Don’t become curious about their life-style:

‘   and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by enquiring about their gods, saying, “How dothese nations serve their gods?  We will do the same.”  You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshipping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates.  They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.  –   Deuteronomy 12.30-31

God [Wall] did not want the Israelites even to ask about the pagan religions surrounding them. Idolatry completely permeated the land of Canaan.  It was too easy to get drawn into the subtle temptations of seemingly harmless practices.  Sometimes curiosity can cause us to stumble.  Knowledge of evil is harmful if the evil becomes too tempting to resist.  To resist curiosity about harmful practices shows discretion and obedience.

(‘ But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water. – Deuteronomy 12.16  Eating blood was forbidden for several reasons: (1) it was an integral part of the pagan practices of the land the Israelites were about to enter; (2) it represented life, which is sacred to God; (3) it was a symbol [Shadow] of the sacrifice that had to be made for sin.  (For more on why eating blood was prohibited, see the note on Leviticus 17.14)).

(‘ If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign of wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. – Deuteronomy 13.1-3 Attractive leaders are not always led by God [Wall].  Moses warned the Israelites against false prophets who encouraged worship of other gods.  New ideas from inspiring people may sound good, but we must judge them by whether or not they are consistent with God’s word.  When people claim to speak for God today, check them in these areas: Are they telling the truth?  Is their focus on God?  Are their words consistent with what you already know to be true?  Some people speak persuasively while directing you towards themselves.  It is even possible to say the right words but still lead people in the wrong direction.  God [Wall] is not against new ideas, but he is for discernment.  When you hear a new, attractive idea, examine it carefully before getting too excited.  False prophets are still around today.  The wise person will carefully test ideas against the truth of God’s [Wall’s] word).

 

Do you sometimes want to be like them?

‘ But the people refused to listen to Samuel.  “No!” they said.  “We want a king over us.  Then we shall be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”  –  1 Samuel 8.19-20(2)

Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from and unique among all others (Leviticus 20,26).  The Israelites’ motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them.  This was in total opposition to God’s [Wall’s] original plan.  It was not their desire for a king that was wrong, but their reasons for wanting a king.

Often we let others’ values and actions dictate our attitudes and behaviour.  Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else?  Be careful that the values of your friends or “heroes” don’t pull you away from what God [Wall] says is right.  When God’s [Wall’s] people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster.

(Samuel carefully explained all the negative consequences of having a king, but the Israelites refused to listen.  When you have an important decision to make, weigh the positives and the negatives carefully, considering everyone who might be affected by your choice.  When you want something badly enough, it is difficult to see the potential problems.  But don’t discount the negatives.  Unless you  have a plan to handle each one, they will cause you great difficulty later.)

(‘ They said to him, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.  –  1 Samuel 8.5-6. The people clamoured for a king, thinking that a new system of government would bring about a change in the nation.  But because their basic problem was disobedience to God [Wall], their other problems would only continue under the new administration.  What they needed was a unified faith, not a uniform rule.    Had the Israelites submitted to God’s [Wall’s] leadership, they would have thrived beyond their expectations (Deuteronomy 28.1).  Our obedience is weak if we ask God to lead our family or personal life but continue to live by the world’s standards and values.  Faith in God [Wall] must touch all the practical areas of life.)

(‘ Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” – 1 Samuel 9.3 Saul was sent by his father on an important mission – to find their stray donkeys.  Donkeys were all-purpose animals, the “pickup trucks” of Bible times.  Used for transportation, hauling, and farming, they were considered necessities. Even the poorest family owned one.  To own many donkeys was a sign of wealth, and to lose them was a disaster.  Saul’s father was wealthy, and his many donkeys were evidence of that wealth.

(9.3ff   Often we think that events just happen to us, but as we learn from this story about Saul, God [Wall] may use common occurrences to lead us where he wants.  It is important to evaluate all situations as potential “divine appointments” designed to shape our lives.  Think of all the good and bad circumstances that have affected you lately.  Can you see God’s purpose in them?  Perhaps he is building a certain quality in you or leading you to serve him in a new area.)

