September 11, 2024
1 Corinthians 6
As we reflect on these first 6 chapters concerning the early church, we see problems that existed then, are still present today. Our eagerness to follow Christ once we become saved can become a zealousness of energies that may lead us to stagnation. You ask, “that’s an interesting statement, how so?” Well, I am glad you asked. By faith we become saved, trusting in Jesus that His death and resurrection paid our sin debt. I believe that. You believe that. We are then instructed to go to church, read our Bibles, join a small group but somehow, some of us just don’t “get it”. Our small group has had men come and go. They were on fire to learn the “ways of God” Psalm 25:4, “Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.” But some have fallen away. Could it be the 4 types of soils Jesus taught? It’s as if the illustration of the four types of soil presented by Jesus in all Three gospels become a reality. (1) Seeds, or the message, fall on the path being walked on quickly get eaten up by birds, so the hearer ignores the message for salvation. (2) Some fall on rocky ground and begin to take root, eagerness, but quickly fades because there was no leadership or guidance when hard times came, interest waned. (3) Some fell where weeds began to choke the message, indicating culture events and one’s own life events have taken priority over maturing in Christ. And finally, (4) seed that fell on good soil which produced a good harvest indicating maturing and living for Jesus. We have all been in one of these stages. As we progress through this life we become more or less receptive to the gospel message. Take charge of your heart by surrendering your heart to Christ through prayer. Charles Spurgeon said, “Prayer itself is an art which only the Holy Ghost can teach us. He is the giver of all prayer. Pray for prayer-pray till you can pray.” And we studied in Romans 11:36, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” If you have a thought or an inkling to pray, you must pray!
We should be in a surrendering state to Jesus, to the Holy Spirit, so we will not be misled by a talented speaker who is in the preaching business for money. Remember, God gives, freely and generously, wisdom and knowledge to those who ask but to ask in FAITH, James 1:5.
Cultural guidance will lead to destruction, we see that everywhere. This is the world’s wisdom. And what did we learn about the world’s wisdom? It is foolishness and those who cherish it cannot learn of spiritual wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:19. Culture says, “I have my rights and you violated them therefore I am suing you,” I am guilty of this, out of ignorance though. Sensuality and debauchery are cultural. Sex is everywhere and tempting us with physical pleasures. Have we read our Bibles to better understand the consequences. We read our bodies are the temple of God, the New Covenant. The temple of God is no longer a building. We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Do not defile God’s temple, your body, with immorality. Be of the mindset that all your actions are being watched by our Savior. I pray it persuades you away from defilement of God’s temple.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive us of our sin. Help us to have an eagerness to learn Your Word, to be followers of Your guidance and to cherish all opportunities as gifts from You. Help us to return to You in our time of disparity.
