1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

This morning’s reading reminds me of the extent Paul was willing to go and the things he was willing to sacrifice to see people saved. This chapter and the last deals with liberties and even rights that he chose to forego for the sake of the furtherance of the Gospel, and to limit any change that the Gospel might be hindered. He chose not to take a salary, or gifts. He chose to take a higher road, and to be far above approach. He was willing to sacrifice finances, fame, and even a wife for the sake of the Gospel, if it meant some might be saved.

Paul said “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” My dad used to give us the “good, better, best speech”. My siblings all knew what it was. There are good kids. There are good things. But there’s also better, and best. And my dad constantly tried to get us to choose that which was best, over that which was OK or good.

The reading warrants this question: What am I willing to forego or sacrifice for the Gospel’s sake? Yes, I could have some of the nice things. Yes, I could make a name for myself. Yes, I could partake in “rightful” things that are available. But just because I can, doesn’t mean I should. There are “better” and “best” choices.  Are there things I can give up, forego, or change so that more people might be saved? I’d assume that a thorough assessment will shew that there are at least some things in all of us, whether time, talents, or treasures. Might we be willing to give them up for the sake of the lost, and for the cause of Christ.

 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

When I think of a castaway, I think of a once great boat or ship, which, due to a storm, or instruments, or human error, has come to a low state, or to ruin. As a preacher, this passage is a stark reminder of a somber reality. I may preach to others, but I myself can become a castaway. I think sometimes we feel exempt. But if Paul, arguably the greatest Christian since Christ walked the earth, felt that he might become a castaway, we’d do well to heed his admonition. He gives a few insights into avoiding this tragedy:

1. “I therefore run, not as uncertainly”. First, Paul knew what he was running for. He was pressing toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ. He continually pressed toward that mark. I am reminded this morning that I must keep the prize, the mark, the vision before me. I love the song “keep the race before us” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K93uKU6puc).
2. “Not as one that beateth the air”. Secondly, he also knew who he was fighting against. He wasn’t taking wild swings at the air, or into the dark. No, he knew the enemy, and that enemy started with his flesh. I believe our flesh has brought down more great men that probably any other pitfall. But he often mentioned his flesh and the devil.
3. “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.” Still speaking in sports or fighting terms, Paul realized the importance of keeping his body under subjection – as when a fighter overcomes his opponent, and brings him into “submission”, or “subjection”. This is something we must do. We must die daily. We must crucify the flesh. We must realize its power, and that if we allow it, it will get back up. It will come back at us.
4. “When I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Finally, Paul understood that it didn’t matter his spiritual stature, or longevity. He knew he was still a potential casualty, and was willing to say it. Might we never get to a point to where we think we’re above the world, the flesh, and the devil. For it’s when we get to that point, that we’re susceptible to it happening to us.

“Let us therefore walk circumspectly, not as fools…” – Paul.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.  4:15-16 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 

I have heard people say, “if we were really like Jesus, the world would love us”. I’ve heard that Mahatma Ghandi said “I like your Jesus. It’s Christians I don’t like”. I do believe that concept to be true – to an extent. I understand that there are Christians (including myself, unfortunately) that have turn people off to Christ through our actions done in the flesh. But many times I think quotes like these are a backdoor to soften our stance and our standards. Jesus Christ was a Rock of offense. He was a stumblingblock. He did come to bring division (I know John 17 – a great chapter that I love). The world didn’t love Him. And so I propose, if we’re like Christ, even in His love and His compassion, the world may not like us and our message, because it must be accepted to the exclusion of the world’s.

However (and I am going to sound oxymoronic here) – when we are reviled, and when we are persecuted, and when we are defamed for God and the positions we take in Christ – there is something the world cannot deny, and something that will prick their conscience and work in their heart. And when they walk away, they cannot forget it. This was exemplified by Christ and emulated by Paul. There are two words that will draw the balance we need as we stand for right, and yet seek to change the world and gain the lost. Those two words are Love and Meekness. When men defamed Paul, he intreated (prayed for) them. When men reviled (the Greek word means to villify, and to abuse), Paul blessed them.  And Christ told us to do the same. Pray for them. Bless them. Do good to them. Love them.

