I Corinthians 1
Greeting of Paulverses 1-3
Paul – CALLED to be an apostle of Jesus Christ
through the will of God and Sosthenes our brother
To 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
GRACE be to you and PEACE from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ
Confirmed by Christverses 4-9
I thank my God always on your behalf
for the GRACE of God which is given you
by Jesus Christ
THAT in every thing you are enriched by HIM
in all utterance and in all knowledge
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you
so that you come behind in no gift
Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
WHO shall also confirm you unto the end
that ye may be blameless in the day of our
Lord Jesus Christ
God is faithful
by WHOM you were CALLED
to the fellowship of HIS Son
Jesus Christ our Lord
Call for harmony in the churchverses 10-17
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 you be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind
and in the SAME judgment
FOR it has been declared to me of you – my brethren
by them which are of the house of Chloe
that there are CONTENTIONS among you
Now this I say – that every one of you say
I am of Paul – I of Apollos – I of Chephas – I of Christ
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you?
OR were you baptized in the name of Paul?
I thank God that I baptized none of you – but Crispus and Gaius
lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name
and I baptized also the household of Stephanas
BESIDES – I know not whether
I baptized any other
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
Preach Christ crucifiedverses 18-25
FOR the PREACHING of the cross is to them that perish – FOOLISHNESS
BUT to us which are saved – it is the power of God
FOR it is written
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
Where is the disputer of this world?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
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
FOR the Jews require a sign – and the Greeks seek after wisdom
but we PREACH Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling block
and to the Greeks foolishness
but to them which are CALLED – both Jews and Greeks
Christ the power of God – and the wisdom of God
BECAUSE the foolishness of God is wiser than men
and the weakness of God is stronger than men
Chosen of Godverses 26-29
FOR you see your CALLING – brethren – how that not many
wise men after the flesh – mighty – noble – are CALLED
but God has CHOSEN the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise
And God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound
the things which are mighty
And base things of the world – and things which are despised
has God chosen – yea – and things which are not
to bring to nought things that are
that no flesh should glory in HIS presence
Provision of Christverses 30-31
BUT of HIM are you in Christ Jesus – who of God is made to us
wisdom – righteousness – sanctification – redemption
that – according as it is written
He that glories – let him glory in the Lord
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 To 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 on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. (39 “saints” [hagion] means a person of God, understood as a person dedicated to God, holy, dedicated, set apart to, morally pure, or sanctified)
DEVOTION: God has churches all over the world. HE has churches that meet in church buildings, in people’s houses, or other places where they can worship HIM in spirit and in truth.
This church in the first century was meeting in a place called Corinth. They were a church divided. The people were not working together. There was no teamwork. A church needs teamwork to move forward for the LORD.
Today we have many churches that are organized by people who are declared “holy” or “called” of God to serve HIM. In some translations the people are called “sanctified” and this means that they were a group of people set aside by God to serve HIM.
Every church should only have members that are called by God to serve. They must first become “sanctified” by being set aside to serve the LORD after they have confessed their sins.
We will find that even Christians can’t get along with one another which displeased God. Paul was writing these Christians to stop fighting or disagreeing with one another and start working together to serve the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Is your church working together to serve the LORD today? Are you active in this effort??
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. (950 “confirmed” [bebaioo] means establish, made sure, to be or become proven to be true, to verify, increase in inner strength, or ratify)
DEVOTION: Once we become followers of Jesus Christ we have a testimony or witness that we are different from when we were not a follower of Christ. If we become a follower of Christ at a young age we might not act too much different than we did before we became a believer.
Older people who become followers of Christ have established some bad habits. Some of them have used language that was not pleasing to the LORD. Some of them had other habits such as drug use or alcohol use that affected their personality. Once they quit practicing these habits their personality changed into one that would please God.
People notice changes in people. If they knew them before they were saved and saw them after they were saved they would see a difference in their habits. This is what is called our testimony.
Has your life changed since you became a believer? Do you notice other changes in your habits that improve your service to the LORD?
One of the habits we are going to discuss throughout our study of this book of the Bible is harmony. Do we work well with people? Do we truly want to serve the LORD alone? CHALLENGE: Are we selfish in wanting our own way or our favorite speaker speaking?
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 10 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. (2675 “perfectly” [katartizo] means to complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, fit, frame, mend, restore, prepare or make one what he ought to be)
DEVOTION: What does God want from us once we become followers of the LORD Jesus Christ? Paul tries to explain to the Christians in the Corinthian church. They were having many problems. Paul starts where he should start – at the beginning.
