1. How should we preach the Gospel of Christ? 2:1-4
We should not depend on our knowledge or wisdom. We are to depend on the power of God’s Spirit.
We should not add to or take away from the gospel. We are not to preach the philosophies of men or our
opinion, but proclaim the Word of God. We are to preach in humility, realizing it is not by my power that
others will be saved. We are to focus on the message of the Gospel which is Christ crucified and men’s
need to repent.
2. Why should we preach in this way? 2:5
That they may be saved through God’s power, not yours.
3. Why do you think Paul preached to the Corinthians this way?
1) The people put their confidence in knowledge and wisdom. He didn’t want people to receive the
gospel in their head, but in their heart.
2) He recongnized that we are unable to save people in our power.
3) It is only by the H.S. that people can be saved.
(Acts 14:3; Romans 15:17-19)
4) It is not much talk that will change people lives.
5) He wanted God to get all the glory.
4. Paul refers of a hidden wisdom. What is it? 2:6-10
The gospel or the message of the cross.
5. What searches all things? 2:10
The Holy Spirit
6. How do we come to know God? 2:10-12
By the Holy Spirit
7. Is the Bible just words in a book?
No
8. If no, then what is the Bible? 2:13
It is the Word of God, therefore, spiritual words and spiritual truths.
9. How can we understand theses spiritual words and truth? 2:14
By spiritual discernment which comes by the Spirit of God.
10. Who is the spiritual man? 2:15-3:3
One who has spiritual discernment and not worldly.
11. What must we do to gain spiritual understanding?
Spend time with God and submit to His Spirit.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wisdom of God
I. The difference between God’s wisdom and men’s. I Corinthians 1:17-25
The wisdom of the world is based on man’s knowledge and understanding. It is limited. Any wisdom that is contrary to God’s word and principles that he has established is human wisdom. Any thinking or action that is contrary to God’s thinking or will is human wisdom. The wisdom of the world puts God on the side, not in the center of our life, and often removes God from our live. The wisdom of the man puts its focus on man and his abilities. The wisdom of man sees man as the final authority and does not accept the revelation of Jesus Christ. The wisdom of this world can’t distinguish between right and wrong.
God’s wisdom is based on God’s knowledge and understanding that is revealed through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we have the wisdom of God our thoughts and actions will be lined up with the Bible. When we have the wisdom of God, Jesus Christ will be at the center of our lives. When we have the wisdom of God, we will not depend on our own strength or abilities.
II. What is the wisdom of God for those who are perishing? I Corinthians 1:18
Foolishness
III. What is the wisdom of God for those who are being saved?
It is the power of God.
IV. What are some things that those who don’t have Christ consider foolish?
1) Those that are least in the kingdom of God are the greater.
2) Those who give liberally will become rich.
3) Those that humble themselves will be lifted up.
4) Love your enemies and pray for them.
5) Those who die to self will find life.
V. Who is the power of God and wisdom of God? I Corinthians 1:24
Christ
VI. What is wiser than man’s wisdom? I Corinthians 1:25
God’s foolishness
VII. Are we able to know God through our wisdom? I Corinthians 1:21
VIII. What kind of people does God love to choose and use for His kingdom? I Corinthians 1:26-29
1) Those who are not wise by human standards.
2) Those who are not influential or of noble birth.
IX. What other things does God like to choose?
1) Those things that is foolish according to the world.
2) Those things that is weak.
3) Those things that is lowly.
4) Those things that is despised.
X. Why does God do this?
1) To shame the wise and strong.
2) To bring glory to God and that people might boast in Him alone.
XI. Where does wisdom come from? I Corinthians 1:30
It is from God through Christ.
XII. According to verse 30, what kind of wisdom does God give?
Righteous, holy, and redemptive
XIII. How do we obtain or find this wisdom?
We find it in the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and other wise men of God.
XIV. List some things we do as Christians that show that we have God’s wisdom?
1) We don’t steal, cheat, lie, kill, or commit adultery.
2) We don’t worship idols or evil spirits.
3) We love other people as God loves us.
4) We don’t boast in our wisdom or own strength.
5) We put God first in our lives.
