Category: Bible Study

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 10

Posted on by Christy Petty

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware(ignorant) that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Even though  you are now believers, and it is okay to not be bound by ‘THE LAW’ this does not mean you are ‘all good’ to God, and won’t stumble. The Israelites had God present with them day and night working miracles for them day and night, feeding them literally physically. They were rescued by God, yet they strayed, they turned their back on God and worshiped idols, disobeyed God, and God left ‘MOST” of them.  I think this is ‘Don’t get cocky, you may not be as ‘saved’ as you think. “

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. The Israelites desert tour is for believers to glean from. The consequences they suffered for their disobedience are a warning to us.  7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”] 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt provoke Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Complained that what God gave them, freedom, food, protection was not enough-. They were DESTROYED by Satan. Satan is the instigator of our sinning, so we will be destroyed. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. God told us of the Israelites disobedience and consequences so we can learn from them. 1st we can understand that to believe is to abide, the Isrealites were led by God, freed by God, cared for by God, yet they did not but their trust in Him and obey, they turned to their own way, and they were destroyed, separated from God. 2nd to understand is being child of God, an Isrealite, a believer does not MAKE us right, we have to chose to not be sexually immoral, not worship idols, not provoke God, not fall into the temptations of the destroyer.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.   All believers need to know they are fallible, the LAW was given so we can govern our selves. Believers can ‘fall’ dishonor God, sin, then will have consequences, God will judge ALL sin.  God gave us instruction to protect. Believers are to apply their belief in God with obedience and rely on Him and not their own strength. God allows, not produces, temptation. God will allow it to refine us, even to the point of physical death, in order to retain our souls. 

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I will digress some here, Paul does I think 😉  The question presented in 8:10 of eating of things offered to idols,I THINK, is still being discussed by Pau,l as well as being obedient to THE LAW for man’s sake. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. Yeah right! Paul is appealing to what he is trying to convince them to be, wise.  16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.  Poetic? Believers are all one body, through Christ. Christ blood is blessing, poured out. Bread, Christ’s body, broken.  The ‘body’ of Corinthian church is broken with dissension, and back biting and accusations are flowing from the church, instead of blessings

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? The sacrifices made to altar is food for the priests, caretakers of the temple. It is their ‘pay‘ 19 What am I saying then?.  That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? NO 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. Those that make sacrifices to idols are making sacrifices to demons, they know it that is why they do it. Don’t have anything to do with the people, the food is not the issue.  21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. You can not do as the worldly, associate with the worldly and serve God. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?  An unspoken reprimand here is to these Corinthians who are wagging their fingers at the silliness of those who are telling them they are bad for eating sacrifices made to idols. These Corinthians have just admitted they are associating with idolaters and being in the presence of their idols and worship, because they are eating their sacrifice food.  

This is convicting to ME, a Thai restaurant in town has ‘idols’ with glasses of water and apples etc in presence. These make me a bit uncomfortable, I have wondered if it is wrong of me to patron this restaurant, as a matter of principle. I have my answer

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.   So even though the Pud Thai and Basil Chicken is the best, it does nothing to glorify God for myself, nor those who I am to example.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”   Asian restaurants with no visible idol worship are fine to do business with. Don’t ask don’t tell policy 😉

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake;[f] for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”[g] 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?   What you don’t know won’t hurt you. It is not the food, no curse is on the food. IT IS the knowledge of sin and compromising for it that will hurt you, and others.

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

 THEREFORE, to answer these questions, these issues you have brought to me:  Bear with my imagination of the questions ‘they’ may have presented to Paul. My theory, based on the answers Paul gives
  • Who is best based on whom they were baptized by?1:10-3:21
  • The smarter, richer and more educated a believer, the more Holy? Right? 4
  • Should someone like you Paul receive payment for their work for God? 4:11 9:1-27
  • Those of the body in sin, are okay, because they are of the body, especially the important ones. We will overlook, or even compromise the Word for them. 5:3-9
  • Jo Blow and Who Zit are going to court, to settle a dispute. 6:1
  • Since we are believers and saved by grace, we can really do what ever we want, right? Like we don’t have to abide to all the silly sex with spouse rules right?. 6:12
  • Mr. Pius has not had sex with anyone so he is really really special dude, he even has a fiancé, but is not ‘taking’ her, shouldn’t every follow his example? She on the other hand wants to have a real marriage, so is considering leaving him to marry another, she is wrong, right? 7:1-17
  • Pete suggests everyone be circumcised to show they are really believers. 7:19
  • Virgins are way better than everyone else, right? A good father keeps his daughter from ever marrying, right? 7:25
  • There are some believers who have problems with other believers who eat food that has been sacrifice to idols. This is pure silliness isn’t it?  8-9
  • OR Mrs. Accuser says she saw you eating at the Jones’s and it is known they always get their meat from the butcher who gets his meat from idolworshipers.com. We thought you should know that we know you did such a thing. 8-9
In all of the things you do, do it to the Lord. Know that the Law did not save you Christ did, and because of that you should want to abide to the commandments of our God, in the hopes to bring even more to choose Christ.  It is a small thing to ask, after all, He gave his life for YOU.
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 9

Posted on by Christy Petty

8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

 

These first few lines I think are linked to 8, remember this is all one letter, Paul is not writing chapter and verse, he is writing a letter.  9 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? Paul does not have to ‘abide’ to man rules or superstition, because he is ‘Free’ a believer, his salvation is not based on pleasing of man, he is making this point to say- I do ‘comply’ to the weakness of these people because it doesn’t matter, it is not a MY way versus THEIR way.  2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Here I wonder also if Paul is not answering another question from the Corinthians? 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? I think now Paul is moving on to make some more points, using the previous as the way to approach.  6 Or is it only Barnabas and Iwho have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  It sounds like Paul is defending their being able to receive pay, expenses, meals, gifts, on their mission. 

8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses,“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”  Let the ox eat as he works, benefit from his efforts. Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. God did not tell us this in his word to make sure the ox were treated humanely, it was an analogy.  11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? The Corinthians should share, and allow the missionaries to receive. Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Paul does not ask for pay, nor demand it, or set a fee. If they did then people may not hear, because they only see this as a business for Paul- i.e. televangelists.  13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, Priests and such ate the offerings given to temple and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. Paul deserves to benefit, but he does not take, so that it does not take away from the teaching of God, in people’s eyes. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! Paul preaches Gods word because GOD has him do it, the spirit leads him to, it is not because he wants the credit or pay.   17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. If Paul does his ministry for THE pay it no longer a ministry, but a job.  18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ[ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.  Paul is not saying don’t give to us, he already said others receive and God even says to give to the ‘ox’ , what he is saying he does not set a ‘price’ to his work, an hourly charge, he gives the gospel free, and IF someone should want to give to him that is to give to him, because he asked for it.9 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; Paul is not ’employed’ to anyone, nor slave to anyone. He does not HAVE to comply to any persons wishes, he chose to be a servant of God, and thus putting himself in the place to serve all mankind.  20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law,[c] that I might win those who are under the law; Paul takes on his ‘Jewishness’ in order to relate to Jew’s , to present the gospel so they may hear.  21 to those who are without law,  as without law Paul does NOT abide to Jewish law for the sake of the ‘Jews’, not a slave to it. He is not entangled by the law, so he can speak with those who are not ‘Jewish’.(not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), The law is still ‘obeyed’ because it is still what is desired by God, that we be ‘morally correct’. We obey the law not to be ‘saved’ but because we are saved. that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. This is what he spoke of before of those afraid to eat certain foods, ‘weak’ in faith, he does not lord over them, I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Paul ‘uses’ all the experiences, knowledge, God gave him so he can relate to those he presents the Gospel to  That I may save SOME, Paul does NOT say ALL.  23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.  Paul does this, gospel giving with no pay, because he wants salvation for all, not just himself. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Here in this world, only 1st place wins.  Run in such a way that you may obtain it. When you race you race to win 1st place, live your life as a believer, so you can reach, win, that 1st place.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.When a ‘runner’ in a race you are conditioned, you train, you eat correctly, you live ‘right’, in order to win Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown,In the world we get a trophy, it gets dusty and rusty and eventually sold in garage sale. but we for an imperishable crown. We believers are racing for a trophy that does not go away, ever.    26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Run, live your life with the certainty of knowing you will/have obtained that crown. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  Paul hits his mark, not a swing miss, he knows what he battles; sin, enemies of the gospel, evil27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. This is reasoning of why Paul strives to not cause others to stumble, to put his needs aside, to humble himself, to abide to the law (not for sake of law but Christ) so that those who he preaches gospel to, are not blinded by his ‘sins’ and they miss their mark, because of him.  Paul says ‘discipline my body’, Paul has to make himself do correctly, even Paul, an apostle, one so obviously ‘chosen’ by God to preach the word, he has to discipline himself to do, what he should. Paul is practicing what he just preached he is showing the weak he too is weak. 
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 8

Posted on by Christy Petty

8 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.  My thought is Paul is going through the letter from the Corinthians, asking him what to do about these things happening with us…We don’t know what they said, nor the context, but it looks like from Paul’s response and reprimands previously those asking are trying to find fault in others within their body. They are using their ‘knowledge’ their prestige, what they are proud of in themselves as the reason to point out what others are doing wrong. Paul, I believe, begins this way, “Knowledge puffs up, love edifies’ because of this. This is a reprimand to their attitude behind the question.  Paul is letting them know if you are sure you know it all, above the others, then you are not doing for God, out of love. God knows who loves him, God knows what is truly the desires of the heart. 

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, Paul continues to answer the question, because it deserves a response even though they were asking for the wrong reason. we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. An idol is nothing, even if a man says it is, it still is nothing.  5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), man has made up a lot of things to worship wood ones and pretend Zeus, etc.  6 yet for 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. For US, Paul and those he answers the question to KNOW there is only one God.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; some who are now believers for some, with consciousness of the idol, Those who in the past believed in this idol, who thought it to be important. Maybe like a catholic today who rubs their beads? until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. Some may not know any better, they are caught up in the past misconception.We do know that eating something or not, rubbing the beads or not, has nothing to do with our belief in God, nor his acceptance of us. 

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? You who ‘young’ believers look up to know that idol food is not a bad thing, but they still do. If they see you it causes them to wonder, to question your walk, your integrity, then theirs.  11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. You know this causes those younger, confusion, that they think idol offered food is evil, yet you do eat in front of them, maybe to taunt them? 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Paul then says, go the extra mile basically, instead of causing turmoil for and with the weaker brother. 

If a friend is a recovered alcoholic you should not ask them to a wine tasting party, he could abstain, but how much fun will he have watching everyone else? . If your sister is gluten intolerant you would not plan her birthday at Johnny Corinos, even though they do have a couple of gluten free meals to offer, the bread will still be there. How is that a special treat for her, take her to Outback who even has a GF dessert to offer. If your neighbor believes that her prayers are heard by her praying with her prayer beads in her hands, or if she wears red shoes on her hands, you should not tell her differently, this could be how she ready’s her heart and mind for God,.  WE know he hears either way, but she needs know too!

Paul, I, all of us that believe;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, are WE. We believe that God’s word, the Bible from Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21 is the Truth, every word, today, yesterday and tomorrow. If WE deviate from the Truth ANY at all, we cause someone to stumble. If we change the gospel to exclude anyone or to include everyone, we cause someone to stumble. If WE decide our interpretation of the word is more loving and more accepting, and fits this world better, than what God really said, we cause someone to stumble. If WE decide punishment/consequences/ for sins and disobedience is just to harsh, we cause someone to stumble. If WE decide we have more knowledge than God, we cause someone to stumble, and WE ALL FALL DOWN