The church is a group of people who have been sanctified. They have been called. They have been given grace and peace from God. They have been given knowledge. They have been gifted by the Holy Spirit. They are to walk in fellowship with Jesus Christ.
Now he gets to the first problem in the church in Corinth. There is supposed to be “no divisions” in the church. However, it was reported to him that there were divisions. People were following their favorite author. They were following their favorite TV or radio preacher. Oh, that is today. But it was the same in Paul’s time – they were following men rather than God. When men are followed there is division in the church. Why? No two men think alike. No two men teach alike. Every Bible teacher is different. Some have charisma and others don’t. So come like the one with charisma and others like the plain teacher.
The problem sometimes is that these teachers teach different doctrines or teachings. Paul wants and the LORD wants all to have the same speech or the same teachings. Paul and the LORD want the church members to fit together like a puzzle. They want them to be joined together with the same mind and the same judgment. Paul and the LORD don’t want there to be divisions in the church.
Does that mean that we all have to believe all the same things regarding polity in our churches? Does that mean that we have to believe all the same thing regarding personal convictions from the Bible?
The answer to these two questions is NO! Does this mean that we have to agree on the major doctrines that are listed below? YES!!! We have to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. We have to believe in the substitutionary atonement of Christ. We have to believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures. We have to believe that the Godhead is made up of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We have to believe that all the members of the Godhead are equal persons but ONE God. We have to believe that Jesus is the only way to be welcomed into Heaven. We have to believe that Hell is waiting for the devil and his angels, as well as, all those who reject Jesus Christ. We have to believe in the literal physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We have to believe that God created the universe in six literal twenty-four hour periods, which makes the world only about 12,000 years old. This is just the short list. All full list is available in your Bible.
Our job is to help each other to be the servant of God we ought to be. It is a responsibility that needs to be worked on full time until our lives are mended together. We are sinning stones rubbing against sinning stones to make each other shine for Jesus. Who enjoys hearing about fighting among Christians? Satan! World! We shouldn’t give the enjoyment to them!!! Can genuine believers be united? Paul thinks so. God thinks so. Do we?
CHALLENGE: Learn the major doctrines of the Bible and challenge those who are not teaching them. The Bible is not full of stories but it is full of the TRUTH of GOD.
: 12 Now this I say, that every one of you says, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (2786 “Cephas” [Kephas] means surname of Peter, Simon, stone, rock)
DEVOTION: Peter was a unique disciple of Christ. He had what I call foot in mouth disease. He would always put his foot in his mouth when he tried to confront Jesus. He would tell Jesus that he couldn’t die. He would tell Jesus that he would never deny him.
He would make some good statements as well. When Jesus was questioning the disciples regarding who men said who HE was they would give a group of names. When HE asked Peter, he said that HE was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” That was a good confession.
Now we have Christ in heaven and the church is growing. There is a church in Corinth. This was a divided church. This was not a doctrinally sound church.
Paul had heard about their division. There were groups of people who thought it was good to become a follower of a human instead of Christ. They thought they were following Christ when in reality they were thinking more of other men rather than Christ.
The list included Paul who is the author of this book through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There was Apollos who we have learned was a better public speaker than Paul. Then finally there was Cephas or Peter who some liked to follow.
The last name on the list was Christ. People tended to have their favorite speaker or writer. We are not sure if Apollos wrote anything. Peter and Paul wrote books of the New Testament. Christ never wrote a book but was the author of all of the books of the New Testament through his disciples.
We can tend to honor our favorite speaker or author even today. Our only one to truly honor should always be Christ. HE is the one who provided our salvation. HE is the one who provided all the teachings of the Old and New Testament. HE is the one who is coming again to take us to heaven.