The wisdom of the world is based on man’s knowledge and understanding. It is limited. Any wisdom that is contrary to God’s word and principles that he has established is human wisdom. Any thinking or action that is contrary to God’s thinking or will is human wisdom. The wisdom of the world puts God on the side, not in the center of our life, and often removes God from our live. The wisdom of the man puts its focus on man and his abilities. The wisdom of man sees man as the final authority and does not accept the revelation of Jesus Christ. The wisdom of this world can’t distinguish between right and wrong.
God’s wisdom is based on God’s knowledge and understanding that is revealed through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we have the wisdom of God our thoughts and actions will be lined up with the Bible. When we have the wisdom of God, Jesus Christ will be at the center of our lives. When we have the wisdom of God, we will not depend on our own strength or abilities.
II. What is the wisdom of God for those who are perishing? I Corinthians 1:18
Foolishness
III. What is the wisdom of God for those who are being saved?
It is the power of God.
IV. What are some things that those who don’t have Christ consider foolish?
1) Those that are least in the kingdom of God are the greater.
2) Those who give liberally will become rich.
3) Those that humble themselves will be lifted up.
4) Love your enemies and pray for them.
5) Those who die to self will find life.
V. Who is the power of God and wisdom of God? I Corinthians 1:24
Christ
VI. What is wiser than man’s wisdom? I Corinthians 1:25
God’s foolishness
VII. Are we able to know God through our wisdom? I Corinthians 1:21
VIII. What kind of people does God love to choose and use for His kingdom? I Corinthians 1:26-29
1) Those who are not wise by human standards.
2) Those who are not influential or of noble birth.
IX. What other things does God like to choose?
1) Those things that is foolish according to the world.
2) Those things that is weak.
3) Those things that is lowly.
4) Those things that is despised.
X. Why does God do this?
1) To shame the wise and strong.
2) To bring glory to God and that people might boast in Him alone.
XI. Where does wisdom come from? I Corinthians 1:30
It is from God through Christ.
XII. According to verse 30, what kind of wisdom does God give?
Righteous, holy, and redemptive
XIII. How do we obtain or find this wisdom?
We find it in the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and other wise men of God.
XIV. List some things we do as Christians that show that we have God’s wisdom?
1) We don’t steal, cheat, lie, kill, or commit adultery.
2) We don’t worship idols or evil spirits.
3) We love other people as God loves us.
4) We don’t boast in our wisdom or own strength.
5) We put God first in our lives.
Division in the Corinthian Church
I. What kind of church was Corinth?
A. It was rich spiritually because they had all kinds of gifts and spiritual knowledge. 1:5
Did the Corinthian church receive these spiritual gifts because they were a godly church? 1:4
No, it was by the grace of Jesus Christ.
B. They were well established or rooted in the Gospel. 1:6
C. There was division in the church. 1:10
Why was there division in the church?
1) Not everyone was at the same level spiritually.
2) It was because of pride, jealousy, and fanaticism.
How was a church that had all these spiritual gifts and knowledge have so many problems and division in it?
It is because all the spiritual gifts and knowledge puffed them up.
II. Paul gave some counsel in I Corinthians 1:10.
A. What was it?
All of you agree with one another and be perfectly united in mind.
B. Is this possible? No
C. Explain you response.
Not everyone is led by the Spirit or some are more led than others.
D. How can we be perfectly united?
1) When we are led by the Spirit.
2) When we realize that Christ is our head and we are one family.
III. What is the problem in this passage? 1:11
A. The problem in this passage is fanaticism.
B. What is the soloution?
1) Put you confidence in God, not men.
2) Keep your eyes on Christ.
3) We are all servants of God, doing His work.
A. It was rich spiritually because they had all kinds of gifts and spiritual knowledge. 1:5
Did the Corinthian church receive these spiritual gifts because they were a godly church? 1:4
No, it was by the grace of Jesus Christ.
B. They were well established or rooted in the Gospel. 1:6
C. There was division in the church. 1:10
Why was there division in the church?
1) Not everyone was at the same level spiritually.
2) It was because of pride, jealousy, and fanaticism.
How was a church that had all these spiritual gifts and knowledge have so many problems and division in it?
It is because all the spiritual gifts and knowledge puffed them up.
II. Paul gave some counsel in I Corinthians 1:10.
A. What was it?
All of you agree with one another and be perfectly united in mind.
B. Is this possible? No
C. Explain you response.
Not everyone is led by the Spirit or some are more led than others.
D. How can we be perfectly united?
1) When we are led by the Spirit.
2) When we realize that Christ is our head and we are one family.
III. What is the problem in this passage? 1:11
A. The problem in this passage is fanaticism.
B. What is the soloution?
1) Put you confidence in God, not men.
2) Keep your eyes on Christ.
3) We are all servants of God, doing His work.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Values
In my devotions I came across Luke 16:15. The last part of the verse struck me - "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Here Jesus is talking to the religious leaders of that day. He is addressing their bad attitudes and handling of money. They put great importance on wealth and status.
I thought to myself, the things that are highly valued by God, are they highly valued by me? Do my values match God's values?
What are some of the things that men value and maybe I do but don't have much value in God's eyes? Of course mentioned already is wealth and status. Some others are power or authority, sex appeal or good looks deception, and accomplishment in business. Some possible others would be popularity, a big church or mission work, expensive or nice looking clothes, and approbation.
There may be others I have missed. What do you highly value or see as important? Do they match up to what God values?
God values love, healthy relationships, salvation of souls, humility among other fruits of the Spirit,servant-hood, generosity, purity, truth and obedience to His Word among a few.
Lord help me to value what you value.
I thought to myself, the things that are highly valued by God, are they highly valued by me? Do my values match God's values?
What are some of the things that men value and maybe I do but don't have much value in God's eyes? Of course mentioned already is wealth and status. Some others are power or authority, sex appeal or good looks deception, and accomplishment in business. Some possible others would be popularity, a big church or mission work, expensive or nice looking clothes, and approbation.
There may be others I have missed. What do you highly value or see as important? Do they match up to what God values?
God values love, healthy relationships, salvation of souls, humility among other fruits of the Spirit,servant-hood, generosity, purity, truth and obedience to His Word among a few.
Lord help me to value what you value.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Do Not Fear
Isaiah 43:1-2
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
The call of God today in the uncertain world we live in and the challenges of life that often seem to overwhelm us is to “fear not!” When Joshua was called to lead Israel into the land of promise, a land of giants and walled cities that seemed overwhelming and insurmountable, the word of the Lord to him was to fear not, but be strong and courageous, because the Lord God was with him. Over and over when Israel faced insurmountable enemies, the command of the Lord was not to fear. When the tempest on Lake Galilee seemed about to swamp the disciples’ boat, the word of Jesus was, “Do not be afraid.”
In the portion we read today, God gives three reasons why we should not fear. We have been redeemed. Redeemed means to buy back something that belonged to you. I’m reminded of a story of a young boy who built a beautiful sail boat. He took it down to the river to play with it, the current caught it, and it disappeared down the river. One day, the boy passed a pawn shop, and there was his boat in the window. He went in and told the owner that it was his boat and even showed him his initials on the bottom of the boat. The owner said, “Sorry, boy, it is my boat now, and you are going to have to buy it from me.” So the boy went out and worked hard at odd jobs until he saved enough money to buy the boat. As he walked out of the pawn shop the owner overheard him say, “Little boat, you belong to me twice. First I made you, and then I bought you.” We should not worry or fear because we were created by God’s own hands and have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. You are highly favored by God.
God continues by saying “I have called you by my name.” Jesus said, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” (John 15:16) God Almighty, the Creator of the universe who holds all power in His hand, has called you and chosen you by your name. Jesus goes on to say that “no one can snatch you out of my hand.” (John 10:28) Why? Because you belong to God! God goes on to say in Isaiah 43:4, “Since you are precious and honored and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you.”
Because of God’s great love for you and the price He paid to redeem you, you are extremely precious to Him, and He is honored by your presence. God is proud of you. You have His favor. Like Israel, who were in captivity in Babylon, when we are overwhelmed by what we face and the currents of life seem to be washing us away, we forget that we have been redeemed and we are now His. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-32, 37)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
The call of God today in the uncertain world we live in and the challenges of life that often seem to overwhelm us is to “fear not!” When Joshua was called to lead Israel into the land of promise, a land of giants and walled cities that seemed overwhelming and insurmountable, the word of the Lord to him was to fear not, but be strong and courageous, because the Lord God was with him. Over and over when Israel faced insurmountable enemies, the command of the Lord was not to fear. When the tempest on Lake Galilee seemed about to swamp the disciples’ boat, the word of Jesus was, “Do not be afraid.”
In the portion we read today, God gives three reasons why we should not fear. We have been redeemed. Redeemed means to buy back something that belonged to you. I’m reminded of a story of a young boy who built a beautiful sail boat. He took it down to the river to play with it, the current caught it, and it disappeared down the river. One day, the boy passed a pawn shop, and there was his boat in the window. He went in and told the owner that it was his boat and even showed him his initials on the bottom of the boat. The owner said, “Sorry, boy, it is my boat now, and you are going to have to buy it from me.” So the boy went out and worked hard at odd jobs until he saved enough money to buy the boat. As he walked out of the pawn shop the owner overheard him say, “Little boat, you belong to me twice. First I made you, and then I bought you.” We should not worry or fear because we were created by God’s own hands and have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. You are highly favored by God.
God continues by saying “I have called you by my name.” Jesus said, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” (John 15:16) God Almighty, the Creator of the universe who holds all power in His hand, has called you and chosen you by your name. Jesus goes on to say that “no one can snatch you out of my hand.” (John 10:28) Why? Because you belong to God! God goes on to say in Isaiah 43:4, “Since you are precious and honored and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you.”
Because of God’s great love for you and the price He paid to redeem you, you are extremely precious to Him, and He is honored by your presence. God is proud of you. You have His favor. Like Israel, who were in captivity in Babylon, when we are overwhelmed by what we face and the currents of life seem to be washing us away, we forget that we have been redeemed and we are now His. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-32, 37)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Zeal for God's House
As I was having my devotions this morning I came across Psalms 69:9 which says, "for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me."
Do we have a true zeal for God's house? I thought about this word "house". Is David talking about the temple? No, I don't think David is talking about the temple in the sense of a building. I believe David is talking about God and all that God is. The temple is reference point because this was where God's presence dwelt. I think that David was zealous about everything that God thought was important. I know that David was zealous about God's Law and the Word of the Lord.
As I was reflecting on this idea of "house", I felt that God was saying were to be zealous about God's household, His people. The Bible says we are the temple of God, individually and corporately. The Bible says that we are a family. I believe if we are zealous for God, we should be zealous about our spiritual family. The Bible says we can't love God and not His family. If you are a God fanatic, you will be a family fanatic. Even as we love God we are to love His family.
We have many dysfunctional families in the world today. Sadly to say, I believe we have dysfunctions families in Christ's church, the local church. The people in dysfunctional families are wrapped up in themselves and their personal problems. How often is this true in the family of God. Lord Jesus help us!
Also, as I meditated on this verse, I reflected on the word "consume". This is a strong word. The idea of consume is all encompassing or enveloping. When something consumes you, it controls you.
Now let us think of this in the light of the church, God's family, and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Can you say that your zeal for God translates into zeal for God's people? Along with your desire to please God and serve Him with all your heart, do you have a desire to please your brothers and sisters in the Lord and serve them? As you stand up for God, are you standing up for His family?
As I think on the last part of this verse, "the insults of those who insult you fall on me". What is David saying? He is saying when someone disrespects you, I take it personally as disrespecting me. When someone insult you by what they say or do, it grieves me. When someone slaps you in the face, it is the same as if they slapped me in the face. When they dishonor you, they dishonor me.
I think we should take this same stand for those who are in our spiritual family, our church and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. What effects one part of the family, effects the whole family. As the "Three Musketeers" saying goes, "all for one and one for all". This is very scriptural. When someone or something attacks one person in the family, what is our reaction? Is it sympathy, compassion, sorrow, and a desire to come to their aid? It should be. Or do we kick our brother when he is down? Do we say, they had it coming to them?
Lord, help us not to be so wrapped up in ourselves, wrapped up in what we are doing, or wrapped up in what we want that we don't see the needs of the family of Christ. Let us stop criticizing your church and your servants. Let us in love help one another to become more like Christ and focus on your mission.
Do we have a true zeal for God's house? I thought about this word "house". Is David talking about the temple? No, I don't think David is talking about the temple in the sense of a building. I believe David is talking about God and all that God is. The temple is reference point because this was where God's presence dwelt. I think that David was zealous about everything that God thought was important. I know that David was zealous about God's Law and the Word of the Lord.
