendiciones!
(ch.7) "Not I, but the Lord" and "I, not the Lord" Isn't it great to see the Apostle quoting the Lord and also speaking based on his own knowledge/understanding of the Lord's heart and desires? The fact that it's not always a direct quote doesn't take away from it's importance and truthfulness. Even today you will be ministered to by those who may not have a direct quote from God but who firmly understand the way He thinks and what He wants from us. "Lord give us ears to hear, to hear and act upon your words... your words spoken through those whom you place in our path to guide and encourage us" "Also let us be instruments to those who need to hear... by words and deeds... what you have taught us"
Be Blessed!
(ch.8) As one matures one learns to lay their life down for others. It's not easy giving up what you like to do, eat, etc., because of someone else. But greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend. It's probably easier to take a bullet for someone. After all, your next stop would be the presence of the Lord. But to lay down your rights, and continue living here? That death is a little harder to swallow. Be encouraged though, it does get easier as you grow older in the Lord. You truly do place your heart where your treasure is and when people become your treasure your hearts there. "Lord help me remember that this life is not about me, we are here for a greater purpose... help me to live out your law of love"
Be Blessed!
I too go back and make comments. Thanks for pointing it out Nathan.
smell you all later
Oh man do i love chapter 6 or what?! I think its an unlikely chapter, but there are two nuggets in there that I love. The first - verses 9-11. Paul lists the kind of people who will not inherit the Kingdom. Then verse 11 is the best - This is what you WERE. Almost every time I read that i expect hm to say "This is what you are, but you know, I guess God really can work with anything." But he doesn't - in the same way he recognizes them as saints in chapter 1 he says here with a heart of love "But that isn't who you are anymore. You are clean". I can imagine being very encouraged by that statement if I were just reminded of my past.
My second nugget goes along with that - verses 19 and 20. I love the phrase "You were bought with a price". It causes me to remember how much Jesus experienced and gave up for me. It makes me feel special and loved. It makes me feel redeemed. God is so good and that verse makes me want to respond by doing with my life what it says after - "Honor God with your body".
I'll be honest here - Chapter 7 in 1 Corinthians is where i get a little lost. I understand the instructions in the first section about marriage and about what to do if one is a believer and the other is not, if one partner dies etc. I also like that he briefly comments on being content. In some senses, because we know the Lord is in control and he knows our circumstances and situations, Paul tells us to bloom where we planted. Wherever you are, even if it doesn't seem like an ideal situation, stay there unless God directs otherwise, and allow him to work in you and through you.
But then starting at about verse 25 I begin to get confused. In verse 28 Paul says that married people will face all kinds of problems in this age. What did he mean by that? That marriage is hard in general? Was he speaking out of the belief that he thought Jesus was coming back much sooner and that the end times would be hard on a marriage? What is a cultural thing he was speaking about?
After reading verse 29-31 I understand it much better - He isn't saying don't be happy, don't be sad, don't pretend your wife or husband isn't around. he talking about where we place our trust and our hopes - that they belong to God, especiall as time is short. We should place our treasures in earthly things but in heavenly places. When we do that the things of this world (I'm not married, I don't feel happy right now etc) should become less of a concern as we are more concerned with things of the Lord. CHECK!
I do in some senses feel as though Paul kinda looks at marriage in a negative light - as though it only accomplishes 1 - keeping you out of sexual trouble and 2 - distracting you from things of the Lord. Obviously, knowing the heart of Christ and Paul, there must be something I am missing. Anyone want to shed some light on the matter?
Love you all - I am having fun doing this. Joe I think we've found a niche. We should do this on a regular basis - whether we're actually reading the book in Axiom or not. :)
man - I'm almost caught up! Here I go with chapter 8. I really like verse 2 "The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know". To me this says "If you think you're wise you better think again because those who are truly wise know they have much more to learn, and those who wise know that its really all about loving God and loving people and not how wise you are." How do ya like that run-on?!?!
The last part where he is discussing how to live - that we should live as examples and not do anything that could cause dobt or question or stumbling in anothers life. This reminded me of Chapter 3:11-16. When we live our lives it is important to hink of others first. Consider their needs and also how what we do will effect them. It's like being a defensive and considerate driver... uh oh... I must have a long way to go on loving others! heehee So anyway, in response to the verlasting comment on whether this scripture means don't drink, don't watch any r rated movies etc, I think if we have God's ways in mind, the answer will be a lot clearer for us. If we're wondering whether or not we should do something, if we ask Him and are willing to obey, He'll let us know how He wants us to live.
Thanks for backtracking Sara and I would love to shed light. As you stated God is good so what he created is good as well. He is the author of marriage therefore it is good. It's a gift but like any gift. The gift has the potential to take place of the giver. The same is true in marriage. My greatest gift after salvation offcourse is my wife and kids and the danger is my making them my all in all and not Christ. That is the negative Paul is refering to. A woman concerned about pleasing her husband and vice a versa. I am sure Brandon feels much of your thoughts and that is a good thing but as you know there is potential for it to be a really bad. I am also reminded that with great knowledge comes great responsability. The greatest gifts are the hardest to recieve. Many people take the same approach when it comes to the Lords creation. They find fullfilment in being in the Lords creation and not being in the Arms of Christ. Anything really has potential to be negative when it takes the place of Christ. Paul takes the same approach about food in later chapters. Probably because he is talking about marriage he takes the opportunity to make a point. thanks for sharing.
