Galatians 5 God's Fruit

 

Galatians 5- God’s Fruit

“I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind, but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment.” (Gal. 5:10) “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulations those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest.” (II Thess. 1:6). God is looking out for us and will continue to defend us when we are troubled by others. It is also a warning to us not to trouble others but to mind our own business.  “I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!” 5:12. It is a great wish of ours not to be troubled by others, but it is also a wish that we can remain strong in the Lord when others trouble us. Staying strong in the Lord and bearing the fruits of the Spirit is our walk in getting closer to God.

What do we value most in life? Many people try self-improvement or self-awareness programs to find meaning and purpose. The “fruit of the Spirit” are not works that believers must accomplish so they can check them off as they “grow” them, Instead, these fruits grow naturally as the produce of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in a person’s life. As we grow in the Christian faith, these characteristics should increasingly be manifested in our lives. The key is for us to submit our lives to Christ daily, allowing Him to work in and through us. That should be our highest value.  

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Galatians 4, "Abba Father"

 

Galatians 4, "Abba Father"

 

“Abba Father” describes believers’ intimate relationship with God. As children love their fathers and yet respect and obey them, so believers love God and have respect for and awe of Him. At times, people’s unhappy relationships with their earthly fathers inhibit their ability to understand the loving fatherhood of God. This puts a great responsibility on fathers to seek the guidance of the perfect Father as they raise their children. Christian fathers should raise their children with love and discipline.

Paul spoke to the Galatians with love and tried hard to set the example of Christ’s love. He also received their love in the words he spoke, “you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” The Galatians did not reject him for his infirmities. Instead, he spoke of their unconditional love for him as Christ has unconditional love for us. Many times, we see children growing up under harsh rule from their earthly dad. Or maybe they have a dad that doesn’t care for them at all. It is sometimes hard for these children to accept a heavenly Father when the only example was an imperfect earthly father. It is in our actions and our example that we show these children and others what a heavenly Father is like. God loves us so much, that the only condition that He sets for us is to be obedient to Him and to have a relationship with His Son. He is not a harsh task master, but a loving, merciful Father. He shows us the good and the bad. He tells us in the Old Testament what blessings and curses are. When we choose to follow Him, we receive blessings. The choice is always ours to make as He won’t force us to Love Him. He wants us to come willingly to Him and lean on Him through all circumstances. We have the freedom to Love Him and accept Him as He accepts us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

Galatians 3, One Big Family

 

Galatians 3, One Big Family

In the first century, the church was pressured to change, they wanted to add stringent rules to Christ’s message of grace. This disturbing development explains the apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia, written about A.D. 49. Soon after their conversion during Paul’s first missionary journey, the Galatians were deceived by false teachers who insisted on the necessity of following the Jewish law to be accepted by God. In the strongest possible terms, Paul renounces that message, proclaiming that salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone. In Christ, believers are free from having to meet the impossible demands of the Jewish law and can live joyfully in God’s unconditional acceptance.

Galatians also reminds us that every believer is a valued member of the household of faith with equal standing before God. Christ breaks down all barriers. There should be no place for one member of the body of believers to have prejudice against another member because of race, social status, gender, background, or any other superficial barriers human beings create. All believers have personal identities, which provide rich variety in the church. But all have also been made “one in Christ Jesus.” This one provides deep unity. As part of a huge, diverse family, we should not allow anything to separate us from other believers.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galatians 1, 2 The Power of God to Salvation

 

Galatians 1 – The Power of God to Salvation

To Paul, the gospel was much more than a message he preached: it was a miracle he had experienced. The gospel is “the power of God to salvation” (Rom. 1:16) and it brings freedom. Christ died “that He might deliver us”. When Paul trusted Christ, he became a free man. The shackles of sin and legalistic religion were broken!

But the gospel was also a treasure that Paul guarded. Paul did not invent the gospel or learn it from others; God gave it to him (I Cor. 15:1-11). There is no other gospel. To add to this message, take from it, or substitute another message is to destroy it. No wonder Paul attacked those who attacked the gospel; when you lose the gospel, you lose everything.

The gospel is a tie that binds God’s people together. Saul the enemy became Paul the brother, and he was able to fellowship with people he once persecuted. Christians may disagree on minor matters of interpretation and organization, but they agree on the message of the gospel.

Galatians 2 The Steward, Watchman and Destroyer

Paul saw himself as a man running a race, and he was sure he was on the right track and headed for the right goal. The Judaizers were trying to move the church into bondage and get them on a detour; (Acts 15).

