“Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.” (1 Corinthians 8:1b)

The man who thinks he knows the most probably has a thing or two to learn.  It’s easy to “know” what everyone else should do.  It’s hard to get into the trenches and help them where they are.  It’s easy to pass judgment on another’s mistakes, but love sees the journey from their perspective.

Knowledge tries to win the argument, but love tries to win the soul.

Paul knew the answers to all the doctrinal questions, but he also loved people enough to walk with them through their journey to grow and learn.  Love mentors and serves and waits for the growth to come from an honest heart.  Knowledge without love swells the pride.  Knowledge with love builds a bridge to truth.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.” (1 Corinthians 7:7)

The context of 1 Corinthians 7 is talking about marriage.  Paul is saying it is a gift from God to NOT be married.  There is a gift and a blessing in singleness.

For those who are without a spouse, it can feel like singleness is a curse, not a blessing.  Hear me: God can do amazing things with single people.

Jeremiah stood in the gap while single. Ruth served while single. Paul evangelized while single.  Jesus was single.

There are gifts which only the unmarried can offer.  God sees you and can use you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“…you are not your own…” (1 Corinthians 6:19b)

You were bought with a price.  Jesus owns you now.  As Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal 2:20)

What happens when you begin to think about yourself as someone who is owned?  It means you have VALUE, and it means you have PURPOSE.  You see that person in the mirror?  Jesus loves her.

You better take good care of you because He values you, and He has plans.  Too many lives are degraded by sexual sin, worldly distraction, and the devil’s lies.  You are too valuable for that.

What would you do today if your day was not your own?  Whatever it is – do that.

Who would you be today if your soul belonged to Jesus? Whoever that is – be him. Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6)

Tolerance is supposed to be loving, right?  But what if tolerance is hateful?

The church in Corinth tolerated a man’s sinful lifestyle, and it was hurting his soul and hurting the church.  Their tolerance wasn’t love; it was acceptance of sin, and the wages of tolerance were the death of that man’s soul.

Sometimes, we need a zero-tolerance policy… zero tolerance of purposeful sin in our own lives… zero tolerance of intentional sin in the church.  You have zero tolerance for adultery in your marriage – shouldn’t Jesus’ bride (the church) be the same?

A little accepted sin goes a long way.  Like yeast, it spreads and changes those around us.  Tolerance of sin isn’t love; it’s hate… hate of God and hate of the soul that is harmed by it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.” (1 Corinthians 4:3)

            When we are worried about what others think about us, we struggle to be who we ought because we are overly concerned about their reaction.  In like manner, when we listen to our own (often negative) self-talk, we can become afraid to take risks, accept challenges, or dare to serve as Jesus intended.

            Remember that nobody, including yourself, is the final judge of your soul.  God alone holds the title of Judge of All.  If your life is pleasing Him, you can ignore the other voices which cry out to us from our past with mocking tones and critical jests.  Who you are is judged by Christ alone, and in Christ alone, we need find our hope.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.” (1 Corinthians 3:5)

            What kind of evangelists were Paul and Apollos? Ones who took advantage of the opportunities God gave them.

            Don’t worry about the unknown people you maybe should be trying to speak to about Jesus – focus on the known ones.  Look at the opportunities right around you.  A few words said are better than a dozen classes which you never taught.  Philip converted Nathanael with three words: “Come and see.” (John 1:46).

            The Lord gives us all opportunities. Seize them… no matter the size.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3)

            Vulnerability is the hallmark of authenticity.  The apostle Paul was scared amongst the Corinthian church.  They saw him tremble at the threats of the synagogue officials and the lies told about him to the Roman courts.  They saw him tired and exhausted as he awaited the return of Timothy and Silas.

            Paul was sometimes mocked by his critics as being strong in speech but unimpressive in presence.  Why? Because Paul was vulnerable.  His authentic faith was disdainful to the unbeliever, but it drew those of honest hearts to him, and more importantly, drew them to Jesus.

            Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.  Own your weakness, your fear, and your tremblings.  Let people see you struggle and hurt.  In your vulnerability, they will see an authentic faith that finds strength in Jesus, not yourself.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20)

            The world would argue that since the greatest minds of the day are not impressed with the wisdom of Christ, Christianity must be wrong.  Yet, the argument misses the point – Christ did not die for the great and mighty of the world – He died for all.  It wouldn’t make sense for  His message to be so complicated that only the greatest debaters and wisest philosophers could grasp it if it is intended for the masses.

            When you wish for all to understand something, you speak in a manner that emphasizes simplicity and clarity.  The New Testament is just such a doctrine.  Though it is deep, it is understandable.  The message of Christ and the pattern given for His church can be found simply pronounced within the Scriptures so anyone might find their Maker.  This is exactly what Paul spoke of when he said, “that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us…” (Acts 17:27)

            God doesn’t desire to be far from anyone.  He wishes to be found, so He pronounced a wisdom that could be grasped.  It is the simplicity of the Bible message that reveals Him in the gospel.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

 “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.” (Matthew 28:17)

            The doubt of the early disciples of Christ should bring us confidence.  If those who saw the resurrection, witnessed with their own eyes the risen King, and worshipped at His feet struggled with overcoming fear and a lack of conviction, we should expect a similar journey for ourselves.

            An unwavering certainty in our Lord is the lifelong goal of faith, but it is not the starting point.  Questions, struggles of the heart, trials in life, and the quiet whisperings of an irreligious culture attempt to thwart our commitment to the path of Jesus.  Be not dismayed by the turmoil, but embrace the journey of finding your identity in Jesus.

            Worship Him where you are with the understanding that you are walking in the Light and toward it, too.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

“Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him.” (Matthew 27:55)

Those who believe the Bible is anti-women haven’t been reading it.

The first people to go to the empty tomb?  Women.

The people who stayed by the cross while Jesus suffered? Women.

The people who funded Jesus’ preaching campaign? Women.

Don’t believe the propaganda. Read the book for yourself, and you will see a glowing report of feminine excellence and value throughout the text.  Does Scripture deny the differences between men and women? No.  Does it elevate women to a place of honor and equality? Consistently.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites