[2 Corinthians 7, Proverbs 29]

H – 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

E – Two Kinds of Grief!

When I’m in grief, sorrow, or bitter distress over things I’ve done or had done to me I have one of two responses; respond in a divine godly manner or in a selfish worldly manner.

First, there is godly grief or sorrow. If I’m a Christ follower I should have regret, a bitter sorrow, and emotional pain when I know I’ve sinned or living in sin. Sin is against God and is pushed away from His holiness. This grief is knowing I’ve wronged God. It’s knowing, like David, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,……”(Psalm 51:4). When I’m caught in sin I only have one true response to flee this regret; repentance. Repentance means a change of mind and behavior and involves action in accord with God’s will. Godly sorrow is desiring the joy that salvation brings. Therefore, godly sorrow always leads to repentance. And, when I walk in repentance, as a Christ follower, I have no regrets.

Second, there is worldly grief. On the surface worldly grief may look similar to godly grief. There may even be sorrowful remorse because of the hurt brought on to others or yourself. Yet, David Garland wrote, “worldly grief is caused by the loss or denial of something we want for ourselves. It is self-centered. It laments such worldly things as failing to receive the recognition one thinks one deserves, not having as much money as one wants, not getting something one covets.” Worldly grief brings selfish intentions to get out or way from problems. Even unbelievers may regret sins that they have committed, but this sorrow does not bring about God-centered repentance, and thus leads to death.

When true believers hear the conviction and rebuke of God’s Word, they turn to God for cleansing and forgiveness. And, when they’ve genuinely repented they have no regret because of the forgiveness that’s been granted and the presence of His Spirit.

A – Hear the Word, Allow the Word to change me, be sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, respond obediently in accord to God’s will, have no regrets.

R – Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to repent. Lord continue to convict me of my wrongs. Thank you for the opportunity to be made right before you, anew. Lord God, I pray I would experience your presence today in a super natural way. Lord, help me to live in light of the joy of my salvation.

In Jesus Name!

[2 Corinthians 3, Proverbs 25]

H – 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

E – Freedom!

When I hear the word “freedom” it doesn’t take long for me to hear the words of William Wallace from the movie Braveheart ring “FREEEDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!” The cool thing is that there really was a man named William Wallace and he really did sacrifice his life for the freedom of Scottish independence from England. 

There is a price for freedom. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says that your freedom was bought with a price through the blood of Jesus. And, His blood does not just bring a half measure of freedom. The Bible says you become free indeed (John 8:36). 

When one confesses their need for Jesus and is saved by His great grace, He promises that His Spirit will be placed in the new believer. For me, when I confessed my need for Jesus and my desire to be saved, it was like a thousand pounds of weight lifted off my shoulders. It was like instant freedom from my sin, selfishness, and the bondage that it brought. 

I can’t explain it, but when I committed to go deeper in the study of His Word and desired to live a life of obedience, it brought freedom. 

When I quit running from my call to be a minister of the Gospel and surrendered my life to be used any way that He saw fit, yep unexplained freedom. 

When my family, by faith, sold everything we owned and moved to a place that we felt the Lord leading us to, there was this crazy freedom. 

Even now, this morning, while reading His Word, allowing His Spirit to work in conjunction with His Word, there is Freedom. 

Why? Because when we allow the Spirit of God to be active in our lives there cannot not be Freedom. From the moment of Salvation to the right now of being in intimate relationship with Him, freedom. 

Freedom is knowing my commendation is from the Lord (3:3), my confidence is through the Lord (3:4), my sufficiency is found in the Lord (3:5), and my transformation can only come from the Lord (3:18). 

Because of this freedom, I should never desire to go back to the place of bondage. My heart’s desire should be freedom. 

A – As I thought how to apply this highlighted passage my mind went to Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” So, may I stand firm in freedom, clinging to Jesus, and flee the easiness of sin that brings a life of slavery. May my spiritual cry be that of William Wallace, FRREEEEDDDOOOOM!

R – Lord God, thank you for freedom. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for the countless rescues of second chances. Thank you for meeting with me this morning. Thank you for your Spirit that is unwavering and unending. Lord God, I pray you would continue to pour out your Spirit on my life and I would be able to walk and minister from an overflow of freedom. I pray for those that have not experienced and are not experiencing your freedom. Lord, save, please! 

In Jesus Name!

[2 Corinthians 2. Proverbs 22]

H – 2 Corinthians 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

E – I’m not defined by my circumstances. 

Pain, suffering, abandonment. Those are words that I do not want to experience. But, Paul knew first hand what it felt like to be in these predicaments and circumstances. Yet, his circumstances didn’t change his purpose. 

