1 Corinthians 6

You are somewhere on that list.

Sexually immoral, idolator, adulterer, male prostitute, homosexual, theives, greedy, drunkard, slanderer, swindler.

Yup, we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. This list is a good reminder that while we may not be all of them, we are at least one of them and that makes us no better than anyone else that is something else on the list.

The Good News is that "You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

I don't want to fluff over 6:12-20. My body is a Holy Temple. That is powerful stuff and my goal this week is to keep it at the front of my brain.

1 Corinthians 5

Context, Context, Context.

1 Conrinthians 5 strikes me as a passage that could be easily abused and misused. Most people tend to extract the "a little yeast" nugget from this chapter. However, I think there is a much bigger thing going on. Verse 9 says "I have written to you to not associate with sexually immoral people, not meaning...[usual sinners, or everybody]" Verse 11 takes it to another level: "But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who...[does a longer list]"

Two observations about this:

1. Sexual sin takes a very unique position. God obviously views it as holy and something to be very careful with. I don't think this is because he is a prude. It is because he loves us and knows that our most base animal instincts, those parts of our makeup that are least human, are where we can get into the most trouble.

2. Paul is making a strong point here. If you can't handle the simple, easy instruction, don't back down - make it an even higher standard. That way, when you fall short (and you will) you will arrive at the lower, required standard. In other words set yourself up for success. Realize your sinful nature - don't give in to it, but be aware enough to know that you won't conquer it (but by the power of Christ).

1 Corinthians 4

Well, I fell off the wagon. Here's to starting up again. Romans 7:18 states "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."

Lets just say that I knew this blog was good, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. Now, back to Corinthians.

"Indeed, I do not even judge myself" What a powerful, compact, downright liberating thing to be able to say! In that one little sentence, you can shed off low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, and fear. Not only does relationship with Christ compel us to not judge others, we don't even get to judge ourself. In essence, combining this with Romans 7:18 shows that we can't even perform well enough for ourselves, much less God, but that is a good thing, not something to fear.

1 Corinthians 3

Am I ready for solid foods? Am I giving solid foods to those only ready for milk?

I'm not the best person to answer the first question, but I need to think more about the second question. I love getting into deep theology, thought provoking questions that while mildly important, are not nearly as important as the simplicity of the Gospel. That is the milk and the only thing I need to feed to those not ready for the food of theology and biblical exegesis.

This is also a great passage about not conforming to culture.

1 Corinthians 2

This is another great Corinthians passage. It is about true wisdom. Paul comes not with eloquence or wisdom, but with Christ crucified. He also keenly points out that even with the knowledge of Christ crucified, one cannot discern wisdom without receiving and relying on the Holy Spirit.

I come too often with eloquence and keen words and to infrequently with Jesus Christ and him crucified. This will be an important thing for me to remember as I come into Explorer Group season.

1 Corinthians 1

I'm moving on from Romans into Corinthians. i guess I'm going to work through the Epistles. If they aren't sparking my interest, I might take a left or a right along the way.

I LOVE verses 18-25. As Caren's step father says, "You cant fix stupid." Online I have conversations with quite a few atheists. They equate the message of the cross to fairy tales, but one that is both dangerous and cruel. That is heart wrenchingly sad, but it shown that when they are exposed to truth - real truth, not the best ideas of man - that they have not received God's grace.

I thank God daily that he gave me Grace. That while I was a sinning atheist, confident in my own brilliance, that he saved me. That he allowed me to see that I had no wisdom and my rock was sitting on the sand.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Romans 16:17-27

Two parts of this section jump out at me. The first is 17-19. This, to me, is both a reminder that I need to keep an eye out for that which is introducing divisiveness and obstacles in my life. It is also, even more importantly so, a reminder to not be the one putting obstacles or causing strife.

The second part of this section that jumps out at me is the raw power that is verse 20:

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."

Wow. Power and grace all balled together. Satan not just defeated, but crushed. under MY feet. All of this while the grace of Jesus is with me.

Methinks I will have a great ride home.