1 Corinthians 11:1-2 - Imitators of Christ

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 - Imitators of Christ

1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

Remember and Hold Firmly

V. 1 - “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” - Many of the commentaries claim that these two verses really belong at the end of chapter 10. Almost half of the letter to this point has been instructional in how the disciples should live together and in their communities to be witnesses for Christ - Morality vs. Adultery; Marriage vs. staying single so as to serve the Lord; Dealing with idols; dealing with the communion service; Freedom of worship vs. Idolatry.

Since that day on the road to Damascus, Paul has committed and devoted his life and activities to doing what God and Christ want him to do. He is teaching “Do what I do - obey and follow Christ.” Remember, Christ Jesus obeyed the Lord - He came to earth to live and die, giving His life as a sacrifice that saves us from sin. Christ was obedient. Paul follows His lead and is obedient to the calling of Christ. He urges us to do likewise - follow Christ, and like Paul be obedient to Christ’s commands and leading.

V. 2 - “you remember me in everything” - Remember that Paul turned from following Judaism to Christianity. He now follows and obeys Christ Jesus our Lord. “Do as I do. Do as I say.” Paul could say that since there is no conflict or hypocrisy in Paul’s life and teaching. Paul is confident enough in his faithfulness to Christ that he can tell them to follow his example.

“hold firmly to the traditions,  just as I delivered them to you.” - What traditions did Paul bring with him on his missionary journeys and to Corinth? Corinth was not a Jewish city, but a fabulously wealthy Greek city, a commercial city on a major trade route situated on a narrow isthmus. Southeast of this isthmus is the NE Mediterranean Sea (or perhaps the western Aegean Sea). Crossing the four-mile wide isthmus brings you to the Ionian Sea which is almost directly east of the 'boot heel' of Italy. Corinth had been around for centuries. Rome had conquered it, destroyed it, and then rebuilt it. This was an important Greek city. I do not suspect that any Jewish traditions that might have been introduced would be significant. The Jewish presence was not important enough to demand their traditions be followed in Corinth.

Paul brought new traditions (which seems to be an oxymoron). Sometimes traditions do not need to be handed down for generations. For example: My wife’s parents bought a cabin near Lincoln City, Oregon. We went there and stayed with our kids on a weekend. The first meal we fixed there was tacos, beans, chips, burritos, salsa, etc. Some time later, we again went to stay. The kids wanted to know why we weren’t having Mexican food since it was a tradition! (Note: the second time we stayed there, and it already was a tradition!)

This is one of those cases where a Greek word can have more than one English equivalent. The word here can be read either “traditions, or ‘ordinances”. For me, personally, these two English words have different connotations. One is something you do, because you have always done it this way - “tradition”. Think of ‘communion’, and of how many ways this is observed - bread or wafers, wine or grape juice, each element served to you by a deacon or you pick up the elements from a tray, or the elements come pre-packaged. Does your church offer a prayer for each element alone, or one prayer for both? Or is communion an ordinance - a part of the worship service commanded by the Lord? Is it both and ordinance and a tradition? I believe it is both - Jesus said that when we remember Him, to remember His body broken for us - the bread, and His blood shed for out sins - the wine/juice. (See: Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20) It is the doing and remembering that is important, and perhaps not so much the how the act is done.

Paul delivered to the churches he planted ordinances and traditions they were to use to preach and remember Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation.

Preaching Christ and Him crucified.
Believe in Christ and you shall be saved.
Baptism, Communion.
Fellowship.
Teaching.
Caring for each other.
Witnessing to non-believers.

These are the traditions (ordinances) Paul brought with him and gave to them. See: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2)

These principles were not to stop when Paul stopped teaching, but were to be handed to others so they could know and grow in Jesus. See: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (Heb 5:12) Also: “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27)

Paul taught with a purpose so they could listen, learn, apply the truths of the Gospel, and then go out to teach others also. You are saved and remain here on earth so others might hear and learn and receive Christ as Savior.

***

1 Cor 11 - Introduction

Introduction:
Chap. 11 Outline
11:1-2 - Imitators of Christ
11:3-7 - Spiritual Hierarchy and Prayer
11:8-16 - Praying Men & Women and Authority
11:17-19 - Who is right; who is Wrong
11:20-26 - Communion
11:27-34 - Lord’s Supper
***

Verses 1-2 is Paul urging the Corinthians to copy the way he lives.

Verses 3-16 present is a set of ‘problem verses’ for 21st century Christians, especially those believers in the United States. I am not saying the verses are wrong, nor that Western Christians are wrong about these verses. The concepts presented in these verses are difficult for people who value freedom almost above anything else. Americans are exceptionally proud of our freedoms. We are proud that our country promotes equality of men and women, or of races. Our founding documents, especially the Constitution, have been amended by the people to lock in legal equality for all. We are free to worship as we please, to dress as we please, to talk however we wish, to work wherever we want. “Freedom” trumps all.

So when we come to these verses which discuss who has authority over whom, or who is the ‘head’, or how you must dress when you present yourself to the Lord in prayer, we Americans bristle. We get huffy. Who are you to tell me how I should dress when I pray? Who are you to tell me how I should wear my hair? How dare you tell me that someone has authority over me? I am free and subject to no one! I can almost hear the protest, “Who are you to tell me that I must wear a veil, when praying or teaching? Who are you to tell me that a woman cannot teach or preach in a church service?” Which brings us to cultural norms.

Things that were standard practice Israel and the ‘Middle East’ at that time are not acceptable in the modern Western culture. How do we discover the basic truths here, without demanding compliance with ancient regional customs? I am not sure that the custom of women wearing veils in public was a ‘custom’ anywhere else on earth - Africa, Asia or India, Europe (Greece and Rome), anywhere but the Palestinian environs. (This letter was written to address problems in the Corinthian church. That does not mean there are no principles that apply to us. ) We can clearly see what happens when customs become sclerotic - a woman or a girl wearing a burka, covered head to toe whenever in public. We can also see what happens when standards are thrown away completely - public display of various states of undress in public, in movies, on TV. Neither extreme is good for our society.

Honestly, I have looked up several commentaries on these verses. Very few of them satisfactorily explained what Paul was addressing, and especially how it applies to you and I as modern era Christians. In some cases these commentaries can’t even agree what is meant by ‘veil’ - is it a face covering, or is it a scarf for the hair and head, or is it a hood that covers the head down to the shoulders? And then there is the matter of hair styling: men are to have short hair and women long? If so, how come most movies and videos of the those ancient days show men with long hair, almost to the shoulder. None of them has a buzz cut. The men have long hair cuts, maybe not below shoulder length and not as long as some of the women. I wouldn’t call the men’s hair cut short in any case.

I will cover the introductions to verses 17 to the end of the chapter when we come to them.

So, now that I have whined about how hard it is to read and understand these verse, let’s saddle up and head on out! Excelsior!

***

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 - Do All to His Glory

This paragraph is a continuation of instructions from the previous subject - you cannot worship the gods of idols and the God of the universe at the same time, or waffling back and forth. Paul takes the idea of worship of gods a little bit farther - don’t give people the opportunity to think you may have reverence for a god (that is, any spiritual being who is not Yahweh.)

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake;
26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake.
28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake;
29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

Glorify the Lord

V. 23 - “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” - It should be intuitively obvious, even to the most casual observer, Paul is not condoning sinful activity. That is NOT what is meant by “all things are lawful”. The activities prohibited by the Ten Commandments still hold. This section of the letter is not about worshipping idols, or participating in idol worship, or worshipping gods represented by the idols.

