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: Monday, December 02, 2024
Chapters: I Corinthians Chapters 9-11
Message: Taking Liberty Seriously
Hello My Friend,
[Liberty; Freedom from restraint; The power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the laws of nature.] Just a few days ago many living in America freely celebrated Thanksgiving Day, which was literally a holiday declared by Abraham Lincoln to be celebrated every third Thursday in November to give thanks to God during a time when fifty thousand soldiers had already lost their lives in the Civil War.
[I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged,]
While many did celebrate the holiday with family and friends in honor of God, others did so in from traditions while others just went about their day, and or used the day to make or spend money. That is the great thing about liberty, we are free to do whatever we want without consequence and the reason why so many people flock to America still today. Yesterday we read this,
[1 Corinthians 8:6-9 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.]
I wanted to touch on a little more on the importance of saved, born again Christians not using their liberty in regards to their salvation as a means to justify sin, the most important reason being is that it brings confusion to new converts and those who are not familiar with the Scriptures. Paul, wrote these words to the Corinthians who somehow talked themselves into believing that having liberty in their salvation meant that they were free to engage in the lusts of their flesh. As we continue in the reading of 1 Corinthians, Paul finds himself explaining himself to them after word got to him that they were questioning his testimony.
[1 Corinthians 9:1-7 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?]
[Have we not power to eat and to drink?] In other words, while we do have the freedom to do whatever we want regardless of whether or not we are saved, those who are saved as sealed with the Holy Spirit and that power enables us to do the same things that Paul did in regards to reaching the lost with the Gospel. Having that power does not make us more superior than anyone else, it makes us more usable, which Paul goes on to say.
[1 Corinthians 9:12,16-19 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.]
[I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.] In other words, the Holy Spirit in us teaches us how to engage with others in a way that will lead them to Christ. It is the Holy Spirit in us that actually trains us for the position that we are called to do and He will use us in whatever means He needs us in order to reach the lost. Paul, goes on to explain the many positions that he had to reach the lost.
[1 Corinthians 9:22-26 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:]
[every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate] [Temperate; Cool; Calm; Moderate in the indulgence of the appetites and passions;] In other words those who are usable may not do everything right, but they do walk in the Spirit of God the majority of the time, [Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.]
While some Christians do see fit to live a certain way contrary to what others do, it is not for us to judge as God will deal with each of us as He sees fit. However, those who truly believe in the Gospel will live also it, meaning, live their lives in a way that God would have them. While God could have used anyone to tell the world who He is, He used the Jews as an example of the blessings that come when true believers were faithful as well as the curses when they were rebellious. Even though they had no clue who Jesus was back in the days before He came here in the flesh, they still knew that He existed as the LORD. Paul, goes on to stress the fact that Christ has always been with them, even from the Exodus.
[1 Corinthians 10:1-6 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.]
[But with many of them God was not well pleased:] This throws a wrench in the belief of the Jews who think they are automatically saved from hell because they are Jews. The second that you tell yourself that you will never fall as they did that is when you will fall.
[1 Corinthians 10:12-13,16-17,21 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.]
[let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.] Being arrogant in ones faith is worse than being ignorant to it, and I will be honest and say that I use to be that way until God showed me otherwise. It actually takes a fall for us to realize that one; we need Jesus all day long, two; we are sinners with the same sin nature that we had before we got saved, and three; we are examples that will either lead others to or discourage them from Christ, [2 Timothy 2:19,21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.]
The point of Paul addressing this was to remind them that the Israelites were under the same judgment as everyone else. They may not have known that the angel of the LORD that was there with them was Christ, but Jew or Gentile, all believers are one people of God. Paul, reminds us that we are all joined together by His body and blood, and need to take that very seriously, otherwise we provoke God to jealousy.
[1 Corinthians 10:22-26 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.]
[but all things edify not.] This is why we are not bound to the Law of Moses, but ought to be careful to maintain good works contained within the Law as God sees fit. Not everything written in the Law applies to us, but we need to respect it all. God, is faithful when we are faithful to Him, He does not need to bless us at all since our salvation by grace is enough alone, but He does anyway, even when we do not deserve it. Yes, we are saved by grace and nothing we do can take away our salvation, unless we believed in vain, but that does not mean that it gives us the freedom to live like the devil is inside us.
[1 Corinthians 11:1-5 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.]
[having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.] In other words, a man with long hair dishonored God. This was also due to the fact the Jews would not allow a man to speak in public without a veil over his head, like Moses did. They failed to recognize that Jesus remove the veil on the cross, [Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.]
Now, as for the women, this is referring to their hair and any woman praying or singing in public worship of God without their head covered was considered as being dishonorable. This was due to the fact that it would distinguish a man from a woman, in other words, their hair ought to be long enough that they still look like a woman. We do not want to bring confusion into the church, this is why it is important for a man or woman to look like one, which Paul goes on to explain.
[1 Corinthians 11:7–11,13-15 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.]
[Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman,] Until we come to the realization that we are all the same, unworthy sinners who are merely saved by the grace of God through our faith in Christ that is when God exalts us, [1 Peter 5:6-8 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:]
The Lord’s Supper, is an observance that many churches participate in today, the purpose of it is to remind those who are saved why they are saved. The Corinthians distorted this observance first by including it in with a normal feast, and second, denying the poor to partake of it. Paul, reminds us that since we are all joined together by Christ’s body and blood, we need to take it seriously or else it will cause some serious problems.
[1 Corinthians 11:19-22 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.]
[When ye come together…this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.] This is why Baptist churches do not participate in a weekly Lord’s Supper, if we did, then it would become just some other ritual and would lose its significance. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is for those who are saved to observe that it was Christ’s body that was broken and blood that was shed for our salvation. It is not the actual blood and body of Christ like many churches misinterpret. If they are not saved, and participate in this observance, then God will chasten them, the sad thing is many never realize it is God, and suffer needlessly. If we are going to observe this when the church observes it, then we must examine ourselves, and get right with God..
[1 Corinthians 11:26-30 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.]
[many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.] There are way too many saved, born again Christians suffering and even dying prematurely because they would not let go of their sin. There is a reason why God has given everyone freewill, He wants to give us the freedom to choose how we see fit to live our lives. He does not nor ever has forced Himself on anyone, but should they choose Him then He expects them to proceed as He instructs them. It is all about respect, think about it, are you okay with people being rude to you yet expecting you to do something nice for them? Since we were created in God’s image it is natural that He would respond the same way that we do when we are not respected, and by the way, God, is way more merciful than we are. We need to take a good hard look at ourselves and make sure that we are not taking our liberty for granted, [Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.]
Today’s Prayer: God, I want to thank You for Your goodness in supplying all my needs. Certainly You have blessed me with physical blessings such as food, clothing, shelter, an awesome job, but You also shower me with spiritual blessings as You allow me to serve You. Lord, I want my testimony to be an example of Your life changing, all sufficient, and all sustaining mercy, grace, and love to all who need to know Your Son. I have a race to run, and must keep going to the finish. Lead me and guide me, make me who You need me to be, let me accept and acknowledge all Your blessings, and let me forever praise You for You are good even when You take things away, for even they are blessings. And let me never partake in the Lord’s Supper unworthily. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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