God had committed the gospel to His people, and we must guard it and share it with others. God is not looking for popular celebrities; He is looking for faithful servants.

Paul was not afraid to confront the apostle Peter when Peter moved away from the truth of the gospel. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Said Wendell Phillips, and that applies to our spiritual liberty as well.

Jesus destroyed the law by fulfilling it (Mt. 5:17-20). His death tore the temple veil (Luke 23:44-45) and removed the wall between Jews and Genitles (Eph 2:14-18). To go back to Moses is to rebuild what Jesus tore down and say that He did not really save us when we trusted Him

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

2 Corinthians 12, 13 - Our Thorn in the Flesh

 

2 Corinthians12 and 13 – Our thorn in the Flesh

Paul had experienced a great revelation from God on the road to Damascus. To keep him from being “exalted above measure” he had been given a “thorn in the flesh.” Most likely this was some physical ailment that constantly afflicted him. Many people face chronic pain or physical afflictions. They may think that if God would heal them they would be much more valuable and effective in ministry. But God’s power is often best revealed when He works through human weaknesses. His “strength is made perfect in weakness.” To be perfect, strong, and capable or at least to be perceived that way is the desire of the human heart. Because God sometimes turns a person’s life upside down, the pursuit of perfection can be a bad thing. Too often, “perfect” strong, and capable people try to do everything on their own, they don’t feel a need for God, or they forget to rely on Him for the results.

Those who see their dependence fully realize that they can accomplish nothing on their own. They need God to work through them. In that way the task is accomplished, and God receives all the glory. That is why Paul could say, “I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul could even take pleasure in those weaknesses, because only when he was weak could he really be strong in Christ. Every person has areas of strength and weakness. How wonderful that God can use both! He equips us with strengths to serve Him humbly, and He works through our weakness so that we never forget His power.

Paul had a passion for ministry that would put most any other believer to shame. He tirelessly travelled, taught, wrote letters, and prayed. His legacy forms most of the New Testament. His words comfort, encourage and guide believers even today. Clearly Paul had many strengths and God used him well for the kingdom.

When Paul said in Gal. 4:14 “that if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me” many people would assume his thorn in the flesh was his eyes having been weakened when he was cured from being blinded on the road to Damascus. The point is not to identify the thorn but to learn how Paul ministered despite it. When Paul prayed for healing, God ‘s answer was that His grace is sufficient. The only requirement for service in God’s kingdom is a humble and obedient heart. He will do the rest.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible

2 Corinthians 10, 11, The Spiritual War and Jealous Jabs.

 

2 Corinthians 10 – The Spiritual War

The Christian life is like a war. Christians “walk in the flesh”, meaning they are human beings capable of being tempted, hurt, even killed in this war. The battleground is the world, but the true battle is in the spiritual realm between the forces of Christ and the forces of satan. Believers have weapons to protect them and help them pull down satan’s strongholds. Satan and his forces have a tight grip on this world, but they are already defeated. Believers must stand their ground, obeying their Commander, knowing that He has already won the war.

 

2 Corinthians 11 – Jealous Jabs

The word jealous can be used positively or negatively. Paul said that he was “jealous for” the Corinthian believer “with godly jealousy.” He had brought them the gospel message and they had received it. Paul feared, however, that these young believers would be enticed away from Christ. Paul’s jealousy was not for his own reputation but for the Corinthians’ eternal safety. Human jealousy, however, often has a less than noble focus – such as another’s looks, wealth, popularity, or power and it is harmful to all involved. Believers must be careful not to allow jealousy over petty issues to harm them or others.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.      J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

2 Corinthians 9 - what Christian Giving is:

 

2 Corinthians 9 – What Christian Giving is:

 

There are many churches in the world that have a tremendous ministry and give liberally to other ministries. Then there are churches that are dead and don’t have much of a ministry. Neither do they share their blessings by giving to others. The church in Corinth made a pledge to give to a church in Jerusalem.

A pledge is a promise that is made between you and God.

