Gollihue Family Discipleship

1 Corinthians 16 
 
V. 19-24, Closing of the letter, (love and curses) 
 
Paul closes his letter wishing that the love of Jesus Christ be with his reader but before these words he makes a bold statement about those who do not love Jesus. In verse 22, he says that if any man doesn’t love Jesus then that person is cursed (Anathema). That word doesn’t mean that Paul is placing a curse upon them, the word means the curse is of a divine nature. It may have been better for Paul to say that the individual who doesn’t love Jesus has placed a curse upon themselves because they have separated themselves from God. The fact is that Jesus died to pay the price for all individual to back into fellowship with God and to live eternally in Heaven, but no one is forced to accept the mercy and grace offered. Individuals have free will on whether to accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ or reject it. 
 
When someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior the scripture says that they must repent (acknowledge and turn from their sins). Then they must make Jesus the Lord of their life by being obedient to His commands and trying to live a life acceptable and pleasing to God. We place our fleshly desires and passions on the back burning as we begin to live as a servant of Jesus Christ. Individuals who refuse to accept and love Jesus are indeed cursed because they must pay their debt owed. Which means they must partake of the second death (Hell) as they are punished because they choose to reject the truth of Jesus Christ and believe the lies of this world. It is an eternal curse full of pain, darkness, torment, and separation from God. They choose their own fate. I close with Deuteronomy 30:15 as it sums up the choice, we must all make. “I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.” The choice is ours.

1 Corinthians 16

V. 19-24, Closing of the letter, (love and curses)

Paul closes his letter wishing that the love of Jesus Christ be with his reader but before these words he makes a bold statement about those who do not love Jesus. In verse 22, he says that if any man doesn’t love Jesus then that person is cursed (Anathema). That word doesn’t mean that Paul is placing a curse upon them, the word means the curse is of a divine nature. It may have been better for Paul to say that the individual who doesn’t love Jesus has placed a curse upon themselves because they have separated themselves from God. The fact is that Jesus died to pay the price for all individual to back into fellowship with God and to live eternally in Heaven, but no one is forced to accept the mercy and grace offered. Individuals have free will on whether to accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ or reject it.

When someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior the scripture says that they must r

1 Corinthians 16:19-24

1 Corinthians 16 
 
V. 15-18, Respect and recognize those working for Jesus 
 
You know how in life there are somethings that should just go without saying. In verses 15-18 Paul mentions something that he probably should not have to mention, honoring and respecting those in ministry. He wanted to make sure the Corinthians knew that when Stephans and Fortunatus came to them that where to acknowledge them for the service to Jesus. It is probably something that I don’t need to say now but I am going to anyway, we need show those in ministry more respect in the modern church. 
 
 We don’t do enough to honor and respect those who have committed their life to serving Jesus Christ in the form of ministry. Our society has begun to view ministry positions just like they do any other occupation instead of what they are, a calling. These individuals have been called of God to serve others in love and humility and for this they deserve our respect and honor.

1 Corinthians 16

V. 15-18, Respect and recognize those working for Jesus

You know how in life there are somethings that should just go without saying.  In verses 15-18 Paul mentions something that he probably should not have to mention, honoring and respecting those in ministry.  He wanted to make sure the Corinthians knew that when Stephans and Fortunatus came to them that where to acknowledge them for the service to Jesus.  It is probably something that I don’t need to say now but I am going to anyway, we need show those in ministry more respect in the modern church.

 We don’t do enough to honor and respect those who have committed their life to serving Jesus Christ in the form of ministry.  Our society has begun to view ministry positions just like they do any other occupation instead of what they are, a calling.  These individuals have been called of God to serve others in love and humility and for this they deserve our respect and honor.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18

1 Corinthians 16 
 
V. 14, Do everything in love 
 
In the Chapter 13 portion of Paul’s letter, he explained love in great detail to us all but before he closes his letter to the Corinthians, he wants to give one more reminder. Do everything in love. Love must become the driving force behind everything we do as believers. We can’t allow selfish ambition, guilt, or a since of duty to be the reason we do anything in this life. Love for our God and love for our fellow man must be our motivation. 
 
 Let Christ be our example of how to live a life totally motivated by love. He inconvenienced himself for everyone around him, He sought to meet the needs of everyone He encounter, sacrifice was the purpose of His existence, and He just didn’t talk about love He showed love to everyone he encountered. Love is so much more than just an idle word, in the heart of a believer it should be a life style that motivates every action we take. God is love and we must share God with the world.

1 Corinthians 16

V. 14, Do everything in love

In the Chapter 13 portion of Paul’s letter, he explained love in great detail to us all but before he closes his letter to the Corinthians, he wants to give one more reminder.  Do everything in love.  Love must become the driving force behind everything we do as believers.  We can’t allow selfish ambition, guilt, or a since of duty to be the reason we do anything in this life.  Love for our God and love for our fellow man must be our motivation.

  Let Christ be our example of how to live a life totally motivated by love.  He inconvenienced himself for everyone around him, He sought to meet the needs of everyone He encounter, sacrifice was the purpose of His existence, and He just didn’t talk about love He showed love to everyone he encountered.  Love is so much more than just an idle word, in the heart of a believer it should be a life style that motivates every action we take.  God is love and we must share God with the world.

1 Corinthians 16:14

1 Corinthians 16 
 
V.8-9, Paul currently facing adversaries (still concerned with others) 
 
I am the type of guy who gets consumed in the moment, when something happens or goes wrong that is all I can think of until I have it resolved. Shawnna tells me all the time, that I let little things destroy my day. For some reason my mind won’t let me rest until I resolve or complete things, it can both be a blessing and a curse. My mind set makes what Paul reveals in verses 8-9 are real mystery to me. He was writing this letter to Corinth from Ephesus and mentions in verse 9 that he was facing many adversaries. He doesn’t give details as to what is going on, but others say that he had many opposing or standing in opposition to the work he was doing. In other words, he was surrounded by individuals who was trying to keep him from doing what God wanted him to do. In the face of all this Paul took the time to write the people of Corinth because he had love and concern for them. 
 
It isn’t like he just dropped a post card that said, “Thinking of you.” He wrote a substantial letter that ended up being 16 chapters of the New Testament Bible. This took some serious thought, concentration, and time. All during a time he was facing great persecution from all directions in Ephesus. Through all his struggle, he is thinking of others and how he can serve and minister to them. We see this from the Apostle Paul in many of his writings as several where written from a prison cell and the book of 2 Timothy was written as he waited for his sentenced execution to be fulfilled. We all need a heart like this, the world would be such a better place if we loved like this. And all he was doing was simply following in the footsteps of his Savior. The whole time Jesus was suffering on the cross he was thinking of us, not His current state of pain and anguish but the fact that the pain and anguish He was experiencing was going to bring peace and mercy to the world.

1 Corinthians 16

V.8-9, Paul currently facing adversaries (still concerned with others)

I am the type of guy who gets consumed in the moment, when something happens or goes wrong that is all I can think of until I have it resolved. Shawnna tells me all the time, that I let little things destroy my day. For some reason my mind won’t let me rest until I resolve or complete things, it can both be a blessing and a curse. My mind set makes what Paul reveals in verses 8-9 are real mystery to me. He was writing this letter to Corinth from Ephesus and mentions in verse 9 that he was facing many adversaries. He doesn’t give details as to what is going on, but others say that he had many opposing or standing in opposition to the work he was doing. In other words, he was surrounded by individuals who was trying to keep him from doing what God wanted him to do. In the face of all this Paul took the time to write the people of Corinth because he had love and concern for them.

It isn’t like he ju

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

1 Corinthians 16 
 
V. 1-3, Offering for the church, (opportunity to sow into eternity) 
 
Have you ever had an opportunity to do or give to something and you were truly happy to be a part of it? You didn’t have to hesitate to write a check or pull money out of your wallet because you knew that was it was going to be a worthy cause and you heart was compelled to donate. You didn’t have second thought about it and never a regret about your generosity. Now a days I think these opportunities are few and far between because everyone has become so skeptical about where their money is going and if the money is going towards what it is supposed to. So many have abused and misused the charity of others that it is hard to not question the validity of the need. Paul begins to close his 1st epistle to the church of Corinth asking that every Sunday an offering be taken up for those struggling in Jerusalem. 
 
2 Corinthians 9:7 says that God loves a cheerful giver, and this is the mentality we should always have when giving to God’s kingdom. Our society has made us skeptical but Shawnna and I have adopted the mentality that God will judge us on the intentions of our heart and if those receiving misuse the funds they will be judged accordingly by God as well. We can’t control what happens to the money when it leaves our hand, but we can control our mindset and mentality towards us giving it. We are faith in our tithes and offering to God’s kingdom not because we are commanded to be but because we want to. We understand that ministry requires funding and we are thankful that a portion of our finances can be used to expand the kingdom of God. We pray and ask God to bless our family financially not because we want a bigger home or a newer car but so we can give even more unto his kingdom. With a clean conscience and happy heart, we always give freely to God’s kingdom in our household and hopefully your household does the same.

1 Corinthians 16

V. 1-3, Offering for the church, (opportunity to sow into eternity)

Have you ever had an opportunity to do or give to something and you were truly happy to be a part of it? You didn’t have to hesitate to write a check or pull money out of your wallet because you knew that was it was going to be a worthy cause and you heart was compelled to donate. You didn’t have second thought about it and never a regret about your generosity. Now a days I think these opportunities are few and far between because everyone has become so skeptical about where their money is going and if the money is going towards what it is supposed to. So many have abused and misused the charity of others that it is hard to not question the validity of the need. Paul begins to close his 1st epistle to the church of Corinth asking that every Sunday an offering be taken up for those struggling in Jerusalem.
 
2 Corinthians 9:7 says that God loves a cheerful giver, and this is the mentality we should al

1 Corinthians 16:1-3

1 Corinthians 14 
 
V. 34-35, Women in church 
 
A highly debate issue among the church still to this day is the role that woman plays within the church and ministry. Many denominations still suppress women in ministry and refuse to all them to participate in any form of teach due to the scriptures we are discussing today. In verse, 34 Paul tells the church of Corinth that women should remain silent in the churches. This was most likely because the culture of that time in the Middle East was that women did not speak in public at all. He then references the law which most commentators believe is referring to Genesis 3:16 where the woman was commanded to be subject to their husband and his authority. Paul also commanded that if a woman had a question, they should ask their husband in the home, implying that Bible study and home discipleship was to be a normal part of their daily lives. So, did mean that a woman should never speak in a church service? One thing that you always do is interpret scripture by other scripture. Are there any places in the Bible that contradict or confirm what Paul has said? 
 
I Timothy 2:11 is another passage in scripture where Paul makes a similar statement about women staying in subjection to their husbands and being silent but there are also several other portions of scripture that seems to allow and promote women speaking to the church. In the Old Testament, Exodus 15:20 it says that Moses sister Miriam prophesied to the people and if you study the whole book you see that she certainly had a leadership role among the Israelite people. In 2 Chronicles 34:22 the wife of Shallum, Huldah was referred to as a prophet who lived in Jerusalem whom they sought for God’s direction. We also know that Deborah in the book of Judges was Judge over all of Israel and Barak refused to go to battle unless she accompanied the Lords army. We also find scriptures in the New Testament with women speaking in the church such as Luke 2:38 where Anna is mentioned as a prophetess in the temple of God. Acts 21:9 says that Phillip the evangelist had 4 daughters who all had the gift of prophesy. Paul mentions Phoebe as someone who labored in the church in Romans 16:1-2. 
 
We could go on and name even more accounts of women used of God in the Bible, but the key point is that God has used women in a mighty way through out history. Most scholars believe that when Paul addresses this issue with the Corinthians and with Timothy that he was dealing with specific issues in those bodies that required him to place things in order. Women had possibly began to usurp the authority of their husbands as heads of the home and Paul needed to address the issue. I know we took some time to address this topic, but we felt it important that we viewed it in context with other scripture in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 14

V. 34-35, Women in church

A highly debate issue among the church still to this day is the role that woman plays within the church and ministry. Many denominations still suppress women in ministry and refuse to all them to participate in any form of teach due to the scriptures we are discussing today. In verse, 34 Paul tells the church of Corinth that women should remain silent in the churches. This was most likely because the culture of that time in the Middle East was that women did not speak in public at all. He then references the law which most commentators believe is referring to Genesis 3:16 where the woman was commanded to be subject to their husband and his authority. Paul also commanded that if a woman had a question, they should ask their husband in the home, implying that Bible study and home discipleship was to be a normal part of their daily lives. So, did mean that a woman should never speak in a church service? One thing that you always do is interpret

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

1 Corinthians 14 
 
V. 18-19, Five words better than ten thousand 
 
Have you every tried to have a conversation with someone who is speaking another language than you? I have had a few such instances in my life where I had to try and explain my self to an individual whose native tongue wasn’t English. I worked in housing at Marshall University after I graduated college and Marshall had an English as a Second Language program, so it had many international students. My Southern West Virginia hillbilly accent probably didn’t help the situation, but it was very difficult for me to understand them and for them to understand me. I have had similar instance with doctors whose native tongue was not English as well and to say the least it can be frustrating. Now imagine you are in a church service and someone begins to speak in a language you don’t understand, you have no idea what is being said or what is going on. 
 
Paul says is these few verses that he would rather speak a few words in a known tongue than to speak ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. He says this because speaking in a unknown tongue in a public worship setting without interpretation benefits no one. No one is edified by the process because there is no understanding of what is being said so there is no life application that can be learned. On the other hand, if someone is to speak in a known tongue then individual in attendance to learn and grow from what is being spoken or taught. We attend a Pentecostal church and I would be the first to tell you that a lot of time speaking in tongues is abused and used in an improper manning with in worship services but I would also be the first to tell you that nothing can top the experience of message being given in tongues and interpreted for the congregation. It is a powerful manifestation of the power of God as the Holy Spirit speaks directly to the congregation. But the key to this powerful moment is that the message given was interpreted for all to understand what was being spoken.

1 Corinthians 14

V. 18-19, Five words better than ten thousand

Have you every tried to have a conversation with someone who is speaking another language than you? I have had a few such instances in my life where I had to try and explain my self to an individual whose native tongue wasn’t English. I worked in housing at Marshall University after I graduated college and Marshall had an English as a Second Language program, so it had many international students. My Southern West Virginia hillbilly accent probably didn’t help the situation, but it was very difficult for me to understand them and for them to understand me. I have had similar instance with doctors whose native tongue was not English as well and to say the least it can be frustrating. Now imagine you are in a church service and someone begins to speak in a language you don’t understand, you have no idea what is being said or what is going on.

