2017-11-10
Good Morning Dear Ones,
As promised last week, we will, at the behest of the Holy Spirit, go over some of the teaching to take home that our Lord has given us. It’s important that we understand that what has been said is from the Lord, not from some other source. Our Savior was a lowly, humble person, Who we should emulate. Jesus Christ has the “fullness of the Father,” meaning He has the Father’s wisdom, power, and traits.
Let’s look at 1 COR 1: 17-2: 16. The power of Christ’s Atonement is that this tells the story of the Gospel in language other than human wisdom. Paul wasn’t sent to baptize; he was sent to convey the Good News. Christ, Who has the fullness of God, has God’s wisdom and power [JN 14: 9, 11; 1 COR 1: 18]. In saying, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,” it is revealed that believing mankind is saved through their faith in Jesus Christ. We must all assess the impact of Christ’s Atonement on our own lives [IS 29: 14; 1 COR 1: 18]. Mankind’s wisdom is foolishness in comparison to God’s [IS 55: 8-9; 1 COR 1: 20b]. Former pagans find the message of Christ as foolishness; Jews demanded miracles to prove its truth; Greeks leaned on human wisdom (philosophy) [1 COR 1: 22]. Christ is the power and wisdom of God (24). God chose purposely to shame wise and powerful humans with what the world thinks is weak and foolish (27). Because we have been put right with God through Christ, God’s wisdom and power, we are His holy people who are free [JN 8: 31-32; (30)]. Any boasting we do should be about what the Lord has done, not what we have done [PS 115: 1; (31)].
Any proof of Biblical truth should not use long, skillful words of human wisdom, but with using God’s power from the Holy Spirit [1 COR 2: 1b; 4-5; 2: 13]. God’s secret wisdom was chosen for us before the world was made for our glory [EPH 2: 10; (2: 7)]. Had this wisdom been known by the world, our Lord Jesus would never have been crucified [IS 64: 4; (8)]. God made known the truth to us through the Holy Spirit, Whom the world cannot discern [1 COR 2: 10, 14]. We know everything about our own spirit, just as God knows everything about the Holy Spirit (10-11). We, who believe, have the mind of Christ [IS 40: 13; (2: 16)].
We should also look at 1 COR 3: 8-23 for more home truths. In applying God’s teaching, it doesn’t matter which person plants the seeds and which waters; it is God Who matters and makes the seeds grow. In heaven, God will reward each person depending on the work he has done as God’s obedient partner working in God’s field [AC 18: 4-11, 24-28; 1 COR 3: 6]. God has said Christ is the One and only sure Foundation; no other can be laid (3: 11). The Refiner’s fire will test everyone’s work and expose it on the Day of Christ; then, its value will be seen (13). God’s temple is holy. His Spirit lives in you, so no one should destroy His temple in you [1 COR 3: 16-17; 6: 19-20; 2 COR 6: 16; EPH 2: 20-22]. God’s wisdom and that of the world are opposites. The wisdom of the world is worthless (3: 20). We already learned in JOB 5: 13 that “God traps the wise in their cleverness” [1 COR 3: 19]. We belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to the Father (23).
PRAYER: O Lord, You give us such comfort with this wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We are motivated to take care of ourselves intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, knowing the Holy Spirit dwells within us. We now understand that Your mystery is Christ within us and access to Your powerful wisdom. How comforting it is to know that we belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to You. This holy connection gives our lives meaning and significance. The wisdom of the world leads to spiritual death; the wisdom from the Holy Spirit leads to eternal life! Your unconditional love for us is unparalleled anywhere or from any other source. We are urged to be obedient servants of You and of our fellow man. With the obedience You demand of us, we live healthy, balanced lives that are useful and can leave a legacy behind us that makes the lives of others better. We may never know what others think of our earthly accomplishments, but we believe You will bless us in heaven. Thanks and praise are what You deserve, and we offer them in this prayer. Christ has made us Your friends [RO 5: 9-11], so that we no longer are afraid of spiritual death. No one is available to us, as You are-any time of day or night, any day of any year. That kind of access granted to us is a great blessing. We urge You to listen to our confessions and to know we offer You the kind of love Christ has taught us. Please continue building an ever-closer relationship with us and leading us “through the narrow gate along the hard path that leads to eternal life” [MT 7: 13-14]. Our love and loyalty is Yours, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: I have been commanded to write about sanctification as it relates to the Refiner’s fire next week. In the meanwhile, I want to repeat that we know everything about our own spirits, just as God knows everything about the Holy Spirit [1COR 2: 10-11]. This is precisely the reason why I so frequently discuss my own experience with God, rather than someone else’s. My experience has been some kind of a ride! There have been surprises, a lot of studying, many friendships, dangers, illnesses, discoveries, and consequences suffered for foolishness. He has led me to amazing opportunities to learn and convey His word to others. I was surprised to discover that I could serve others by becoming a Stephen minister, teaching classes, and even writing two courses. The Lord led me to an opportunity to use what I know about the Bible in answering questions coming in from seekers on the other end of computer chats in real time. This experience also led to opportunities to witness to my faith and observe the reactions of these seekers. Once I was slowed by my poor mobility, the result of an illness, I served others by beginning a group of knitters and those who crochet. This group makes items which are given to people in crises, which help to uplift them through their times of trouble. I discovered the Lord is always with me, keeping me in His sights. How comforting that is! Throughout this experience, the Holy Spirit is always teaching me God’s way, something for which I am always grateful. We who believe are blessed indeed! Praise and thanks be to the Lord!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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