There was once a wealthy man that asked, “How in the world did you become so rich when you give away so much?” His answer was, “The Lord shovels it in and I shovel it out, and God has the bigger shovel.” The truth is that we can never outgive God. In Acts 20:35 it says, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” This quote has been quoted a great deal but practiced very little. When we give, it is what we feel in our heart that is the amount we should give. God doesn’t want you to give anything that you want to keep for yourself. When we give something that we would rather keep for ourselves, God does not use it. He only blesses what we give willingly and gladly. I haven’t known anyone who went broke giving to the Lord’s work. God doesn’t always bless us with material blessings, but He does promise to bless us with spiritual blessings. It says in Psalm 112 that “the man is blessed who fears the Lord and gives to the poor.” Many Christians have the gift of hospitality. When we give of ourselves to others, it will cause people to thank God for you. It is God who will get the praise and glory. As it should be.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

2 Corinthians 8, On Christian Giving

 

2 Corinthians 8 – On Christian Giving

There are no rules in the Bible about giving. Tithing is not a rule, but a principle that we might like to follow. Paul calls giving a grace of God. This grace is created by the spirit of God. It is an unmerited or unearned favor of God. The grace of God is the passion of God to share all His goodness with others. We too, should have the same passion, the desire to share the things of God with others.

Paul had one specific reason for writing this letter on giving to the Corinthians. His reason was the church where the apostles first started in Jerusalem, they were under great persecution. There was a famine going on and the church in Jerusalem was poverty stricken. On Paul’s third missionary journey he collected an offering for the church in Jerusalem. Paul was not able to go to Corinth in person at this time, so he wrote the letter. He wanted to be sure that when he does get there the offering would already be collected, and he could spend the time teaching the Word of God and not talk about money. The example he used were the Macedonians who gave out of their deep poverty. They were not rich people, but they had compassion for other deprived people, so they gave freely from what they had.

He exhorts them by telling them not to give grudgingly but out of abundance and willingness of their heart. The church in Jerusalem once blessed the church in Corinth so Paul reminds them that returning that grace would be a good thing. The explanation was to prove the sincerity of their love for God and to Glorify God in their giving. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give of what they had and not be burdened or burden others. They were to give willingly from what they could afford.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

2 Corinthians 6 & 7, Marks of the Ministry, Repentance

 

2 Corinthians 6 – Marks of the Ministry

Jesus told His followers to “make disciples.” Matt. 28:19. Clearly Christians are not to hide from unbelievers but should be having an impact for God in their sphere of influence. God needs people everywhere who are ready to serve Him. Paul does set a boundary line, however. As much as we are to seek to influence the unbelieving world, we must not be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” To be “yoked” pictures harnessing two animals together. It was against God’s law to yoke together animals of different strength, for they would pull against each other and would not accomplish anything worthwhile. Believers who are “yoked” with unbelievers, through close partnerships such as business or marriage, will find that they are pulling in different ways toward different goals. Believers should seek to be yoked only with other believers, so that they can strive together toward glorifying God and then achieving other common purposes.

 

2 Corinthians 7 – Repentance

Ture repentance begins when people understand the weight of their sins and the great sacrifice Christ made to cover them. Only then will they move to turn away from their sin. Moreover, they need to turn to God for salvation. As Paul wrote, “Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.” Repentance is more than saying, “I’m sorry” it carries with it the desire to change one’s ways. When people accept Christ and ask Him to forgive their sins, He does so right away. He wipes the slate clean. Does that mean that those Christians will never sin again? Certainly not. Repentance is an ongoing daily process as we seek to live for Christ despite our failures. We need not itemize every sin, fearing that if we forget to repent of one we will be forever lost. But we do need to have a constant attitude of godly sorrow and repentance. Seeking to let God change us to become more like Christ.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

2 Corinthians 5, Present with the Lord

 

2 Corinthians 5 – Present with the Lord

 

Exactly what happens after a person dies? The Bible doesn’t go into much detail, but it does say that believers who die, that is are “absent from the body” will be “present with the Lord.” They will experience a state of blessedness with God. When Christ returns, the believers who have died will be raised and the living believers will be changed, and all will receive glorified, eternal bodies. God has promised that His people will be with Him forever. Death is a defeated enemy. Christ has bought eternal life. We can take hope in God’s sure promise.

A future judgment will finalize the destiny of all who have not known Christ. Believers will not need to fear this judgment, for they will have been guaranteed salvation and eternal life in heaven. However, the saved do have a judgment awaiting them that will determine their rewards. At this judgment, Christians will account for how they have lived and served, and how well they have used their gifts for the sake of the gospel. If you had to stand before the Lord this very day what would you say? God holds us accountable.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

2 Corinthians 4 Cast Down but Unconquered

 

2 Corinthians 4- Cast Down but Unconquered

Paul knew about stress. Hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, abandoned. These situations were part of Paul’s life. For us, each day is filled with different levels of stress. Regardless of occupation, age, social status, or lifestyle, we experience stress. Some we bring on ourselves from poor planning, saying “yes” too often or being disorganized. Hopefully we learn our lesson, so it won’t happen again. Stress also arises from factors outside our control, the weather, a broken computer, and unexpected difficulty or sorrow. At those times, we can control only our reactions to the stress. Our reactions reveal our character and our trust in God. We should not be swallowed up or “lose heart” in the stresses of life, because God can renew us on the inside day by day. This life is temporary, our home in heaven is eternal. In the meantime, we can lean on God. He promises peace amid stress.