CHALLENGE: Our honor should always go to Christ. All that we accomplish in our life should be given over to HIM. Watch out for improper honor to human speakers or authors.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Thank Godverse 4
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Gospelverse 17
It is written [Job 5]verse 19
As it is written [Jeremiah 9]verse 31
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverses 1-4, 9, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28
Will of Godverse 1
Church of Godverse 2
God our Fatherverse 3
Grace of Godverse 4
Fellowship of HIS Sonverse 9
God is faithfulverse 9
Power of Godverses 18, 24
Destroy wisdom of wiseverse 19
Bring to nothing understandingverse 19
Wisdom of Godverses 21, 24
Foolishness of Godverse 25
Weakness of Godverse 25
HIS presenceverse 29
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Jesusverses 1-4, 7-10, 30
Christverses 1-4, 6-10, 12, 13, 17, 23, 24, 30
Jesus Christverses 1-4, 7-10
Christ Jesusverses 2, 30
Lordverses 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 31
Jesus Christ our Lordverses 2, 9
Lord Jesus Christverses 3, 7, 8, 10
Testimony of Christverse 6
Sonverse 9
Son Jesus Christ our Lordverse 9
Crucifiedverses 13, 23
Cross of Christverse 17
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of Godverse 24
Wisdomverse 30
Righteousnessverse 30
Sanctificationverse 30
Redemptionverse 30
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Corinthverse 2
Wiseverse 20
Scribeverse 20
Disputer of this worldverse 20
Wisdom of world = foolishnessverses 20-22
Greeksverses 22-24
Foolish things of the worldverse 27
Weak things of the worldverse 27
Base things of the worldverse 28
Things that are despisedverse 28
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Divisionsverses 10, 13
Contentionsverse 11
Foolishnessverse 18, 23
Perishverse 18
False wisdomverses 19, 26
False understanding of prudentverse 19
Stumblingblockverse 23
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Calledverses 1, 2, 9, 24, 26
Apostleverse 1
Sanctifiedverse 2
Saintsverse 2
Graceverses 3, 4
Peaceverse 3
Thankverse 4
Enrichedverse 5
Utteranceverse 5
Knowledgeverse 5
Confirmedverses 6, 8
Giftedverse 7
Waiting for the comingverse 7
Blamelessverse 8
Fellowshipverse 9
Speak the same thingverse 10
No divisionsverse 10
Perfectly joined togetherverse 10
Same mindverse 10
Same judgmentverse 10
Baptizedverses 13-17
Preachingverses 17, 21
Savedverses 18, 21
Believeverse 21
Chosenverse 27, 28
Glory in the Lordverse 31
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Jewsverse 22-24
Church (New Testament people of God)
Paulverses 1-31
Not sent to baptize
Sent to preach the gospel
Sosthenesverse 1
Church of Godverse 2
Brethrenverses 10, 11, 26
Perfectly joined togetherverse 10
Same mindverse 10
Same judgmentverse 10
House of Chloeverse 11
Apollosverse 12
Cephas (Peter)verse 12
Baptismverses 13, 14, 16, 17
Crispusverse 14
Gaiusverse 14
Household of Stephanasverse 16
Preach cross of Christverse 17
Last Things (Future Events)
Coming of our Lord Jesus Christverse 7
Day of our Lord Jesus Christverse 8
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QUOTES regarding passage
10 In the light of information given him about divisions in the church, Paul exhorts the Christians both positively and negatively. “I appeal” (parakalo) can have the note of appeal as in “exhort” or “encourage,” or the stronger emphasis of “implore” or “entreat.” It is this latter idea that best fits the context here. First he charges them to have a united testimony (“speak the same thing,” KJV; “agree with one another,” NIV, v. 10). Then he adds his plea for inward harmony in mind and confession about Christ. Between these two positive exhortations Paul introduces the solemn purpose: “that there may be no divisions” in the Christian community. The word “divisions” (schismata, literally “tears” or “cracks”) graphically conveys the idea of the dissensions that were rending the church. He makes this exhortation through (dia) the authority of Jesus Christ (10a), whose name they revere. (Mare, W. H. (1976). 1 Corinthians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, p. 192). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
Now I beseech you (παρακαλω δε ὑμας [parakalō de humas]). Old and common verb, over 100 times in N. T., to call to one’s side. Corresponds here to εὐχαριστω [eucharistō], I thank, in verse 4. Direct appeal after the thanksgiving. Through the name (δια του ὀνοματος [dia tou onomatos]). Genitive, not accusative (cause or reason), as the medium or instrument of the appeal (2 Cor. 10:1; Rom. 12:1; 15:30). That (ἱνα [hina]). Purport (sub-final) rather than direct purpose, common idiom in Koiné (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 991–4) like Matt. 14:36. Used here with λεγητε, ᾐ, ἠτε κατηρτισμενοι [legēte, ēi, ēte katērtismenoi], though expressed only once. All speak (λεγητε παντες [legēte pantes]). Present active subjunctive, that ye all keep on speaking. With the divisions in mind. An idiom from Greek political life (Lightfoot). This touch of the classical writers argues for Paul’s acquaintance with Greek culture. There be no divisions among you (μη ᾐ ἐν ὑμιν σχισματα [mē ēi en humin schismata]). Present subjunctive, that divisions may not continue to be (they already