Paul knew each moment of his life was God opening or closing doors for him to make much of The Savior (2:12). That even included martyrdom. Paul knew his purpose in being commissioned by God to speak of Christ (2:17). This purpose guided him into and through every circumstance. It doesn’t take long to read the epistles and read of Paul being beaten unmercifully, imprisoned, ship-wrecked, left from dead, trialed before kings and governors. What unpleasant circumstances. Yet, in every event Paul had only one objective; make the name of Christ known. 

Paul knew that Christ lead him and that ultimate victory awaited. Paul believed his purpose was to see people saved through the Word of God. And for that, in any circumstance and situation, he could rejoice, because he knew he was not defined by his circumstances. 

A – There are 2 things that stick out in my head from the highlighted passage to help in unpleasant circumstances. 

1. Paul reflected on God’s Goodness. What a great reminder that there is a silver lining, “But thanks be to God.” God had lead Paul and there was victory in Him and through Him. God had been good in every circumstance, even if it didn’t seem like it humanly. 

2. Paul remembered his great purpose. His purpose was to proclaim the name of Jesus, everywhere. Proclaiming the Gospel was the fragrance of Paul’s life. He knew it was the difference between death and life (2:15) and he couldn’t fathom folks perishing eternally. Therefore, he took his commission personally and passionately. 

I should do the same, regardless of the circumstance. 

R – Lord God, thank you that I’m not defined by my circumstances. God I know you hold me and hold my future. Lord, help me to reflect on your goodness and remember my purpose. God, help me journey this season of my life and through it may my aroma be pleasing unto you. Lord, would you save those on my prayer list.

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 16, Proverbs 20]

H – 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, “[13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. [14] Let all that you do be done in love.”

E – Act Like Men!

The book of 1 Corinthians is so practical in application for today. As Paul closed out this first letter to the church at Corinth he slipped in one last exhortation. 

1. Be watchful! To be watchful could refer to being watchful for the enemy and false teachers, and being watchful for Christ second coming. Regardless, our eyes should be open to the world (both physical and spiritual) around us. 
2. Stand Firm in the Faith! Corinth, like every church, faced its share of hindrances. There was adversity from the community and within the church body. Yet, in the face of what ever they would have to face they were exhorted to remain faithful to Christ. 
3. Act Like Men! Men are suppose to be strong protectors. Many scholars believe the literal translation of this passage is what is found consistently in the Old Testament; “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Paul encouraged these brothers (and sisters) to act with courage and strength in obedience to the Lord and with confidence in his power. 
4. Be Strong! The 3rd and 4th exhortations are closely connected. In the face of opposition, be strong. Don’t give in to the world’s standards. Surrender each moment to The Lord and commit obedience.
5. Show Love. This reminder was very important for a church the was faced with adversity and strife. Paul had exalted love as the highest ideal in this epistle. He reiterated this ideal so the Corinthians would not forget it. Love for God and neighbor was to motivate and govern everything they did.

What an exhortation to the church of Corinth. What and exhortation to the church of today. 

A – Be watchful for the schemes of the enemy and be watchful for the return of Christ. Stand Firm in my Faith. Do not waver. Look up and keep following Him. Be strong and courageous. Stand in the face of opposition and let the Lord fight my battles. Commit to obedience in all that I do. And, may everything I do be out of a desire to love God and all people. 

R – Lord God, thank you for encouraging me this morning through your Word. Lord, help me to be your man. God, help me to be the man that you have called me to be. Help me to love myself, my wife, children, family, faith family, and neighbors the way you have called me to. Convict me when I don’t and lead me to repentance. May your church be watchful, stand firm, be strong and courageous, and show the love of Christ to one another. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 15, Proverbs 19]

H – 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

E – Victory in Jesus!

This past Sunday we celebrated Easter. It’s a day of celebrating the “Good News” of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It’s a day to proclaim that lost sinners can be found in him and have eternal life; if only they would confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, believe in their heart that God rose Him from the dead, (Romans 10:9-10) and repent (turn away) from their sins (Luke 13:3, 1 John 1:9).

The Gospel of Jesus is of first importance for the Christ follower (Just read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We don’t hang our “faith hat” on a make-believe hook. We haven’t believed some wise tail that was passed down from generations in an attempt to dumb us down. We haven’t believed in a suppressive story that was an attempt to suppress us from getting ahead in life. (I’ve heard some crazy stuff). No, the death, burial, and resurrection Jesus is a true historical account that we’ve chosen to believe. 

Over 500(+) people could provide sufficient testimony to the resurrection of Christ. Paul even went to name dropping. If only one of these people provided any altering truths to the story then there is no way this letter gets to this church, it be believed, and canonized. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead (15:20). Therefore, for those that put our faith in Him, in accordance with the Scriptures, we have Victory. 

Because of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of King Jesus I have victory over sin and death. I have victory to abundantly and eternally stand in His presence. I have the victory to proclaim hope and liberty to the captives. I have victory to shout, “I’m His Forever.”

And, when I know this victory, then I should do something with it. Paul challenged the Corinthian believers to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, believing with hope that the Lord holds me in victory (15:58). 

Easter is not a day to celebrate and then do nothing with it. Everyday for the life of a Christ follower is a day to remember and celebrate Easter. Everyday is a day to live a life of obedience out of the overflow of His victorious love for us. Everyday should be a day that I commit to walk in and proclaim this victory. 

Thanks be to God, there is Victory in and through Jesus!

A – Live a life of overflow from His victory. Be steadfast, immovable, abounding in His work, and clinging to the hope I have in Him. 

R – Lord God, thank you for victory. Thank you for the victory of salvation. Thank you for the victory over death, hell, and the grave. Help me to stand in victory, not based off anything I did, but everything you did. Thank you for The Gospel Truth. Thank you that I don’t have to wonder about the death, burial, and resurrection. Because of your Word I know the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection. Lord, help me to simply stand in your truth with great victory. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 13, Proverbs 15]

H – 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

E – Face to Face!

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter. It provides a clear description of what love is and what it is not. The love described by Paul is a continuation from Chapter 12 and spiritual gifts described related to the body of Christ. The bases of 1 Corinthians 13 then is that I can have all these gifts, but if I do not use them or my life through the overflow of His love “I am nothing” (13:2) and “I gain nothing” (13:3). 

A great truth to love is that it rejoices in the truth (13:6) and it never ends (13:8). 

What a great reminder on this “Good Friday!” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The truth that never ends. 

Paul also gives a reality of our inability at times to love through spiritual gifts and to rightly see love. Because of our sin nature and imperfections this side of heaven we will never be perfect in performing the actions of love. It is only until “the perfect comes” (13:10), which is the return of Christ, that I will know love in full and be able to show love in full, as I stand in awe, face to face with The Savior, Christ the King. 

One day that which I see dimly will be seen perfectly and that which I know in part will be made fully known. When I see my Jesus face to face!

A – Continue, day by day, to live a life of faith in Jesus, hope for eternity, and love for God and all people. Anticipate His coming and Worship Him in the now, in spirit and truth. 

R – Lord God, thank you for your love for me and demonstrating your love for me that while I was still yet a sinner, you sent Jesus to die for me (Romans 5:8). Lord, help me to cling to your love and demonstrate your love to the best of my ability. Holy Spirit of God, lead me to love as you have loved me. Thank you for this Holy Day (Good Friday) and the reminder of your love for a sinful humanity. I pray we would glorify and honor your today in all that we do. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 11, Proverbs 13]

H – 1 Corinthians 11:18–19, “[18] For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, [19] for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.”

E – The Perfect Church!

A lot of people are looking for the perfect church. I wish there was one, but that will not be possible until those that have put their faith and trust in Jesus are glorified before God the Father. My Grandmother has wisely stated, “the only problem with the church is people and it’s full of them.” Boy howdy, is she right. 

It’s one thing to be and minister to imperfect people. I’ve seen my fair share of disputes and divisions. But, what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11 is the difference between imperfection and lostness, which consumed the church of Corinth and today. 

Think about these words, “there must be factions (anger, disputes, dissension) among you.” Paul is saying that God allowed controversy in order that the genuine spiritual quality of individual believers would be known. I’m not going to lie, I just sat in awe when I read this this morning. My heart hurts for people that are easily offended, angered, cause dissensions and divisions, and you have to walk on egg shells around. I don’t like it. Part of me wants to handle it then and reveal what’s going on and the other part wants God to just handle it victoriously without me doing or saying anything. How do you handle such things?

I remember not long ago walking through an issue. I wanted to say something so badly, but God just wouldn’t allow me to. Every time I would get ready to “handle it” a road block would come up. I reached out to a friend of mine and accountability partner and told him what was going on. Then he said these words, “Jonathan it’s ok, everybody sees the true person they are and no one is surprised.” Wow! That put it in perspective. 

So how do you handle these people and issues as a Christ follower? I believe Paul gave us a great roadmap and he used the “Lord’s Supper” to his point. 

A – 1) Remember – Remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remember His body that was broken and his blood that was poured out. Every action I take should be in remembrance of Him (11:24-25).

2) Repent – Examine yourself. Turn away from sin and selfishness. Surrender anew to His Spirit and away from pride and selfishness. (11:28). 

3) Proclaim The Gospel – Proclaim The Gospel with words and action. As often as I remember Him I proclaim Him by the Gospel being active in and through my life (11:26).

4) Humbly Serve Others – I love what Paul says in V.33. Don’t rush through by going through the motions or checking of the checklist. Wait for one another. Serve Others. (11:33). 

