Tag: 1 Corinthians

Are You Protecting God’s Glory or Your Own?

The dramatic scene in Acts 19:23–41 paints a vivid picture of how the Gospel disrupts the power structures of the world. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was so impactful that it began to undermine the worship of Artemis, the city’s central deity. But the uproar in the Ephesian theatre wasn’t driven by deep devotion to Artemis. Instead, it was fueled by financial loss and the potential erosion of influence. Demetrius the silversmith rallied others, worried that Paul’s teachings would not only ruin their trade but also diminish Ephesus’s status as the guardian of Artemis’s temple. Their reaction reveals that their real allegiance wasn’t to Artemis—it was to their own power and position.

How often do we find ourselves in the same trap? It’s easy to criticize the Ephesians, but their motivations are uncomfortably familiar. Do we make decisions to protect our influence or reputation? Are our choices shaped more by what maintains our comfort or standing than by what aligns with God’s will? Consider the times when serving God’s purposes would have cost you something. Did you hesitate because the price seemed too high?

Paul, in contrast, embodied the humility of Christ. He consistently laid down his own rights and desires to advance the Gospel, even when it meant hardship or rejection. This mirrors the attitude of Christ described in Philippians 2:6–8: “Though he existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself.” Jesus became nothing, willingly giving up His position so that we might share in His glory.

What would it look like for you to lay down your own power and position for the sake of Christ? Are you willing to let go of the things you hold onto most tightly—your reputation, your career, your influence? The Gospel invites us to become less so that Christ might become greater (John 3:30). It’s a hard calling, but it’s also a freeing one. When we stop striving to protect our own status, we find true security in the eternal treasure God offers.

The challenge is clear: let go of the things that keep you tethered to this world’s systems. Like Paul, be willing to risk it all for the sake of God’s kingdom. True glory doesn’t come from power or position in this life but from humbly following Christ, trusting that He will exalt you in His time (1 Peter 5:6).

Death is Defeated

The resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, gives us one of the most vivid pictures of our future hope in Christ. Paul addresses the finality of death, not as something to fear, but as a defeated foe. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NET). In Christ, death no longer holds power over us because the resurrection has secured eternal life. While the unknown of what lies beyond this life might still feel daunting, this passage reminds us that faith anchors us, hope sustains us, and the promise of eternal glory gives us reason to rejoice.

Faith enables us to trust in the victory Christ has already won. Paul insists that the resurrection is central to the Gospel: if Christ has been raised, so too will we be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). This assurance transforms death into a transition rather than a termination. Faith gives us confidence that the God who has orchestrated all creation also holds our eternal future in His hands.

Hope turns our gaze upward. While the process of death may still cause uncertainty, Paul calls it a seed that must be planted to yield something far greater (1 Corinthians 15:36–38). The bodies we will receive in eternity will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful—utterly transformed from the weak and temporary ones we have now. Hope in this promise allows us to see death not as a loss but as the culmination of God’s redemptive work.

Finally, this hope calls us to live with purpose and joy today. Paul concludes the chapter by urging believers, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved. Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NET). Every act of love, every word of truth, and every sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel matters. The treasures we store up in heaven are the results of living fully for Christ now, reflecting His heart and inviting others into His kingdom.

Death has been swallowed up in victory. This truth removes the sting of fear and replaces it with peace and joy. While the unknown may still intimidate us, the promises of God outweigh every uncertainty. As we walk by faith, live in hope, and act in love, we are prepared for the day when we meet Christ face-to-face, rejoicing in the eternal life He has given us.

The Greatest Gift

In 1 Corinthians 12–13, Paul speaks to the beauty and diversity of spiritual gifts but shifts focus to what truly matters. While gifts like prophecy, teaching, and leadership are important for building up the church, Paul reminds us they are temporary. In chapter 13, he highlights the things that last forever: faith, hope, and love, with love being the greatest of all.

Paul’s words challenge our perspective on what we should desire most. It’s natural to long for visible gifts that gain recognition or seem to make the biggest impact. Yet Paul calls these gifts “partial” and “incomplete” compared to what is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:9–10). Teaching will one day no longer be needed when we know God fully. Prophecy and tongues will cease when the perfect kingdom comes. But faith, hope, and love endure because they are rooted in God’s eternal nature.

This doesn’t diminish the value of spiritual gifts but reorients our priorities. Gifts are tools for serving others here and now, but faith, hope, and love prepare us for eternity. Faith connects us to God, hope sustains us through trials, and love reflects God’s character and binds His people together. Paul writes, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8) because it is the very essence of God Himself (1 John 4:8).

What does this mean for us today? While we should seek to develop and use the gifts God gives, we must also remember that they are a means to an end, not the end itself. Are we as eager to grow in love, to deepen our faith, or to anchor our lives in the hope of Christ’s return? These are the things that will not fade away, even when all else does.

Take a moment to reflect: Are your desires shaped more by what seems impressive or by what will last forever? True greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t measured by visible gifts but by the unseen work of faith, hope, and love in our hearts and lives.

Compassion Without Compromise

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 reflect his deep commitment to the Gospel and his flexibility in approach: “To the Jews I became like a Jew…to those under the law I became like one under the law…to those without the law I became like one without the law…to the weak I became weak” (NET). His goal wasn’t to compromise God’s truth but to meet people where they were so they might be saved.

This passage demonstrates a beautiful balance between compassion and conviction. Paul adapted to different cultural norms and practices, not to dilute the Gospel but to remove unnecessary barriers. For instance, he honored Jewish customs when among Jews and respected Gentile freedoms when among Gentiles. However, he never compromised Christ’s commands or the core truths of salvation. Paul’s flexibility was driven by a singular purpose: that he might “by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

This principle challenges us today. How often do we insist on our own preferences or traditions at the expense of reaching others? Compassion calls us to understand and engage with people in their context, but this must always be rooted in Christ’s truth. Whether it’s learning someone’s culture, finding common ground, or adjusting our methods, we’re called to prioritize the Gospel over personal comfort.

Meeting someone where they are doesn’t mean affirming sin or compromising righteousness. Paul’s approach shows that we can hold fast to the Gospel while extending grace and empathy to others. Consider how Jesus Himself did this—eating with sinners, speaking to the Samaritan woman, and healing on the Sabbath. He embodied truth and grace perfectly, offering salvation without ever wavering from God’s standards.

Are there ways you can reflect this in your own life? Maybe it’s learning to communicate the Gospel in ways that resonate with someone’s background or letting go of traditions that have become barriers rather than bridges. Let’s follow Paul’s example of compassion without compromise, always pointing others to Christ’s unchanging truth.

To Judge or Not to Judge

The phrase “Judge not, lest ye be judged” has become a cultural catchphrase, often used to discourage any form of moral discernment. Yet in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul offers a strikingly different perspective, reminding us that judging is not only appropriate in some contexts—it’s necessary. Paul tells the Corinthian church to cast out a brother engaging in blatant and unrepentant sin, saying, “For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?” (1 Corinthians 5:12, NET).

Paul’s teaching here clarifies a common misconception. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 aren’t a blanket prohibition against all judgment but a warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. We’re called to examine our own hearts before addressing sin in others (Matthew 7:3–5). Paul builds on this, differentiating between judging outsiders—those who don’t claim to follow Christ—and judging those within the church who profess faith but live in open rebellion against God’s commands.

This kind of judgment isn’t about condemnation but restoration. The goal of church discipline, as harsh as it may seem, is redemptive. By removing the immoral brother, the church sends a clear message that sin cannot be tolerated in the community of believers, while also creating space for repentance and reconciliation. Paul writes, “Deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5).

In a world that often prioritizes tolerance over truth, this passage challenges us to embrace a higher standard of love—one that doesn’t ignore sin but confronts it for the sake of holiness. It also reminds us to leave ultimate judgment of the ungodly to God, who judges with perfect justice and mercy.

Are there areas where you’ve avoided addressing sin because it feels uncomfortable or counter-cultural? Paul’s words urge us to be bold yet humble, seeking restoration and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel.

Whose Praise Do You Seek?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3 are a profound reminder that the foundation of our lives and ministries must be Jesus Christ. Everything we build on that foundation will ultimately be tested by fire, revealing whether it was done for God’s glory or to gain the fleeting approval of others. It’s tempting to seek praise from people, but Paul makes it clear that our work is ultimately evaluated by God, not by human standards.

When we live to please others, we risk compromising God’s call on our lives. Paul cautions the Corinthians not to boast in human leaders or wisdom because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). This realignment of perspective is crucial. If we’re ashamed to stand firm in God’s truth because it might make us unpopular, we’re ultimately ashamed of Him—and that’s a sobering thought. Jesus Himself said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words…the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He comes in His glory” (Luke 9:26).

This doesn’t mean we should actively seek to upset people or ignore the importance of kindness. As Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” However, when faced with a choice between obedience to God and the approval of man, the answer should always be clear. Pleasing God isn’t about arrogance or defiance but about faithfulness.

In a world that increasingly prioritizes popularity and consensus, ask yourself: Whose praise do you seek? Are your decisions shaped more by fear of disapproval or by a desire to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)? Living for God’s glory may not always make sense to others, but it’s the only life that will stand the test of eternity.

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The tension between Jesus and the Pharisees is unmistakable in John 7–8. While the Pharisees were preoccupied with protecting their reputation and holding onto their authority, Jesus consistently pointed back to the Father’s glory, not His own. He challenges them — and us — with a radical reorientation: working for the Kingdom requires humility and surrender. It’s not about seeking recognition or credit but about serving God’s greater purpose.

Jesus exemplified this throughout His ministry. Even when performing miracles, He often asked people to keep it quiet, showing that the work of the Kingdom wasn’t about personal fame. His focus remained on fulfilling His mission, regardless of whether He received public acknowledgment. In Luke 9, we see something similar when people who were eager to follow Him were held back by their personal concerns. Jesus’ response was direct: Kingdom work demands total commitment, not partial loyalty based on how much recognition we might get.