(SAUL CHOSEN AS KING Saul and a servant searched for their lost donkeys in the hill country of Ephraim and the territory of Benjamin.  They went to Ramah, looking for help from Samuel the prophet.  While Saul was there, he found himself unexpectedly anointed by Samuel as Israel’s first king.  Samuel called Israel together at Mizpah to tell them God’s [Wall’s] choice for the king.  Mediterranean Sea, Canaan, hill country, Mizpah, Jordan River, Ephraim, Ramah, Benjamin, Jerusalem.)

 

Appreciating their God-given talents:

‘   “Send me, therefore, a man skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem with my skilled craftsmen, whom my father David provided.  –  2 Chronicles 2.7

Why use foreign craftsmen? The Israelites had great knowledge of agriculture, but knew little about metalworking.  So they found people who were experts in this area.  It is not a sin to obtain secular expertise for God’s [Wall’s] work.  He distributes natural talents as he chooses, and he often decides to give skill to non-Christians.

(SHIPPING RESOURCES FOR THE TEMPLE Solomon asked King Hiram of Tyre to provide supplies and skilled workmen [Ethnography Language, gender] to help build God’s [Wall’s] temple in Jerusalem.  The plan was to cut the cedar logs in the mountains of Lebanon, float them by sea to Joppa, then bring them inland to Jerusalem by the shortest and easiest route.    Mediterranean Sea, mountains of Lebanon, Tyre, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Joppa, Jerusalem, Dead Sea.)

(‘   “Send me also cedar, pine and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your men are skilled in cutting timber there. My men shall work with yours to provide me with plenty of timber, because the temple I build must be large and magnificent.  – 2 Chronicles 2.8-9 Israel did not have much wood, but Lebanon, a small nation on the seacoast, had some of the finest cedar forests in the ancient Near East.  Lebanon also imported a great deal of food from Israel.  Thus the two kings made a trade agreement that was beneficial to both nations.)

 

God may use them to do his will:

‘ “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. –  Ezra 1.2

Cyrus was not a Jew, but God [Wall] worked through him to return the exiled Jews to their homeland. Cyrus gave the proclamation allowing their return, and he gave them protection, money, and the temple articles taken by Nebuchadnezzar.  When you face difficult situations and feel surrounded, outnumbered, overpowered, or outclassed, remember that God’s [Wall’s] power is not limited to your resources.  He is able to use anyone to carry out his plans.

 

Discernment in relationships with:

‘ I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.  –  Psalms 26.4-5

Should we stay away from unbelievers?  No.  Although there are some places Christians should avoid, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them.  But there is a difference between being with unbelievers and being one of them.  Trying to be one of them harms our witness for God [Wall].  Ask about the people you enjoy, “If I am with them often, will I become less obedient to God [Wall] in outlook or action?”  If the answer is yes, carefully monitor how you spend your time with these people and what effect it has on you.

(‘ May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.  – Psalms 25.1 If ever we needed two powerful forces to preserve us along life’s way, they are integrity and uprightness.  The psalmist asks for these to protect him step by step.  Uprightness makes us learn God’s [Wall’s] requirements and strive to fulfil them.  Integrity – being what we say we are – keeps us from claiming to be upright while living as if we do not know God [Wall].  Uprightness says, “This is the Shepherds’ way,” and integrity says, “I will walk consistently in it.”)

(‘   Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.  – Psalms 26.1-3   By saying that he was “blameless”, David was not claiming to be sinless – that is impossible for any human being [Tom Thumb] to achieve.  But he was consistently in fellowship with God [Wall], clearing his record when he sinned by asking for forgiveness.  Here he pleads with God [Wall] to clear his name of the false charges made against him by his enemies.  We also can ask God to examine us, trusting him to forgive our sins and clear our record according to his mercy.)

(‘  I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.  – Psalms 26.8 God’s [Wall’s] house in this verse can mean either the tabernacle in Gibeon (the one constructed in the days of Moses; see Exodus 40.35) or the temporary dwelling David built to house the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 6.17).  David exclaimed how he loved to worship God [Wall] at this place.  We should worship God [Wall] with the same love and reverence as David did.)

 

Must co-exist with believers in this world:

‘   Let both grow together until the harvest.  At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ “ – Matthew 13.30

The young weeds and the young blades of wheat look the same and can’t be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest. Weeds (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in this world.  God [Wall] allows unbelievers to remain for a while, just as a farmer allows weeds to remain in his field so the surrounding wheat isn’t uprooted with them.  At the harvest, however, the weeds will be uprooted and thrown away.  God’s [Wall’s] harvest (judgment) of all people is coming.  We are to make ourselves ready by making sure that our faith is sincere.