Paul did not have an easy life. Exciting perhaps, but not easy. The words “hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down” reveal pain and suffering. We may feel this way as we attempt to live out our faith in an unbelieving world. Like Paul, however, we can take comfort in God’s provision in times of trauma. No matter what the difficulty, we are “not crushed, not in despair, not destroyed.” We must keep our perspective in time of great difficulty, knowing that through us, “the life of Jesus also may be manifested.” His light can shine out from any darkness.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

2 Corinthians 3, Christ's Word

 

2 Corinthians 3 –Christ’s Word

 

Paul asked the Church of Corinth if he needs a recommendation from God that he is His minister? He goes on to explain that he doesn’t need that recommendation because the church is his recommendation. For every person that came to Christ because of Paul’s teachings they became his recommendation. Every person we bring to Christ because of the Word of God, they are our recommendation. The Word of God is proof that we have a ministry. It does the work for us. We only must share it. God is not looking for something big or some important person to do His work. If He did, He couldn’t use me or you. God chooses the weak things of the world, little, insignificant things to accomplish His purposes. Our sufficiency is of God.

When Paul wrote of the words engraved in stones, he was undoubtedly talking about the ten commandments. There is nothing wrong with the law of which the ten commandments were written. It is the will of God, it is good, even though it condemns us. It proves that we are all sinners. If the Old Testament is glorious, then how much more so is the New Testament. Paul states that the old law is done away, and now we live under a new covenant, a life of grace. The ten commandments, or old law was hard for the Israelites to obey, even while God was writing down the law, they were creating a golden image to worship. They were expected to obey that law if they didn’t they were judged and condemned by that law. Even Moses feared that Law that God gave them.

The veil which was spoken of was man’s blindness to his sin. Once someone turns to Christ and repents of his sins, then the veil is removed. Only the spirit of God can lift the veil and help us see that Christ is our Savior. He doesn’t put us under the law, He delivers us from the law and brings us to Christ. If we want to be Christlike, we must take time to look at Jesus. There is a song that says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face; and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

2 Corinthians 2 Forgive the Offender

 

2 Corinthians 2, Forgive the Offender

 

The man in the church who had been disciplined had repented of his sin. Therefore, Paul encouraged the believers to “forgive and comfort him” so that he would not be “swallowed up with too much sorrow.” The church can find it difficult to discipline its own, but that may be needed to bring a sinner to repentance. Once that repentance is seen, however, restoration is important. Forgiveness and comfort can return the person to the fellowship so he or she can return to spiritual health and service for God.

To forgive, we must understand what unforgiveness is. Unforgiveness is a set of delayed emotions of resentment, bitterness, hatred, hostility, anger, and fear. It comes about because someone has wounded them psychologically or physically. It consumes a person like a cancer. It is replayed over and over in the wounded person’s mind. Forgiveness is more than just handing it over to God or accepting it and letting the hurt pass. True forgiveness is changed to warm, loving, compassionate, caring emotions from a heartfelt transformation. Forgiveness doesn’t require the offender to change but requires a transformation from the offended. Having experienced God’s forgiveness, we hold gratitude to God and can easily forgive another.

Here are five steps to forgiveness:

1.    Recall the hurt calmly and try to remember objectively what happened.

2.    Empathize, understand what the offender might have been going through.

3.    Give the gift of forgiveness. Remember a time when you might have offended another, and they forgave you. Give the same gift back to the offender.

4.    Make your forgiveness known to the offender.

5.    Hold on to forgiveness, don’t go back to the emotions you experienced but remember the event with grace and understanding.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

2 Corinthians 1 Shared Comfort

 

2 Corinthians 1 – Shared Comfort.

Christians need comfort. While trying to help the church, Paul experienced suffering so intense that he was almost ready to give up. God does not shelter His people from trials, not even gifted apostles who are doing His will. “Be kind” says John Watson, “for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”

Christians receive comfort. Your God is the “God of all comfort”, and He will give you the grace you need when you need it. Sufferings are not accidents; they are divine appointments, and your Father is in complete control. You will find comfort in praying, in claiming the promises of the Word, and in having deeper fellowship with the Lord.

Christians share comfort. God’s comfort is not given; it is loaned and you are expected to pass it on to others. The pain you experience now will help you encourage others in their trials. When you suffer, avoid self-pity, for self-pity will make you a reservoir instead of a channel. If you fail to share God’s comfort with others, your experience in the furnace will be wasted; and it is a tragic thing to waste your sufferings.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

 

 

I Corinthians 16 Collection for the Saints

 

I Corinthians 16 – Collection for the Saints

To be well rounded Christians we must not only be good stewards of our spiritual beings but to our practical beings also. Paul made no apologies for asking for money, he knew that the evidence of whether the risen Lord dwells in our hearts the desire is to be a good steward of our money. Paul encouraged the Christians to give generously and liberally with a cheerful heart. Paul had his heart set on helping the poor of Jerusalem. He even laid down guidelines for the Corinthians to get them on the right track. He said to do it on the first day of the week, that is why most churches that do communion every week, also take up an offering. This helps people to be systematic and able to budget their money. Paul said, “each one of You.” He included everyone whether they were rich or poor. Tithing not only helps the church prosper in their efforts to help those who are needy and to help spread the word. It is considered an act of worship. Paul then announces in his letter that he will soon be coming for a visit, not just a short visit but maybe for the whole winter. In the meantime, he is talking about sending Timothy in his place while he remains in Ephesus. Timothy being a timid young man needs the encouragement of the church and Paul asks the Corinthians to work with him. His final words in his letter are commands to his brethren. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, conduct yourselves like men and let all that you do be done in love.” Those words should be followed by all of us.

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

I Corinthians 15, The Last Enemy

 

I Corinthians 15 – The Last Enemy.                                              

Paul presented this letter to the Greeks who had difficulty comprehending the resurrection of Christ. They listened intently to Paul at Athens until he mentioned the resurrection, then they mocked him and dismissed him. They did not question the immortality of the human soul, but the resurrection was a foreign concept to them.

Paul offers strong proof of the resurrection in this letter. The Corinthians were being saved daily by the Gospel and Paul reminds them of this and encourages them not to take it superficially or insincerely. He spoke first of Christ’s death for our sins, that we might be free from our guilt and bondage. Then he spoke of the burial and how God raised Him from the dead. It wasn’t by Jesus’ strength that He arose, but by God Himself as scriptures stated. Paul explains the witnesses that saw Jesus after He had risen, even Paul Himself saw Jesus. To bring his speech around to the comparison of the physical and spiritual, reverts to Adam and his sin.

Death entered the world because of sin. When Adam sinned, death came to all human beings. As Paul wrote, “the wage of sin is death” Romans 6:23. One man, Adam, caused sin to enter humans, and so death from sin. And one man, Jesus, brought the promise of the resurrection from the dead. He accomplished this by becoming human, dying, and then rising again.

Someday in God’s new creation, death will be destroyed: “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” I Cor. 15:26. Until then, all human beings will die, but for believers’ death is not to be feared, for it is a gateway to eternal life with God. First century believers were prosecuted for their faith and faced death continually. Like them we must always be ready to die, ready to stand before God, and ready to thank Him for all He has done in giving us salvation.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

I Corinthians 14, Prophecy

 

I Corinthians 14 – Prophecy

 

The theme of this chapter is that prophecy is superior to tongues. Prophecy is intelligible, whereas tongues need interpretation. To prophecy means to receive and convey a new revelation of truth from God. Prophecy edified, comforted, and encouraged the church because they understood it. To speak in tongues only edified the speaker because only God could comprehend it. When we speak in a foreign language no one understands it unless they studied the language. We would need an interpreter. It is useless to speak in a foreign language if we know no one will understand it. When we read the Bible, we need to do more than just read it, we need to study it so that we can understand it. The Bible tells us to study so that we will be ready with an answer once we are questioned. We must be able to answer not only with the heart, but with the mind also. There are no pat answers. The plan of salvation is an in-depth study and must be learned well to teach others. Jesus said the truth will set us free. The Bible is the only book I know that you can read repeatedly and learn something new each time. With each lesson, there is a new prophecy. Paul encourages us to increase our minds in learning and to prophecy not just to each other but to those who know nothing of God’s Word. A good prophecy is in one who is also willing to sit and listen, weighing and discerning what is being taught. If we are to know the word of God we must be willing to learn as well as teach. One way to learn and to teach is to ask God for wisdom and understanding. He gives it to us liberally and at just the right time when we need it.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

I Corinthians 13 The Greatest Gift is Love.

