Studies in 1 Corinthians - Love

Chapter 13 is actually a very short chapter (only 13 verses), but it definitely packs a lot of meaning. Here, Paul emphasizes love as the supreme and eternal priority, over serving through spiritual gifts, sacrificing ourselves for our beliefs or even having faith and hope for the eternal kingdom in the future.


Where is the Love? (v.1-3)

This passage starts out with Paul basically chastising the Corinthians for placing so much importance on the spiritual gifts. While they are important to the ministry, if we do not have love while serving with these gifts, it means nothing if love is not the motivator of our service; we are only "a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (v.1, NIV). In pagan ceremonies, worship would often be accompanied by gongs, cymbals, and trumpets. Paul is saying that if love is lacking in everything we do as Christians (targeting the 'highly desirable' gifts like speaking in tongues and prophesying in this passage), we are no better than these pagans who worship idols and our actions have no spiritual impact.


What is Love? (v.4-8,13)

The next section details the various characteristics of love, which I will list below:

Love...
1. Is patient with others
2. Is kind and gracious to others with generosity
3. Seeks the good of others rather than ourselves - "love does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way" (v.4-5)
4. Does not take personal offense - "it is not irritable or resentful" (v.5)
5. Does not take pleasure in others' pain - "it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth" (v.6)
6. "protects, believes, hopes and endures what others reject" (JMac)

As John Macarthur puts it so aptly, "Love is action, not abstraction." Loving someone causes you to put them before yourself and serve them in any way possible; that is why spiritual gifts pale in significance when confronted with the ultimate motivator. These gifts that are so desired by the Corinthians will ultimately pass away, but love is permanent and eternal. Even faith and hope will pass away, for Jesus will return one day; but when He does, the eternal kingdom will begin and we will express perfect love towards God and each other.


The Man God in the Mirror (v.9-12)

The Bible does not allow us to know God perfectly; Paul describes our current relationship with Him as "a poor reflection as in a mirror" (v.12, NIV). We cannot see God in His perfect glory as we are because we are separated from Him by sin. This is why we "know in part and prophesy in part" (v.9, ESV); we are just like children and act like children (v.11). However, we will finally be able to see Him "face to face" (v.12, ESV/NIV) when we are reunited with Him in the final kingdom - we will grow up and "[give] up [our] childish ways" (v.11, ESV). We will know Him as He has known us all along!


Verses to Remember

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor. 13:4-7, NIV


Closing Remarks

I know, I know... those section titles were corny. Sorry.

Verse 6 particularly struck a chord with me; in the ESV, it reads, "it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." No matter how much or how terribly we lie to our brothers and sisters, if they love us they will forgive; and not only forgive, they will be joyful that the truth has been revealed. I was always afraid that people would hate me if they saw who I truly was, but I realized that God in His infinite grace and love will always accept us for who we are, as will our siblings in Christ; after all, we are part of the same body and have to work together to keep it running, don't we? So that's my revelation for the day :P



God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Spiritual Gifts & the Church as a Body

Chapter 12 addresses the topic of spiritual gifts, which was highly controversial in the Corinthian church at the time and gave way to many divisions and ungodly attitudes within the congregation. In this passage Paul addresses the issue, then proceeds to illustrate the right sort of behavior towards spiritual gifts by contrasting the church, both corporately and individually, with the human body.


The Source

Paul starts off his rebuke by reminding the Corinthians of their former ways. He tells them that, just as they were led to idols by some demonic influence, the source of their worship now is the Holy Spirit. He wants them "to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit" (v.3), and that their talents are God-given - perhaps as a humble reminder that these gifts are indeed of the same Spirit and not of themselves.


Spiritual Gifts

There are many types of spiritual gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing (which no longer exists in this era, as it was only used to reaffirm Jesus' identity), miracles (same as healing), prophecy (more like teaching or encouragement, according to Ch.14), distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. Everyone is given some kind of gift as a manifestation of the Spirit to minister to others ("for the common good", v.7), but they are meted out as God chooses and purposes.


The Body Analogy

We often hear the church referred to as "the body" or "the body of Christ." As Christians, we are all members of the church; corporately, we make up the larger body of Christ consisting of all Christians in the world. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body... and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (v.13). However, though we are all members of the same body, each individual part is unique.

The source of the divisions that have been occurring within the Corinthian church is the fact that some members have received more prominent spiritual gifts and have elevated themselves above their brothers and sisters. It has even gotten to the point that these believers belittle others with quieter, less prominent gifts and claim that they, in fact, do not belong to the body of Christ. This, in turn, has led those humiliated believers to envy and jealousy, desiring the more "showy" gifts rather than the ones God gave them. However, Paul tells them that just because one part of the body claims not to belong because it simply isn't another part, it doesn't make them any less of a part of that body. Every part has a different function, but they all play a role in keeping the body healthy. In fact, the parts of the body that are not visible and less presentable (ie. internal organs) are actually treated with greater respect because of their necessity. Everyone has a different purpose within the church body, but they all share the same mission to keep the body thriving and share the same experiences: if one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers; if one part rejoices, all rejoice. God designed the church to be diverse in their service (but united in their ultimate duty of glorifying God). Paul reminds them that the body would not exist if there weren't different parts; everyone would just be an eyeball floating in the air or a hand crawling on the ground like it came fresh out of a horror movie... sounds stupid, right?


The Most Excellent Way

In v.31, Paul advises the Corinthians to "honestly desire the higher gifts". Though it may sound paradoxical and contradictory to the entire passage before, I think what he's getting at is that spiritual gifts are only a small part of serving God and that there is something much more important that they as Christans are called to do: love. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the Sadducees that the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (v.37,39-40). As God first loved us, so should we love Him and, by loving others, glorify Him. This is further fleshed out in Chapter 13 (coming tomorrow!).


Verses to Remember

"Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:3

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Cor. 12:4-7

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:12-13

"But God has so composed the body... that there may be no division in the body... that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." 1 Cor. 12:24-26



God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Gender Roles, the Lord's Supper, & Godly Behavior

Though Chapter 11 is split into two sections that discuss two seemingly different and separate aspects of worship - head coverings and the Holy Communion - they both display a concern with godly behavior (and the lack of it in some Corinthian Christians).


Head Coverings

The first half of this passage talks about the way people (in particular, women) should conduct themselves in worship. Paul reminds women that they should keep their heads covered when worshiping God (not doing so is as if they have shaved their heads, which is equally shameful). This covering, according to John Macarthur, signifies their subordinate relationship to their husband ("woman is the glory of man", v.7), distinguishes them from men while they are worshiping or teaching, and glorifies God in exhibiting the beauty of His creation. Also, head coverings are to be worn so that, as stated in v.10, women do not offend the angels, who are watching over them. Paul also warns them that "If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God" (v.16). As for men, it is a disgrace for them when they wear head coverings, because it represents his lack of authority over his wife and household. Furthermore, God gives us hints about the distinctive propriety of worship for men and women through their natural biological functions. Testosterone, the natural male hormone, propagates hair loss, while estrogen, the hormone produced by females, actually promotes extended hair growth (it is interesting to note that the "head covering" and "having the head covered," as with hair, are used almost interchangeably).


Mysogeny or Society?

However, I personally do not believe that God wanted all women for all time to wear head coverings when they went to church or taught; it is obvious that women today don't follow and don't need to follow such practices. All that Paul was asking them to do was to comply with the societal standards of their time as a form of obedience to God; just as we should submit to the government that God has placed us in, we should also submit to the culture and traditions of the society God has placed us in (as long as it doesn't lead us to sin, of course).

Another possible point of controversy might be v.3, which reads, "the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." This basically establishes the divine order as God reigning sovereign, with Jesus, while an equal as part of the Trinity, only submitting to Him as an obedient human being. Men submit to the Lord Jesus, and women submit to their husbands. This is NOT to say that women are in any way inferior or less worthy than men in God's eyes; he has simply purposed them to submit to their husbands so that they may glorify God. After all, Eve was created from Adam's rib and was created specifically for him. But God also gives women an extremely important role in the divine order; "for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman" (v.12). Women have the unique duty of giving birth to the next generation and ensuring the survival of mankind (and although this may seem more a burden than blessing, remember that childbirth was only made painful after Eve sinned).


The Lord's Supper

The second half of the chapter discusses the Corinthians' less-than-godly behavior when they gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Paul has heard about divisions within the church, as well as some believers not sharing their food and drink with their brothers who might have had less or even nothing to eat. In addition, people did not wait for others to begin eating but ate whenever they wanted. He asks the Corinthians who are displaying in these sinful behaviors to keep their indulgences at home; bringing them into the church would only be a mockery of Jesus' death on the cross and a humiliation of their brothers.

Paul advises the Corinthians to examine themselves before coming to the Lord; otherwise they "drink judgment on [themselves]" (v.29). Partaking in the Lord's Supper, or even just worshiping God as a whole, while entertaining a bitter attitude or an unrepentant heart dishonors both the Lord AND his own body and blood, as he is treating Christ's sacrifice lightly and still clinging onto his own sin. He believes that these wrong attitudes are the reason why some believers have become sick or died - as a form (albeit extreme) of purification or purgation within the church.

He also instructs the Corinthians to judge themselves honestly so that they might not experience God's own judgment. However, when we ARE judged by God, it is a form of discipline to lead us back to obedience and godly behavior. In conclusion, Paul asks them again to wait for another when they eat and to keep their sinful behavior out of the church, because there is no point in gathering together only to be chastened by God.


Verses to Remember

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Cor. 11:3

"For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man... Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God." 1 Cor. 11:8-9,11-12

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread of drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." 1 Cor. 11:26-29

"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." 1 Cor. 11:32


Closing Remarks

This passage was a little more difficult for me to write about, since it talks about gender roles, which can be a very touchy subject. I totally do not believe that women are inferior to men, nor do I believe that the Bible teaches that either. Hopefully I didn't offend anybody, but if I did I apologize. I am not an expert in the Bibe, nor do I always word things correctly.



God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Idolatry & the Glory of God

The bulk of Chapter 10 talks about idolatry in the church and reminds the Corinthians of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, which was filled with immorality, corruption, and disobedience.


The Promised Land

After being liberated from slavery in Egypt and escaping through the Red Sea, the Israelites embarked on a journey to the promised land of Canaan. Throughout this long sojourn, they were guided by God in the form of a cloud by day and a roaring column of fire by night. They were baptized into Moses, who was ordained as their leader by God. They all "ate the same spiritual food" (v.3) - manna - and drank the same spiritual drink (in Exodus 16, Moses strikes a rock open and water comes out).

However, God was displeased with most of them, because they repeatedly disobeyed Him - by the time they reached the land of milk and honey, only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter. Many Israelites died (about 23,000 in one day) in the wilderness due to a lack of self-discipline, and their continuous indulgence in every kind of sin, including idolatry (the golden calf in particular), sexual immorality, testing God, and complaining against Him. Though these served as an example to the Israelites at the time, they are also for our own instruction as the end times draw nearer, as Paul says in v.11.


Temptation, Again

So in light of this, Paul warns those who are overconfident, believing that they can conquer sin by their own strength, to "take heed lest they fall" (v.12). However, he reassures the Corinthians that God is faithful to even us, and will not tempt us beyond what we can handle. He advises them to flee from idolatry, just as he told them to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6). He believes that they are sensible people who can make sensible judgments when faced with temptation (v.15).


Who Are We Devoted To?

When Christians partake of the Lord's Supper, they are participating in the blood of Christ and proclaiming publicly that they have an allegiance and a devotion to Christ. This also occurred in the Old Testament; food sacrificed on the altar was also eaten by those who participated in the ceremony. If the Israelites sacrificed to God, it represented a devotion to God. But if they sacrificed to an idol, it represented a devotion to that idol.

These idols weren't true gods, of course. John Macarthur believes that they were demons who took advantage of the people's weakness to assume a place of worship. Thus, the Israelites would be devoting themselves to demons and, as he puts it, a "satanic spiritual force."

Our God is a jealous God and cannot tolerate being replaced or set next to anything in importance. He should reign sovereign in our lives and, if we profess to be saved, we should treat him as such.


Doing Everything to the Glory of God

This second section, which is slightly shorter, asks the Israelites to bring glory to God in everything that they do. There are several requests that Paul makes here:

1. "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor" (v.5). This can also be related to a passage in Philippians 2, which asks Christians to "do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (v.3-4). This is basically the second great commandment (Matt. 22:39); as born-again Christians, we should love others now the way we used to love ourselves before we were saved.
2. We should not be afraid to associate with unbelievers (in fact, the Great Commission commands that we make it our goal to evangelize to them). If we are invited to dinner by an unbeliever, we shouldn't hesitate to eat what is placed in front of us so as not to offend them; however, if the food has been sacrificed to idols or foreign gods, it is better to not eat it and offend the nonbeliever than to eat it and offend the weaker believer (refer to Ch.8).
3. Seek to please everyone in everything that you do, as Paul did, "not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they might be saved" (v.33).

Let me end with Colossians 3:23, which reads, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Not only will we receive a reward (an inheritance from the Lord), but we will bring glory to God; and THAT is is the greatest reward.


Verses to Remember

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. 10:12 (ESV)

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Cor. 10:13 (ESV)

"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" 1 Cor. 10:21-22 (ESV)

"Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor." 1 Cor. 10:24 (ESV)

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31 (ESV)


Closing Remarks

So I haven't brought much of my personal life into this blog, but I would just like to apologize for the long gap between this post and the last. I just finished fall semester at UC Berkeley and came home last week, but I lost my discipline and failed to do any QT's for the past week. This post actually should have been done a while ago, but I got caught up in the consumerism of Christmas and self-indulgence. My priorities are being adjusted slowly but surely.

Coming home for me brought a lot of trials, both old and new. Some I passed with flying colors and others I failed miserably, but whatever the result I want to give the glory to God. It was so interesting that I read this passage at the exact time that I needed it, and it convicted me to bite the bullet, take a leap of faith and trust in God; what He gave me in return was totally unexpected. He has been infinitely gracious and faithful to me, and I am extremely thankful to Him. God is just... awesome.

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Surrendering Your Rights

In Chapter 9, Paul addresses the limits of Christian liberty and how increasing service to the Lord means decreasing self-rights ("He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30), though the Mosaic Law gives Christians every right to gain from his own labor. I believe his discourse can be divided into two main points: the first, an affirmation of the existence of Christian liberty and its limits, and the second, a demonstration of this "limited liberty" through his own life.


Affirmation of Christian Liberty & its Limits

Paul begins this passage by asking, "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?" (v.1) He is basically affirming his own identity as an apostle and minister, employed by God in His service. He affirms that even he and Barnabas, who sacrifice so much in service to the Lord, have rights, "to eat and drink... to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and brothers of the Lord and Cephas" (v.4-5). Perhaps with a touch of sarcasm, Paul asks whether a soldier not be paid by the government he serves, a gardener not take fruit from the vineyard he cultivates, a shepherd get milk from his flock... of course they would! It is even confirmed in Mosaic Law that "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain" (Deut. 25:4). JMac notes there that "a worker MUST be allowed to enjoy the fruit of his own labor." This is done so that we may do our work in hope; God gave us this right to safeguard against our human nature to rebel and be bitter towards the denial of reward. Even Paul has a right to receive financial support from the Corinthians, as other ministers have done.


Paul Surrenders His Rights

However, Paul makes it very clear to the reader that he does not make use of his rights, though even the Old Testament priests were supported by the tithes and gifts of the Israelites. He does this because he does not want to be lumped in with the false teachers who demand money. Paul is overjoyed at the privilege of serving God (his true reward) and does not want the material support to rob him of his boasting and glorying in God. For he had no self-centered motives in serving God; indeed, God called HIM to serve. Because of his purely devoted service, much like Joseph of Egypt, he was given greater responsibilities, which was the only reward he needed and wanted.

Paul's choice to be free from relying on everyone for financial or physical support in turn enslaved him to them ("I have made myself a servant to all" v.19a). He does this so that he might possibly win over more people to Christ. By removing any possibility of his ministering for financial motives, he prevents himself from offending many of the Jews and Gentiles that he ministers to. Paul became like those whom he served, condescending to them only in ways that would make salvation convicting (ie. simplifying things for those who are weak in understanding), while maintaining the integrity of the gospel.

To illustrate the reasons for his denial of Christian liberty, he compares himself to athletes participating in the Olympic games. If these athletes do not exercise perfect self-control and end up failing to meet the basic qualifications for competition, they are immediately disqualified; not only do they not have a chance to win, they don't have a chance to participate. So like these Olympian athletes, Paul exercises self-control in denying not only sin, but certain liberties that might offend others, so that he is not disqualified from being able to minister and preach to others (which would be utterly devastating to him).