I’m ok with people defaming us for our doctrine and our stand. That won’t change who I am and what I stand for. They can condemn the message as narrow minded and exclusive. That’s ok. That won’t change me. If the message drives them away, and I wish it didn’t, I must understand it has happened and will happen again. But here’s where love and meekness comes in – if it’s my position they don’t like, I must be ok with that. But if it’s my disposition they don’t like, I must take an honest assessment and ask, in my stand, am I emulating Christ, like Paul did?

Let’s stand firm in our position, but let us evaluate our disposition today and ask, “am I like Christ in my disposition?”

1 Corinthians 3:6-7,9 KJV I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. [9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
Im reminded this morning that we can work and plant and water and minister and serve, but without God and His working with us (rather, us working with Him), it’s “nothing”. As we live and serve today, might we remember to yoke up with Him and work together with Him. This is how eternal dividends are gained. 

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
As I study the New Testament, I’m reminded how much the early Christians relied on the Spirit and power of God for living and ministering. The simple thought/question today is this: how much do we rely on the Spirit and the power of God in our lives?  I fear not nearly enough. It wasn’t with enticing words or man’s wisdom that Paul came preaching. And if anyone could glory in those, he could. But he understood something we too often forget – how much we need the power of God in what we do. Might we be like these early Christians who realized that things that stand the test of eternal value must be done in and through His might. 

I’m not an emotional person, and don’t really get into poems and such (though maybe I should). However, this is a poem that I choose to have pop up just about every two weeks in my calendar app to remind me that the days, and the moments, are fleeting. I am called to be the priest of my home, as well the dad, the friend, and the mentor. As my dad used to say – the work will always be there. It’ll never be done. But my children are in my home for a limited time. Nothing earth-shattering, but a good reminder. At least it does something for me. And there are some spiritual truths to be applied here…

No Time to Play

My precious boy with the golden hair
Came up one day beside my chair
And fell upon his bended knee
And said, “Oh, Mommy, please play with me!”

I said, “Not now, go on and play;
I’ve got so much to do today.”
He smiled through tears in eyes so blue
When I said, “We’ll play when I get through.”

But the chores lasted all through the day
And I never did find time to play.
When supper was over and dishes done,
I was much too tired for my little son.

I tucked him in and kissed his cheek
And watched my angel fall asleep.
As I tossed and turned upon my bed,
Those words kept ringing in my head,

“Not now, son, go on and play,
I’ve got so much to do today.”
I fell asleep and in a minute’s span,
My little boy is a full-grown man.

No toys are there to clutter the floor;
No dirty fingerprints on the door;
No snacks to fix; no tears to dry;
The rooms just echo my lonely sigh.

And now I’ve got the time to play;
But my precious boy is gone away.
I awoke myself with a pitiful scream
And realized it was just a dream

For across the room in his little bed,
Lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy-head.
My work will wait ‘til another day
For now I must find some time to play.

1 Corinthians 1:4-10 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

I’m glad to be journaling again after a (planned) time away for extra reading and planning. Looking forward to the New Year, and the prospect of all the Lord will do. Might HE receive glory through my life, ministry, and family in 2017!

In today’s reading , we see Paul’s relationship with his people. Along with that, we see what areas Paul “glories” in and where he praises his people for their growth and their walk. These are good thoughts as we work with those to whom God has called us. Someone said “if we have 20 lukewarm or baby Christians this year, and 40 lukewarm or baby Christians next year, did we really grow?” Our goal ought to be Christ-minded disciples. Might this be our goal this year. Here are some questions to ask as we look at Paul’s praises for his disciples:

1. Paul prayed continually for his people. I must ask myself – do I pray as consistently and fervently as I ought to? He said “I thank my God ALWAYS on your behalf.” He brought his people before the Lord often. I believe this is  must if we’re to see our people grow from “babes” to mature saints.
2. His people grew in “knowledge”. Are our people growing in the knowledge of the Word of God and the God of the Word? Might we point them toward this as we work with and disciple them!
3. His people had a good testimony for Christ (vs 6), and it was confirmed. How is the testimony of Christ in our own people? It’s one thing to have a good testimony at church. How bout at home? At work? In the community?
4. His people were blameless. This is another level of Christianity, but it’s worth preaching and striving for for our people. Do they strive to be blameless in motives, in relationships, in their lives?
5. They WERE unified, but something happened. Is there unity? We’re reminded that men know we’re His disciples if we love one another as He loved us.