When I remember the work of Christ and my purpose, repent of sin, proclaim the Gospel with words and actions, and humbly serve others I put my focus where it needs to be and these factious individuals reveal their true character. And, like my friend said, everyone will see it. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for direction. Thank you that you already hold the keys to victory. Lord, our battles belong to you. God, I pray that there would be a deep love among your people and that all strife and disunity would be subdued, in Jesus Name. Lord God, I pray you would bind the enemy, pour out your Spirit, bring conviction, draw people to yourself, and gloriously save. Help us to remember you and our purpose. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 9, Proverbs 11]

H – 1 Corinthians 9:16, “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

E – Preach!

Paul had given up many of his rights to preach the Gospel. He did not want anything he received materially from preaching the Gospel to be a hindrance to those receiving the Gospel (9:12). He never wanted the pretense to be one of boasting for gain. As an evangelist, Paul just simply wanted to preach and trust God with his provisions. 

Paul HAD to preach. He had no choice but to preach, because he was called by God to preach. 

A – I know I’ve been called by God. I must preach. I preach of Christ and Him crucified. Never preach from selfish motivation or ambition. Boast in nothing of myself, but simply Jesus. Do not be a hindrance to others receiving the spoken Word. 

R – Lord God, thank you for saving me. Thank you for calling me to preach. I pray that I would be obedient in my calling. If I’m ever a hindrance, please convict me that I would turn. Lord I want to see you at work through the preaching of your Word. God, move in ways that can only be said, That is Jesus!

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 7, Proverbs 7]

H – 1 Corinthians 7:17, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.”

E – You have been called!

I remember July 24, 2002 like it was yesterday. I remember being a 21 year old fella realizing I was a sinner separated from the Lord. I remember where I had been, where I was at, and what I had been doing. I remember the drawing of His Spirit. I remember the confession of my need. I remember the freedom of His presence.  I also remember that for once in my life it felt like I had real purpose. I felt called to more. 

The reality is that God has called those that have confessed their need for salvation to more. God has called His church to peace (7:15). This peace is in knowing and following God’s call (7:17). Christianity is not a sit idle religion. Rather, it is an active called relationship of obedience and surrender. 

There are 2 things that Paul addressed to this church, as a rule. 

1. Seek to know how God has Called them
2. Live God’s calling where ever I have been assigned

The people of Corinth were much like today. They found themselves in differing conditions, situations, and circumstance. There were various situations regarding economics (slavery/freedom), family (divorce/marriage), and religious background (circumcision/uncircumcision). Yet, in the midst of where ever they were, God purposed to use these new believers in the very situations He found them in (V. 20, 24).

This means that despite my economic status, regardless of my family dynamics, or how mature I am in my faith (if I’m a new believer or one who has been a Christ follower for some time), Christ has assigned me to a position and called me for His Glory. 

So, whether I’m a student, teacher, plumber, mechanic, engineer, nurse, trucker, logger, salesman, techie, electrician, farmer, wielder, cook, landscaper, stump grinder, or retired, etc., God has purposed to use me where I’m at (assigned and called). 

If you are in Christ there has been a calling placed on your life. Seek to know it and live it. 

A – Seek God’s direction and anointing. Live actively our Vision and Mission where God has placed me. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for using me, despite me. Lord, I pray I would understand my purpose each day. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, the author and perfecter of my faith. Use me today for your Glory. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 6, Proverbs 6]

H – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “[19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

E – Do you know your body?

Corinth was known as a place of prostitution. It was an acceptable practice. The surrounding culture would do anything the please their flesh and body, even believing that it brought certain blessings. However, Paul reminded these believers that their bodies are now members of Christ (6:15). When Christ came into their lives they no longer should have a desire to be at one with the world or its practices, because they are now one with Christ. Believers should no longer allow the things of this world to have mastery over them. Because of The Helper, God’s Spirit, that was placed in us we should allow the Lord to have mastery over our lives. 

What a great reminder, even through a question; “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,…….?” When a person confesses their need for salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Holy Spirit now resides in that person. Believers’ bodies are sanctified and holy, being in union with Christ. When a person in Christ engages in sexual immorality, that immorality runs contrary to the new nature and new identity of His body. 

Christ followers know the price of purchase to bring about salvation. They know who rescued them and how they were rescued from sin and darkness. Now, they no longer live life for their own pleasure. Christ followers now live life for His Glory. They live new lives that should no longer live to please the flesh, but the Lord.  A life that listens intently to the Spirit of God. A life that should respond obediently to conviction because of the new Spirit that lives within them.

A – I must respect my body. My body is God’s temple, because of God’s Spirit. It must not be defiled by sinful practices. Listen to the Spirit of God that now lives within me. Obey the prompting and leading of His Spirit. Glorify God with my body. 

R – Lord God, I thank you for salvation. I thank you for your Spirit that now lives within me. I thank you for your presence, your guiding. I thank you for conviction. And, I thank you for your forgiveness. God, help me to remember the great price that was paid for me and help me to honor you with my body. 

In Jesus Name!