had them). Negative statement of preceding idea. Σχισμα [Schisma] is from σχιζω [schizō], old word to split or rend, and so means a rent (Matt. 9:16; Mark 2:21). Papyri use it for a splinter of wood and for ploughing. Here we have the earliest instance of its use in a moral sense of division, dissension, see also 1 Cor. 11:18 where a less complete change than αἱρεσεις [haireseis]; 12:25; John 7:43 (discord); 9:16; 10:19. “Here, faction, for which the classical word is στασις [stasis]: division within the Christian community” (Vincent). These divisions were over the preachers (1:12–4:21), immorality (5:1–13), going to law before the heathen (6:1–11), marriage (7:1–40), meats offered to idols (8 to 10), conduct of women in church (11:1–16), the Lord’s Supper (11:17–34), spiritual gifts (12–14), the resurrection (ch. 15). But that ye be perfected together (ἠτε δε κατηρτισμενοι [ēte de katērtismenoi]). Periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive. See this verb in Matt. 4:21 (=Mark 1:19) for mending torn nets and in moral sense already in 1 Thess. 3:10. Galen uses it for a surgeon’s mending a joint and Herodotus for composing factions. See 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 6:1. Mind (νοι [noi]), judgment (γνωμῃ [gnōmēi]). “Of these words νους [nous] denotes the frame or state of mind, γνωμη [gnōmē] the judgment, opinion or sentiment, which is the outcome of νους [nous]” (Lightfoot). (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Co 1:10–11). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
1:10. Paul appealed to brothers, not to adversaries, in the most authoritative fashion, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the 10th reference to Christ in the first 10 verses, leaving no doubt as to the One Paul believed should be the source and focus of Corinthian unity. His appeal was for harmony, not the elimination of diversity. He desired a unity of all the parts, like a quilt of various colors and patterns blended together in a harmonious whole. (Lowery, D. K. (1985). 1 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 508). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Ver. 10. Now I beseech you, brethren, &c.] The apostle having observed the many favours and blessings bestowed on this church, proceeds to take notice of the divisions and contentions which were fomented in it; and in the most kind and tender manner entreats them to take every proper step to prevent schisms among them: he does not use his apostolical power and authority, or lay his injunctions and commands upon them, which he might have done, but most affectionately beseeches them; styling them brethren, as they were in a spiritual relation, being children of the same father, members of the same body, and partakers of the same grace, and is a reason why they should not fall out by the way: and this obsecration is made by the name of the Lord Jesus; which he wisely judged must have its weight and influence on many of them, to whom that name must be dear and precious, and which they called upon and were called by; and shews, that he was not acting in his own name, and seeking his own profit; but was concerned in and for the name of Christ, and for his honour and interest, which lay at stake by their contentions. His earnest request to them is, that ye speak, says he, the same thing; profess the same truths, and express them in the same words; which shews the lawfulness, yea, necessity and usefulness, of confessions and articles of faith, being made and agreed to by members of churches; and which should be drawn up in a form of sound words, and abode by; for the introducing of new words and phrases is often the means of bringing in new doctrines, and of raising great contentions and animosities; wherefore using the same words to express truth by is a very proper and prudent expedient to prevent them: and that there be no divisions, or schisms among you; which are generally made by innovations in doctrine, or worship; by forming new schemes of religion, new articles of faith, and modes of discipline: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment; which regards not only the sameness of love and affection to one another, being, as the first Christians were, of one heart and of one soul; but their agreement in their judgments and sentiments, of both doctrine and discipline; and such an entire harmony and symmetry among them, as in the members of the body, where each member and bone being in their proper place, exactly answer to, and tally with each other; and which is the most effectual way to speak the same things, and so bar against all schisms and divisions; and such an agreement is absolutely necessary to the peace, comfort, and well-being of a church; for how should two, and much less more, walk together, unless they are agreed? (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 2, p. 598). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
I NEED YOU by Anne R. C. Neale
Praying I do every single day,
I need you to help me to get through the day,
You are my strength, you are my staff,
You make me happy, you make me laugh,
I need you in my life I know
Without you I would be nothing, that’s so,
I give you thanks for all you have done for me,
I take comfort God in knowing you are with me for an eternity.