Verses to Remember

"For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.' Is it for the oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop." 1 Cor. 9:9-10

"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Cor. 9:27


Closing Remarks

I thought it was interesting how Paul, despite having these liberties to eat, drink, and have his ow wife, decided to deny them for the cross; and perhaps that is exactly what we must do when we serve God. Though He gives us these rights, we will find as we rely more and more on Him that we rely less and less on material fulfillment, because we are spiritually fulfilled. "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deut. 8:3). I've heard John 3:30 brought up a lot at Evangel Bible Church (EBCB), but I never really stopped to think about what it really means. When we are new believers, we are fresh from the world of man, the material world, and might still rely heavily on material things to satisfy us. But as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we no longer need material satisfaction; instead, we trust in God, and in turn he fills us with spiritual food that is eternally satisfying.


God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Idol Food & Stumbling Blocks

The next question raised by the Corinthians concerns food offered to idols. Before I talk about this, I want to give you a summary of the information I got from the John MacArthur Study Bible (ESV):

Greco-Roman culture was very much polytheistic (many gods... Zeus, Poseidon, etc.) and polydemonistic (many evil spirits). These Gentile believers thought that evil spirits would invade their bodies by attaching themselves to food before it would be eaten. The only way to purify this food was to sacrifice some of it to a god (also as a way to please him). The food not burned on the altar was be served at pagan feasts; the feast leftovers would then be sold in the market. However, newly converted believers didn't eat the idol food purchased at the market because it reminded them of their previous lives and practices.


Food Offered to Idols (v.1-13)

Paul replies to this saying that there is no basis for such beliefs. As Paul and other more mature believers knew, the food was totally okay to consume because these idol-gods didn't really exist; only God was truly God. These idols were either totally fabled or simply demonic manifestations. Paul affirms in v.6 that "there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist." And while knowledge of this puffs people up, only love is proof that we know God.

However, some believers still experienced spiritual guilt from eating this idol food. While Paul rebukes them for not trusting in God's sovereignty and thinking that food had any spiritual weight, he also acknowledges that they are new to the faith and are weaker believers; as such, more mature believers should exercise wisdom and not eat idol food if it causes their brother to stumble. Eating idol food would encourage weaker believers to do the same, but for them it would be their spiritual undoing. Romans 14 says that our actions should lead to peace and mutual edification, and that not acting in love - stumbling a brother - is a serious offense to God.


Verses to Remember

"This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." 1 Cor. 8:1b-3

"For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth - as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords' - yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist." 1 Cor. 8:5-6

"Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." 1 Cor. 8:12-13


Closing Remarks

Uhhhh short passage. But it is still packed with God's wonderful words. The main point of Chapter 8 that Paul was getting at was not to stumble your brother. While I don't think my behavior for the most part has caused anyone to stumble, there have been times where I let myself get out of hand and ended up stumbling someone... this definitely puts things in perspective of how we should treat our brothers, and how we should act in general, as someone who was a leader in fellowship. Though I could say that checking my behavior would be the remedy, I think the only REAL solution to this issue is to always act in love as Jesus did.



God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24


P.S. Christmas is in 10 days!!!!!! Unbelievable...

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Marriage & God's Calling

OK, this is gonna be a little out of order in terms of verse analysis, but I'm going to group my post into 2 sections based on the 2 main topics (well, actually one is a subdivision of the other). The first is a passage right smack-dab in the middle of chapter 7 (v.17-24), talking about the principle of contentment in the church and God's calling for Christians. The second discusses the principles of marriage, and is the beginning of Paul's discourse on various questions raised by the Corinthians.


The Principle of Contentment & God's Calling (v. 17-24)

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him."
- 1 Cor. 7:17

Paul touches on the Jew/Gentile rift going on in the church. Jewish Christians want their Gentile brothers to become circumcised, a painful and unnecessary procedure; Paul tells his brothers that it does not matter whether they are Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised; all that matters is faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

Paul also talks about slavery, a topic that many current critics of Christianity seem to target. In actuality, freedom is not a God-given right (however insensitive that may sound). If we work our hardest in whatever God has called us to do, we honor Him and bring Him glory (Col. 3:23-24). As John MacArthur puts it in his commentary, "in the ways that truly count, no man is freer than a Christian. No bondage is as terrible as that of sin, from which Christ frees the believer." Those who are called to be slaves are free in the Lord, and those who are free are slaves to Christ. We should remember that we were brought with a price - the blood of Jesus Christ - and that we belong to Christ, not the ways of man.