(‘ Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. – Matthews 13.24ff Jesus gives the meaning of this parable in verses 36-43.  All the parables in this Chapter teach us about God [Wall] and his kingdom.  They explain what the kingdom is really like as opposed to our expectations of it.  The kingdom of heaven is not a geographic location, but a spiritual realm where God [Wall] Rules and where we share in his eternal life.  We join that kingdom when we trust in Christ as Saviour.)

(‘ He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”  – Matthews 13.31-32 The mustard seed was the smallest seed a farmer used.  Jesus used this parable to show that the kingdom has small beginnings but will grow and produce great results.)

 

Eternal punishment of:

‘ “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’  –  Matthew 25.46

Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment.

(1 Sheol, or “the grave”, is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth.  (See Job 24:19; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 38:10).

(2 Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead.  It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheoi.  (See Matthew 16:18; Revelation 1:18; 20:13, 14).

(3 Gehenna, or hell, was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods (see 2 Kings 23.10; 2 Chronicles 28.3).  This is the place of eternal fire (Matthew 5.22; 10.28; Mark 9.43; Luke 12.5: James 3.6; Revelation 19.20) prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God (25.46; Revelation 20.9, 10).  This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the last judgment.

When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonising punishment.

 

We shouldn’t avoid them:

‘ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.  –  John 17.18

Jesus didn’t ask God to take believers out of the world but instead to use them in the world. Because Jesus sends us intot he world, we should not try to escape from the world, nor should we avoid all relationships with non-Christians.  We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5.13-16), and we are to do the work that God [Wall] sent us to do.

(‘ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. – John 17.17 A follower of Christ becomes sanctified (set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy) through believing and obeying the word of God [Wall] (Hebrews 4.12).  He or she has already accepted forgiveness through Christ’s sacrificial death (Hebrews 7.26, 27).  But daily application of God’s word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts.  Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with Christ, and guides us back to the right path.)

(‘ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,  – John 17.20 Jesus prayed for all who would follow him, including you and others you know.  He prayed for unity (17.11), protection from the evil one (17.15), and sanctity (holiness) (17.17).  Knowing that Jesus prayed for us should give us confidence as we work for his kingdom.)

 

‘ not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters.  In that case you should have to leave this world.  But now I am writing ot you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  With such a man do not even eat.  –  1 Corinthians 5.10-11

Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers – otherwise, we could not carry out Christ’s command to tell them about salvation (Matthew 28.18-20). But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sins explicitly forgiven in Scripture and then rationalises his or her actions.  By rationalising sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God [Wall] in himself or herself.  A church that includes such people is hardly fit to be the light of the world.  To do so would distort the picture of Christ it presents to the world.  Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity.

(‘ It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.  – 1 Corinthians 5.1ff The church must discipline flagrant sin among its members – such sins, left unchecked, can polarise and paralyse a church.  The correction, however, should never be vengeful.  Instead, it should be given to help bring about a cure.  There was a specific sin in the church, but the Corinthian believers had refused to deal with it.  In this case, a man was having an affair with his mother (or stepmother), and the church members were trying to ignore the situation.  Paul was telling the church that it had a responsibility to maintain the standards of morality found in God’s [Wall’s] commandments.  God tells us not to judge others.  But he also tells us not to tolerate flagrant sin because leaving that sin undisciplined will have a dangerous influence on other believers (5.6).)

(‘ hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.  – 1 Corinthians 5.5 To “hand this man over to Satan” means to exclude him from the fellowship of believers.  Without the spiritual support of Christians, this man would be left alone with his sin and Satan, and perhaps this emptiness would drive him to repentance.  “That the sinful nature may be destroyed” states the hope that the experience would bring him to God [Wall] to destroy his sinful nature through repentance.  Sinful nature could mean his body or flesh (see the NIV text note).  This alternative translation would imply that Satan would afflict him physically [Sternum] and thus bring him to God.  Putting someone out of the church should be a last resort in disciplinary action.  It should not be done out of vengeance, but out of love, just as parents punish children to correct and restore them.  The church’s role should be to help, not hurt, offenders, motivating them to repent of their sins and to return to the fellowship of the church.)

