1 Corinthians (Written)

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3

Paul is using delicate terms to speak of the marriage bed. He began to allude to this in the previous verse and he will expand on it in the verses to come. After having discussed celibacy and that it was a fine and acceptable action to take, his words to those who decide rather to be married are that they should act in a manner which demonstrates that state.

There is an affection that is due between a man and a woman who are united in marriage and it goes in both directions. If one has decided against celibacy and for marriage, then that which belongs to marriage should not be denied by either spouse. His words are subdued to avoid any hint of perversity or indecency. Instead, the marriage bed remains undefiled and he is using terms which express this.

Life application: When one is married, there are expectations from the spouse which are not to be denied by the other spouse. If they are, then why would they have agreed to the marriage? But they did and they therefore have obligations to provide the affection due to the other.

Lord God, how wonderful it is to have a wife by my side. We can walk the highway of life and experience things together which would never be as enjoyable alone. In seeing this, I see even more why You have called a Bride to yourself. What a pleasure it is to know that together we will forever enjoy the streams of goodness which flow from Your throne of grace. Until then, thank you for that little slice of heaven that I have now with my own wife, anticipating that great Day ahead. Amen.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:2

Our second verse of chapter 7 shows us that Paul was certainly responding to a direct question in the previous verse. There he said, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” The concept of “marriage” is connected to “touch a woman.” In other words, to remain celibate is a good thing and he had no problem with such a lifestyle. He himself remained unmarried.

However, there is also a reason for marriage instead of celibacy which he now explains by beginning with “nevertheless.” His words now are set in contrast to what he just said. The idea is, “Remaining celibate is fine, but on the other hand…” And the reason is immediately given which is “because of sexual immorality.”

Someone who decides to remain celibate is just as likely to be tempted as he is able to refrain. If he is tempted and fails, he will then be engaged in “sexual immorality” because sex is confined to the bonds of marriage. Therefore, being celibate is a noble goal, but it is not the norm and it is bound, in many cases, to result in sin rather than devotion to the principle for which it was intended.

And so, because of the propensity for falling into sexual immorality, “let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” Paul is indicating that being married is preferable to falling into sexual immorality. Although marriage increases problems and trials in many ways, it is a better option than engaging in illicit behavior which thus defiles the body of Christ (as he spoke about in detail in chapter 6).

It is rather unfortunate that some denominations within the church failed to heed these words of Paul and instead mandated that their clergy remain unmarried. This is for several important reasons –

1) It binds those who are in such positions to something which is contrary to nature.
2) It leads to exactly what Paul notes today, sexual immorality.
3) Christianity is disgraced by the actions of those who have so conducted themselves in these vile practices.
4) It is unbiblical.

Once sexual immorality sets into such an environment, it leads to greater perversion as sexual misconduct becomes entrenched in the clergy. And sadly, the greater sexual perversion is directed to those who are easily controlled and manipulated. It has become a horrifying result of the misuse of what God intended for His people and it has so tarnished some denominations that those outside of the church view Christianity with eyes of contempt.

Life application: God created woman for man and it is normal and healthy for them to be married. No other sexual relations are authorized by the Bible except those of a man and a woman who are married to each other.

Heavenly Father, there are things which You have mandated in Your word which are held in contempt today. Among the most prevalent is that sex is to be limited to a man and a woman who are united to one another in marriage. This precept is looked down on, shunned, and belittled by the world, but Your word asks us to be in the world but not of the world. Help us to be obedient to You above all else and never to act in a manner contrary to Your word. Amen.

7 July 2014

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me:
It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 1 Corinthians 7:1

Apologies. I forgot to post the devotional this morning. I posted it to two sites on Facebook, but never got to the website…. Charlie

In these words, Paul is referring here directly to a question which had been asked of him – “Now of the things of which you wrote to me…” The first of the issues is concerning marriage and his words are probably a direct response to the question. For whatever reason, the issue of celibacy as opposed to marriage had been addressed. The term “to touch a woman” is a way of indicating marriage.

Paul is saying that there is nothing wrong with celibacy. In this, he uses the term kalon, “an excellent thing” instead of a word of lesser impact agathon which means merely “good.” It is this terminology which was probably borrowed word for word from the letter he received. They asked his opinion and he in turn has provided it in confirmation. It would be like someone asking, “Isn’t the sky really blue today?” The answer might be, “Yes, it is really blue.” The words “It is good for a man not to touch a woman” then are his response.

Q: “Is it good for a man not to touch a woman?”
R: “Yes, it is so.”

In other words, what Paul is saying is not intended to mean that it is better to remain celibate than to be married, but not being married is an excellent thing. He will explain his reasons why as he goes on, justifying the soundness of living a celibate life. From this beginning point, he will give quite a few details concerning marriage as well. Some will reflect the Lord’s own words concerning the issue and others will be his interpretation of the state of things.

However, he will speak of the appropriateness of marriage throughout his thoughts. Thus it confirms that he is not using this verse as a greater or lesser comparison, but rather as a confirmatory response to a question.

Life application: Context is always a necessary aspect of our Bible interpretation. If we fail to consider context, we will inevitably come to faulty conclusions concerning matters which will affect our walk with the Lord and our understanding of what is sound or unacceptable for our lives.

How wonderfully marvelous it is to know You more each day Lord! Rising early and reading Your word sets my feet on the right path for what lies ahead. Pondering Your word as I walk along the path keeps me safe from the fiery darts which fly towards me; I am fully protected as I consider Your testimonies. And before I retire to my cherished reward at the end of the day where I can get a bit of rest, I once again open Your word and let it fill me up. And thus, my sleep is sound and filled with thoughts of You. How wonderfully marvelous it is to know You more each day Lord! Amen.