Paul says is these few verses that he would rather speak a few words in a known t

1 Corinthians 14:18-19

1 Corinthians 14 
 
V. 13-17, Spirit speaking to God 
 
Paul continues in His teaching on spiritual gift and begins to speak about the gift of speaking in tongues and how that should function in worship. During a service where multiple individuals are present, and a message is presented in tongues by an individual there should be an interpretation of that message because other wise it is no benefit to the Body of Christ. On the other hand, Paul does address the fact that our spirit can cry out to God in our prayer life in an unknown tongue. Paul says that in his personal prayer life that he speaks in tongue in prayer and in song as his spirit cries out to God. 
 
 He says this form of speaking in tongues is unprofitable even to his own understanding, so he both prays in tongues and in his own language. There is a difference in how this gift is used in a corporate setting and how it is used in a private setting within the church. The corporate setting is to always be done with an interpretation, so the congregation is edified, and it brings revelation to the church and in one’s personal life it is your spirit crying out to God which is edifying for the spirit but not the mind. Remember that in earlier teachings from 1 Corinthians Paul says that everything must be done in love and we should never choose to cause confusing within the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 14

V. 13-17, Spirit speaking to God

Paul continues in His teaching on spiritual gift and begins to speak about the gift of speaking in tongues and how that should function in worship. During a service where multiple individuals are present, and a message is presented in tongues by an individual there should be an interpretation of that message because other wise it is no benefit to the Body of Christ. On the other hand, Paul does address the fact that our spirit can cry out to God in our prayer life in an unknown tongue. Paul says that in his personal prayer life that he speaks in tongue in prayer and in song as his spirit cries out to God.

 He says this form of speaking in tongues is unprofitable even to his own understanding, so he both prays in tongues and in his own language. There is a difference in how this gift is used in a corporate setting and how it is used in a private setting within the church. The corporate setting is to always be done with an interpretati

1 Corinthians 14:13-17

I Corinthians 13 
 
V.12, We only see a reflection 
 
I have been in the workforce long enough now to know that when a company makes a decision that seems odd to the workforce it is because they have information that we don’t have. They make decisions based upon what they know is going to happen in the future and we are stuck only know what is going to happen in the present. They know when a bankruptcy filing looming in the future, they know when a lay off is coming, and they know when they are going to merge with a company or be bought out. The general workforce has no clue these things are going to happen so the decision we see being made make no since to us. We only see part of the story. In verse 12, Paul tries to explain to the Corinthians that this is the way that life works for us all we only see in part but one day we will see the whole picture. 
 
In Isaiah 55:8-9 it lets us know that our thought process is not like God’s thought process and our ways are not like His ways. God is Holy and Righteous; His thoughts are on a higher level than we can imagine. So, it stands to reason that we are not going to understand everything in this world that happens around us or the decisions that God makes in and around our lives. We can’t see or understand the whole picture we only see the part that is right before us. Although our vision is currently skewed, one day we will also see things in full when we enter eternity with God. Then we will have access to the full picture, and we will gain a greater understanding of who God is and why things where allowed to occur as they did.

I Corinthians 13

V.12, We only see a reflection

I have been in the workforce long enough now to know that when a company makes a decision that seems odd to the workforce it is because they have information that we don’t have. They make decisions based upon what they know is going to happen in the future and we are stuck only know what is going to happen in the present. They know when a bankruptcy filing looming in the future, they know when a lay off is coming, and they know when they are going to merge with a company or be bought out. The general workforce has no clue these things are going to happen so the decision we see being made make no since to us. We only see part of the story. In verse 12, Paul tries to explain to the Corinthians that this is the way that life works for us all we only see in part but one day we will see the whole picture.

In Isaiah 55:8-9 it lets us know that our thought process is not like God’s thought process and our ways are not like His ways. God is Ho

1 Corinthians 13:12

I Corinthians 13 
 
V. 9-10, When completeness comes 
 
Recently my mining company was purchased by another mining company. After the transaction was complete there was a period in which we had to merge our purchasing systems. During this transition period there was a lot of things that we had to do in purchasing that we did not normally have to do while we waited for the new system to come on line. Once the new system came on line and we received access to it and the things that we were doing in the transition period became obsolete and they where no longer necessary. We now could function in the fullness of the new system. Paul lets the people of Corinth know that a day is coming when certain things will no longer be needed because we will have complete and full access to the things of God. 
 
Paul says that love will never fail but we will no longer need spiritual things such as prophecy, tongues, and words of knowledge when this age ends, and we step into eternity. These things will become obsolete when we are no longer separated from God and we have taken upon us our glorified state. We will no longer just have bits and pieces of information delivered to us as we will then have access to the fullness of Gods wisdom and knowledge. No one will have to prophecy because God will speak directly to us, there will be no need for messages in tongues because God will speak directly to us, and there will be known need for words of knowledge because God will speak directly to us. Access to that which is perfect and complete, eliminates our need for the partial. But as we mentioned in our last teaching, Love will never fail.