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 7

Posted on by Christy Petty

7 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: the Corinthians obviously wrote Paul a letter. From the following ‘response’ it was about SEX, having it or not , I assume. It is good for a man not to touch a woman. possibly  someone made the statement of  abstaining from sex so as to focus all on God type thing, and Paul is confirming. 2 Nevertheless, this word seems to go with the idea because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. so not to ‘tempt’ natural desire for sex, have sex with your spouse. I personally don’t read anything into the ‘his own’ ‘her own’ it is just the way they talked. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, women HAVE affection DUE! But how much is due? and likewise also the wife to her husband LIKEWISE TO HUBBY. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. We have authority, I don’t think this means bossy like do this do that, but power. I have no power over my body, I have to make it exercise, not eat sugar, etc. But my body, entices my husband, it causes him to desire me, and visa versa.  5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, to have no sex should/could be discussed that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and just to concentrate on God, something holier than self and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. Get back to the sex of things though, so as not to slip into to ‘bad sex‘. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.  THIS is a ‘peaceful’ way to live. No one HAS to have sex, but if you do then try this way  7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. Assume sexless, no wife to have to deal with. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. I don’t know if the gift is to co habitat with another, or to not 😉

8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; Assumption right.  9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. Get married and have sex.10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. PAUL says don’t divorce. Not just Paul, but God too.BUT if it happens, don’t remarry. . 12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. Paul advises believers to stick out a marriage so as to bring the unbeliever spouse to belief, and to protect the children 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; the unbeliever can make the choice, this would ‘release’ the believers obligation.  a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? By a believer relying on God, and making the choice to not contend, turn the other cheek, peace and contentment could be had, as well as belief for the unbeliever, then ….17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. this seems like a jump back to the previous talking 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Don’t  change your ‘circumstances’ to ‘prove’ belief. Just believe and abide to GOD’s commandments, not mans membership rules. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Your worldly ‘work’ not what makes you believer. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. All believers become a slave to Christ, we are obedient to He. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Do not live out your ‘belief’ to please men. You do not owe the man who presented gospel anything. Christ bought us,we belong to him. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. I would think that would be ‘humble’, for all. 

Now another thought, since this followed the talk about staying married to an unbeliever. What if the question presented had something to do with being married to and having sex with husband or wife who is an unbeliever? And some thinking because they are believers they are better than their unbelieving half?

25 Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. My opinion is based on my guidance from God 26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—present distress?that it is good for a man to remain as he is: 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, 30 those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, 31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.32 But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. 34 There is[a] a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.  Being married , the responsibilities taken when marrying, do take the complete focus off of God. If caring for a husband or wife properly, then the children, world life will get in the way of spiritual life35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.36 But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 38 So then he who gives her  in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.  Maybe the ‘present distress’ is an engaged man, who does not want to consummate and turn the engagement to a marriage. They did engagement and marriage differently than we do now. And people are thinking it ‘unfair’ for him to not continue into the marriage part. Paul could be explaining, covering many things at the same time, that if this guy is not wanting to have make next step it is fine, since he is already obliged to care for the virgin anyway, as long as he is not tempted  elsewhere. Maybe.  

I think it interesting about this ‘letter’  of the things concerning the Corinthians, that they are wanting to tell Paul. This letter at least is about husband and wife sex. The Corinthians who think it all ok for a step son to have sex with his step mother, actually think this is a good thing, are sticking their noses in the business of a husband and wife’s sex life?  It just seems as if their focus is just a bit off.  Possibly this is why Paul side steps to the doing of things for God and not man.  I do wish I could see the letter they wrote!
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 6

