1 Corinthians 10

For the third time, Paul told the Corinthians that “all things are lawful” (v 23).

We, as Christ-followers, are free. We have the “right” to do any number of things. There are activities and actions which are “lawful” for us.

But…

The question, according to Paul, was not – “Is it lawful?”

The question was – “Is it helpful?” “Does it build our brother up?”

In any given situation where I may have the right to do something or, in my flesh, I want to respond a certain way – I must ask myself:

👉 Am I seeking my own good or the good of my neighbor (v 24)?

👉 Am I seeking what benefits me or what benefits many (v 33)?

The world says, “Love yourself.”

The Word says, “Love your neighbor.”

Lord, help us to love like you.

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1 Corinthians 9

Paul had a laser-like focus on his purpose. Everything centered around sharing and living out the gospel.

What did gospel living look like for Paul?

SEVEN TIPS FOR GOSPEL LIVING

1. Not insisting on certain “rights” if those rights would serve as a stumbling block to others (v 12, 15)
2. View sharing the gospel as central to who you are (v 16)
3. Find common ground with others in order to share the gospel (v 20-22)
4. Everything is done for the sake of the gospel (v 23)
5. Live with purpose (v 24)
6. Live with self control (v 25)
7. Live with a devotion to the destination (v 26)

It’s Saturday, y’all! ♥️

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1 Corinthians 8

The Corinthians had a certain knowledge (v 1) – they knew that idols were empty of any power (v 4). They understood that there was only one true God. This knowledge filled them not with awe – but with arrogance. Paul said they had become puffed up.

They had forgotten something key to their relationship with the Lord – something Paul opened his letter with back in chapter 1.

👉 To know Christ at all is grace (v 1:4).

None of us deserve to know Him. And we are in no way better than those who do not yet know Him.

Paul understood his freedom in Christ. Yet, he was very aware of those unbelievers who were watching (v 10). And, knowing that Christ died for them too (v 11), chose to conduct himself in a way that would not make them stumble (v 12).

It’s a reminder of Paul’s words in 6:12 – “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.”

POINTS TO PONDER

1. Does my knowledge regarding the grace of God puff me up or build others up?
2. Do I conduct myself in a way or make choices that would cause an unbeliever or someone weaker in faith to stumble?

Happy Friday, Friends!!

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1 Corinthians 4

Do you ever feel like what you’re doing doesn’t matter? That you’re not making any eternal difference? That you must be doing something wrong because life is really difficult?

👉 Here is what Paul said in terms of his own ministry.

• Paul was not concerned that some thought little of his speaking abilities (v 3).

• Paul did not trust even his own judgment of himself (v 3).

• Even when living faithfully, Paul knew his righteousness came from Christ and not himself (v 4).

• The people were judging his spiritual effectiveness as if it was all finished (v 5) when it’s not over until Jesus comes back.

• People may never – never – praise those who are faithful to Christ but God promises to reward such people (v 5).

• People often judge the success of a ministry based on unbiblical standards (v 6). {worldly praise, platform, popularity, and prosperity}

Do you want to know what a “successful” ministry looked like for Paul (v 9-23)?

SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY

• spectacle
• a fool for Christ
• weak
• disrepute
• hunger
• thirst
• poorly dressed
• homeless
• labor
• manual labor
• reviled
• persecuted
• slander
• scum of the world

👉 All I know is that:

1. Sometimes – success looks a whole lot like struggle.
2. Jesus is worth it.

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1 Corinthians 3

👉 We speak and teach differently to those who are infants in Christ than we would to the spiritually mature ( v 1-2).

Signs of spiritual immaturity (v 3-4):

• jealousy
• strife
• divisions

Remember (from chapter 1) that Paul is writing this letter to the church – to those “sanctified in Christ Jesus.”

These are not unsaved people – just “infants in Christ.”

👉 We must not confuse immature faith with insincere faith.

It takes time to grow spiritually just like it does to grow physically. Be gentle with people. Be gracious with people.

Happy Sunday, friends. ♥️

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