THE RESULTS OF ADOPTION
I…will be your God, and you shall be my people. Leviticus 26:12
The first result of our adoption I shall mention is that if we have the spirit of adoption, we have lost “the spirit of bondage again to fear” (Romans 8:15). Positively, in the second place, we have been given a spirit of liberty. In other words, we are no longer afraid of the law and its condemnation; we are no longer afraid of death; we are enjoying something of the glorious liberty of the children of God. Third, we receive this spirit of adoption through the indwelling Spirit.
But then in addition there are these results: Because we have been adopted into God’s family, we are entitled to bear His name. We can say that we are the children of God. We are members of the household of God. We belong to God’s family. God’s name is upon us. He has said, “I . . . will be your God, and you shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:12). We are His people. Peter applies to Christians what God said to the nation of Israel of old: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).
What else? Well, the fifth benefit is that we enjoy the present protection and consolation that God alone can give, and the provision that He makes for His children. “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7); nothing can happen to us apart from Him. The next benefit, at first, is not so pleasurable—fatherly chastisements. That is the whole argument of the first half of Hebrews 12: “For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives” (verse 6). He chastises His children, but not those who are not His children.
A Thought to Ponder: We are members of the household of God. We belong to God’s family. (From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 187-188, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Exodus 1
The children of Israel suffer in Egypt.
INSIGHT
God’s control over the world need never be questioned. God intended to bring Israel back into the Promised Land. He had spoken it, and He would do it.
When that seemed least likely, it was closest to happening. In the dark hour of Israel’s enslavement, God was working to deliver them — through the birth and miraculous preservation of Moses. Before Moses would die, Israel would be back on the doorstep of the land which had been promised to them.
To many today, the fulfillment of God’s promises seems unlikely. Christ’s return may be scoffed at, but God has spoken it, and God will do it.
The day is drawing nearer. We must watch — and be ready. (Quiet Walk)
An outspoken atheist believes it’s immoral for parents to teach their children religion as though it were actually true. He even claims that parents who pass along their faith to their children are committing child abuse. Though these views are extreme, I do hear from parents who are hesitant to boldly encourage their children toward faith. While most of us readily hope to influence our children with our view of politics or nutrition or sports, for some reason some of us treat our convictions about God differently.
In contrast, Paul wrote of how Timothy had been taught “from infancy . . . the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy didn’t arrive at faith as an adult through the power of his own, unaided reason. Rather, his mother nurtured his heart toward God; then he continued in what he had learned (v. 14). If God is life, the source of true wisdom, then it’s vital for us to tenderly cultivate a love for God in our families.
There are many belief systems that are influencing our children. TV shows, movies, music, teachers, friends, the media—each of these carry assumptions (either obvious or under the radar) about faith that exert real influence. May we choose not to be silent. The beauty and grace we’ve experienced compels us to guide our children toward God.
By Winn Collier (Our Daily Bread)
What Is His Name?
“They shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
Moses had been specially trained by God for the task ahead. He had been raised in Pharaoh’s household and had no doubt learned the wisdom of Egypt. Moses was well acquainted with authority, both exercising it and submitting to it. It comes somewhat as a surprise, then, that when told by God that he would be the one to lead his people out of bondage, he both objected to assuming such a leadership role and even questioned God’s authority over the situation.
But when he first realized that he couldn’t talk God out of using him, Moses expressed doubt as to God’s ability to bring this about. He asked God for more proof of His authority over mankind, evidently feeling that merely being “the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (3:6) was insufficient authority. He couched his question in a roundabout way, claiming that the unbelief of the people of Israel was such that “they” would want to know, but this was not the case at all. When Moses first explained God’s plan to the “elders of the children of Israel” (4:29), “they bowed their heads and worshipped” (4:31).
God graciously answered Moses with the wonder-filled declaration “I AM THAT I AM.” He is the self-existent One. He is, simply because He is. No one made Him. He made all else that is, including Moses and the Egyptians. This assurance empowered Moses for 40 years and should be enough to empower us. “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:5-6).
(JDM, The Institute for Creation Research)
I don’t want to minimize the reality of Christian liberty and the role of the conscience. But if you are in Christ, please consider whether your conscience is functioning as well as it ought. (p; 121)
The summons of the gospel is not to meditate or contemplate, but to repent and believe. (p. 125)
The Father’s special communion with us is love; the Son communion is grace; and the Spirit’s communion with us is comfort. (p. 125)
(The Hole In Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung)
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