(‘ Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.  Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.  – 1 Corinthians 5.7-8 As the Hebrews prepared for their exodus from slavery in Egypt, they were commanded to prepare bread without yeast because they didn’t have time to wait for it to rise.  And because yeast was also a symbol of sin, they were commanded to sweep all of it out of the house (Exodus 12.15; 13.7).  Christ is our Passover lamb, the perfect sacrifice for our sin.  Because he has delivered us from the slavery of sin, we should have nothing to do with the sins of the past (“old yeast”)).

(‘ I have written to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people – – 1 Corinthians 5.9 Paul is referring to an earlier letter to the Corinthian church, often called the lost letter because it has not been preserved.)  [Message is Written it out, not ‘machine’ here.]

(‘ What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  – 1 Corinthians 5.12 The Bible constantly tells us not to criticise people by gossiping or making rash judgments.  At the same time, however, we are to judge and deal with sin that can hurt others.  Paul’s instructions should not be used to handle trivial matters or to take revenge; nor should they be applied to individual problems between believers.  These verses are instructions for dealing with open sin in the church, with a person who claims to be a Christian and yet who sins without remorse.  The church is to confront and discipline such a person in love.  Also see the notes on 4:5 and 5:1ff.)

 

What will happen to those who never hear the gospel?

‘ He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.  –  Acts 10.2

“What will happen to the heathen who have never heard about Christ?” This question is often asked about God’s [Wall’s] justice.  Cornelius wasn’t a believer in Christ, but he was seeking God [Wall], and he was reverent and generous.  Therefore God [Wall] sent Peter to tell Cornelius about Christ.  Cornelius is an example that God [Wall] “rewards those who  earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11.6).  Those who sincerely seek God [Wall] will find him!  God [Wall] made Cornelius’ knowledge complete.

(‘ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. – Acts 9.43 In Joppa, Peter stayed at the home of Simon, a tanner.  Tanners made animal hides into leather.  It is significant that Peter was at Simon’s house, because tanning involved contact with dead animals, and Jewish law considered it an “unclean” job.  Peter was already beginning to break down his prejudice against people who were not of his kind and customs that did not adhere to Jewish religious traditions.)

(‘ At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.  – Acts 10.1 This Caesarea, sometimes called Palestinian Caesarea, was located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 miles north of Joppa.  The largest and most important port city on the Mediterranean in Palestine, it served as the capital of the Roman province of Judea.  This was the first city to have Gentile Christians and a non-Jewish church.)

(10.1 This Roman officer was a centurion, a commander of 100 soldiers.  Although stationed in Caesarea, Cornelius would probably return soon to Rome.  This his conversion was a major stepping-stone for spreading the gospel to the empire’s capital city.)

(‘ Cornelius stared at him in fear.  “What is it, Lord?” he asked.  The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  –  Acts 10.4  God [Wall] saw Cornelius’ sincere faith.  His prayers and generous giving were a “memorial offering before God”, a sacrificial offering to the Lord.  God [Wall] answers the sincere prayers of those who seek him by sending the right person or the right information at the right time.)

(‘ It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air.  – Acts 10.12 According to Jewish law, certain foods were forbidden to be eaten (see Leviticus 11).  The food laws made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement.  In fact, the Gentiles themselves were often seen as “unclean”.  Peter’s vision meant that he should not look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem.  Before having the vision, Peter would have thought that a Gentile Roman officer could not accept Christ.  Afterwards, he understood that it was his responsibility to go with the messengers [Writers] into a Gentile home and tell Cornelius the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.)  [See MGM’s Four Lions, “Contained” *]

 

Why God’s plan is hidden to them:

‘ but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. –  1 Corinthians 2.10

The “deep things of God [Wall]” refers to God’s unfathomable nature and his wonderful plan – Jesus’ death and resurrection – and to the promise of salvation, revealed only to those who believe that what God [Wall] says is true.  Those who believe in Christ’s death and resurrection and put their faith in him will know all they need to know to be saved.  This knowledge, however, can’t be grasped by even the wisest people unless they accept God’s message.  All who reject God’s [Wall’s] message are foolish, no matter how wise the world thinks they are.