As I was reflecting on this idea of "house", I felt that God was saying were to be zealous about God's household, His people. The Bible says we are the temple of God, individually and corporately. The Bible says that we are a family. I believe if we are zealous for God, we should be zealous about our spiritual family. The Bible says we can't love God and not His family. If you are a God fanatic, you will be a family fanatic. Even as we love God we are to love His family.
We have many dysfunctional families in the world today. Sadly to say, I believe we have dysfunctions families in Christ's church, the local church. The people in dysfunctional families are wrapped up in themselves and their personal problems. How often is this true in the family of God. Lord Jesus help us!
Also, as I meditated on this verse, I reflected on the word "consume". This is a strong word. The idea of consume is all encompassing or enveloping. When something consumes you, it controls you.
Now let us think of this in the light of the church, God's family, and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Can you say that your zeal for God translates into zeal for God's people? Along with your desire to please God and serve Him with all your heart, do you have a desire to please your brothers and sisters in the Lord and serve them? As you stand up for God, are you standing up for His family?
As I think on the last part of this verse, "the insults of those who insult you fall on me". What is David saying? He is saying when someone disrespects you, I take it personally as disrespecting me. When someone insult you by what they say or do, it grieves me. When someone slaps you in the face, it is the same as if they slapped me in the face. When they dishonor you, they dishonor me.
I think we should take this same stand for those who are in our spiritual family, our church and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. What effects one part of the family, effects the whole family. As the "Three Musketeers" saying goes, "all for one and one for all". This is very scriptural. When someone or something attacks one person in the family, what is our reaction? Is it sympathy, compassion, sorrow, and a desire to come to their aid? It should be. Or do we kick our brother when he is down? Do we say, they had it coming to them?
Lord, help us not to be so wrapped up in ourselves, wrapped up in what we are doing, or wrapped up in what we want that we don't see the needs of the family of Christ. Let us stop criticizing your church and your servants. Let us in love help one another to become more like Christ and focus on your mission.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
FIVE MANIFESTATIONS OF LOVE
In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." God is demanding that we love others like He loves us. He wants to empower us by His Spirit to love as He loves.
Today, we want to look at five ways Jesus demonstrated Agape love.
Quality Time
“And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.” (John 6:3) In the midst of a hectic ministry schedule ministering to thousands, Jesus took time out to be with His disciples. Love is not convenient.
Words of Affirmation
“Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47) These were life changing words for Nathaniel. Love constantly discovers and affirms what is good in others.
Physical Touch
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray.” (Matthew 19:13) A friend of mine who ministers in prisons, ministered to some inmates on death row. One man was there for brutally killing several children. He was an angry and bitter man. God spoke to my friend to go over and hug this man. When he did the man broke down and wept because he had never been hugged. Love is touchable. Love breaks down barriers.
Acts of Service
Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) After Jesus’ resurrection He appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee as they return from fishing. John 21:9 says, “When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread… Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Here is the resurrected Lord, in His glorified body, serving his disciples some grilled fish. Love always serves others.
Acts of Giving
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:16-18) Love keeps on giving. It never fails.
Lord, help us to love those around us as you have loved us.
Today, we want to look at five ways Jesus demonstrated Agape love.
Quality Time
“And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.” (John 6:3) In the midst of a hectic ministry schedule ministering to thousands, Jesus took time out to be with His disciples. Love is not convenient.
Words of Affirmation
“Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47) These were life changing words for Nathaniel. Love constantly discovers and affirms what is good in others.
Physical Touch
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray.” (Matthew 19:13) A friend of mine who ministers in prisons, ministered to some inmates on death row. One man was there for brutally killing several children. He was an angry and bitter man. God spoke to my friend to go over and hug this man. When he did the man broke down and wept because he had never been hugged. Love is touchable. Love breaks down barriers.
Acts of Service
Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) After Jesus’ resurrection He appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee as they return from fishing. John 21:9 says, “When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread… Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Here is the resurrected Lord, in His glorified body, serving his disciples some grilled fish. Love always serves others.
Acts of Giving
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:16-18) Love keeps on giving. It never fails.
Lord, help us to love those around us as you have loved us.
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