2Co3

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - v17 Freedom is not the ability to do as we want, but rather, the power to do as we should. Freedom to not be a slave to sin, but rather, a slave to righteousness. The Lord is Spirit and by His Spirit we can actually live in a manner that is pleasing to God. Without His Spirit, we a hopeless and helpless to do anything that brings glory to God.

Paul was confident that the Spirit of God lived in the Corinthians and commended them with his letter. In fact, he said to them, "you are our letter of commendation". His ministry was evidenced in their lives. His work was written on their hearts. They were being changed to be more obedient to Christ.

Are there people who you could write that are looking to you as their spiritual mentor? Is there anyone that would commend you to God with their life? As believers we should be constantly pouring our lives out so that others can know Jesus and grow in a greater understanding of Him. It is a challenge and a life worth living.

Consider helping others know and and obey Jesus today.

2Co2

Sometimes the most loving letters, bring pain initially to those who receive them! It often is a "lack of love" that keeps people from saying and writing tough things.

If you truly love someone, you will speak truth into their lives. This is especially difficult when the one you love responds poorly to the truth you speak. This was the case for the Corinthians. Paul wrote them in love and out of a deep concern for the purity of the gospel. They had begun to allow sin to be prevalent among their church and were even bragging about their "freedom in Christ". Paul had to give them a stern rebuke to call them back to the path of holiness.

Is there someone who you should love enough today to give a similar rebuke to? I would encourage you to write the letter or make the call.

2co1

"God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." -v4

We are either currently going through a struggle or we will be going through a struggle. Such is life. With the struggle comes the comfort and grace that God gives to grow, respond, and eventually be able to give comfort to others.

My prayer is that whatever your struggle is today that you would feel the comfort of the living God. He can and will comfort us when we turn to Him.

1C016

Would you continue to pursue God in the face of opposition? Most people I know are barely willing to follow God when it means things will go better, much less when it will actually make things worse! The gospel is conflictual. It does not always make things better. It does not always make your life easier. Obeying Jesus is often hard and it will, at times, bring more conflict than it brings resolution.

Paul said, "many oppose me." His life was rooted in obedience to Christ, yet it was seldom smooth sailing. His desire was to please God, strengthen the church and build unity among the saints. He was opposed by those outside the church and even some within the church at times.

Following Jesus in not an easy path. It is worth it…in the long run. It sometimes is difficult in the short run.

1Co15

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins." - v17 The hope that we have as believers is rooted not only in the cross, but also in the resurrection. Jesus died for our sins, but if He had not conquered death through His resurrection, we are all still lost!

I am so grateful for the cross today. I am even more grateful for the empty tomb. Jesus lived His life for us, died a sinner's death in our place, and conquered death through His resurrection. This is the gospel. Do you fully embrace this truth for yourself?

Live strong today.

1Cor14

Pursue love. Not the kind of "love" the world offers, but rather the love of God and the life that follows. Love is not selfish. Love is submissive to God's word and ways. Many eagerly desire God's blessing but are unwilling to pursue His pathway.

What are you pursuing today? How are you pursuing it? Is your life pleasing to God?

Pursue love.

1Co13

When we "see" love "face to face" we will know exactly what we were to be like! Jesus modeled love for us and to actually get a glimpse of Him is to see clearly what it means to love.

I have discovered that most people I know generally only love one person…themselves. Especially in light of this chapter's definition of love, you can see that love is not selfish and always does what is in the best interest of others. There are so many qualities of true love. All of them are difficult to fully embrace. None of them are possible without the love of God being poured out in our lives.

Love is NOT a feeling! It is an action and a choice. We can love because Jesus first loved us. We only actually love when we choose to obey Jesus. Take a quality of love today, (for example, "love is patient") and focus on developing this quality in your life. Love is a gift of God. Love is developed through work and discipline.

troy

1Co12

Spiritual gifts are a mystery to most, but they shouldn't be. Are they a mystery to you? Learn what the bible says about spiritual gifts and give yourself fully to using your gifts to strengthen the body of Christ.

Paul was writing to the Corinthians because of so many divisions that existed in their church. He wanted what Jesus wanted for them…unity and not divisions. One of the most divisive things in the early church and in today's church is spiritual gifts. What are they? Who has them? Do we choose the ones we have? Are some more valuable than others? Etc.

There are three things clear in this chapter that we all should take note of: 1.) God is the one who gives gifts as He chooses and according to His desire. 2.) All the gifts are not for personal edification, but rather, to build up the cooperate body. 3.) Spiritual gifts are to build unity not bring more division.

Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to look less to themselves and more to others. Stop seeking to discover the best gifts and get to work building up the believing community. If the goal is unity, then see what you have been given by God as a "gift to serve others".

troy

1Co11

When was the last time you took communion? Did you do it in an "unworthy manner"? None of us are worthy to take communion, but the Corinthians were not giving careful thought to what they were doing. They were eating and drinking "condemnation" to themselves because of their lazy attitude toward communion.

I find christians today generally don't value highly times of communion. They go through the motions of eating the bread and drinking the wine without thinking about the death of Jesus. Jesus paid an awful price for our salvation, we should carefully consider His death every time we share communion.

1Co10

If everyone was to imitate your life, what would our world be like? Would it be any better? Would it be worse? Paul was confident that to imitate him would be to imitate Christ! Wow. Is that a statement you could ever make? I would be so hesitant to ever say anything like that. What about you?

It is one thing to claim to be a Christ follower. It is a completely different thing to claim that if anyone follows you they are following Christ. Yet Paul confidently said, follow me as I follow Christ. Parents often say, "do what I say, not what I do". Bosses often expect more of employees than they themselves are willing to do. Spouses often have a higher standard for their partner than they place on themselves. Our personal expectations are usually less than what we expect of others! Yet we claim to be Christ "followers".

Paul's confidence was not pride. It was a sincere desire to model what it meant to actually live a christian life. His life was totally rooted in thinking, saying and acting in obedience to Jesus. It is the life he called everyone to live. It is the life the Holy Spirit desires for us to live. It is the good life. Where then is the problem? My problem is in my lack of faith. God is calling me to greater steps of faith. What about you?

1C09

The greatest discipline is the "discipline of godliness". One expression of that discipline is sharing the gospel with others. Paul said, "I do all things for the sake of the gospel." His time, his words, his resources and his activities were rooted in his intense desire that Christ would be known by as many as possible.

I am truly convicted by Paul's lifestyle. He did "all things" for the gospel. I do "some things" for the sake of the gospel. Many do "occasional things" for the sake of the gospel. Most do "no thing" for the sake of the gospel. I believe Paul is calling believers to examine the "things" in their life and to make sure that the gospel is the central "thing" that motivates us.

When is comes to gospel living there are several things to consider. 1. Do I actually know God and have I been changed by the gospel? 2. Does my life reflect a continual growth toward Jesus because of the gospel? 3. Are others being drawn to Jesus because of my witness for the gospel? These are all questions that all christians should be asking themselves.

Paul set the bar high and gave us a great example to follow. Take another step toward Christ today.

1Co8

"Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up." -1b Think about the focus of your life; especially when it comes to others. When I think about this verse I am almost always convicted that being "right" is less important than being "loving".

When I truly love someone, I am less concerned with the details of the event or events, and more concerned with the nature of our relationship. Love always seeks the best in the other…regardless of who the other is. I often decide that it is ok for me to "not love" some people in some situations. When I do that, I am denying the reality of God's love in my life.

It is a constant challenge. Love one another... period. This fulfills the law of Christ.

1Co7

Paul's desire was for each of us to be "devoted to the Lord without distraction". He recognized that relationships complicate our ability to be devoted to Jesus. When we get married or have children, our responsibility before God increases by each of those relationships. We are forever connected to these permanent relationships and responsible to them as well. Yet another reason to pray with and for your family.

Each member can hinder or help your relationship with Jesus. My prayer is that your devotion to Christ would be undivided! And that your family will help you to be devoted to Him. 

Be encouraged today.

__________________________________________

1Cor6

Run from sexual immorality! Every sin a person can commit is outside the body. On the contrary, the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. Don't you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body. (18-20)

These are powerful verses! Paul is appealing to the Corinthians to let the Spirit, not their foolish desires, control their lives. They had been "formerly" all kinds of bad. Now, through Jesus, they were a new creation. Paul assured them that a continued life of sin, was evidence that they actually weren't "in Christ".