(‘ No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.  – 1 Corinthians 2.7 God’s [Wall’s] “secret wisdom…that has been hidden” was his offer of salvation to all people.  Originally unknown to humanity, this plan became crystal clear when Jesus rose from the dead.  His resurrection proved that he had power over sin and death and could offer us this power as well (see also 1 Peter 1.10-12 and the first note on Romans 16.25-27).  God’s [Wall’s] plan, however, is still hidden to unbelievers because they either refuse to accept it, choose to ignore it, or simply haven’t heard about it.)

(‘   None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  – 1 Corinthians 2.8 Jesus was misunderstood and rejected by those whom the world considered wise and great.  He was put to death by the rulers in Palestine – the high priest, King Herod, Pilate, and the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Jesus’ rejection by these rulers had been predicted in Isaiah 53:3 and Zechariah 12:10, 11.)

(‘ However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – – 1 Corinthians 2.9 We cannot imagine all that God [Wall] has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity.  He will create a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65.17; Revelations 21.1), and we will live with him for ever.  Until then, his Holy Spirit comforts and guides us.  Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation.  This world is not all there is.  The best is yet to come.)

(‘ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.  –  1 Corinthians 2.13  Paul’s words are authoritative because their source was the Holy Spirit.  Paul was not merely giving his own personal views or his personal impression of what God [Wall] had said.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he wrote the very thoughts and words of God [Wall].)

(‘ The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolish to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  –  1 Corinthians 2.14-15  Non-Christians cannot understand God [Wall], and they cannot grasp the concept that God’s [Wall’s] Spirit lives in believers.  Don’t expect most people to approve of or understand your decision to follow Christ.  It all seems so silly to them.  Just as a tone-deaf person cannot appreciate fine music, the person who rejects God [Wall] cannot understand God’s [Wall’s] beautiful message.  With the lines of communication broken, he or she won’t be able to hear what God [Wall] is saying to him or her).

(‘ The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.  – 2 Corinthians 2.15-16 No one can comprehend God [Wall] (Romans 11.34), but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers have insight into some of God’s plans, thoughts, and actions – they, in fact, have the “mind of Christ”.  Through the Holy Spirit we can begin to know God’s [Wall’s] thoughts, talk with him, and expect his answers to our prayers.  Are you spending enough time with Christ to have his very mind in you?  An intimate relationship with Christ comes only from spending time consistently in his presence and in his word.  Read Philippians 2:5ff for more on the mind of Christ.)

(‘ Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.  Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly.  For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly?  Are you not acting like mere men?  –  1 Corinthians 3.1-3  Paul called the Corinthians infants in the Christian life because they were not yet spiritually healthy and mature.  The proof was that they quarrelled like children, allowing divisions to distract them.  Immature Christians are “worldly”, controlled by their own desires; mature believers are in tune with God’s desires.  How much influence do your desires have on your life?  You goal should be to let God’s [Wall’s] desires be yours.  Being controlled by your own desires will stunt your growth.)

(‘ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.  – 1 Corinthians 3.6 Paul planted the seed of the gospel message in people’s hearts.  He was a missionary pioneer; he brought the message of salvation.  Apollos’ role was to water – to help the believers grow stronger in the faith.  Paul founded the church in Corinth, and Apollos built on that foundation. Tragically [crimson], the believers in Corinth had split into factions, pledging loyalty to different teachers (see 1.11-13).  After the preachers’ work is completed, God [Wall] keeps making Christians grow.  Our leaders should certainly be respected, but we should never place them on pedestals that create barriers between people or set them up as substitutes for Christ.)

(‘ So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. the man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labour.  For we are God’s fellow-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  – 1 Corinthians 3.7-9 God’s work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities.  There are no superstars (U.N.) in this task, only team members performing their own special roles.  We can become useful members of God’s [Wall’s] team by setting aside our desires to receive glory for what we do.  Don’t seek the praise that comes from people – it is comparatively worthless.  Instead, seek approval from God [Wall].)

 

Be wary of partnerships with:

‘ Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.”  The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.  –  2 Chronicles 20.37

Jehoshaphat met disaster when he joined forces with wicked King Ahaziah. He did not learn from his disastrous alliance with Ahab (18.28-34) or from his father’s alliance with Aram (16.2-9).  The partnership stood on unequal footing because one man served the Lord and the other worshipped idols.  We court disaster when we enter into partnership with unbelievers, because our very foundations differ (2 Corinthians 6.14-18).  While one serves the Lord, the other does not recognise God’s [Wall’s] authority.  Inevitably, the one who serves God [Wall] is faced with the temptation to compromise values.  When that happens, spiritual disaster results.