 

I Corinthians 13– The Greatest Gift is Love

Spiritual gifts ultimately have no value if the gifted person does not treat others with Love. What did Paul say love is? Love suffers long, bearing annoyances and inconveniences, not losing its temper. Love is kind, taking the initiative to be considerate and helpful. Love does not envy but rejoices when others succeed. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up but instead draws others to it. Love does not behave rudely or impolitely but acts in a manner worthy of Christ. Love does not seek its own but always seeks to benefit others. Love is not provoked but will allow difference of opinion in minor matters. Love thinks no evil but makes allowances for people’s faults. Love does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth. “Bears all things” means that love never loses faith in others and is willing to think the best of them. “Hope all things” means that love looks forward with optimism, knowing that God works all things together for good. “Endures all things” means that love holds on in the end, love never fails and it never ends. When we love, we take part in eternity. We can ask God to perfect our love for Him and for others.

New believers need care and guidance to help them learn how to grow in their faith. As we mature, we know how to look to God for guidance in ourselves. As we feed on God’s Word, we develop muscles and increase our strength. Even so, our faith will not be complete until we see Christ face to face. Then we will understand everything clearly. In the meantime, we should aim to grow and develop, seeking to be more like Christ every day.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

I Corinthians 12, Misuse of Gifts

 

I Corinthians 12 – Misuse of Gifts

The Corinthian believers were especially gifted by God, but some of them were creating problems by using their gifts in unspiritual ways. Paul reminded those people of three basic truths.

1.    There is one Lord. The Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16:14), not Himself. The Spirit gives us gifts so that we can serve Christ and His church “for the profit of all” and not for our own selfish employment.

2.    There is one body. As members of the same body, we belong to one another, and we need one another. The believers that think you can do without may be the ones you need the most! We must minister to one another and care for one another as one body.

3.    There is one danger. When a part of your physical body declares independence from the other parts, it starts to die, and you must visit the doctor. Division in the local church brings weakness and pain because no Christian can go it alone and be successful.

Have you discovered what the Spirit has given you? Have you thanked God for it, and are you using your gifts under Christ’s Lordship?

Do you thank God for fellow Christians and seek to care for them?

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.  J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

I Corinthians 11, Spiritual Gifts.

 

I Corinthians 11 – Spiritual Gifts

Each one has been given a gift by the Holy Spirit. There are many gifts, but each one comes from the Holy Spirit. All gifts are given to us to manifest the Spirit towards our growth in Christ. In Paul’s day there were many idols that many proclaimed gave them gifts but none of those gifts were of any value since they came from wooden images. Paul was there to distinguish gifts between those of God and those of idols. The gifts that Paul lists that are from the Holy Spirit are given as the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracle workers, prophesying and the ability to discern between spirits. Those who speak in tongues, and those who interpret tongues. Not all of us are given the same gift. Like the body we have many appendages. All with their own function. An eye sees, ears hear, mouth speaks, so on and on. As each appendage is important to the whole body so are our gifts to the body of Christ. At church, we have a minister, Elders, deacons, teachers, cooks, janitors, nursery attendants, and other people with their own special gift. Each gift may not seem as important as to the other but in God’s eyes, our gifts come together as part of one body, equally important as the other. Going without any of these gifts can cause the rest of the body to suffer. A janitor is a necessity to the body if we want to worship in a clean environment and have toilet paper in the bathrooms. A minister is equally important if we want to be led in worship and caring for each other. Not all of us can be ministers, nor can all of us be teachers. Some may not have the gift of prayer or the gift of healing but the gift you do have is from God and very important to His ministry. Find your gift and use it to further the cause of Christ. Use your gift also to build your relationship with Christ.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

I Corinthians 10, Head Coverings

 

I Corinthians10 – Head Coverings

The concern over head coverings for women was likely a cultural need to keep harmony in the church in Corinth. While head coverings may not be required in many cultures today, the principles behind Paul’s word are timeless. Christian women should show respect for Christian men and exhibit reverent behavior in worship. Reverence and respect are always important to maintain the church’s witness to the watching world. In the Jewish religion it was customary to wear veils, so this wasn’t new to them. If she did not wear a veil it would imply that she had disregarded the restrictive demands of marriage.