This is about being aware that what you do is being watched by people around you. And a fallout of this is that a seemingly innocent action or behavior might be misinterpreted by the watchers. For whatever reason the response of those watching you is, “Did you see what he did?!” I know this doesn’t seem fair (and probably isn’t fair).

People may have a preconceived notion of how you, a Christian, should behave. For example: a Christian does not worship at an idol, or worship a god represented by an idol - not an unreasonable expectation. We must be aware that what we do may be misinterpreted by others. So we must seek to live and behave in such a way that no questions are raised, no accusations can be leveled. This may seem to be a heavy burden to carry for the sake of the Gospel. It should not be.

V. 24 - “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” - Our lives should be lived in such a manner that non-believers will want to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 5:16) Paul wrote elsewhere, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” (Col 3:23)

V. 25 - “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake.” - This is not about vegetarians, or whether is right to eat meat. This part of the letter is making you aware that everything you do is the Lord’s “business”. Food purchased in a grocery store is not designated for an offering to a god. It is food to eat. You may purchase and eat without worry that you are participating in worship of Safeway, or Kroger, etc. You do not need to ask the question, “Is this meat ‘legal’ to eat?”

Part of this comes from the laws handed down to the Israelites concerning offerings and sacrifices (See the rules in Leviticus 6, 7, etc.). Some of the animals brought to the altar had to be totally burned up. Some sacrifices involved on parts of the animal, and the rest could be consumed by the priests and Levites. In some cases, this is how the Levites got their food since they did not have secular jobs whereby they could buy meat and grains. Non-Levite Jews could not eat the meats or grains that had been offered, but was solely for the Levites and priests. (Note: Priests were also Levites, anyone who was not a Levite could not be a priest. As Israel became more apostate, especially after Solomon’s death, there may have been non-Levite priests, but they were not so legally. Levites were ‘special’ in that this was the only tribe that was not granted a portion, or a territory, of the promised land to claim as their own. They were given cities and agricultural land within the twelve tribal areas.)

Meat offered at the altar is an indication the person offering believes in the God (or god) represented by the altar. When we take communion - bread and cup - it is an outward and visible confession we believe that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, and is now advocating for us with God the Father.

V. 26 - “FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.” - Quoted from Psa 24:1, 50:12. Does this mean the dietary restrictions we see in the Pentateuch no longer apply? Perhaps it does. There is an incident in Acts where Peter is presented with food in a vision. He refuses to eat because some of the animals are ‘unclean’ or ‘holy’ (in the Levitical sense). Peter is informed that basically those rules no longer apply. (See Acts 10:9-16). The old rules no longer apply for those who have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

V. 27 - “If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go” - Paul follows up with an another, or second scenario (the 1st example - you go buy meat for your meals at the grocery store) - a unbeliever invites you to dinner. Go! Enjoy your time with them.

This may be a big change for any of the Jewish believers. The impression we have of the Jews is that they did business with Gentiles, but did not socialize with them. That is, a Jew would not go to a Gentile’s home for a meal - how would you know if the food was prepared ‘kosher? How much bigger span of believer vs unbeliever can you get? Jew and Gentile. Perhaps this comes from a stereotypical view of Pharisees and Sadducees - who were extremely strict and rigid. Jews being a minority of the population in almost every country where they reside would have to interact with Gentiles. But it is highly possible that Jews did not socialize with Gentiles by going to dinner in Gentile homes.

V. 28 - “But if anyone says to you, ‘This is meat sacrificed to idols’, do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake” - You do not know where the food being served at the unbeliever’s table came from. You do not ask this kind of question when invited to another’s house. Eat and enjoy your time with them.

However, if you are told that meat was taken from an altar, even an altar for a pagan god, stop and do not eat. You should already know that it is no big deal. Paul said that very thing earlier. “What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.” (1 Cor 10:19-20) Idols are nothing, because the gods the idols represent are nothing. Therefore, food taken from the idol means nothing to you, because the idol/god is inconsequential to you and your well-being.

But that’s not the point of this section of the letter. The point made here is that the person making the comment is bothered by you eating the meat offered to the idol. The question in their mind is, “Does this Christian believe in the idol and god? They must, or they would not be eating this sacrifice!” The person making the comment is still held captive by the power of the god.

V. 29 - “I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s” - You have no moral problem eating the food, even if it has been offered to an idol. Your conscience is clear for this issue. The other person is conflicted. Your witness for Jesus Christ is compromised, the chance to win another person to Him has been blunted.

V. 30 - “If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?” - You don’t have a problem with this issue (eating meat offered to idols) because the idol means nothing to you. The other person does have a problem, and now you are part of it! The ill will or bad impression caused by you eating ‘sacred’ food, even if it is a worthless idol, means that the value of Christ has been diminished in that person’s opinion.

Paul is saying, “I don’t have a problem here. Why does that person have a problem here?” But, he also says, “It doesn’t matter in this case that you are okay with it. The other person thinks less of you.” (That is the ‘slander’, your reputation has taken a hit.) Therefore Christ has also taken a hit. People generally do not see Christ, except as they see Christ living in and through you. Paul is also making the point that why should you be slandered when you don’t need to be? You can bypass the idol’s food without harming yourself, and thereby without harming your witness for Christ.

V. 31 - “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - This concept has now been extended to your lifestyle! It is no longer just a matter of whether you eat food offered to an idol.

Whatever you do…. Outbursts of anger on the golf course. Not a good witness... Foul language. Not a good witness for Christ… Drinking or living in excess. Christ is slandered… Living immorally, such as adultery, or pornography. Your witness is damaged, as is Christ’s. Lying. You can no longer be trusted. Neither can Christ.

V. 32 - “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God” - This is not a command to be milquetoast, namby-pamby, weak and without opinion. Paul said. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Eph 4:32). He also said, “Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Cor 6:18) Live your life under the control of the Holy Spirit, not on auto-pilot.

V. 33 - “just as I also please all men in all things” - Paul is paraphrasing Jesus. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

“not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many” - Paul said the same thing in verse 24, above.

“so that they may be saved.” - God put us here on earth, leaves us here after we become His children, to lead others to Him.

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End of Chapter
(25-Oct-2021)

1 Corinthians 10:14-22 - Idols Are Not All that Important

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 - Temptation is Normal

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 

You Will Be Tempted

 

V. 12 - “Therefore” - Now, Christians, learn from others’ mistakes. You do not need to go to the school of hard knocks. “Experience is a dear school, but fools will learn in no other way.” (B. Franklin) (I think that is who said that.) We do not need to screw up our lives by making bad decisions. Well, actually that is how we screw up our lives - making bad decisions. When we operate our lives without all the facts or ramifications of the situations we face, making good decisions is blind luck. (Pro 17:10; Eccl 7:5) Preaching, teaching, mentoring each other in our faith is essential for our growth in Christ.

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed” - I just read today in Psalm 10: the psalmist is bragging how well he is doing, and then a little trouble happens and he appeals to the Lord for help. (See also: Pro 8:33) Apparently he got a little over-confident. That is a reminder to us that any success we have is because of the Lord and our faith in Him. When things seem to be going well for you, don’t think, “Look at what I’ve done!”, or “I did this!”