I Corinthians 13

V. 9-10, When completeness comes

Recently my mining company was purchased by another mining company. After the transaction was complete there was a period in which we had to merge our purchasing systems. During this transition period there was a lot of things that we had to do in purchasing that we did not normally have to do while we waited for the new system to come on line. Once the new system came on line and we received access to it and the things that we were doing in the transition period became obsolete and they where no longer necessary. We now could function in the fullness of the new system. Paul lets the people of Corinth know that a day is coming when certain things will no longer be needed because we will have complete and full access to the things of God. 

Paul says that love will never fail but we will no longer need spiritual things such as prophecy, tongues, and words of knowledge when this age ends, and we step into eternity. These things will bec

1 Corinthians 13:9-10

I Corinthians 13 
 
V.4-6, Characteristics of Love 
 
When Shawnna and I redid our bedroom a few years ago we decided to make a custom head board for our king size bed. Shawnna had a design in mind and all I had to do was get wood together in a way that she could create a master piece. She black washed the pine boards I formed into a head board and after it had dried, she began to write on the wood with white lettering. What did she write? She wrote the characteristics of love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: love is patient, love is kind, love doesn’t envy, love doesn’t boast, love isn’t proud, love doesn’t dishonor others, love isn’t self-seeking, love isn’t easily angered, love keeps no record of wrong, love doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices in truth, love always protects, love always trusts, love always hopes, love always perseveres. 
 
Shawnna made for us a daily reminder of how we should be treating each other and how God treats us. Every time we walk in our bed room, we see these words and know that God is holding us accountable for living them out in our marriage, our family, and this world. In John chapter 3, Jesus narrowed the entire law of God down to two simple commands; love God and love others. Our very existence comes down to our ability to love God and love others in deed and in truth. It is easy to say the words, I love you. But it is not always easy to live out those words because it embodies everything that Paul spoke of in these 4 verses of scripture. Love requires action and not only words, you must show someone you love them and not just tell them.

I Corinthians 13

V.4-6, Characteristics of Love

When Shawnna and I redid our bedroom a few years ago we decided to make a custom head board for our king size bed. Shawnna had a design in mind and all I had to do was get wood together in a way that she could create a master piece. She black washed the pine boards I formed into a head board and after it had dried, she began to write on the wood with white lettering. What did she write? She wrote the characteristics of love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: love is patient, love is kind, love doesn’t envy, love doesn’t boast, love isn’t proud, love doesn’t dishonor others, love isn’t self-seeking, love isn’t easily angered, love keeps no record of wrong, love doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices in truth, love always protects, love always trusts, love always hopes, love always perseveres.

Shawnna made for us a daily reminder of how we should be treating each other and how God treats us. Every time we walk in our bed room, we see these words a

1 Corinthians 13:4-6

1 Corinthians 12 
 
V. 28-30, Holy Spirit administers to whom He wills 
 
Paul continues his teaching on how the Holy Spirit functions and this time he speaks of the position that God has appointed to govern the church. The list goes like this apostle, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helping, guidance, and speaking in tongues. Paul mentions this immediately after his analogy of the human body being like the church implying that we all have different jobs. There are different positions with in the church that are designed to work together for the church to be successful. All are equally important for the success of the church and all are chosen of God for their service. Verse 28 says that God has placed these individuals in the positions they are in and this means we should respect and honor those individuals. Individuals are called of God and ordained with power and skills necessary to complete the task God has assigned them. 
 
We live in a democratic society here in America and sadly sometimes we allow this process into the church, but the church is not a democracy it is a theocracy. Individuals appointed by God lead under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit with Jesus Christ as the supreme authority and guiding figure. God is in complete control and doesn’t have to ask our opinion on who serves where or how long they are aloud to do what they have been appointed to do. We must have faith that God can call and anoint the right individuals lead and direct His church. I know this may sound foreign to many who are used to a democratic system with in their denominations, but this is the way God’s Kingdom functions. God doesn’t need our approval or recommendations when it comes to appointments to serve in ministry and their assignments.

1 Corinthians 12

V. 28-30, Holy Spirit administers to whom He wills

Paul continues his teaching on how the Holy Spirit functions and this time he speaks of the position that God has appointed to govern the church. The list goes like this apostle, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helping, guidance, and speaking in tongues. Paul mentions this immediately after his analogy of the human body being like the church implying that we all have different jobs. There are different positions with in the church that are designed to work together for the church to be successful. All are equally important for the success of the church and all are chosen of God for their service. Verse 28 says that God has placed these individuals in the positions they are in and this means we should respect and honor those individuals. Individuals are called of God and ordained with power and skills necessary to complete the task God has assigned them.

