Word For the Day

  “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God” (1Co 4:3-5). Regarding our judgment, there is no earthly court capable of making perfect judgments. Paul acknowledges that even though he is not aware of any guilt, this does not absolve him. He knows only the Lord can judge us righteously. So, let us not judge man’s heart in man’s day. Leave that judgment for the Lord at His coming. Of course, that does not mean we are not to judge behavior. Clearly there are times when the church must judge. Paul, in this same letter, does just that. “It is actually reported that th...

  “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). A simple request. Paul wants to be known as a servant of Christ and minister of the Gospel. Wouldn’t you? More importantly, shouldn’t you? Of course, that means, “In this case moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2). When you think of trustworthiness, what comes to mind? It often involves being reliable, honest, and deserving of confidence. Let us be reliable. “... Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). Let us be honest. “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void” (1 Corinthians 1:17). Let us be deserving of confidence. “Be diligent to present yourself appr...

  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NAS95). Beloved, guard your heart against self-grandizement. Thinking you have the corner on wisdom is the first step towards self-deception. Thinking you are serving God and the church with worldly wisdom will only lead to your demise. You must humble yourself to become wise, not with worldly wisdom, but with wisdom from above. Never boast in men, including yo...

  Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NAS95). Paul uses the Old Testament temple as a picture of the body of Christ today. The foundation is Christ, and we are building upon that foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. When tested by fire, only the gold, silver, and precious stones will survive. These are good works, right attitudes, and holy behavior. Paul goes on to say that, as the temple of God, we have a responsibility to be holy. He emphasizes this responsibility with a hard saying: If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. Matthew Henry addresses these verses. From other parts of the epistle, it appears that the false teachers among the Corinthians taught unholy doctrines. Such teaching tended to corrupt, to pollute, and destroy the buildin...