Sunday, 6 July 2014

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

This is the last verse of chapter 6 and it is an exacting follow-up to Paul’s previous words that said “you are not your own.” We are not the possessors of our lives, nor are we to be the deciders of our conduct. These now belong to the Lord. He has purchased us and is our Master and His word is our instruction manual for conduct. We are entirely under His authority because we “were bought at a price.”

But what was the price? What value was set on redeeming us from the power of the devil? The answer is found in Jesus’ final words upon the cross. In John 19:30 we read this –

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

The word from which “It is finished” is translated it the word tetelestai. It indicates the completion of something; the rendering of a payment and the final act of purchase. In his first epistle, Peter confirms that it was the cross of Christ which made this possible –

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19, 20

“The precious blood of Christ” implies the death of the Lord. The death of the Lord occurred on Calvary’s cross. Therefore, we were purchased through His horrifying death. Because such an enormous price was paid, how can we consider it acceptable to live in sin? Our Master has given us His directions and those directions never condone our right to sin. It is unthinkable to even consider! And so Paul says, “therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

As we are “in” Christ, and because He is sinless and also our Lord, how can we justify sinful actions? We belong to God and are bound to His word as our rule and guide. Understanding this shows us the immensity of the importance of knowing and adhering to His word. If we are His, what would make us think that we should follow extra-biblical church rules which conflict with Scripture, a pastor’s unbiblical teachings, or any other set of directions besides those given by God?

It is a simple issue to think through. If we work for a company, Dwyer Industries for example. Would it make any sense to ignore the directions and policies of the company? Would we bring in the directives of another company or listen to a mid-level manager who was making up his own policies which conflicted with the company’s instruction manuals? No!

If this is the case with a work environment, how much more should we who are in a bondservant position under God be willing to submit to His guidance and instruction! And yet, how flagrantly we treat the Bible, dismissing those things which we find unsuitable to our tastes? Let us remember our state and stand fast on the counsel given in the Holy Bible. As Bengel’s Gnomen states, “They are in error, who think that God should be only internally, or only externally worshipped.” Our state is one which is wholly subservient to the Lord – body and spirit. We are to worship Him with our minds, bodies, deeds, and actions.

Life application: What is the value of the death of Jesus Christ to you? In what esteem do you hold His cross? Is it simply a ticket to heaven but a chance for free-living until then? Or do you cherish it right here and right now as a mournful necessity occasioned by our sin? Look to the cross; cling to the cross; and boast in the cross. In doing so, you will conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the cross.

Lord God, there is no greater desire in my heart than to glorify You. I was purchased from the world of sin and death through the blood of Jesus Christ and therefore I am Yours. I know that You wish me to conduct my life and actions in accord with this position and I know that the way to do this is through applying Your word to my life. Therefore, give me sound instruction and right-thinking on Your word. Then I will be able to be obedient to its precepts. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.

Saturday, 5 July 2014

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

“Or do you not know” is intended to be taken as a positive affirmation – “Certainly you must know!” It is a rhetorical question designed to get the letter’s recipients (and thus us) to think this issue through clearly. And the issue he is speaking of is that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” This then is another case raised by Paul why we should not be engaged in sin and impurity.

There are three general uses for the term “temple” in the Bible which we need to understand. The first is the temple (earlier before the temple was built it was the moveable tabernacle) in Jerusalem. This was the place of worship for the covenant people and it showed that God was among them. The second is found in the gospels and it is speaking of the Lord’s physical body. Now in the epistles, it refers to the believer in Christ who is sanctified by the sealing (and thus the indwelling) of the Holy Spirit.

As a substantiation of this, we can refer to verses such as 2 Corinthians 6:16. There is says the following –

“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
‘I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.'”

The Holy Spirit “whom you have from God” is He who seals us (Ephesians 1:13, 14) and thus He is our guarantee. He indwells us from the moment we believe. And as much as He is a guarantee, the Spirit also is a sign of ownership. We have been purchased and are owned by God. This is why Paul now declares “and you are not your own.” We belong to that which we are a slave to.

We were once owned by the devil because we were slaves to sin (see John 8:34 and Romans 6). However, through the blood of Christ, we were redeemed and now are slaves of God. If we are slaves of God, then we belong to Him. If we belong to Him, then we are bound under Him to be obedient to Him. We cannot and we dare not assume that we have license to sin. Such a thought is corrupt and wicked. It defies the very authority of our Master over us.

In a human master-to-slave relationship, disobedience would be considered intolerable. Why should we think it is different with God? But this is the constant theme of those who want to have their foot in both worlds. On one hand they claim freedom from sin in Christ and on the other they claim freedom to sin because of Christ. It is both illogical and perverse.

Life application: Go to work today and tell your boss that that you will no longer adhere to his rules, guidelines, and authority. See how far that gets you and then consider how much less God appreciates such defiance. (Note: Don’t actually go to work today and do those things.)

Lord, You are ever so gracious and merciful. I’m sure that I fail You far more than I could ever please You. But there is a Seal upon me which keeps me in Your hand through it all. I cannot understand the depth of love that You possess to allow that Seal to be a fixed “guarantee” of my promised redemption. Forgive my disobedient heart and help me always to strive to be worthy of what I already possess. Thank You Lord, Amen.