V. 13 - “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man” - You may think that “this” has never happened to anyone else. But we see in Ecclesiastes, “So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecc. 1:9)

“God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” - Don’t Panic. You are not on your own. Fighting against temptation and sin seems overwhelming at times - is there nothing I can do to stop this litany of failures? It is not you against the forces of evil, by yourself. Praise the Lord!  We read in Ephesians, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) Although demonic forces are arrayed against us, Jesus has overcome all this! He is victorious! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. “ (Pro. 3:5-6) I know that is Old Testament, but the thought is the same. We constantly fight against temptations and sin, and will constantly fail unless we call upon Jesus, trust in Him, rely on Him. See: “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Zec. 4:6)

So the following from Ephesians shows us the tools: “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:12-17)

“but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” - That is: you are not one your own in this spiritual battle. Do not be deceived, your decisions with regard to temptation and sin is a spiritual battle. Will you follow after your own ungodly lusts, or will you let the Lord guide you. “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.” (Jude 1:18-19)

God Himself is deeply invested in your well-being. He is providing His Holy Spirit to each of us. Think on that! God’s own Spirit is in you. He is not forced upon you, but is ever ready to act whenever you ask. See also: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life… Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:18-25)

Keep yourself in the love of God. He is able, and He will keep you from stumbling in sin when you ask. Think on this: humbling yourself before and to God, praying to Him will bring you blameless to Him, with great joy. Because we have someone who has all glory, majesty, dominion and authority before God’s throne speaking for us, defending us, who gave His life for us.

What more could you ask?

***

1 Corinthians 10:6-11 - Examples for Us

Verses 6 through 10 of this chapter warns us to refuse to be blasé about our salvation. The example given is the Jewish nation - God rescued them from slavery under Egyptian pharaohs; He fed them and watered them for 40 years in the desert region of Sinai; He conquered whole nations to provide them a place to live. The record is clear from Genesis through 2 Chronicles - God took care of them completely. Even so, it took almost nothing for them to turn on God, disobey and follow false gods. That is the example presented here. The Jews had every thing they needed for faith in God and Christ. The message is: don’t fall into the same spiritual trap. Be strong and courageous in your faith in Christ. Be of the Same Mind and Spirit

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.
7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to pray.”
8 Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
9 Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.
10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

We Can Learn From Our Ancestors

V. 6 - “Now these things happened as examples for us” - They were not set up simply to be warnings for us. I do not believe God is saying, “See what happens to people who do not obey me. This could happen to you” Nor did He decide to wipe some people out as object lessons. On the other hand, it has been fairly clearly stated that disobedience has negative consequences, and that obedience and faithfulness to the Lord has positive consequences.< /p>

There are several lessons. God’s blessings flow to those who don’t earn it - God chose Abraham, Isaac, David to demonstrate His grace and mercy. They did not earn the grace shown. These examples are samples of the declaration: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) The Lord saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, even though most of the Jews were fairly ignorant of the Lord God. God brought victories to Israel during the exodus and during the takeover of the Promised Land - and these people were not faithful followers.

“so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved” - It is indisputable that the Jews chased after some evil things and practices. Some of the things they ‘craved’ were sinful - worshipping idols and false gods, etc., - but some were were fairly ‘natural’. They wanted food, water, safety. It seems that many were willingly ready to jump to the conclusion, “You brought us out here to die!” It wasn’t very often that their response to a perceived crisis was to go to the Lord in prayer and supplication.

V. 7 - “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were” - I tend to think of idolators as people who worship some false god or another person. However, it goes deeper than that. Whether it is food, or golf (any sport or activity), or cars, or politics, etc., anything that grabs our attention and keeps it away from the Lord - that may be idolatry.

“The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to pray.” - (See: Exo. 32:19) This was from the golden calf incident - they went about their lives oblivious to their sin. This statement is different than the defiant, “Eat. Drink. Be Merry, for tomorrow we die!” We can get so wrapped up in our lives and activities that the Lord is not part of our existence. He is not just on the ‘back burner’, but not even on the stove.

V. 8-10 - “Nor let us act immorally… try the Lord… grumble” - Three incidents from the Exodus saga, see: Num. 25:1-9; Num. 21:5-9; Num. 16:41-49. In the first, the Israelites were consorting (immorally) with Moabite women and even marrying them, thereby disobeying the Lord’s commands. In the second, the Israelites accused God and Moses of trying to kill them in the desert. Some of the people accused Moses, Aaron, and God of bringing them out of Egypt just to kill them (Note: this was just after God had dealt with rebellious Levites in a spectacular way!). In each case, the Lord was being challenged - they were not going to be told what to do, or not to do, by Moses, Aaron, or even God. (Does that sound familiar in your life?) It does not end well for them.

V. 11 - “they were written for our instruction” - If you are like me, you must be wondering why Paul is including ancient Jewish history in a letter to some Gentiles in Corinth. There probably were some Jews in the church, because he usually started each mission in a synagogue wherever he stopped. These incidents from Numbers were most likely taught to Israelite children in school or synagogue. (On the other hand, considering the state of history education in the U.S., maybe the Jewish children were also ignorant of their past. On the other, other hand, looking back at Old Testament account sometimes it seems the Jews didn’t seem to learn from their own mistakes even when taught.)
The facts of God’s miracles for the Jews, his chosen people, are amazing and we are fortunate to have this recorded history. The facts of God’s judgements against His own people are just as astounding! We can see that God is intensely interested in His people and their successes, and equally concerned when they fail. It is clear God does not ignore His own, especially when they begin to stray - He takes corrective action.

***

1 Corinthians 10:1-5 - Our Ancestors

Outline - Chap. 10
10:1-5 - Our Ancestors
10:6-11 - Examples for Us
10:12-13 - Temptation is Normal
10:14-22 - Idols Are Not All that Important
10:23-33 - Do All to Glory

***

Paul is addressing questions from the Corinthians, and problems in the church of Corinth. He moves the discussion from support of his ministry (ch. 9:1-11) and serving the Lord as a calling - not just apostles, preachers and missionaries but all believers. In this chapter, he is warning them against over-confidence. He takes them all the way back to the Exodus.

***
1 Corinthians 10:1-5 - Our Ancestors

1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and all ate the same spiritual food;
4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ.
5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

A Brief History...

V. 1 - “For I do not want you to be unaware” - This sentence makes sense for both the Jews and Gentiles to whom Paul was writing. To the Jews, Paul was reminding them of their history. To the Gentiles, he was helping them see that Christianity did not pop out of the blue fully formed - Christianity has a history, a foundation going back to the earliest Jewish history - Genesis and Exodus.

Do you need to know about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., to believe that Jesus can take away your sin? No, you do not need know all that. But it can help understand some facets of our faith. Does knowing about Moses, David, or Solomon make accepting Christ as Savior ‘automatic’? Absolutely not!

“our fathers were all under the cloud… through the sea” - Two primary images of Jewish history are crossing the Red Sea (Exo. 14ff), and the Lord speaking to the Israelites from a cloud (Exo. 16:10; 19:16-20; 24:18-18; 33:9-10; 40:34-38). The trip through the Red Sea - on the dry seabed, walls of water to the right and left - was the capper of the miracles the Lord provided to free the Israelites from bonds of slavery in Egypt. That was not the only miracle God provided to them. He fed them for forty years on their travels through the Sinai Desert - manna, quail, and water.

V. 2-4 - “all were baptized into Moses… same spiritual food… same spiritual drink” - All the people of Israel went through the same experiences in Egypt, in the desert, and crossing into the promised land. The sacrament of baptism had not been instituted yet, not until Jesus Christ, our Lord commanded it. (See: Matt. 28:18-20, et. al.) (See note 1, below)

Paul is not referring to the Christian church ordinance, but to going through the same experience - similar to ‘trial by fire’ or ‘baptism under fire’. Jesus also used this same idea in response to a request by James and John. “They said to Him, ‘Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.’ “ (Mark 10:37-39)
The Israelites witnessed the same miracles as Moses - the 10 plagues visited upon Egypt, (Exo. 7:20-12:32) the parting of the Red Sea, (Exo. 14:10-31) clothes that never wore out, shoes that never fell apart, etc. The Israelites ate the same manna as Moses (Exo. 16:4-12), ate the same quail (Exo. 16:13-16). They drank the water that miraculously came out of the rock (Exo. 17:6ff). These miracles are amazing, but without being flippant they are not vitally important.
What is important is that the power and protection of the Lord Almighty was demonstrated. The Jews had done nothing to deserve salvation. It might not be a stretch to say they deserved the opposite. Their complaints were ridiculous! They were freed from drudgery and slavery and yet they longed for ‘the good old days’!