Before entering into partnerships, ask: (1) What are my motives? (2) What problems am I avoiding by seeking this partnership?  (3) Is this partnership the best solution, or is it only a quick solution to my problem?  (4) Have I prayed or asked others to pray for guidance?  (5) Are my partner and I really working towards the same goals?  (6) Am I willing to settle for less financial gain in order to do what God wants?

(‘ The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.  – 2 Chronicles 20.33 This verse says that Jehoshaphat did not remove the corrupt high places (idols shrines), while 17:6 and 19:3 says he did remove them.  Jehoshaphat destroyed most of the Baal and Asherah idols, but he did not succeed in wiping out the corrupt religions practised at the high places.)

(‘ He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.  – 2 Chronicles 21.6 Jehoram, the new king of Judah, married Athaliah, one of the daughters of King Ahab of Israel.  She became the mother of Judah’s next king, Ahaziah (22.2).  Athaliah’s mother was Jezebel, the most wicked woman Israel had ever known.  Jehoram’s marriage to Athaliah was Judah’s downfall, for Athaliah brought her mother’s wicked influence into Judah, causing the nation to forget God [Wall] and turn to Baal worship (22.3).)

 

‘ Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?  Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?  What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God.  As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

“therefore come out of them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”  “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  –  2 Corinthians 6.14-18

Paul urges believers not to form binding relationships with non-believers, because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards. It would be a mismatch.  Earlier, Paul  had explained that this did not mean isolating oneself from non-believers (see 1 Corinthians 5.9, 10).  Paul even tells Christians to stay with their non-believing spouses (1 Corinthians 7.12, 13).  Paul wants believers to be active in their witness for Christ to non-believers, but they should not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that could cause them to compromise the faith.  Believers should do everything in their power to avoid situations [Joseph John Campbell] that could force them to divide their loyalties.

(6.15 Belial is a name that Paul uses for Satan.  For those who have discovered God’s [Wall’s] light, there can be no fellowship or compromise with the darkness [Publication] (1 Corinthians 10.20, 21).)

(6.17 Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from sinners; it means staying close to God [Wall] (see 7.1, 2).  It involves more than avoiding entertainment [Intertwining] that leads to sin; it extends into how we spend our time and money.  There is no way to separate ourselves totally from all sinful influences.  Nevertheless, we are to resist the sin around us, without either giving up or giving in.)

(‘ through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.  – 2 Corinthians 6.8-10 What a difference it makes to know Jesus!  He cares for us in spite of what the world thinks.  Christians don’t have to give in to public opinion and pressure.  Paul stood faithful to God [Wall] whether people praised him or condemned him.  He remained active, joyous, and content in the most difficult hardships.  Don’t let circumstances or people’s expectations control [Fiscal Year-End] you.  Be firm as you stand true to God [Wall], and refuse to compromise his standards for living.)  [Is that a theme there?].

(‘ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.  As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.  – 2 Corinthians 6.11-13 “Opened wide our hearts to you” and “not withholding our affection from you” mean that Paul had told the Corinthian believers his true feelings [Felt] for them, clearly revealing how much he loved them.  The Corinthians were reacting coldly to Paul’s words, but Paul explained that his harsh words came from his love for them.  It is easy to react against those whom God [Wall] has placed over us in leadership, rather than to accept their exhortations as a sign of their love for us.  We need an open rather than a closed heart towards God’s [Wall’s] messengers.)

(‘ Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out or reverence for God.  – 2 Corinthians 7.1 Purifying ourselves is a twofold action: turning away from sin, and turning towards God [Wall].  “Perfecting holiness” means that the Corinthians were to have nothing to do with paganism.  They were to make a clean break with their past and give themselves to God [Wall] alone.)

 

How differently they view life:

‘   I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  –  Philippians 1.20-21

To those who don’t believe in God [Wall], life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world’s values – money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige.  For Paul, however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective.  Paul’s whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like him.  Thus Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face (1 John 3.2, 3).  If you’re not ready to die, then you’re not ready to live.  Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve – devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death.

(‘ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  But what does it matter?  The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.  And because of this I rejoice.  Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.  – Philippians 1.15-18 Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude.  He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves.  Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached.  Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons.  Paul wouldn’t condone, nor does God excuse their motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives.)