“If a woman has long hair it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.” It was meant for men to have short hair and women to have long hair. It was not a commandment that women wear veils, but it was suggested to women to have long hair for it was her covering. This was told the Corinthians so that Paul could express to the women that they should be reverent and respectful to the men who were appointed as Christian leaders in their lives.

It is not the cutting of the hair or not cutting of the hair that represents our relationship to Christ. How we wear our hair is totally up to us if we are not using it as a form of disrespect or rebellion toward the heads of our family or to Christ Himself. Our relationship to Christ is not what we do but in what we believe and in our obedience to the Lord.

In Paul’s time, the people had turned the Lord’s supper into a place of wine and dine and not consider the poor or needy. They forgot what the Lord’s supper represented. It was no longer in memory of our Savior who bled and died for us. Paul reminds them that it was on this very night in which He was betrayed, that Jesus, thinking not of self, but of his disciples left this memorial. This memorial has blessed and warmed the hearts of His followers and sweetened Christian fellowship among the ages. It is a means to “show the Lord’s death until He comes.” Paul admonished the Corinthians that if they abused the Lord’s supper, they are not worthy to take it at all. Paul tells us to prove ourselves. If we are doing it as a memorial to Christ and we are thankful to Him for His great sacrifice, then we will be taking of it in a worthy manner.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible

I Corinthians 9, Escape from Temptation.

 

I Corinthians 9 – Escape From Temptation

Paul told the Corinthians what happened to the Israelites when they crossed on dry land toward the promised land. He told how they rebelled against God and died in the wilderness. Paul spoke of their idolatry, and many were destroyed because of it These Israelites had come from Egypt where idolatry was commonplace. When they were out in the wilderness they did not put their faith and trust in God, but tried to take care of their problems as they were shown back in Egypt. Moses had taught them that any graven image was idolatry, so they knew it was wrong, yet the temptation was too strong for them when Moses was up on the mountain and no longer among the people.

Believers should never be shocked or discouraged by encountering temptation. Satan fights against believers and will mount an assault at every opportunity. God knows that all human beings are tempted, and that people will be tempted by different things. Being tempted is not a sin, giving in to temptation is. God promises that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He also provides “the way of escape.” Every time we face temptation, we can know that God will help us through it. We should look for His way of escape and then run for the door!

Christian freedom does not mean that believers can live as they please. Christians have freedom with responsibility to live according to the guidelines found in God’s Word. Some Christians make guidelines for themselves based on their own scruples. These guidelines should not be forced upon others, but believers should respect one another’s guidelines. To force others to live according to our scruples is legalism. To show respect for another’s scruples exhibits Christian love.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.      J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

I Corinthians 8 Serving all Men.

 

I Corinthians 8 – Serving all Men.

 

Paul establishes himself as a qualified apostle by asking a few questions.

He had an up close and personal confrontation with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Christ has commissioned the one-time persecutor as an apostle to the Gentiles. The Corinthians were the proof of Paul’s ministry. He has brought many of them to Christ. He did all this without payment. He and Barnabas worked for their upkeep. They did this by choice to be worthy. He explained that a soldier, a farmer, a shepherd all lives off their work. He proclaimed that the gospel should be spread and those who do so should live off the gospel. This is what the apostles did.

Paul has every right to accept support from the church and could have done so but he chose to pay his own way. He did not want anyone to say that he was in it for the money. He was encouraging the Corinthians to spread the gospel in the same manner. Not for money but for the Love of God. Paul pointed out that he was free, not only a free Roman citizen but a free member of the kingdom of Christ. Although he was free he had in a sense made himself a slave to all that he might win them to Christ. He became a Jew to win the Jews. Keeping his Christian convictions intact he became all things to all people to win more to Christ. Paul said he ran the race of life with a definite goal in mind. He knew where he was headed, “toward the mark for the prize of the High calling of God in Jesus Christ.” His mission was what Christ called him to do. When Paul stated that he became the weak, he meant that he became as they were to strengthen them. For example, some believers may not feel comfortable with a certain activity because of past associations. Paul says that when we are with such people, we don’t try to convince them to change, nor do we flaunt our freedom. Instead, we avoid that activity and enjoy time with them in other ways. In this we show the Love of Christ.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

I Corinthians 7, Christian Liberty

 

