“…one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:33)

            Husbands and wives – listen to me.  Do not make the mistake of selling out your marriage for other things which seem so important.  I have seen men sell out their marriage to preach the gospel because they rationalized the work was too worthy to be ignored.  I have seen women sell out their marriages for their children, thinking that we have such little time with these little people and their husbands would always be there later.

            This is wrong.  God commands you to divide your time between your spouse and everything else.  He even tells you to divide your time between your spouse and serving Him.  I can think of no other command that calls for such prioritization.  Don’t sell out.  Buy in to your marriage.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-40

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…for the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31)

            The world we live in works a certain way – there is a formula to it.  We live, and then we die.  The finite nature of our lives is consistent to rich and poor alike.  Time is coming for all of us.  We make our plans with time in mind – we only have so much time to work, and we must have enough saved up to last the years we cannot work.  The form of life down here under the sun is not-eternal.  Things have beginnings, and all things have endings.  Even down to our pets, we recognize that we can only have them for so long before their time is up, too.  This is the form of life we are accustomed to, one with deadlines and endings.

            This form is passing away though.  While living our mortal lives, we must prepare for eternity.  At some point, the trajectory of our lives (either a life of faith or a life of unbelief) will be set and forever fixed like arrows released into the eternity of heaven or hell.  As you live your day-to-day life, don’t forget that there is coming a day that never ends.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:21-31

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk.  And so I direct in all the churches.” (1 Corinthians 7:17)

            We often think that if our circumstances changed, we would begin to serve the Lord better.  There is a tendency to blame our environment for our faithfulness, yet typically, that is not the leading factor.  God called you here, and here is your assigned position – your assignment.  Be faithful here instead of imagining how faithful you would be if you were somewhere else.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:10-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7:9)

            We often look at self-control as the ultimate goal of Christianity, but it is not.  Self-control is one fruit of the Spirit, not the whole tree.  The ability to repress desires and control oneself is an essential skill for Christians to have, but the above verse is a reminder that, sometimes, the honest humility to acknowledge that we are not strong enough to withstand the temptation is equally important.  In the case of the young couple that burns with passion – sometimes the answer is to acknowledge it and push up the wedding date.  It is better to marry than to burn.

            Sometimes the answer is control in the face of temptation… sometimes the answer is to remove the temptation.  There are no extra points gained for controlling your desire for alcohol while sitting in the tavern – get out of the pub!  Walk away from the situation when your anger begins to boil. In the face of smut, turn off the television and remove yourself from the programming that would program you.  There are times where the best self-control is changing the environment.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17)

            This is a radical statement.  It is a reminder that our claim to be Christians is, in fact, a claim upon Christ – it is more than transactional; it is relational.  To be a Christian is to be intimately connected to Christ.  The choices we make affect Him as the choices He makes affect us.  Our lives are intertwined with the King.  Our faithfulness (or lack thereof) has an impact upon the work of His kingdom as well as the sorrows and joys of His heart.

            Why should we flee immorality?  Because if we cannot fathom Jesus embracing sin, we ought to be repulsed by the thought of us embracing it, too.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Is it so that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren?” (1 Corinthians 6:5)

            Wise, mature Christians are some of the greatest tools God has given us.  Wise Christians can help you navigate your way through conflict, trials, and personal growth.  The only thing stopping you from getting their help is accepting their help.  When we open ourselves to the advice and counsel of others, we show the courage to be vulnerable that is required to become wise ourselves.  We don’t improve without guidance, and conflicts sometimes require mediation.  Look to your fellow saints for help.  Follow the path of those who have already navigated the troubled waters you are facing.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5)

            The only valuable thing that a sinful lifestyle has to offer is the consequences.  The consequences of immoral living – depression, isolation, financial distress, health impacts, and even legal troubles can lead someone to look upward for hope.  The consequences are the reminder that a life led by Satan doesn’t work and that true joy can only be found in Jesus.

            This fact is exactly why we must be careful not to shield people from natural consequences for bad behavior.  When we as individuals, friends, parents, or collectively as the church protect the unrepentant from the price of their sin, we become complicit in the devil’s masquerade that sin comes without a cost.  Guarding the flesh should never be more valuable than saving the spirit.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…just as I teach everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:17b)

            The Christianity that Paul taught was a system that could be replicated in every city and every church.  Christ’s church can be copied from city to city and country to country and from age to age.  It is both timeless and simple enough to be followed by God-fearing people the world over.

What Paul taught in one church, he taught in every church.  Which means what the Holy Spirit teaches in one church, He teaches in every church.   We need not discuss the need to “modernize” the New Testament church or “adapt” to the times.  The teaching of the New Testament is already adapted for all times both modern and ancient.  May it be said of us that we were simply Christians, not 21^st century versions bearing that title but bringing different teachings.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:11-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“… so that in us, you may learn not to exceed what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6b)

            The early church was created out of a menagerie of people.  Jewish converts who were steeped in their rabbinical traditions and Pharisaical additions to God’s commands combined with Gentile converts who had a history of idolatry, emotionalism, and habit of diving into whatever the newest contemporary religious practice was.  Whether in Pharisaic traditionalism or pagan modernism, Paul’s warning was clear – shun all but what is written.  Go no further than the text takes you.

            The goal for us should be the same.  To seek to neither restrict ourselves beyond what the text does or to travel beyond its sacred boundaries.  The debate should not be whether we should be more “conservative” or “progressive” but how we can become more biblical.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

            Whether the house be made of brick, wood, stucco, or stone… the foundation is the beginning.  At the cornerstone of every Christian life and every congregation must be a sincere and deep devotion to follow Jesus.

            Many churches spend a lot of time pointing toward the quality of the work they do – impressive worship, large numbers, extensive outreach, exceptional efforts to do good works, or a long vibrant tradition, but these are secondary things.  No matter how many rooms a mansion has, if it is sliding off the foundation, I’m not interested.  I don’t care about the paint color and the skylights if the house’s foundation has crumbled.

            Whether it be a desire to modernize or a desire to hold to long-beloved traditions – a church that forgets the foundation is Jesus and His Word has forgotten the vital cornerstone of growth.  Go back to Him; go back to His Word, and whatever be built from there will be sound.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:11-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision