King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Chapters: I Corinthians 1-4
Message: Stewards of The Mysteries of God
Hello My Friend,
As I was reading the chapters for today I thought about the word, schism, the word is only mention in the Bible once, [1 Corinthians 12:24-25 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.]
The word schism means a division or separation is a church, and I know we talked about this previously, but there truly is a great division within the churches today, which is why so many people are not in church. There are different denominations of churches because Christians are such a diverse family of God that they need a church home that appeals to the different cultures, which God expects. However, they are to never defer from the Gospel itself, and those that do are in grave danger because they will answer to God for not only misrepresenting the Church, but leading their congregations down the wrong path, [1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.]
[Steward; A minister of Christ, whose duty is to dispense the provisions of the Gospel, to preach its doctrines and administer its ordinances.] Every saved, born again Christian is a steward of Christ and it is important that we be on the same level, and in we are, God will show us things that we would never dream of, [1 Corinthians 2:9-11 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.]
The Book of 1 Corinthians was written by Paul to all believers, but directed to those in Corinth, the timeline is about 59AD. The purpose of the book was to address doctrinal problems that brought division between the Corinthian believers. What we are to learn from the book is that Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, indwells and works in every believer through the Holy Spirit, [1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.]
Paul, spent nearly two years in Corinth, preaching the Gospel with great success, it was there that one of the first Christian churches was formed of both Jews and Greeks. After he left a conflict arose as false doctrine was being taught, and this caused a great division among the members. As he begins the letter, he commends them for their all be in one accord according to the Gospel of Christ.
[1 Corinthians 1:1-6 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:]
[with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ] This letter is addressed to every saved, born again Christian. There are churches all over the world fully accepting the Gospel of Christ, but that is about all they agree on. Where they fail is in their following of their own traditions, doctrines, or bylaws within the church that are not biblical. When God’s Word is no longer the authority of the Church that is when trouble comes, there will be division. Jesus, said it this way, [Mark 3:24-25 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.]
There is a reason why you see these churches changing names and even denominations quite often, they are running their churches to conform Christ into their ways rather than conforming to Christ. Sosthenes, was a converted Jew at Corinth who was seized and beaten in the presence of Gallio, a Roman deputy, for refusing to accept the charge of heresy which the Jews alleged against the apostle Paul, [Acts 18:12-17]. Sosthenes, accompanied Paul to Corinth, because he was well known to the Corinthians, and respected by them. Paul, used him to reach the Corinthians to show them that they were both in agreement with the doctrine of the Gospel, which might have had a bigger impact on leading them to Christ. Paul, stresses the importance of the Church not putting their faith in a man or woman who ministers the Word of God
[1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?]
[be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.] There were some doctrinal issues going on in the church, some were following the Law while others allowed sin to be prominent and condoned it. God, does not expect us to be in agreement with how we choose to live our lives after we are saved, but He does expect us to be in agreement with biblical doctrine and living our lives through that. It is all about personal preference and Holy Spirit conviction and as long as our personal preference does not interfere with biblical doctrine then to each is own, [Romans 14:1-3 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.]
[I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas;] What was going on besides some doctrinal issues was that some people in the church were following Paul’s leadership, some Apollos, and others were following Peter’s (Cephas) and since they had their own way of leading people this caused some strife. Instead of trusting in God, they trusted in the man of God, which is a very big mistake since we are all human with the very same sin nature. Yes, they are the undershepherds of Christ’s Church, called by Christ Himself to feed His sheep, and are to lead us through the Word of God, but if we are relying solely on them to guide us then we are in big trouble, and this is what Paul is conveying to them.
[1 Corinthians 1:14-15,17-19,21 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.]
[it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.] Do not confuse the simple preaching of the Gospel with foolish preaching. While there is definitely a lot of foolish preaching in the Church, the wisest preaching is what sounds like foolishness to the world, and that is the Gospel. Yes, to the religious world it is foolish to believe that solely trusting that Christ, who was born of a virgin, died a sinless death, was buried in a tomb, and arose three days later to save those who believe in Him, but to those who believe that simple truth, it is eternal life for them.