Might we strive for our people to grow in the Lord in 2017.

Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

One thing we see time and time again in the book of Acts is this: when someone gets a real dose of the Gospel, things change. There’s not really another explanation for it. And they should. But the purpose for reading Scripture is not to see what happened in others’ lives, though that’s a big part of it, but to see what should happen in my life and the lives of those I serve. So the question I must ask myself this morning is simple: what change is the Gospel making in my life?

As for the example in Acts 19, first, these people became bold in their confession of Christ. Secondly, they were willing to confess and change things in their lives that weren’t right. They came together and confessed their wrong. Then, they made necessary changes in their lives that included sacrificing things that needed removed or changed. It was as they did this, that the word of God grew mightily. How is our witness for Christ today? Are we willing to admit when there’s wrong in our lives? Are we willing to sacrifice as we realize areas of our lives that need changed or removed, even if it costs us? Let’s let having the Gospel to do the work in us that it ought to do.

Acts 18:24-28 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

I’m excited about our theme for 2017 here at Pacific Baptist. The them is “Making a Difference”, from Jude 22. The concept is that it is everyone’s responsibility to seek to make a difference in the life of somebody. My reading this morning brought my mind right to this theme. Here we have two “laymen” – tent makers by trade, seeing a man with potential for the Lord, taking him in, and making a big difference in his life. He would, in turn, go out and make a difference in the lives of many others. Talk about 2 Timothy 2:2 in action! Here are a couple observations from this passage and this couple’s example.

First, they were attentive – Aquila and his wife came into the synagogue to hear the Word of God. But they didn’t just come to sit down and take in. While they were there, they noticed a man who had a desire for God, and with some potential to be used by Him. As soon as “church” was done, they went over to him and started a conversation.

Secondly, they were hospitable – After their conversation, they invited him to spend time with them. They “took him unto them” – most likely to their house. It wasn’t just a Sunday morning or evening conversation. They developed a real relationship with him. If we’re going to make a difference in the lives of others, we must be willing to be hospitable to them. And it must be more than just a Sunday AM or PM thing. We must be willing to have them in our homes, spend time with them in theirs, and be willing to put in the time to see them along.

Next, they helped spiritually – They realized the need, they initiated the relationship, and now, they helped him to address his spiritual condition. They started, as we all should, with salvation. This was his (and those with whom we come in contact) greatest need. However, they didn’t stop there. They continued to expound the Word of God to him. They helped to bring him along in the things of God. If we’re going to see fruit that remains, this is a must.

And finally, they followed through – Once this man began to be grounded in his faith, it was time for him to serve. They didn’t just say “go ahead, find a place to serve”. They gave direction. They wrote letters to the brethren. And they continued until he was in a place of service.

This is a great reminder of what we should be doing all the time as Christians. This couple wasn’t staff, pastors, or even deacons. They were Christians. And when they realized the need, they decided to take these steps to make a difference, and a difference they made. Might we be alert, hospitable, help spiritually, and follow through, and see the difference that is made for Christ!

“I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?” – A. Judson to his future father in law, in requesting the hand of Ann in marriage. 

I wonder how many sons-in-law to be have this kind of radical commitment to the Lord, and are willing to express it to a potential suitor’s father. Adoniram Judson did.  He understood counting the cost. He understood “falling to the ground and dying” to bear much fruit. It’s no wonder there are close to 4,000 Baptist churches in Burma (Myanmar) today. Might we find (and be) men with this kind of commitment to the Lord. Might we live with eternity on our minds. The souls of countless men, women, and children sway in the balance.