“the rock was Christ.” - The tribes saw the same miracles Moses and Aaron saw. Little did they know, and seems that little did they care, it was Jesus Christ acting for them under the direction of God the Father, and by the power of the Holy Spirit to work these miracles. (See devotion book “The Songs of Jesus” [Keller] for Sep 27th)

V. 5 - “Nevertheless” - How could you become “Ho hum” about the display of God’s power, daily. Imagine standing on the sea shore, watching the impending doom coming toward you. They were defenseless against the Egyptian war machine! And then, that mighty army - cavalry and chariots - was swatted away like you would a fly. It was there, and then it wasn’t. This kind of thing happened over and over for 40 years.

“with most of them God was not well-pleased” - Over 600,000 men came out of Egypt, with their families and household goods. For the next two years or so, God supported them by His grace and power. They vexed Him to the point He said He was ready to wipe them out and start over. (See: Num. 14:11-23) Moses appealed to God, who relented. The adults who rebelled were denied entrance to the promised land.

---

Note 1: Bible dictionaries designate ‘Baptism’ as an ordinance of the Christian faith, along with communion. Moses, Aaron and some of the priests washed themselves and their clothing before performing some of the Jewish ordinances. It seems these were to cleanse the person and clothes before the ceremony. Followers of John the Baptist were immersed as a show of confession of sins in preparation for the coming of the promised Messiah. (See: Matt. 3:6, 13; Mk. 1:5, 9, et. al.) And, as noted before, our Lord Jesus Christ commanded baptism in His ‘Great Commission’. Baptism is a physical announcement that you have accepted and believed in Jesus Christ and His saving work - death on the cross for our sins, resurrection and ascension into glory.
Some churches insist that “if you aren’t baptism you aren’t saved”. (Likewise, there are churches that believe if you don’t take communion, your sins cannot be washed away and you could be lost…) I do not hold to either of those positions. Baptism is a one-time demonstration of your faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Communion is an ongoing celebration of that same life saving sacrifice - body and blood of Christ. In almost every instance in Acts two things happened when someone heard the Gospel and believed: they confessed (spoke) of their faith and belief in Jesus; they were baptized to demonstrate that belief. (See: Matt. 16:16; Acts 1:5; 2:38, 21; 8:12-13, 36-38; 22:16, et. al.)
***

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Discipline to Win

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

***

V. 24 - “Run in such a way that you may win.” - No half measures. The 2021 Summer Olympics is on. The commentators for the various sports tell us how hard these athletes train, how long - hours and hours, day after day - the commitment.

V. 25 - “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.” - We cannot improve at a sport if we don’t practice. Even practice must be disciplined. Hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range is just hitting balls unless done with purpose and plan. The same commitment and discipline is needed to grow in your faith. A snarky question from several years ago, “So you say have been a Christian for 15 years. Is that 15 years of experience, or one year’s experience 15 times?” The imperative is to know and grow in Christ.

“They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” - You may receive a medal when you win, and can cherish it as long as you live. Any ribbon, medal, or floral arrangement is impermanent. Jesus tells in a parable, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ … But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ “ (Matt. 25:21, 31-34) He links doing a job well here on earth to eternal rewards from the King of Kings.

V. 26-27 - “I discipline my body and make it my slave” - It is much more than spiritual discipline which necessary. It is the physical discipline - getting up in the morning, making the time to study the Word, to pray, to witness and share the gospel - fueled by the will to obey our Lord. We can say, “I ought to get up and do…” Good intentions are a dime-a-dozen. I know that sounds trite, or cold. However, Paul writes in Romans, “But what does it say? ‘THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART’-- that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’ ” (Rom. 10:8-13)

Note: believing results in righteousness.

Note well: confessing Christ - out loud - brings you to salvation. The physical act demonstrates the spiritual commitment. (I am not saying if you don’t speak it your soul is lost - there may be circumstances… )

But resisting the call to confess your faith in Jesus Christ could be problematic. See: “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:33) Refusing to say you believe is de facto denial.

“I myself will not be disqualified” - Not talking about salvation, but approval from the Master with respect to our service for Jesus.

***
End of Chapter
(30-Jul-2020)

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For Gospel’s Sake

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;
21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

***

V. 19 - “For though I am free from all men” - Paul is not beholden to any person on earth.

“I have made myself a slave to all’ - Still, Paul serves every man he meets. He tells of Christ and Him crucified.

V. 20 - “To the Jews I became as a Jew” - Paul was a Jew, and a Roman citizen. He did not abdicate from being a Jew when he believed and accepted Christ as Savior. As we read through Acts we see the first place Paul goes when he enters a new city is the synagogue. Being a Jew and a Pharisee he immediately relates and has a connection with the people in the synagogue. He is not a ‘stranger’. He is able to start with the Law - familiar ground for those in the synagogue - and explain how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Messianic prophecies.

V. 21 - “to those who are without law” - He was not stymied when speaking and teaching to Gentiles. God’s love and forgiveness is available to all.

“under the law of Christ” - No longer bound to the Law - as revealed in the Pentateuch - but committed to the ‘new’ law as revealed by Jesus Christ. The question was asked of Jesus: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Jesus said to him, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." (Matt. 22:36-40. See also - Deut. 6:5; Lev.19:18) This is the Law we are now ‘under’.

All of the apostles understood the ‘new’ Law - “Then he brought them outside and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.’ " (Acts 16:30-31) I think the jailer was more concerned for his physical life, for it was forfeit if prisoners escaped his custody. Paul elevates the answer to a new level of understanding. Note the ‘Law’ is never mentioned in this instance. Salvation was found in no one else. (See Acts 4:12)

All of the apostles understood their mission: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.’ ” (Mark 16:15-16)

The apostles debated and came to the same conclusion, that it was faith, not obedience to the Law that saved. “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me to preach to the Gentiles so they would hear the message of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between them and us, cleansing their hearts by faith. So now why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are.’ " (Acts 15:7-11)

Paul was called to go to the Gentiles and spread the gospel, without encumbering them with Levitical law. Peter and the other leaders of the early church came to the same opinion - Salvation is in faith in Christ alone. “Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. For the scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9-13)

V. 22 - “I have become all things to all men” - This is not about being wishy-washy, spineless or go-with-the-flow, letting others determine what you believe. Paul wants to use the most effective approach to every person he meets in order to win all to Christ.

V. 23 - “I do all things for the sake of the gospel” - No half measures for Paul. Whatever it takes being led by the Holy Spirit to win souls to Christ.

“so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” - If Paul did not preach the gospel to everyone he meets, then he would be disobedient to his calling. Rather than standing for the gospel, he would be working against the gospel. But being in the gospel, sharing and teaching the gospel to all comers he is fully involved in the gospel. When Paul talks of being a “partaker” of the gospel, he is not discussing his personal salvation. He is taking part in preaching and teaching the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

1 Corinthians 9:12-18 - My reward

1 Corinthians 9:12-18

12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?
14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

***

Those Who Serve The Lord

V. 12 - “If others share the right over you, do we not more?” - What ‘right’? The right to be supported financially by the Corinthian church. See the discussion for verses 4-11, above. I have this note from a Bible Study on 1 Corinthians (See note 1), “This question of Paul’s support or non-support is related to the larger issue of how the philosophers and wandering missionaries in the the first-century world were supported. There were four traditional sources: fees for service, support by a rich patron, begging, and work (at another job). Paul’s means of support came from the latter, which in his case meant tent-making (4:12).”

