1 Corinthians 9

Scripture  1 Corinthians 9:26-27   Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Observation-What does it say?  In chapter eight and nine, Paul discusses our use of liberty as Christians.  Throughout the new testament, we find that we have freedom from the law, but we are not to use the freedom as an opportunity or an excuse to continue in sin (Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 2:16).  In chapter nine, Paul expounds on this idea, making sure we know that our behavior should be geared at building up the body of Christ. In the end, he uses the example of competing to show the extent of our calling to discipline, as one who competes lets go of everything that would hinder him from gaining a prize. Understanding-What does it mean?  In our world of sports today, we see people going to extreme lengths to be known as the greatest.  Baseball players have filled their bats with cork, pumped themselves full of steroids, and even banged on trash cans to gain a slight advantage.  There are stories of runners hoping in cabs to get to the finish of marathons faster. Then there are characters like Lance, who involved a whole team of doctors, trainers, and teammates to hide a system of illegal injections.  In the end, a lot of these people have been stripped of their titles and left us to wonder if there is any integrity anymore.   But then, every once in a while, there are other characters that come out of the sports world who repair our hope.  The Tillman’s and the DiMaggio's, who gave up the fanfare to serve their country. There are also countless others who, through coaching and volunteering, have taught us to place others in front of ourselves. As we draw near to Christ, Paul is encouraging us to have integrity in our walk.  We are called to let go of all distractions as we run to Him. But, not just consider this as a means for our benefit, we must acknowledge that the way we live affects the outcome of other’s.  Let us not turn others away from the gospel by living in a way that diminishes God’s grace (Philippians 2:3-4). Life Application  Jesus, I’m sorry for where I have allowed my liberty to cause people to stumble.  Help me to trust in your calling on my life. Give me strength where I am weak, and grace when I need it.  Let me always tell the gospel story with my actions, and help me to line up my words with that.    
-Tyler Galloway

1 Corinthians 8

Scripture 1 Corinthians 8:9,12,139 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak...12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.ObservationThe Apostle Paul continuing his letter to the church at Corinth walks this particular church through a difficult topic that was causing division and strife within the fellowship of believers. The church was trying to figure out its position on the consumption of foods that had been dedicated to idols(false gods). Understanding 

I had to read and re-read this particular chapter. This is how I understand it.  It is about God’s love.It is not about being right. He points out that the “more mature” Christians of the church are not wrong. They followed the true God- in their hearts food dedicated to idols had no power over them! However, the early church had members who had not built themselves up to this level of thought. To them watching their big brother or big sister Christians eat this type of food confused them. In their confusion they were also hurt. Again not because of any right way of thinking but because that was their level of growth in Christ.In verse 12, the apostle Paul makes it very clear, when you sin against a brother or sister in Christ in this way, and wound their weak conscience you sin against Christ!Is that not a sobering conclusion? Life Application Living in community isn’t always easy. In fact I would be so bold as to say it is hard.In verse 1 of the same chapter Paul teaches us that “knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” And so here is my prayer:Lord as my relationship and knowledge of you deepens,May my exercise of that knowledge always beCouched in Love, Love, Love.May I be willing to sacrifice my rightsFor the sake of those whom I love,For the sake of Your kingdom,For the sake of Your Love, Love, Love. Love You Jesus,Kenneth Lee 

Psalm 138

Scripture

 

Psalms‬ ‭138:7-8‬ ‭

 

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

This is another psalm of King David. A psalm where he gives thanks and praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. No matter how dire David’s situation was, he chose to give thanks and praise to God. David knew all too well from experience of God’s faithfulness, so he chose to give God all his praise and glory through all the good times and even the troubling times in his life. At the end of the day, God is in control, and God is good!

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Trust God no matter what!

 

David was considered to be a man after God’s own heart. He was a man of faith. His life showed it. From the faith he had when he was just a shepherd boy, to be able to defeat the MIGHTY Goliath! To his stressful times of being chased by Saul, hiding in caves, fearing for his life. Then even when David messed up in life and slept with a married woman Bathsheba, got her pregnant, plotted and killed her husband, tried to hide his sin, and then faced God’s punishment for it-(the child that Bathsheba had from David’s adultery died)...David trusted God and accepted whatever came his way. Even as King, David knew who was truly King. He knew without God, none of the things he had experienced in life would be possible. God was and will always be...in control.

 

Life Application

 

Seek God’s purpose through life’s struggles.

 

God did not remove all of David’s troubles in life even though David may have cried out for God to do so. We aren’t supposed to treat God like that genie in a lamp who grants all of our wishes. We have to understand that sometimes God will take us out of trouble, but more often than not, God will keep us in it, but He is always there with us, walking us through it. God’s main purpose for us isn’t our own personal comfort. God’s main purpose for us is for us to be more like Christ. So whatever situation we may be in, understand this, God is trying to grow you in your faith. He is molding you into the person He is calling you to be. It is part of our life’s process (sanctification) till Jesus calls us home. 😊

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“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”-Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬

 

So whenever life’s troubles are weighing you down, look up! Seek God! Seek God’s purpose for you through it. And I’m confident, like David, that God too will give you the strength, boldness, and courage to face it all. And you will be all the better and stronger because of it! 👍🏽

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-Moses Gaddi