Posted on by Christy Petty

5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”   Paul is continuing to explain that is not only ‘OK’ to judge and expel one within the church, but it why it is….6 If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?  Why would you go to someone who does not believe in God nor his law to make decisions for you?2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people believers will judge the world? be in a place of superiority over the ‘worldly’ unbeleivers, possibly the example for. And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?Believers have the wisdom of God, the leading of God3 Do you not know that we will judge angels?  the unbeliever angels, the evil angels, believers are superior to. Also Christ did not die for angels, he died for man.  How much more the things of this life!  If we have a future of being with God, so important that we are chosen and received by God, then shouldn’t believers be able to rely on wisdom from God to solve problems? 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? Why go to someone with no knowledge, mere worldly knowledge with problems?  5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? Paul is really pointing out how stupid they are being, accepting the sexually deviant, the liars, the ‘powerful’ and not judging right from wrong themselves. 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already Not only are they not standing for what is right, they are suing each other over issues. All issues CAN be solved with the truth and believing the truth and standing on THE TRUTH, you can not debate the truth . Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. They, the believers, are cheating, lying, manipulating not being TRUTHFUl so they can get their worldly way. Have you ever stretched the truth, omitted some facts,(truth) in order to get a ‘good‘ thing, to oppose evil? All in the name of God? That is cheating, That is doing wrong. Paul is talking to church goers, admonishing for their lying 9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?Pretty black and white, many do not want this to say, will not get to inherit the kingdom of God, but that is what I read.  Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.I did not write this, nor say this, Paul did as a spokesman for God, it is in God’s Word, THE TRUTH. Paul is speaking the truth,in love, just as he is telling all believers to.  And that is what some of you were. (sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanders, swindlers) I can not think of anyone, myself included who can not claim one of these titles.  But you (those who know they are these, sinners, and accept Jesus Christ as their only WAY)were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. When you believed, that became who you WERE and not who your ARE.

12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. Paul is speaking to the ‘believers’ arguments for salvation, their belief in Christ, is their excuse to NOT be a slave to the ‘law’, they are saved by grace so they can be as immoral as they like.13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will hasn’t happened yet raise us also. We truly only exist for God. God has saved us, for after this world life.  15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? This statement puts far more meaning into sex, even what we consider non meaning, no ‘love’ involved sexual encounter, BINDS two. For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Believers become a part of Christ, Holy Spirit dwells within a believer.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. Remember this stems from and adulterous affair a step son(we hope) is having with his step mother, and the church turning a blind eye to it, because of the people involved.  All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Satan tells us it is our body, if it feels good do it, and IF it hurts anyone it is just ourself. WRONG.  19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? Believers in Christ, HAVE received the Holy Spirit, God gave us this. You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.  I was bought at a huge price, I am not worth that price. The body of THE perfect Man, Jesus, God with us, was destroyed for me. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

THEREFORE  HONOR   GOD   WITH  YOUR   BODIES. 

Don’t eat wheat. Exercise. Cut back on carbs. Cut back on sugar. Self Discipline. Sleep. Sex with your husband/wife. Relax. No Drugs. Dress well. Read the label, if you can’t pronounce it don’t put it in. Don’t get drunk. Get a great haircut. Get a massage. Smile. Pray. Honor God.

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1Corinthians 5

Posted on by Christy Petty

4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

I feel like 4:14 -20 are the ‘pre’ of 5 as well as the post of before 4;14. Paul has been telling the Corinthians of their pride, their arrogance, their being immature. He says he is not telling them all of this to embarass or hurt them, but toI help as a father giving instruction to a child would. This whole letter is reprimand. I think Paul is working up to  5.

5 It is actually reported The puffed up may not of expected the news to reach Paul of this.   that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named[a]among the Gentiles Jewish peoples thought themselves better than the Gentiles, so this is a bit of an insult—that a man has his father’s wife! My assumption is this is a step mother, or I think Paul would have said ‘his mother‘.  2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. This person must be Jewish, probably of high standing, because of the previous pride talk. It seems because of prestige this person is above reproach.  3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. Paul judged this person wrong. Paul judged. We CAN judge wrong, and the person who does wrong and still be ‘Christian’. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Do not allow one to be in sin and condone it, tell a brother he is in sin, so he can repent. How many times do we over look a sin, an abomination in God’s eyes, because it easier, to be kind to the sinner, to be compassionate? Have you thought that that ‘turning a blind eye’ could actually condemn a person? That lying to someone about  The Truth could keep them from eternity with Christ?

