[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!

[1 Corinthians 5, Proverbs 5]

H – 1 Corinthians 5:1–2a, “[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. [2] And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn?”

E – Tolerant!

The apostle Paul addressed a case of sexual immorality in the church at Corinth. He did not approve of the immorality, but he was not so astounded that immorality was occurring. His greater dismay was that the church actually took pride in tolerating it.(1)

Wow! What a commentary by Richard Pratt. One must think of the holiness that Christ church is called to. Yet, the world has pushed toleration on humanity. To the point that if you don’t tolerate sexuality confusions and sexual immortality then you are a bigot and deserve to be punished. This has lead to many churches tolerating certain sins for the sake of being real and relevant. It’s also done out of arrogance in a push to be politically and socially “right” (5:2). However, it’s nothing more than a shame and stain on Christ church and His call for holiness. 

This has caused me to really think this morning. 1) Christ met with sinners. He called sinners and ate with sinners. But, He also led sinners to repentance. 2) Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 5:11 to avoid associating with those that bear the name of brother and yet openly practice sinful behaviors. 

That is a huge difference. We don’t shun ourselves from sinners who are in a need of The Savior. However, we do remove ourselves in association with “called brothers” who are openly in sinful behavior and unwilling to repent (Matthew 18:15-20). We call brothers and sisters to repentance. If there is an unwillingness to repent we should purge association with said person(s) to avoid giving the appearance of approving sin and sinful conduct (5:13). 

This may seem harsh. But, when this is done out of a Spirit of Sincerity, Love, and Truth (5:8) with hope and prayer that the person(s) may come to the genuine saving knowledge of the Lord (5:5). Well, it is right. 

A – Do not be part of defiling the church of Christ. Get the log out of my eye before I lead people to get the speck out of their eye (Matthew 7:5). Repent of any known sin and ask God to reveal sin. Do not be tolerant of sin and avoid giving the appearance or approval of sinful conduct. 

R – Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving your church. Lord, thank you giving us the opportunity to repent and showing us what it means to be holy as you are holy. Lord, thank you for your steadfast love that endures forever. Thank you for being the God of countless second chances. Lord, help me to lead by word and deed with sincerity and truth. Lord, would you reveal yourself to our church. I pray for great repentance. I pray for a bond of unity and love. I pray you would bind the enemy and our church would be able to discern between your truth and the enemy’s lies. 

In Jesus Name!

(1) –   Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 72.

[1 Corinthians 4, Proverbs 4]

H – 1 Corinthians 4:1, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

E – Faithful!

Paul’s encouragement to the church in the city of Corinth in was that people should recognize him, the apostles, and believers as faithful. They should be regarded as faithful servants of Christ and faithful stewards of the mysteries of the Gospel. This was and is the calling on those who have been called out by God; servants of Christ and stewards of the Gospel. Faithful to serve and faithful to share. 

A – As one who has been called out by God, I must allow the overflow of His Spirit to lead me in serving Him and proclaiming the marvelous excellences of His Gospel. I should be regarded as one who does not just talk the talk, but walks the walk, letting His love be genuine in my life. Simply, Faithful!

R – Lord God, thank you for saving me. Thank you for calling me to be yours. Thank you for choosing me to be a vessel. Lord, I pray that I would allow you to have complete control in my life. God, use me as you see fit. Lord I pray I will serve you well and when you open doors for me to share the Gospel, I would. Use my service and stewardship to bring honor and glory to your great name.

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 3, Proverbs 1]

H – 1 Corinthians 3:12–14, “[12] Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—[13] each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.”

E – My Life’s Work!

Paul used the analogy for the Christian life as a builder. This builder is building upon some type of foundation with some type of material. I’m not a master carpenter, but I know enough that I can say, foundations matter. The materials that we use to build upon certain foundations also matter. 

The foundation must be planned out, prepared, and leveled. This is important because if it’s not then anything built upon it will either cave in, lean and eventually collapse, or stand strong and sturdy. On the biblical foundation that has been planned, prepared, and leveled lays a cornerstone. The cornerstone is a big deal. The cornerstone lays out the pattern and integrity for the rest of the building. The cornerstone is foundational as everything else that will be placed upon the foundation aligns off of this one stone. 

Jesus is that cornerstone. Spiritually, if we are in Christ, we are all built upon the foundation which God has prepared for us and Christ laid upon being the reliable measure and pattern for His church. This is huge! As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure and alignment.

This means that my life’s work matters. And, how I build upon the foundation matters. What I use to build upon the foundation matters. Not only does it matter now, but it will eternally matter on the Day. 

So, shouldn’t that which I lay upon this foundation and up to this cornerstone be quality? Shouldn’t I know if my life’s work is being measured accurately? Shouldn’t I care about making sure that I’m aligned and straight in direction?

Paul claimed to these believers that the quality of their life’s work will one day be manifest for all to see. Their life’s work will be revealed by fire and only that which will be able to stand against fire will be rewarded. 

My life’s work will either stand the test of fire or it will not. For that, I should care about the purpose and value of my life and my life’s work. 

A – I will be rewarded by the work I accomplish. I don’t want to build something different than what God is building. I want my life’s work to be manifested by His Spirit. I want my life to be one of spiritual quality and vitality. As a Christ follower I want my life’s work to be done in Christlike faith and obedience (3:10–11). I do not want my life’s work to be done in the flesh (3:1), for it will not be rewarded. 

R – Lord God, thank you for the foundation in which you laid and even given me the opportunity to lay upon it. Lord I pray my life’s work will honor you. I pray that I would continue to refocus and reprioritize my life to match your plan that you have prepared for your church. Help me to fight in faith my flesh (3:3). Continue to lead me in spiritual maturity. Grow me more and more into your image (3:7). I pray your Spirit would dwell and be evident in my life today (3:16) and my life’s work would be your last words.

In Jesus Name!

[1 Corinthians 1, Proverbs 30]

H – 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

E – The Power of God!

Paul preached Christ crucified (1:23). It was the death, burial, and resurrection that was of first importance to Paul and the apostles (1 Corinthians 15). The cross of Christ was the power of God to bring about salvation to a lost humanity who would put faith in His great grace. There was no other salvific message except for the cross of Christ. 

We read, however, for the Jews the cross was a stumbling block and for the Gentiles it was folly (1:23). Many Jews didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah and demanded signs (1:22). The Gentiles and Greeks were smarter than the average bear and attempted to reason it to their intellectual liking (1:22). 

Yet, we find out the reason. It was God’s purpose and choosing (1:27). The cross of Christ is beyond any human reasoning, intellect, standard, or wisdom. The cross of Christ is simply God’s way to shame the worldliest, wisest, strongest, and most prestigious among us (1:27-28). 

Apart from Christ you can’t make it make sense. And, that’s the whole point. Yet, for those of us who have placed our faith in Christ death, burial, and resurrection; by His great grace we know His wisdom, have His righteousness, have been and are being sanctified, and are eternally redeemed (1:30). That is POWERFUL. 

A – Preach Christ crucified. It is the Gospel message and the grace of His salvation that is Powerful. Live continually in faith and obedience to this message and allow the wisdom from God to continue to change my life. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for the cross. Thank you that the message you have given us is simple; Christ died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose again. Lord, help me to not waver in the message of the Gospel. God, would you use your message to change lives. God, I pray I see a move of God that changes churches, homes, communities, and a whole county. Lord, I want to experience your Power. 

In Jesus Name!