Thanks joe!
Sorry guys, bit of a struggle as of late to get the thoughts from the journal to the comp....I'm gonna stick with commenting on the verse at hand because of A)being tired from diving into the whole servant thing and B)I'm a bit behind :)
Chapter 8
Nice...thank you Paul for bringing to light an issue that I've been on the fence about for quite some time. In so many things, whether its alcohol, things we say, movies, etc., there is a line that can be crossed. Its our choice whether to toe the line, or in the context of spiritual maturity, know where it is and wisely stay away from it. Here is v. 10-11:
"...For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died."
Dude, now that you put it that way...
I mean seriously people! Why walk the line on issues like that!? Its not a question of sin, because it's a "liberty", but the issue is with the brother that you may be turning away from Christ. Thats a heavy thing to think about, as we're supposed to be striving to be Christ-like on the daily...What's the point in being cavalier in our actions? [Verse 8:13]
"...Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble."
Not much leeway in the interpretation...no lexicon or concordance necessary...Since we are always looking to find new mentors to teach us so that we may emulate, Paul should be one of the tops on the list. And if Paul isn't going to do it, I won't either*; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God (yessssss!)
*ok maybe not everything(wife)
Some of the best commentary Nathan. I also enjoyed our prayer time this morning at Men's Study and especially the visit from Luis.
Chapter 6:So the corinthians are sueing each other in public court because they are greedy and want more money and junk. I thiink in is funny because Paul says that in earlier chapters that the world's knowledge is not as great as our knowledge and yet they still go to the world to get a wise judgment. What totally backwards thinking they have. This also makes me think of many small squabbles that people sometimes have in the church. Technically they should have even been fighting over this anyways. He then lets them know who is inheriting the kingdom of God. Not the unrighteous of this world but the righteous sons and daughters of God. Go Sarah with Golden Nugget 1. They were evil wicked people but their sins were washed away. They were sanctified, "declared completely the Lord's property", justified "declared completely not guilty of any past record" This totally makes me feel good because that says how I was but now I am of Christ. AWESOME OR WHAT!
Verse 12 Gave me the thought of even if something is legal and I can do it is it right? Will it benefit me? If by doing this will I make someone want to do it and therefore cause them to sin? IT just reminded me of something that Pastor Paul showed me one time. To avoid even the appearance of sin.
I LOVE VERSES 19-20 Our body is a temple and inside lives the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God lives in us. We should keep our temples Clean/Holy/Righteous. Would God want to live in a dirty house no. If you think of a house where God would lives what do you think of. I think Grand, huge, beautiful, majestic, awe-inspiring. That is how we need to keep ourselves in a humble way of course. We were bought at a very high price. God had to die in order to get us. I wonder why he would want us that bad. BECAUSE HE LOVED US
So remember to glorify God in you body, and in your spirit.
Chapter 7: Marriage- I am not really there yet with the whole marriage thing but I applaud those who already are married and those who are engaged. Good job to those who are married and good luck to those who are going to be married.
So Paul states that it is better to be single so that you may better serve the Lord. Verse 37 i see as requirements for this"
"Nevertheless, he who stands steadfast in his heart "1", having no necessity "2", but has power over his own will "3", and has determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin "4", does well."
Those are 4 things that you need to have to do this. now me myself, my will isn't always strong. I realize at my weakest is when I am tempted the most. Now right now I do not plan on getting married soon. Do I want to be? Yes, in the future I do. BUT as for now I should concentrate on the freedom I have to serve God more than any married man can. I have a very interesting position here and I should use the time that I do have. Because once I am married Poof that is it. Times up. I will never be single again. So I should not be worried about a wife because I do not have one. I should not worry about trying to find one because
A. When God says it is time it is time.
B. God will direct me to the right person even if I am still trying to figure out exactly who that is.
So as for me today I will focus on God.
Chapter 8:
So I already talked about this in my previous post but I will sum it up again. "If I do something i am legally allowed to do and it causes someone to stumble and fall when they imitate me I will not do it. You have to remember who is watching you and imitating you. Anyone that looks up to you will want to be like you. So whether in public or private remember that. Say if you don't have kids today you might in the future. So establish some good habits today because you might not know when they are watching.
Directed toward chapter 8...
One time I asked Pastor Rick to clarify something for me. I asked him something about media and whether or not it was ok for me to partake. I think I was probably talking alot and going on and on about how much I enjoyed certain things and didn't see why I had to give them up etc.
He answered me with a profound thought that some of you may have come across.
He told me that I was focused wayyyy too much on the "don'ts" and not nearly enough on the "do's."
I believe the "do's" in cases like these are simply making decisions based on love and concern for your brother.
Jesus didn't function or act out of obligation or a strict set of rules. He did everything out of love. If that means not watching rated r movies, then may it be the same to me. That's a very basic example but I think you got me.
神は良いです.
nathan
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