6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened.  I see this as for an individual and as a group of believers. We can not have a ‘little’ sin in our lives, in our congregation. A little yeast makes the bread rise. A little wheat makes a gluten intolerant sick.  For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us I8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Paul is not just talking about adultery here, he is talking about any sin, all sin. He started this with their arrogance, their pride, their beleiving of something other than the one and only truth. This group of believers, this group of leaders and teachers have corrupt principles, Spiritual pride and teaching false doctrines. Their sin is opening the door for Satan and closing it on Christ. They are involving the whole church, ruining the whole batch with the bad yeast.

9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. Paul is explaining that he was not referring to the ‘bad’ people of the world to not associate with, because that is a given. Paul is telling them they must break fellowship with those doing ‘bad’ within their church. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.  Dont even eat with this person. Satan has come into our churches and our lives and has given us liberal concience when it comes to sinners within the church. If we call a sinning person a sinner we are condemning we are not being ‘Christian’ we are not having mercy, not showing grace, being too ‘black and white’, judging. Satan tricks us into thinking we are being ‘bad’ and accepting the sin. We ARE to judge sin, and those in sin, We are to confront those in sin. We are to remove ourselves from sin and those ‘practicing’ sin.Even with in the church.

 

12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. God judges the world, we don’t need to concern ourselves with keeping unbelievers in line, God will Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” The evil person IS on the inside, in the church, a believer, or wanting to be.  Paul is explaining the responsibility of believers to other believers is to hold them accountable for their sin. Believers know God, and know what God expects of us. We should. 

 

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 4

Posted on by Christy Petty

4 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. This is continuation of last statement. Paul and Apollos and Cephas, any ‘preaching’ the gospel, are, belong to, Christ. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. It is REQUIRED of a steward in Christ to be faithful.   3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.In fact, I do not even judge myself. Paul is now saying the same as before except applying to himself. They, man, may judge him to be faithful or NOT faithful, that is no concern of Paul’s, he does not even pass judgement on himself, because…. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. God WILL reveal the reasons behind why we do what we do.

6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?  Paul lets them know he has used himself as an example, not because it is he in question, but they. He tells them do not speculate what the word means, ‘do not think beyond what is written”, . The puffed up, seems to be saying don’t think you are better than or understand more because you know differently than another, because what ever you know only comes from God anyway.  I think of these ‘new’ theologies that pop up, or reemerge. Someone thinks they ‘get it’ more than everyone else, write a book, on their epiphany and translate God’s Word into what they want, to match their theology, and WA LA” dissention. 

8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! I think Paul says, you don’t have to have people like us get you to heaven, you can get there yourself, with belief in Christ. 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!  Not sure if Paul is complimenting or being sarcastic. If you conclude this with “14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.” I think he is saying something like we are not the ‘in’ people because of all of the worldly shameful things we have gone through for Christ and you snobs would not have anything to do with us if you had found us on the street and not known us. 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.  These Corinthians have not suffered to be believers, to preach, to teach, being believers is easy for them, no one has gone to jail, they live well, yet they fight and fuss over something as minimal as who baptised whom. Their only true ‘job’ is to discipline themselves and yet they don’t. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Paul is their spiritual leader/father, the one who can and will instruct them with God’s word 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.  Do as I do. Abide my instructions. Timothy is there to teach you, I taught him.18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. Some of you don’t think I will show up to tell you , “you are screwing up.”. Those that think they are bigger and better, more powerful than Paul, and God  19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.Paul is letting them know that no matter how much they talk it up, try to lie about or manipulate. It does not matter how powerful they are in the church, they can not over throw God.  I think of those who are in places of power elders, deacons, preachers, who will work all things to their good. Who twist God’s word to fit their agenda. Who spin the truth and intimidate the sheep to get ahead. Those who benefit for their own personal gain from the church. Who think they have the power. God will show them what power is.  21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?   A Godly man,Paul, teaching The Word is giving believers opportunity to straighten up and repent on their own, or he will come and punish, discipline, admonish. So to discipline believers IS Godly.  To spare the rod is wrong. To confront those in sin is correct! It sounds as if Paul is saying there will be consequences for sins. It sounds like Paul holds these believers accountable for their actions. It sounds like Paul is not excusing this church and it’s leaders from sin just because he loves them.    We must be faithful to God’s commands not mans.