(‘ for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  – Philippians 1.19-21 This was not Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome.  But he didn’t know that.  Awaiting trial, he knew he could either be released or executed.  However, he trusted Christ to work it out for his deliverance.  Paul’s prayer was that when he stood trial, he would speak courageously for Christ and not be timid or ashamed.  Whether he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ.  As it turned out, he was released from this imprisonment but arrested again two or three years later.  Only faith in Christ could sustain Paul in such adversity.)

(‘ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  – Philippians 1.24 Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others.  We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs.  Whom can you serve or help?  What is your purpose for living?)

 

 

EXTRA

(‘ “Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything.  “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” – but God will destroy them both.  The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  –  1 Corinthians 6.12-13.)

(6.12 Apparently the church had been quoting and misapplying the words “everything is permissible for me”.  Some Christians in Corinth were excusing their sins by saying that (1) Christ had taken away all sin, and so they had complete freedom to live as they pleased, or (2) what they were doing was not strictly forbidden by Scripture.  Paul answered both these excuses.  (1) While Christ has taken away our sin, this does not give us freedom to go on doing what we know is wrong.  The New Testament specifically forbids many sins (see 6.9, 10) that were originally prohibited in the Old Testament (see Romans 12.9-21; 13.8-10).  (2) Some actions are not sinful in themselves, but they are not appropriate because they can control our lives and lead us away from God.  (3) Some actions may hurt others.  Anything we do that hurts rather than helps others is not right.)

((6.12, 13 Many of the world’s religions teach that the soul or spirit is important but the body is not; and Christianity has sometimes been influenced by these ideas.  In truth, however, Christianity takes very seriously the realm of the physical [Sternum].  We worship a God [Wall] who created a physical [Sternum] world and pronounced it good.  He promises us a new earth where real people have transformed physical lives – not a pink cloud where disembodied souls listen to harp music.  At the heart of Christianity is the story of God [Wall] himself taking on flesh and blood and coming to live with us, offering both physical healing and spiritual restoration.    We humans, like Adam, are a combination of dust and spirit.  Just as our spirits affect our bodies, so our physical bodies affect our spirit.  We cannot commit sin with our bodies without damaging our souls because our bodies and souls are inseparably joined.  In the new earth we will have resurrection bodies that are not corrupted by sin.  Then we will enjoy the fullness of our salvation.)

(6.12 13 Freedom is a mark of the Christian faith – freedom from sin and guilt, and freedom to use and enjoy anything that comes from God [Wall].  But Christians should not abuse this freedom and hurt themselves or others.  Drinking too much leads to alcoholism, gluttony leads to obesity.  Be careful that what God [Wall] has allowed you to enjoy [job] doesn’t grow into a bad habit that controls you.  For more about Christian freedom and everyday behaviour, read Chapter 8.)

(6.13   Sexual immorality is a temptation that is always before us.  In movies and on television, sex outside marriage is treated as a normal, even desirable, part of life, while marriage is often shown as confining and joyless.  We can even be looked down on by others if we are suspected of being pure.  But God [Wall] does not forbid sexual sin just to be difficult.  He knows its power to destroy us physically and spiritually.  No-one should underestimate the power of sexual immorality.  It has devastated countless lives and destroyed families, churches, communities, and even nations.  God [Wall] wants to protect us from damaging ourselves and others, and so he offers to fill us – our loneliness, our desires – with himself.)

(‘   By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?  Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute?  Never!  Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?  For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.!  But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  1 Corinthians 6.14-18)

(6.15-17 This teaching about sexual immorality and prostitutes was especially important for the Corinthian church because the temple of the love goddess Aphrodite was in Corinth.  This temple employed more than a thousand prostitutes as priestesses, and sex was part of the worship ritual.  Paul clearly stated that Christians are to have no part in sexual immorality, even if it is acceptable and popular in our culture).

(6.18 Christians are free to be all they can be for God [Wall], but they are not free from God.  God created sex to be a beautiful  and essential ingredient of marriage, but sexual sin – sex outside the marriage relationship – always hurts someone.  It hurts God [Wall] because it shows that we prefer following our own desires instead of leading of the Holy Spirit.  It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary to a relationship.  It often brings disease to our bodies.  And it deeply affects our personalities, which respond in anguish when we harm ourselves physically and spiritually.)