I Corinthians 7 – Christian Liberty

Paul is discussing with the Corinthians whether they should eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. Animal sacrifice was a big part of their culture in those days. Only part of the meat was used for the sacrifice, the remainder of the meat was used in different ways. Some were used in feasts at the temple and served to the public. Some were sold at the butcher shop in the marketplace. Some was served in homes in honor of their pagan gods. Paul did not answer their questions by laying down rules. Instead, he laid down principles that would take them closer to eternity. These Corinthians thought they were full of knowledge, yet Paul made it clear that the most knowledgeable were not aware of what was needed. Paul spoke of love not being puffed up. That the Love of God was first and foremost. He spoke of the idols being nothing but what man makes them out to be. He clarified that there is only one true God who is our Father, and one Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. To some of the Corinthians, eating meat sacrificed to idols didn’t mean anything to them since the idol itself was meaningless. To others, it bothered their conscience when they ate it, so they felt it was not right to eat it. Paul explained to them that eating the meat did not affect their relationship with God, but on the same token they should consider their brother and not cause another to stumble. If one brother convinced another to eat the meat, even when his conscience said no, and he ate, then the brother caused the other to stumble. When we sin against our brother, we also sin against Christ. Paul himself, having persecuted Christians knew the full meaning of this. This can be applied to our life through alcohol. Some Christians may think it alright to socially drink and convince another to do so also, even though he does not agree. His influence can be damaging to the one who is talked into doing what his conscience tells him not to do. The principle of Christian love is the only solution to this and many other problems. There are problems much more serious than eating meat sacrificed to idols. As Christians we must strive to love and not encourage others to do something that might bother their conscience.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Corinthians 6, Glorify God in Body and Spirit.

 

I Corinthians 6 – Glorify God in Body and Spirit

 

God gave people “richly all things to enjoy”. But satan works tirelessly to take God’s blessing and turn them into evil. The beauty of sex in marriage is corrupted by the sin of sex in other relationships. Good foods are corrupted by gluttony, the addiction of eating too much and other eating disorders. Material blessings are corrupted by greed and the love of wealth. Paul explained that all things are lawful, meaning that believers are allowed to enjoy many things if they are not forbidden by scripture. But they must never allow the good things to be controlled or for us to be brought under power by any of it. An addiction is powerful, and the Holy Spirit will convict us of that addiction. We must seek God’s guidance in maintaining a balance in all things. Any kind of addiction takes the focus off God and puts in on the things we crave the most, whether it be food, sex, money, etc. Today sex outside of marriage is not viewed as evil as it once had been. In Corinth, illicit sex became a part of their worship, as Aphrodite, their goddess employed thousands of prostitutes in the temple. Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that once they accept Christ, they needed to separate themselves from sexual immorality. God created sex as a holy union that binds two people together to fulfill each other’s needs. To experience outside of marriage cheapens what God intended it to be. When we look at these indiscretions we must realize that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us. God wishes to fulfill each of our needs. To become a glutton or a greedy person for money and wealth then we are taking away the blessing of God providing for us. We belong to God, and we must seek His guidance in all forms of goodness so that we don’t abuse the sanctity of the food we eat, the money He has provided and the union in marriage.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

I Corinthians 5 - Immorality Defiles the Church

 

I Corinthians 5 – Immorality Defiles the Church

 

When Paul urged the Corinthian believers “not to keep company with sexually immoral people,” he was referring to sinning fellow believers. Believers should avoid immoral people who continue in their sin and yet claim to be Christians. Some believers attempt to rationalize sinful behavior, but when they do so they dishonor Christ who died for their sins. Sexual sin in the church must never be rationalized. Condoning such behavior harms the church’s reputation and damages its witness.

Paul told the Corinthians that they should mourn and grieve over the wretched person who parades as a Christian and corrupts the church and damages the cause of Christ. Paul said that person should be removed from their presence. Paul was very angry about this and about the complacency of the church who did not take this matter seriously. Even though Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter, he spoke as sternly to them as if he were in their presence. It is important to know that this disciplinary measure of being excluded from the church, has a basic and ultimate goal, the salvation or preservation of the individual. When the person is excluded he takes the memory of Christ with him, of the gospel and of the church. Hopefully, his memory will help him succeed in repenting and coming back to Christ. To be excluded should not be used as a punishment but for the everlasting welfare of the individual and the protection of the church. The Corinthians misunderstood what Paul was telling them and said that they would have to leave this world if they were to stay away from immoral people. That is a fact since there is more immorality in this world than there is morality, but Paul clarified himself by saying this applies only to our brethren who profess to be Christians but live in an immoral lifestyle. We of the church, should be in tune with the times but in touch with eternity and with a Holy God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.