We live in a democratic society here in America and sadl

1 Corinthians 12:28-30

1 Corinthians 11 
 
V. 23-26, The Lords Supper 
 
Verses 23-26 are classic verses for ministers to read or quote during a communion service. After correcting their hypocrisy Paul lays out before them the meaning of communion as it was set forth from Jesus at the last supper. The night before Jesus went to the cross to pay the debt for our sins he partook of the Passover meal with his disciples. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13) During the course of this Jewish Festival meal Jesus took time reveal what was going to happen to himself and to give us a way to remember His sacrifice for eternity. As he took the unleavened bread from the table, he broke it and shared it with His disciples, letting them know that his body was going to be abused for our sakes. The beating and persecution that Jesus took before the cross had significance in that he was not only paying the debt for our sins, but he was paying for our healing as well. Isaiah 53 says that by the stripes of Christ we have healing and that we have peace by the chastisement He took that day. 
 
After the bread had been eaten, He took the cup of wine and presented it to them as His blood that must be shed for our sins. Jesus was letting them know that He must die and shed His blood in order to pay a debt that we could not pay. The wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23) and the soul that sins shall sure die (Ezekiel 18:20). The blood would cover our sins and placed on the mercy seat in Heaven so that we can escape the punishment we all deserved. Communion is so much more than just a ritual or religious practice that is done out of obedience, it is an intense reflection on who we are and what Jesus did to save us from our sin.

1 Corinthians 11

V. 23-26, The Lords Supper

Verses 23-26 are classic verses for ministers to read or quote during a communion service. After correcting their hypocrisy Paul lays out before them the meaning of communion as it was set forth from Jesus at the last supper. The night before Jesus went to the cross to pay the debt for our sins he partook of the Passover meal with his disciples. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13) During the course of this Jewish Festival meal Jesus took time reveal what was going to happen to himself and to give us a way to remember His sacrifice for eternity. As he took the unleavened bread from the table, he broke it and shared it with His disciples, letting them know that his body was going to be abused for our sakes. The beating and persecution that Jesus took before the cross had significance in that he was not only paying the debt for our sins, but he was paying for our healing as well. Isaiah 53 says that by the stripes of Christ we have healing

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

1 Corinthians 11 
 
V. 11-12, We all came from God 
 
In verses 11 and 12 Paul clarifies that both men and women are not only equally important in God’s eyes but in our society. You can’t have a man without a woman, and you can’t have a woman without a man. As the old saying goes, “it takes two to tango.” God created mankind to depend upon man and woman for creation to continue to grow and thrive and you can’t have procreation without one of each being involved in the process. They where created to function as a team and help mates for each other, both equally important to the plan of God to be fulfilled on this earth. In Genesis 1:28 commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and to the fill earth and subdue it, a command and mission that was equally dependent upon both male and female for generations to come. 
 
Not to get off the subject but it is important to note that no where in this scripture or any other scripture is there reference to acceptable relationships outside of the heterosexual standard set by God. Male and female where created to be dependent upon each other for life to continue and prosper. Anytime that homosexual relationships are mentioned in the Bible it is with a negative context and mentioned as sinful behavior or behavior contrary to God’s original design. Our society has twisted and manipulated ideas to fit their life style, but God design has always been for heterosexual relationship between one man and one woman in side the marriage covenant.

1 Corinthians 11

V. 11-12, We all came from God

In verses 11 and 12 Paul clarifies that both men and women are not only equally important in God’s eyes but in our society. You can’t have a man without a woman, and you can’t have a woman without a man. As the old saying goes, “it takes two to tango.” God created mankind to depend upon man and woman for creation to continue to grow and thrive and you can’t have procreation without one of each being involved in the process. They where created to function as a team and help mates for each other, both equally important to the plan of God to be fulfilled on this earth. In Genesis 1:28 commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and to the fill earth and subdue it, a command and mission that was equally dependent upon both male and female for generations to come.
 
Not to get off the subject but it is important to note that no where in this scripture or any other scripture is there reference to acceptable relationships outside of the heterosexual

1 Corinthians 11:11-12

1 Corinthians 9 
 
V. 5 Defends the right to have relationships 
 
In verse 5, Paul continues his defense of his Apostleship and begins to touch on another issue that pertains to ministers. If you remember in chapter 7 Paul mentioned that he was a single man and that being single had many benefits for someone such as himself who had committed his life to ministry. If you are single you are not bound to a family and have greater freedom to move and flow as the Holy Spirit beckons you. 
 
The Corinthian church must have begun to question whether a minister of the gospel should be married or not and Paul deals with this by saying that they have the power to marry a Godly woman just like some of the other apostles did and he names Cephas (Peter) as an example. Certain Christian denominations today still adhere to some form of celibacy for their clergy members but as we see here Paul tells the people of Corinth there is no such limitations on ministers in the eyes of God. This issue is dealt with more completely by Paul in Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians (you can refer to our teachings on this chapter on our Facebook newsfeed), but we wanted to make note that Paul directly addressed this issue again, so it must have been a distraction or disagreement amongst the Corinth congregation.

1 Corinthians 9

V. 5 Defends the right to have relationships

In verse 5, Paul continues his defense of his Apostleship and begins to touch on another issue that pertains to ministers. If you remember in chapter 7 Paul mentioned that he was a single man and that being single had many benefits for someone such as himself who had committed his life to ministry. If you are single you are not bound to a family and have greater freedom to move and flow as the Holy Spirit beckons you. 

The Corinthian church must have begun to question whether a minister of the gospel should be married or not and Paul deals with this by saying that they have the power to marry a Godly woman just like some of the other apostles did and he names Cephas (Peter) as an example. Certain Christian denominations today still adhere to some form of celibacy for their clergy members but as we see here Paul tells the people of Corinth there is no such limitations on ministers in the eyes of God. This issue is dealt wit

1 Corinthians 9:5

1 Corinthians 8, 
 
V. 11-12, Our actions can free or bind others 
 
Paul continues in the same line of thought as in previous verses here in verses 11 and 12. Paul says that when we behave in a way in which we don’t take into consideration how others view our actions that we are actually sinning against Christ. He uses the terminology that those with “weaker consciences” can be misled by our freedom in Christ so we must assure for their sake that we do not even have an appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22) So, we have the power to either bring freedom or bondage to those around us based on how we live our lives in the public eye. 
 
We can either lead others closer to Christ or drive them further away and that is why it is important that LOVE is the driving force behind everything that we do. If we truly love the world around us we will do everything in our power to lead them closer to God even if it means we denying ourselves of what we want. Love means we put God and others before ourselves.

1 Corinthians 8,
 
V. 11-12, Our actions can free or bind others

Paul continues in the same line of thought as in previous verses here in verses 11 and 12. Paul says that when we behave in a way in which we don’t take into consideration how others view our actions that we are actually sinning against Christ. He uses the terminology that those with “weaker consciences” can be misled by our freedom in Christ so we must assure for their sake that we do not even have an appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22) So, we have the power to either bring freedom or bondage to those around us based on how we live our lives in the public eye. 

We can either lead others closer to Christ or drive them further away and that is why it is important that LOVE is the driving force behind everything that we do. If we truly love the world around us we will do everything in our power to lead them closer to God even if it means we denying ourselves of what we want. Love means we put God and others before 

1 Corinthians 8:11-12

1 Corinthians 8, 
 
V. 4-6, There is one God 
 
In verses 4-6, Paul deals with an issue that was common in his day and time. Just as Christians pray before a meal and give thanks for what God has provided to them, pagan religious groups would do the same to their gods. They would offer up thanks to idols and man made gods before eating their meals. This brought up concern with some believers as to if a Christian should be eating food that had been offered up to idols so Paul addresses the issue. In verses 4-6, Paul tells the church of Corinth that these idols are nothing and that we know as believers that there is only one true God. Though the world may proclaim there to be other options we know that there is one God and Jesus is His name. 
We live in a day and time where people are trying to twist reality and convince everyone that tolerance is the only way. The coexist movement says that there are many different religions all serving the same God in their own unique way, shouldn’t we all just get along and let each other worship the way we choose. This is a lie straight from Hell that is leading many on the pathway of destruction. In John 14:6, Jesus makes this perfectly clear when He says there is only one way to God and that is through Him. Don’t be deceived by the satanic propaganda that is infiltrating this world that there is many ways to worship the same God; JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY.

1 Corinthians 8, 

V. 4-6, There is one God

In verses 4-6, Paul deals with an issue that was common in his day and time. Just as Christians pray before a meal and give thanks for what God has provided to them, pagan religious groups would do the same to their gods. They would offer up thanks to idols and man made gods before eating their meals. This brought up concern with some believers as to if a Christian should be eating food that had been offered up to idols so Paul addresses the issue. In verses 4-6, Paul tells the church of Corinth that these idols are nothing and that we know as believers that there is only one true God. Though the world may proclaim there to be other options we know that there is one God and Jesus is His name.
We live in a day and time where people are trying to twist reality and convince everyone that tolerance is the only way. The coexist movement says that there are many different religions all serving the same God in their own unique way, shouldn’t we all

1 Corinthians 8:4-6

1 Corinthians 7, Let’s talk about sex. 
 
V.10-11, Divorce is not an option (39-40) 
 
In verses 10 and 11 in this chapter Paul deals with what seems to be an epidemic not only in our nation but also in the church, divorce. More and more marriages within the church are ending in divorce and Paul makes clear that God commands that husbands and wives should not separate. Jesus took the same stance in Matthew chapter 19 when asked about divorce by the Pharisees; He told them that it was never God’s will for husband and wife to divorce. He also stated that the only time it was acceptable is if acts of sexual immorality had seeped into the relationship. God intends for the unification of a man and woman in marriage to be till death. 
Today the easy answer when things gets tough is for one or both members of the marriage to surrender to divorce instead of fighting for the marriage to be mended. Sadly, most marriages fail because the individuals in the covenant are set on self-satisfaction or satisfying their mate instead of both being committed to satisfying God’s will for their life and marriage. When both seek to satisfy God in their life then the saying of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:13 becomes true, a three-stand cord is not easily broken. Marriage should be a relationship of God, Husband, and Wife; all three must be present and active with God being the Chief.