This teaching pushes against our modern desire for affirmation and recognition. Whether we serve in ministry, at work, or even in our personal lives, the temptation to crave acknowledgment can be subtle but real. The problem comes when our pursuit of credit eclipses the mission itself. If we work for applause rather than for God’s glory, we miss the essence of what it means to serve in the Kingdom.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians give clarity here: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). It’s a reminder that we’re not here to build our own reputation but to serve the One whose Kingdom is eternal. The challenge for each of us is to ask: Who am I serving, and why? Is my desire to be recognized greater than my desire to glorify God?

At the end of the day, there’s only room for one name on the marquee. Should it be yours or Jesus’?

Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing

In Isaiah 58, the prophet addresses a people who are outwardly religious but whose hearts are far from God. They fast and engage in rituals, yet their actions are marred by injustice and a lack of compassion. The text reveals a profound disconnect between their religious observances and their daily behavior. Despite their fervent practices, their true spiritual state is revealed by their exploitation of others and their failure to address the needs of the oppressed.

Isaiah 58:1-5 portrays a scene where the people question why God seems indifferent to their fasting and religious acts. They are perplexed that their piety is not met with divine favor. The answer comes through a scathing critique of their hypocrisy: “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” (Isaiah 58:5, NIV). God is not interested in mere ritualistic displays of devotion; He desires a genuine transformation of the heart that manifests in justice, mercy, and love.

This critique resonates deeply with Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13, where he asserts that without love, all our spiritual gifts and efforts are meaningless: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV). Paul’s vivid imagery underscores the futility of spiritual achievements devoid of love. Just as Isaiah condemns the empty rituals of the Israelites, Paul warns against the emptiness of religious acts performed without love.

Both passages challenge us to examine the authenticity of our faith. Are our religious practices a mere facade, or do they reflect a heart transformed by God’s love? In Isaiah, God calls for a fast that loosens the chains of injustice and feeds the hungry. Similarly, Paul calls for a love that surpasses all spiritual gifts, emphasizing that genuine love is the essence of true spirituality.

The phrase “sound and fury signifying nothing” from Shakespeare’s Macbeth echoes the futility of actions that lack genuine substance. If our worship and service are not rooted in love and justice, they are nothing more than hollow noises. True spirituality is not about the grandeur of our actions but the depth of our love and compassion.

As we reflect on Isaiah 58 and 1 Corinthians 13, let us ask ourselves: Are our practices and expressions of faith genuine, or are they empty noise? May our lives be marked not by hollow rituals but by a profound love that transforms our relationships and the world around us.

Does God Demand Perfection?

During the dedication of the temple, Solomon offers a lengthy prayer before the assembly. This portion stood out for me:

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; and if they turn backto you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy
1 Kings 8:46-50, NIV

Note the progression here, I think this may be something a lot of us can identify with — I know I can.

We sin
- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God — Rom 3:23, NIV
God gives us over to our enemies
- Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you — Gen 4:7b, NIV
We see the consequences of our sin
- Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh — 1Co 5:5a, NIV
We repent of AND turn from our sin
- If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways — 2Ch 7:14a, NIV
God hears us
- Then I will hear from heaven — 2Ch 7:14b, NIV
God forgives us
- And I will forgive their sin — 2Ch 7:14c, NIV
We are released from the bondage of our sin
- So that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord — 1Co 5:5b, NIV

This is the process. If you are dealing with the consequences of sin, that’s God giving you what you’ve earned — that’s justice. If you ask for forgiveness and seek God, turning away from your sin, God will hear you and cover you with his grace — that’s mercy.

He knows we are incapable of perfection, and so Jesus came to fulfill that requirement. If we want to be covered by the blood of Jesus at Calvary, then we need to draw near to him and stand under His umbrella of grace.

What’s Your Vector of Attack?

While David is separated from Michal (who helped saved his life in his flight from Saul) he married two other women. And here again we are told that he gathered “more” wives and concubines. Most of David’s life and actions… 99% (probably MORE than that if we’re going by word count) is upright, virtuous, and worthy of emulation. The way he desires unity, honours the Lord, and seeks His counsel in every leadership decision is commendable. But here we have him amassing wives, in fairly straightforward contravention of Deuteronomy 17:17’s command for kings not to take many wives.

If you know the story of David, you know that this chink in his armour — this Achilles’ heel — will lead to the biggest and most egregious series of sins and terrible decisions that will leave an indelible scar on his story for the rest of time.

I remember years ago hearing famous evangelist Greg Laurie talk about the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and cleverly referring to them as Gold, Glory, and Girls/Guys. Every sin boils down to one of these three. And one of them is your weakness. One of them is your vector of attack. And when Satan comes for you, he isn’t going to go after your strong side. He’s going after your weak side! Shore up the area where you are most vulnerable. Take every thought captive (1 Corinthians 10:5) and force it into submission to Christ. Like anything else, you need to train the part of you that is weak to become strong. Find an accountability partner, talk openly about those things which represent your vector of attack. Allow the sunlight to prevent the mold of sin from forming in your life.

I guess what I’m saying is: don’t struggle alone and hope it goes away. Take practical steps to defend the weakest part of you against attacks and temptations from Satan.

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