Look at the list; sexually immorality, idolaters, adulterers, practicing homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, verbally abusive, and swindling. If any in this list describe you, consider the reality of your faith. Since all of us struggle with sin, we should all be humbled by the reality of grace. Don't let sin define your life. Let it be the victory that Jesus died for us to have.

Live by His Spirit today. Confess and forsake your sin.

1Cor5

"It is widely reported that there is sexual immorality among you! This should not be!!!" - God

Paul wrote that anyone who claims to be a believer yet is sexually immoral is someone who we should not associate with. Strong words. These are the words of God. We are not to tolerate what God hates; either in our own lives or the lives of those we associate with. He was not talking about unbelievers. Believers should always seek to engage unbelievers in a redemptive way.

What level of sexual immorality have you been tolerating? Have you worked hard to purify your life in thought and actions from all sexual sin? Are you justifying any compromise sexually? Be aware that every compromise is effecting the quality of the family life of the church. Any impurity in your life negatively effects all of the believing community. We never sin unto ourselves alone. All sin effects more than just us. Work toward purity and holiness.

What level of sexual sin are you tolerating in the lives of your friends? Do they call themselves believers? If so, should you even be calling them friends? No one is pure except God alone, yet He calls us to absolute holiness in our sexual lives. Whenever we except a standard lower than the one God has set, we hinder the work of the entire church. Paul teaches that we are to turn rebellious so-called believers "over to Satan" so that their flesh will be destroyed and their spirit will be saved. These are strong words.

Pursue purity. Without it, your life and the entire church will be polluted.

1Cor4

Consider standing before Christ today and giving an account of your life. Is that an exciting or terrifying thought? I believe Paul was eager to be judged by Jesus. He was excited to hear Him say, "well done, good and faithful servant."

Personally I have mixed emotions! I know that I love Jesus and that I desire to honor Him with my life, but sometimes I wonder if I am doing everything He wants me to do. I question how much of my life I should actually be free to do as I please. Do you ever have these thoughts?

Paul said, "consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries." These are two powerful images to consider. Do you consider yourself first and foremost as a "servant of Christ"? Are you waking up today thinking, "What does Jesus want me to do? How can I serve Him and His purposes?" Have you considered where you got what you have been given? Are you managing your "given" resources in the way that the Giver would be pleased? Do you see yourself as a "manager" of God's mysteries?

This chapter challenges me to think hard about how I spend my time and resources. There is no question that Paul's desire was that every believer would see themselves as servants and managers. Servants of Christ and managers of His resources. He said, "What do you have that you have not been given?" The answer is…nothing! The new question then is, "What are you doing with what you have been given?"

God has truly blessed our lives. Live to please Him today.

1Cor3

You are God's coworker, field and building! Your work matters to God. You are the work of God. Consider carefully how you should live.

Today I am challenged by these metaphors that Paul gives us to consider. As a coworker with God, I need to be about the work that He has called me to and I need to be doing the same things that He is doing. As His field, I need to be dealing with the weeds in my life and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. As His building, I need to be housing the goods that He has provided and continue to keep myself free from the clutter of this world.

Consider being God's field today. What really does that mean? We have a ton of fields in Iowa and every field does not have the same value, nor is every field managed well. Some fields are left to themselves. These field are of little value. Their crop is only "natural weeds" and they are left to run wild. Other fields are managed diligently. They are cultivated, planted and harvested. These fields are of extreme value.

I want to be the kind of man that is of value for God's kingdom. As I consider myself as a field, I know there are things that keep the crop from growing well. Like the Corinthians, there is still much evidence of "fleshiness". Natural fruit that springs from my uncultivated field. Fruit that is so easy to bear but foreign to the Spirit of God. Thankfully there is true fruit as well. I am grateful for the work God is doing on my life.

Let God do a work in your life today. You are HIS field. He wants to grow His crop in your life.

1Cor2

"Unbelievers do not welcome the things that come from God" -v14  How do you respond to the word of God? Is it a welcomed encouragement or a unwelcome bother? Think about the reality of God's truth as it comes to you. What is your first response?

For example, this week I will be teaching on God's heart for the poor and needy. Our hearts are to be like God's heart. What He values, we should value. What He loves we should love. His challenge to us should be our joy and welcomed opportunity. Yet most, including myself, will struggle with this clear call from God. Why?