[1 Corinthians 1:24-27,30 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:]
[the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger] Paul, is not at all saying that God is foolish or weak, but compared to man, what God can do with one finger is by far more powerful than the strongest man on earth or in these days woman. Just think about how foolish the world sounds right now? Covid mandates, transgender rights, abortion rights, men turning themselves in to women and women men, critical race theory, climate change, and legalizing drugs. The leaders of these theories are smart because what they are doing is making money off those who are trusting them. Well, if they are going to trust the lies over the truth, then it is all on them. Paul, goes on to iterate how the foolishness of the world brings one to Christ through the wisdom of the Gospel.
[1 Corinthians 2:1-2,6,12-14 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.]
[because they are spiritually discerned.] Do you see why we are to try the spirits? Not every doctrine is true. Paul, spoke to them as being carnal, meaning he reached them by teaching the Gospel without the use of a lot of Scripture, [1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.]
Paul, honored God by living his life as a temple of God, he had never been carnal, meaning of the world, but knew how to reach the world by giving them examples based on every day scenarios. For example, he was a tent maker so he spoke in a way that someone who is also a tent maker could understand the Gospel. Paul, goes on to explain why he spoke to them carnally.
[1 Corinthians 3:1-3,5-8 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.]
[every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.] In other words, if works are done with the object of meriting anything in the sight of God in order to obtain everlasting life than Jesus dying was in vain. Works of righteousness are useless and good for nothing other than boasting of ones ego, but if they are performed in simple faith and love, after they receive Christ as their Saviour, then God Himself will bring forth the final reward of mercy to those who trust Him. God, does this for the sake of Jesus and the promise He made with His believers, and will look upon them through grace and not their works, [Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.]
This is exactly why the final judgment for the saved will be what they did for Jesus after they received Him, even if the only thing they did was receive Him. However, we must be careful we do not want to waste the great gift that we are given by living our lives as though our salvation means nothing to us. Everything we do after we are saved matters to Jesus as long as we made an effort.
[1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.]
[If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved;] Do you see why no saved, born again Christian will be cast into hell if the only thing they did was get saved? The judgment we face for knowingly living in sin come right now, which Paul goes on to explain also.
[1 Corinthians 3:16-21,23 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.]
[If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;] This is referring to the men of God who are teaching the false doctrines and not only condoning sin, but leading their congregations into sin. However, the congregants are not off the hook, Christ, by His Spirit, indwells all true believers, and if they are true to their faith then that is where those personal convictions come into play as He guides them. So, what it all comes down to is each one of us is responsible for our own salvation and actions, we cannot fully put the blame on the man of God, who himself has much to learn. Paul, goes on to address as well.
[1 Corinthians 4:1-4,6 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.]
[I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:] We have no reason to be proud of all that we have, what we are able to do, or who we are for without Christ we are nothing and we can do nothing to merit anything other than a trip to hell. In fact, the more faithful you are to God the more you realize that even on your best days you fall short. The apostles as close as they were to Jesus, they were no different than we are today, which Paul goes on to confirm.
[1 Corinthians 4:9-11,14-16,20 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.]
[for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.] Just like Paul and all the other apostles ministered the Gospel to the lost and showed the Church the correct way to worship God, we who are called to stewards are to do the same. Christians, may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the Gospel is effectual, it comes not only in word, but in power, by the Holy Spirit, [1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.]
Today’s Prayer: God, They may call me a fool for trusting in You, but I rather be a fool for Christ because I am more than a conqueror, I am Yours. When affliction comes my way, I admit, all I want to do it hide in a corner somewhere, and not talk to anyone, but when I come to my senses I realize that You are always there, ready to pick me up, and show me how to handle things. You are so merciful to me that it brings tears to think that I suffered when all I had to do was come to You. Lord, there is no one like You, so loving, so trusting, so fearing, just as a Father should be, You may not remove the affliction, but Your grace is sufficient enough to help me through it, and I thank You for that. Walk with me, guide me, and abide in me, show me how to be the faithful steward I need to be to minister to the carnal. I love You Lord and ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Do You Know Jesus?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2024 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.