He could have claimed he deserved the right to be supported by the Corinthian church. And there is some validity there - Paul had spent a lot of time and effort to share and teach the Gospel to them. Had any other missionary devoted so much to them?

“Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.” - From the same Bible Study, “Were Paul to have accepted financial reward, this might well have been misunderstood by potential converts in Corinth as the main motive for his ministry.” (See note 1.)

V. 13 - “Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?” - We know that is true for the priests and Levites of Judaism.

The Jewish priests were to all from the tribe of Levi. That tribe received no allotment in the distribution of the promised land to Israel. That is, the tribe of Levi did not get a section of land for their tribe.n(See Josh. 13-19.) There were some towns and surrounding farm land given to the Levites in each of the other tribal allotments. The Levites were chosen by God to represent Israel in the tabernacle or temple for sacrifices and offerings, so they did not receive tribal land. Also, parts of certain sacrifices and offerings were to be given to the Levite priests for their use and livelihood. The Jewish priests were supported by a temple (or tabernacle) tax and by the bread and meat of some of the offerings and sacrifices. (See Lev. 7, for example).

I do not know the religious practices of the pagan religions in the first century, especially those that took place in one of the temples. I suppose those who worked in a temple received payment from offerings and sacrifices made at the temple.

V. 14 - “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” - Jesus also indicated this, see Matt. 10:10. The apostles, preachers and teachers were supported by the believers from the very beginning. (See: Acts 2:41-47)

V. 15 - “But I have used none of these things.” - Paul has every right to claim and demand support from the Corinthian church based on scripture and local custom. He has not demanded the Corinthian church provide support him.

“it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.” - Paul is bragging (just a little…). What a claim! He would rather be dead than have people be able to say he demanded and accepted money from the church. What a dilemma! Paul and Barnabas were called to spread the gospel - this is their full-time ‘job’ - yet they were not making demands upon the new believers. What a difference from the modern day ‘televangelists’ who overwhelm us with appeals for support for their ‘ministry’. I do not think Paul is exaggerating.

V. 16 - “For I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” - Called by God to spread the gospel. Jesus takes an enemy, reveals Himself to him, and gets an apostle. Paul is ‘driven’ to share the gospel - he can think of doing nothing else with his life. He would be the most unhappy man alive if he did not teach and preach Christ. It is a compulsion; he will go slightly insane if he does not preach.

V. 17 - “For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward” - The money is not the reward! Paul is saying: If you think I do this (preach the gospel) because I want to do it; you are correct. There is a reward for me because I am following my calling. God will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (See: Matt. 5:21, 23; Luke 19:17)

“But if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.” - Paul is also saying: If you think I do this (preach the gospel) because I am forced to do it, that I don’t really want to do it; you are not correct. God has called me to be a missionary. I give myself to Him to use as He pleases. Knowing that He is using me to spread the gospel, means that I know what is required - the stewardship of the gospel. It is not just a job, there is an important responsibility to be faithful to the message God has for the lost.

V. 18 - “I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” - Support for Paul must never be a stumbling block for new or potential believers. Sometimes perceptions can put up mental roadblocks that prevent us from hearing a message. We see this all the time - in politics, in our work, in social settings. Is there a president or congressman (-woman) with whom you disagree? Do you immediately dismiss their statements and claims - simply because they are in the other political party, or you dislike them so much? If a person in your home owners association board gets on your nerves, do you roll your eyes and shake your head whenever they talk? Do you hesitate to talk with a co-worker because you know you will probably disagree with whatever they say?

Paul is saying he does not want support for his ministry to stop the Corinthians from hearing and believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. He may deserve support as an apostle-missionary. No one should be ‘turned off’ because of a demand for support. This is an interesting turn-around: he claims he is worthy of support because of his calling; yet he is making no claim for support if such a claim will prevent you from becoming a Christian. Your salvation is more important than any other thing.

***
Note 1: “Serendipity Group Bible Study Series”; Serendipity House, Littleton, CO; 1989. ***

1 Cororinthians 9:7-11 - Soldiers and Oxen

1 Cororinthians 9:7-11

7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?
8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things?
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He?
10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.
11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

We Work and Deserve to Make a Living

Paul defends his position using examples in verses 7-11, and reminds them the Levites and priests were supported by offerings and tithes (see: 12-18).

V. 7 - “Who… serves as a soldier… plants a vineyard… tends a flock” - All of these ‘jobs’ are done with an expectation of remuneration. A nation does not expect its soldiers to provide their own weapons, ammunition, uniform and living quarters. (One of the interesting problems the United States had during the revolution from Great Britain, was that many of the citizen soldiers had to supply their own muskets, clothes and food. Being a land that was only a few steps away from wilderness, many men had rifles and were rugged frontiersmen. The fledgling government struggled during that period to purchase and distribute weapons and supplies to Washington’s armies.) If we work, either at a job for a company or at our own farm, ranch or company, we expect to be paid - hardly anyone works for free. Non-paid volunteers are supported by someone else, or are retired and supported by their retirement savings.

V. 8-9 - “I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?” - We see the human perspective as set against God’s Law. Often we are proud to say, “I did this!” We get puffed up at the amazing things we accomplish. God has the welfare of all His creation on His heart and mind. To wit: the lowly ox pulling the threshing machine must not be denied eating some of the grain being processed. (See: Deut. 25:4; Prov. 12:10; Deut. 22:1-4) God sees compassion for others, even other’s animals as a primary ‘righteous’ characteristic for His people. He knows this is not the type of behavior of the ‘wicked’ - they are without compassion.
Wait a minute. Why would God be concerned for oxen? They are ‘dumb’ animals after all. Life in the universe is the Lord’s creation, and He is aware, He knows everything, from the smallest bird to the largest animal, from the dumbest animal to the smartest human. (See: Matt. 10:29)

V. 10-11 - “Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?” - I don't think Paul is referring only to himself and the other missionaries with him. But, he is applying the principle God sets: that workers have earned their wages - whether you are an engineer, a farmer, or an ox pulling a plow. A farmer does not plow the field, plant the seed, tend and harvest the crops for nothing! There is a hope that your efforts will pay off.

Of course it is for us this kind of thing is written. We need to be told that a worker must be paid for his work done. Because we are sinners, we will try to get by paying as little as possible (not all of us are like this, but the law must be stated for someone will say, “I didn’t know…”). The Israelites are instructed in Leviticus and Deuteronomy to promptly pay your hired workers (See: Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:15) Jesus uses hired workers as an example of people being paid what they were promised, and what was agreed upon when they were hired. (See: Matt. 20:1-16)

“Is it too much if we reap material things from you?” - Paul notes that he, Barnabas and others have spent their life and labors to bring Christ to the Corinthians so that they may have eternal life. Is that not more valuable than any thing? Of course it is! So, Paul poses the question, “If we have worked for you and with you, are not we worth being supported by you?” Paul understood that his missionary work would take him out of Corinth. He was asking the Corinthians to support him in his work, so that other people would have the chance to accept Christ as Lord and Savior just as the Corinthians did. These new Christians would return the favor, and support Paul so the work could continue.