1 Corinthians 7, Let’s talk about sex.

V.10-11, Divorce is not an option (39-40)

In verses 10 and 11 in this chapter Paul deals with what seems to be an epidemic not only in our nation but also in the church, divorce. More and more marriages within the church are ending in divorce and Paul makes clear that God commands that husbands and wives should not separate. Jesus took the same stance in Matthew chapter 19 when asked about divorce by the Pharisees; He told them that it was never God’s will for husband and wife to divorce. He also stated that the only time it was acceptable is if acts of sexual immorality had seeped into the relationship. God intends for the unification of a man and woman in marriage to be till death.
Today the easy answer when things gets tough is for one or both members of the marriage to surrender to divorce instead of fighting for the marriage to be mended. Sadly, most marriages fail because the individuals in the covenant are set on self-satisfaction or sati

1 Corinthians 7:10-11

1 Corinthians 7, Let’s talk about sex. 
 
V.3-5, Husband and Wife Relations 
 
Paul continues the topic of sexual relations and in these three verses he specially addresses the marriage covenant. He lets married couples know that they are responsible for controlling each other’s sexual desires and alleviating sexual temptation from each other’s lives. He makes the point that both the husband and wife should always be prepared to meet the sexual needs of the other and that it is not ok to withhold sex from your partner unless you have mutually agreed upon it for a time of fasting and prayer. In other words, your marital union means that you no longer have control over your own body when to comes to sex with your partner. 
 
You lovingly submit to the needs of your husband or wife to ensure that the marriage stays healthy and that temptation doesn’t slip into the life of your partner. It is important to note that once again Paul establishes that marriage is only between one man and one woman and doesn’t leave the door open for any other option.

1 Corinthians 7, Let’s talk about sex.

V.3-5, Husband and Wife Relations

Paul continues the topic of sexual relations and in these three verses he specially addresses the marriage covenant. He lets married couples know that they are responsible for controlling each other’s sexual desires and alleviating sexual temptation from each other’s lives. He makes the point that both the husband and wife should always be prepared to meet the sexual needs of the other and that it is not ok to withhold sex from your partner unless you have mutually agreed upon it for a time of fasting and prayer. In other words, your marital union means that you no longer have control over your own body when to comes to sex with your partner.

You lovingly submit to the needs of your husband or wife to ensure that the marriage stays healthy and that temptation doesn’t slip into the life of your partner. It is important to note that once again Paul establishes that marriage is only between one man and one woman a

1 Corinthians 7:3-5

1 Corinthians 6 
 
V. 15-18, Unite with whom? 
 
Sexual sin was a problem in Paul’s time, and it is still a problem in the church today. In verses 15-18 Paul the church of Corinth and lets them know that they must flee all sexually sin. Paul says that if we are the Body of Christ then should the body of Christ have anything to do with sexual sin and of course the answer is no. He deals with the binding nature of sexual intercourse when in verse 16 he says that there is no such thing as casual sex because it joins the two into one flesh. The same terminology used to describe a husband and wife (one flesh) he uses to describe a man sleeping with a prostitute. Sex was never meant to be casual and was always meant to bind the man and woman participating in it together as one in the eyes of God. 
 
 Sex out side the frame work of Godly marriage is a behavior that will only lead to the destruction of yourself and in verse 18 Paul’s says that sexual sin is sin against one’s own body. Instead of having your body randomly connected to individuals you choose to sleep with Paul says that we should be joined unto the Lord in one spirit. (verse 17) Casual sex is a myth created by a secular society, all sex is a unify process that joins participant together and ultimately if unrepented of will lead to there destruction. Sex in the confines of God will is always between one man and one woman unified in a marriage covenant.

1 Corinthians 6

V. 15-18, Unite with whom?

Sexual sin was a problem in Paul’s time, and it is still a problem in the church today.  In verses 15-18 Paul the church of Corinth and lets them know that they must flee all sexually sin.  Paul says that if we are the Body of Christ then should the body of Christ have anything to do with sexual sin and of course the answer is no.  He deals with the binding nature of sexual intercourse when in verse 16 he says that there is no such thing as casual sex because it joins the two into one flesh.  The same terminology used to describe a husband and wife (one flesh) he uses to describe a man sleeping with a prostitute.  Sex was never meant to be casual and was always meant to bind the man and woman participating in it together as one in the eyes of God. 

 Sex out side the frame work of Godly marriage is a behavior that will only lead to the destruction of yourself and in verse 18 Paul’s says that sexual sin is sin against one’s own body.  Instead

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