I believe that we far too often think God has called us to Himself for US! We believe that God's ultimate good would be to make our lives even more blessed and that His primary job is to make us happy. Sometimes I believe we actually think God's Spirit is the "happy spirit" not the Holy Spirit.

God does desire our good. He does not desire to meet our selfish desires. Our good is rooted in obedience to God's clear instruction. His desire is for our ultimate good. Our desires are often rooted in only temporary happiness. Only through the Spirit can we begin to live the life God really wants for us. It is often difficult, but always rewarding.

Welcome the Spirit's challenges today.

1Cor1

To be addressed as "saint" is craziness! Yet, because of Christ, even the worst of sinners can become a saint! The Corinthians were far from God when they heard the gospel preached to them. In their journey of faith, they struggled with many prevailing sins and still Paul begins this letter addressing them as "saints".

The reason Paul call them saints was not rooted in their obedience. It was rooted in what Jesus had done for them. Paul writes, "Jesus became God-given wisdom for us - our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." He begins this letter calling us to focus not on ourselves but on what Jesus has done for us.

If you are a saint, it is not because of you! Your saintliness is lacking. Even the best person is an awful sinner. (Remember Romans?) In this letter Paul wants the believers to be strengthened and encouraged before he begins to correct them. Be encouraged today! The corrections are coming.

Saint Troy.

Rm16

"Be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil." vs. 19 This challenge should be encouraged more in our culture. What is the lure of evil? Why is it so difficult to guard innocence and so common to pursue that which is edgy and evil? Our flesh is driven away from God. Only His Spirit can move us to pursue all that is good.

Paul concludes this powerful letter with a lengthy greeting and words of gratitude to several that had been a blessing to him. What would it have been like to hear your named mentioned by the apostle Paul. Wow! I would have loved that! Paul truly loved people and made it a point to thank them and to public acknowledge their faithful service.

Who can you encourage today? How have they influenced your life for good? Maybe it would be a good use of this "Independence Day" to take some time to thank those who have shaped your life. Consider writing a note of encouragement to someone you have influenced for Christ. 

Aren't we all grateful that Paul took the time to write these words? I know I am.

Rm15

What priority does sharing Christ with the lost have in your life? How about ministering to the poor? These two things drove Paul's life and he continually was thinking about preaching the gospel and helping those in need.

My life is way more selfish! Primarily my focus is on my personal desires and comfort. I can go days without sharing with anyone and even more time without thinking about those in need. How about you? What are the things that are on the forefront of your mind? What do you ponder and live to do? What do you worry about? What do you dream about?

Every time I read about Paul's heart, I realize how far from Christ I can truly be. These verses never get easy and they are always convicting.

Very Convicted.

Rm14

Those who are critical generally haven't done much, nor would they want the same criticism directed toward them. A critical spirit is a divisive spirit. Our desire to criticize or judge others is not rooted in our love for Christ.

Paul's desire to help us is rooted in the fact that we will give an account to God for our own sins. It is interesting that this verse comes in the context of being critical of others! This is truly something to consider. When we are critical of others, we are not thinking about standing before God and giving an account for ourselves.

In light of all that Jesus has forgiven us, AND, how He continues to encourage us rather than point out our failures, should definitely cause us to not have a critical spirit. We should work to encouraged those around us and to be positive about those who we tend to criticize.

Just saying.

Rm13

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy fleshly desires" - v.14 We all make enough mistakes without planning to make them! Our goal should be to submit to Christ and plan to obey Him. When we fail, we should run to Him for forgiveness. To keep us from failing we are to "put on Jesus" and make no plans to sin.

What does it mean to "put on Jesus"? That is an odd idea and a really strange picture. Actually we "put on" all the time. It is called acting, pretending and hypocrisy. Since we are truly in Christ, His desire is to transform us to be like Him. We need to stop "acting the part" and actually begin living the life. When we choose to sin, we are "acting" outside of God's desire for us. As we submit to Christ, His life becomes more evident than our sin.

One example would be earthly relationships. So many of them are rooted in "pretention". Do you really mean what you say? Are you able to love everyone the way Jesus does? Are your words and actions reflective of what Jesus would want from you? Now this is a tremendous challenge. One I fail daily! But still the challenge is for all of us who call ourselves christian.

Put on Jesus today! Live as He lived!