***

1 Corinthians 9:1-6 - Support Paul & Barnabas

1 Corinthians 9:1-6
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 My defense to those who examine me is this:
4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink?
5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?

Am I An Apostle?

V. 1 - “Am I not free?” - It appears that Paul is under attack. I don’t know the details. Interpreting the next few sentences give the impression there were people in the Corinthian church that objected to supporting Paul in his missionary work. His credentials are being questioned. He starts with his status as a “free man”.
Paul was a Roman citizen and a Jew. He asserts his natural Roman citizenship in Acts 22:-29 when he asks, “Is it okay for you to flog a Roman citizen who has not been found guilty?” (paraphrased.) Panic ensues! He was not the member of some conquered, subjugated country. His status was even higher than the Roman commander to whom he asked the question. That Roman soldier was ‘naturalized’ - he had purchased citizenship. Paul was Roman by birth. He has rights and privileges others do not.

On the other hand, Paul is free in Christ. No longer a slave to sin. Paul is reminding them of Christ’s teaching: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” (John 8:31-38).
The Jews were self-deluded - they were under Roman rule, not an autonomous nation. (Need proof: The Jews had to appeal to Pontius Pilate when trying Jesus Christ.) They were self-deluded - refusing to recognize that sin had control of their lives; they were not free from sin, nor the penalty of sin.

“Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” - This is the next line defense - his apostleship. From Easton’s Bible Dictionary, an apostle “is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he (Jesus) entrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, ‘the twelve,’ as they are called (Mat 10:1-5; Mar 3:14; 6:7; Luk 6:13; 9:1)… It was characteristic of the apostles and necessary (1) that they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (Jhn 15:27; Act 1:21,22; 1Cr 9:1; Act 22:14,15). (2.) They must have been immediately called to that office by Christ (Luk 6:13; Gal 1:1).” Paul meets these criteria. He met Christ on the road to Damascus, and was taught by Jesus. (See Acts 9:1-19; Gal. 1:12)

“Are you not my work in the Lord?” - Next, Paul appeals to his personal involvement in their lives. He was called to be a missionary to the Gentiles. Many believers in Corinth (and elsewhere) were saved by their faith in Jesus Christ because Paul preached, witnessed to them and taught them. He was in Corinth for an extended period of time, not just an itinerant preacher. They are the living proof that Paul was called to spread the gospel.

V. 2 - “If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you” - He is saying, “Hey, you guys! I understand that other people may not think I am an apostle. But you you know better. You have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior - you heard it from me. You are living your life as a believer - as you learned from me.”

“you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” - You are all the proof anyone needs. Important documents, legal documents may have a ‘seal’ - whether it is a inked stamp, or a wax seal, or an impression embossed into the page - which is verification that the document is official.

V. 3-6 - “My defense…” - IF all the other apostles - Peter, James, John (to name the famous ones) - are able to devote their time and effort to the gospel, THEN Paul and Barnabas should have the same privilege to be full-time servants of Christ.

“A right to eat and drink… to take along a believing wife… refrain from working?” - Early in the beginning of the church, it was decided that the apostles needed to be teaching and preaching the gospel. This was not just the twelve making a decision, but the congregation came to the apostles to urge them to devote themselves (the apostles) to study, teaching and preaching the Word of God. (See: Acts 4:31-35; 6:1-5) From that time on, the leaders of the church - preachers, teachers, evangelists - did not work at a secular job to support themselves or the groups of believers. (Note: It is believed that Paul worked as a tentmaker on one of his extended stays in his missionary journeys. See: Acts 20:34). After initial reticence to Paul (Can you blame them, after all he was rounding them up to be imprisoned or killed for their belief in Christ? See: Acts 7:58-8:3.), and after a council in Jerusalem in which Barnabas and Paul presented their case for reaching the Gentiles, it was decided that Paul was legitimately an apostle. Paul lived Peter’s admonition, “But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.Yet do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Pet. 3:15-16)

It may have been outsiders urging the church to reject Paul - hadn’t he persecuted believers; how do they know he isn’t setting them up for arrest, etc. It may have been jealousy of local believers, or others who didn’t want to support a preacher/teacher who wasn’t serving the local church.
I don’t know if Paul was married, but earlier in this letter he advises the unmarried to remain as he is. (See: 1 Cor. 7:6-8) He did not command them, but reminded them they would have more time for the ministry and church if they weren’t spending time on family matters. He did not denigrate Peter (Cephas) or others for being married.
That being said, if Peter as an apostle was supported by the church, then Paul and Barnabas were equally worthy of support.

***

1 Corinthians 9 - Introduction

Outline: Chap. 9
9:1-6 - Support Paul & Barnabas
9:7-11 - Soldiers & Oxen
9:12-18 - My Reward
9:19-23 - For Gospel’s Sake
9:24-27 - Discipline to Win
***

Up to this point, Paul has answered questions about:

•   Living harmoniously with other Christians (Ch. 6), 
•   Marriage (Ch. 7), 
•   Christian behavior and concern for other believers (Ch. 8). 

Next he turns to the validity of his ministry and financial support for him and Barnabas. It seems odd to me that he would need to defend himself to the Corinthian church. On the other hand, he had his own past to live down - starting with the stoning of Stephen and other acts of persecution. See Acts 7:57-8:3, in which the NASB reads “Paul began ravaging the church…” That is quite a reputation to live down. After the Lord accosted Paul on the road to Damascus and he gave himself and his life to Jesus, Paul witnessed for Jesus Christ with the same verve as when he was persecuting believers. Understandably, some Christians were skeptical. Perhaps they were thinking Paul was faking it in order to identify believers. Getting names and addresses of believers would be an easy way to round them up.

Add the confused Jewish leaders to the Christian skeptics. The man who had been vocal and committed to eliminating Christians was now behaving like one of them. They were confounded (Acts 9:22). He was so successful as an apologist, the Jews decided to kill Paul! (Acts 9:24) The church acted, sending Paul away from Jerusalem to Caesarea and Tarsus - which is about 600 miles north of Jerusalem. This is perhaps the actual beginning of Paul’s missionary work. The persecution of the church lessened - a little - since there seemed to be a short period of peaceful co-existence with the Jews. As the gospel spread throughout the region due to the dispersion of believers, more and more Gentiles heard the Gospel and believed. Barnabas goes to Tarsus to get Paul, bringing him back to Antioch, where believers are first called “Christians”. (Acts 11:26) Paul and Barnabas work and learn together in Antioch. They are commissioned to spread the Gospel “throughout the world”, and also go to Jerusalem to received the commission from the other apostles.

This is a head-snapping change in direction! What’s this all about? Paul, who had persecuted Jews when they converted to Christianity, was now taking the Gospel to Gentiles. Gentiles! This caused some consternation among the Jewish believers. Now Paul is asking for money and support for the church in Jerusalem. Reading through verse 18 of this chapter we can deduce that some people in the Corinthian church were objecting to sending money and supplies to support Paul. Most Biblical scholars think Paul wrote this letter during his stay in Ephesus, near the end of his second missionary journey. Two major churches were established on that journey - Corinth and Ephesus. This letter may have been written between two and four years after he left Corinth, and is perhaps the second letter written. (We do not have any copies of that letter, but it is referenced in this letter. I don't think 2 Corinthians is the second letter, but is the third and just the second letter preserved or saved. ).

1 Cor. 8:7-13 - Use Knowledge Wisely

1 Cor. 8:7-13 - Use Knowledge Wisely

7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.
9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
10 For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

So No One Can Boast

This is a continuation of the discussion about idols. Some believers, most probably Jewish Christians, were feeling smug because they did not worship idols or the gods represented by those idols. That smugness and arrogance was upsetting some of the Gentile believers. There is an additional problem with respect to the idols.

V. 7 - “Not all men have this knowledge” - The church is becoming ‘multi-cultural’, i.e., Gentiles and Jews are being saved. Some, or all, of the Gentiles will know of sacrifices made to idols and the pagan altars. Most of the religions in that time had idols, and the gods that inhabited the idols. And often the gods of these religions may have been powerful, but also limited in some way, not being omnipotent. Gentiles coming to faith in Christ may be newly introduced to the concept of Yahweh God who is above and beyond all others.

“some, being accustomed to the idol until now” - It seems that some people were eating food that had been offered to idols. Since Jews and Jewish Christians did not believe in the idols or the gods of the idols, they may have had no problem eating the food left from the sacrifice.

From a different point of view, the Jews were very aware that food that had been offered as a sacrifice (with a very few exceptions according to the Law) were never eaten by the Jews. Some was eaten by the Levites, some was eaten by the priests, but that is about it. (See: Exodus 34:15; Dt 27:7; 1 Sam 9:13 ) (See Note 1, below) Jews may have been leery, uncomfortable, eating food offered in a sacrifice.  
David Guzik (in his commentary on 1 Corinthians) indicates that pagan offerings or sacrifices were distributed in three possible ways - one portion burned on the altar, one portion given to the offerer to be eaten as a feast, and one portion given to the priest. The priests might sell the meat in a market place. Matthew Henry’s commentary says something similar.

“Eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” - The question seems to be centered on whether eating food (meat, especially) that was originally offered to a pagan idol is okay to eat. Have they sinned against God if they eat the offered meat? Obviously, some of the Christians had no problem eating food formerly offered to an idol - after all, the idol meant nothing. However, others were bothered significantly, bothered to the point they felt defiled by the practice.

I think this may be like the question, “Should Christians drink beer?” There are believers who see no problem having a beer (as long as you don’t go to excess and drunkenness). There are believers that think any consumption of alcohol is leading to sin. Which one is correct? Well, it depends. Back to the dilemma presented to Paul: If you are not tempted sin, when eating meat sacrificed to idols, go ahead and eat. If your conscience will be ‘defiled’ by eating meat, don’t eat the sacrificed meat. That is, if eating sacrificial food will lure you away from living for Christ and into sin, stay away from it.

V. 8 - “But food will not commend us to God” - What you eat does not bring you to a closer relationship with the Lord.

“we are neither the worse... nor the better” - Being a vegan will not cleanse you of your sin. Only Christ’s death and resurrection can do that. Eating meat will not move you up the ‘approved’ list of God’s people. We have all fallen short and are in need of the cleansing blood of Christ.

V. 9 - “But take care that this liberty of yours” - However. What you do can have negative consequences for other believers. We now have moved from theoretical theology into living the Christian life, caring for and about others. Put other’s needs above your own. See the following: “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13) “... encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:25) “We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thes 5:14)

“a stumbling block to the weak” - Let nothing you do cause a fellow believer to be weakened spiritually and fall into sin. If drinking beer with a believer weakens his resolve - don’t do it. I am not sure it is ‘your fault’ if a Christian weakens and sins, it is his personal choice. He will bear the consequences of his sin, not you. But if your behavior, your activity, causes that believer to question his commitment to the Lord, and commit a sin, you have become a ‘stumbling block’. Don’t do it.

V. 10-13 - “For if someone sees you” - Paul sets up this hypothetical lesson.

“will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?” - So you ‘know better’ than others, and don’t have any problem eating meat or food that was dedicated to an idol or a god. On the other hand, another person isn’t so sure that eating such dedicated food is not a sin. Your actions encourage them to violate their own conscience to partake.

“For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined” - As a result the other person, led by your actions, has remorse and guilt because of the perceived sin of eating dedicated food. The joy of living for Christ has been sullied, dirtied.

“the brother for whose sake Christ died” - Jesus died for the other person’s sin, just as He died for yours. You are no better than any other.

“by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience” - The brethren were doing okay in their Christian life. Now, because they were tempted to sin (it may not have been a sin to you, but with their background and understanding...) their conscience tells them they have done wrong. You can say that it was their responsibility, not yours. Indeed, they had to make the final decision. But they did it against their own best judgment and now they believe they have sinned.

“you sin against Christ” - Your encouragement to eat dedicated meat was not an enlightenment for them. You were part of the temptation for them to sin. You have offended Christ Jesus our Lord because you didn’t care enough about your fellow Christian. That is your sin - not loving others as Christ has loved you!

“Therefore” - Paul’s conclusion to the object lesson:

“if food causes my brother to stumble” - Your actions do not follow these words in Hebrews, “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13) Or, “let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

“I will never eat meat again” - More than saying, “Sorry ‘bout that.” I know there are some Christians who drink beer occasionally (myself included). I know there are some for whom drinking beer is anathema. If drinking beer while with them bothers them, I will refrain. I will not, to the best of my ability, live my life in a way that harms another’s faith in the Lord. This is a pretty low hurdle to clear! Live so as to not harm those who already believe in Jesus. An even more important life goal is to live so non-believers will want to know who Christ is and how He has changed your life. God loves us, and Jesus Christ is the only way we can know and understand that love.

*** Note 1: The Biblical law specifies which offerings were eaten and which were wholly consumed. Burnt offerings (olah) were wholly burned on the altar and not eaten (Leviticus 1:9 ESV). By contrast, grain offerings and peace (fellowship) offerings had parts burned but other portions were for the offerer and for the priests to eat—“it shall be eaten on the day of his offering” (Leviticus 2:3,10; 7:11–15 ESV). Some sin and guilt offerings gave the priest a portion to eat in the sanctuary in certain cases (Leviticus 7:6; Numbers 6:19–20 ESV). (From faith assistant AI on “Leading the Way” website.) ***
End of Chapter 

1 Corinthians - Chapter 8 Introduction

Introduction:

What does ‘liberty’ in Christ mean? Paul just finished a long discussion of the concept of Christian marriage. It seems that in the very next breath as he was dictating this letter, the subject changes.
As mentioned at the beginning of chapter seven, Paul is responding to questions being sent to him about how to live the Christian faith. Although Paul almost always started a missionary visit in a synagogue in the town he was visiting, we should remember that many of his ‘converts’ were not of Jewish background. Paul was called by God to spread the gospel to Gentiles. I suspect that most non-Jewish people, not living in Jerusalem or Judea, would ‘know’ some Jews, but know very little about the Jews or their faith, or their scripture.

It might be like it is today in America. Most people know there are churches in their towns, but unless they are regular attendees they only have a vague notion of Christian teachings and beliefs.

Even as we look back to chapter seven, it is quite possible the concept of marriage being a permanent bond because God wanted it that way may be ‘news’ to the Gentiles. Paul’s teaching about the permanence of marriage, through God, would be a major change in the way people think about marriage. Again, looking at the United States today, marriage is not the revered institution Paul is discussing in this letter. Sometimes is seems our leaders or entertainers change marriages like we change underwear. The marriages are thrown away like we throw our dirty clothes in the hamper.

Paul deals with ‘living the Christian life’ more in this letter than any of the others. He deals with more than canonical issues (how to run the church, elders, deacons, pastors, teachers). He is addressing how you live your life for Christ, because you will be unique in your community. You may be the only Christian there. Make sure people see Christ in the way you live, and see Him in such a way that they want to be His also!

1 Cor. 8:1-6 - Sacrifices to Idols

1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.
2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know;
3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.
5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords,
6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

Now On to Other Matters

V. 1 - “Now...” - Change of subject. We’ve answered the question about marriage thoroughly. On to the next.

“concerning things sacrificed to idols” - This seems to be a huge change of subject. However, Paul is answering questions or responding to problems that have arisen in the Corinthian church. There are a couple of things to consider when reading this letter. Paul was called to witness and win Gentiles to Christ. Many of the Christians asking the questions grew up in cities, or city-states, that did not have a history or tradition based on the Jewish faith. The religions, whether from Greece, Rome, Egypt, Babylon, etc., had idols - statues or symbols of their gods.
The Jews were given very strict instructions regarding idols. (Lev 19:4, 26:1, 26:30; Deut 32:21; 2 Ki 23:24; 1 Chr 16:25; 2 Chr 15:8, 24:18) Not only were the Jews to worship no one but Yahweh, the Lord God, but they were to not have any idols representing the Lord.
We tend to think the pagans worshipped the idols. Michael Heiser, in his book “Unseen Realms”, says the idols were the ‘home’ for the gods here on earth - the people were worshipping the god who occupied the idol. In similar fashion, the Tabernacle with the Holy of Holies was where God resided when He came to visit the Jews on their travels. It was His ‘home-away-from-home.” The Jews had no idols they worshipped. The closest thing we might consider an ‘idol’ is the tabernacle or temple. There is where the offerings were presented, the bulls, goats, lambs, etc., were sacrificed.

Sacrificing to idols meant the worshipper was giving credence to the god the idol represented. They were buying into the rituals and religion of that particular god. It may start off simply or innocently (“I’m just being polite so I don't offend my neighbors”), but worship of another god will change the person, and begin to take away their dedication to the Lord. They will fall away completely, sooner or later.

Christians have no idols we worship, similar to the Jewish faith. The cross of Christ should never be an idol for us. We do not pray to the cross. We do not pray to the empty tomb. We pray to God the Father in heaven, to Christ the Lord in heaven (and in us), to the Holy Spirit given to us as a guarantee that Christ will return for us. We have no images or statues that we worship.
I understand there are believers who pray to persons or saints other than Jesus. These saints are former famous or revered believers in church history. I personally not comfortable praying to anyone other than God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We never see someone in the Bible praying to an angel, or to the spirit of Moses, David, or any of the prophets. I've heard it said that angels carry our prayer requests to the Lord. That makes no sense to me, since God hears all, knows all. Plus we have the Holy Spirit given to us as a gift to help us when we live and worship. We don't have to go out of our own head or heart to have access to the Lord our God, the Savior of the world.

“we all have knowledge” - If the believers in Corinth (or elsewhere) had been listening to the apostles and missionaries, they know that idols can do nothing for them.

“Knowledge makes arrogant” - It seems the problem is not just that some of the new Christians have idols in their homes - whether idols set up to represent Jesus or idols for the pagan religions - but some believers who “know better” are making life difficult for the others. Or perhaps some of the Christians are being ridiculed - some (or many) of the believers are Gentiles, and most likely had idols in their homes because of their former beliefs. It is possible that Jewish Christians were giving the others a bad time. On the other side, it is possible that Gentiles were mocking Jews because, how could the Jewish Christians know who to worship without an idol to focus on. 

Paul is saying we all know stuff, but that ‘knowledge’ is no good reason to feel proud. We are all on the same footing - we do not deserve salvation, it is a gift from God.

“but love edifies.” - Instead of shaming someone (for almost any reason) let the love of God flow through you to them. Let them know, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)
And teach them, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
Plus, they need to know, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”(Titus 3:5)

V. 2 - “If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know” - If you think that deriding a new believer because they do not have the same understanding as you, then you are missing a significant part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are operating on a “little knowledge”, which can be a dangerous thing. The idiom, “jumping to a conclusion” is focused on making a decision based on incomplete information. Sometimes this can be justified. If you see a deer lying along side of the road, broken, busted and dead, concluding the deer was struck by a car or truck is probably a correct assumption. But - if you assume a person in dumb or stupid because of their race, or if you assume a person is racist because the other person is white, or you will be killed because the other person is a police officer, or... Decisions made on faulty or incomplete information can be deadly.

I just read a devotional thought by Watchman Nee. "Here is the simple basis of all our fellowship with others. It is that they belong to the Lord and so do we... Instead of dwelling on the Lord we have in common, we turn to the negative ground of our differences sand stress what is right or wrong in them... The question is not whether he believes exactly what I believe, or has had the same experience as I have had. The sole question is: has God received him." (See note 2, below)

V. 3 - "but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him"- God knows who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. God alone makes that call. God knows what is in the heart of every person. God knows if you are faking it - saying you believe, but living and acting based on your former beliefs. God knows if you are simply immature in your faith, and haven’t yet figured out how to leave your old beliefs behind. We are reminded, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” (Heb. 4:13-16)

I am not saying that when we see a fellow Christian stumble or have difficulties in the faith, that we are to ignore it because it is their personal problem. Again, we are instructed, “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13);
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)
“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thes. 5:11)
“We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thes. 5:14)
“and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds.” (Heb. 10:24)

V. 4 - “we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world” - This is an interesting translation of this phrase. Other versions read, “an idol has no real existence” (ESV), or:
“An idol is nothing at all in the world” (NIV). It’s not that the idols people worship are images of gods do not exist (that is: gods, or spiritual beings who are not God, the Lord, Yahweh). Of course they exist. In comparison to the Lord, our God, idols and the gods they represent are inconsequential. Why can I say this?

“there is no God but one” - There is no other. See the following: “For this reason You are great, Lord GOD; for there is no one like You, and there is no God except You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (2 Sam. 7:22)
“See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can save anyone from My hand.” (Deut. 32:39)
“Hear, Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” (Deut. 6:4) (See Note 1, below)  
“Then he said, ‘Tomorrow.’ So he said, “May it be according to your word, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.” (Exo. 8:10)
“Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, Israel! The LORDis our God, the LORD is one.” (Mark 12:29)

The other gods are imposters, impersonators. They are created by the Creator - our God, Yahweh!

V. 5-6 - “For even if there are so-called gods... yet for us there is but one God, the Father” - We will not be drawn away to other gods. Compare this to Hos 11:2, in which reminds them that it was the Lord God who rescued them from Egypt, but still the people call out to the ineffectual false Gods.

“from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus” - No one says it better than Paul in one of his other letters. See: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Col. 1:15-20)

***

Note 1: This verse (Deut 6:4) is known as the Shema, a holy prayer of the Jews. It is repeated when they go to bed, and when they arise. Our pastor gave us a detailed explanation of the Shema in his sermon on 25Jan26.
Note 2: Watchman Nee; "A Table in the Wilderness"; CLC Publications; 2022.

1 Corinthians 7:39-40 - Widows and Re-Marriage

39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

‘Til Death Do Us Part...

V. 39 - “A wife is bound as long as her husband lives” - This whole chapter is about marriage. If you get married and are a Christian, you are to stay married as long as the other partner lives. Again, looking back at the beginning of the chapter, remain married unless the non-believing partner insists. (See vs. 10, 11) You need to live in such a Christian manner that the non-believer does not want to leave, instead wants to know Christ for themselves. If at all possible win your mate to Christ.

“if her husband is dead, she is free” - The bond of marriage is broken by death. The widow can remarry. Paul urges her to consider carefully, and to be sure this is the way God wants you to go. Prayerfully take the matter to God, ask Him to show you what He wants for you.

V. 40 - “But in my opinion” - Paul thinks you should stay single. This is a repeat of his opinion given earlier in the chapter, and he is sticking to it.

---

End of Chapter (2-20-2026)