In summary, we should do our best in whatever situation God has placed us in; He has a plan for us, but we must trust in Him to lead us where we need to go, when we need to go there. Until then, Col. 3:23-24 :)


Principles of Marriage (v.1-16,25-40)

The reason Paul brings the topic of marriage up is because of the Corinthians' concern with sexual sin; they wrote in a letter to him that "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman" (v.1) because of the corruption and various sins involved with marriage in their society (fornication, adultery, homosexuality, polygamy, concubinage). However, Paul counters that, while on the whole it would be better for Christians to be single and celibate, it is not a hard and fast rule that applies to the entire church body (v.37-38,40). Furthermore, he rebukes the Corinthians for advocating divorce as a means to become single.

Paul then discourses on various principles that either God, or Paul influenced by the Holy Spirit (v.12a,40b), has set forth about marriage. I will try to condense them below, with reference verses listed at the end:

1. Marriage is in no way inferior to singleness or wrong; God ordained marriage as a beautiful thing and the only proper situation for sexual fulfillment (Paul only refers to it like this to emphasize its relevance to the topic - a more extensive discussion of marriage can be found in Ephesians 5). v.6-7

2. If one cannot control his/her passions, he/she should marry, "For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." (v.9) If a believer has this passion but denies it, it will only prevent him from leading a happy life and serving the Lord effectively - his passion will literally consume, burn him and cause him to stumble. However, this is not to say that there should be over-hastiness in getting married; Song of Solomon advises us three different times (2:7, 3:5, 8:4), "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires," which is the basis for my personal philosophy of only dating with the purpose of getting married (but that's a totally different story). v.2,9,36

3. Married believers should not deprive each other of satisfaction, because even this is a sin (to deny God's purpose for marriage is disobedience to Him); the covenant of marriage gives us the right to our spouse's bodies for our fulfillment. The only reason that spouses should deprive each other is if there is a mutual agreement to do so for a short time (for intercession and prayer), but they should reunite quickly after ending their fast so that Satan has no opportunity to tempt them into sexual immorality. v.2-5

4. Married believers should not divorce; if they do, they should remain unmarried (except in the case of adultery for the wronged spouse) or be reconciled. If a believer is married to a nonbeliever who desires divorce, he/she should let it go; the believer is then free to marry another believer, for they are not bound to each other. Paul mentions this because some Christians in this situation believe that their marriage is an opportunity for evangelism, but he gently rebukes them by reminding them that it is ultimately God who will decide their salvation. v.10-17,39

5. A believer, regardless of their marital status, must always hold God's eternal kingdom as their first priority. Paul advises that they should not be concerned with worldly things (as married couples inevitably will be, seeking to please their spouse), but should devote themselves fully to the Lord and serving Him. He also says that married believers should behave as if they are not; this is not so as to degrade marriage, but rather to remind Christians of their ultimate purpose. v.29-35

Note: Paul also tells the betrothed believers in the Corinthian church to remain single for the time being. He says this in reference to the Roman persecution of Christians at the time; being married would only create added distress and make it harder on a believer already trying to evade persecution. v.25-28


Verses to Remember

"if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." 1 Cor. 7:9

"To the married... the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." 1 Cor. 7:10-11

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him." 1 Cor. 7:17

"For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were brought with a price; do not become slaves of men." 1 Cor. 7:23-24


Closing Remarks

This passage came at a very interesting time for me. When I came to Evangel Bible Church, I was caught off-guard by the attitude towards marriage. Though I shared the mentality that dating should be reserved for people ready and purposed for marriage, I definitely did not understand the full reason behind it or the blessing of singlehood. Marriage has been on by mind lately, especially with the recent engagement of a brother in Christ (congratulations to him and his fiance, by the way), as well as all the relationships that seem to be popping up in college. As Paul writes, "if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry." However, I also learned "not [to] arouse or awaken love until it so desires." I believe that God has destined me for marriage (though I'm much calmer now than the hopeless romantic I once was), but I believe that He will bring her to me at the right time; until then, I can only be the best single man that I can, because that is where God has placed me at this point in my life.


God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

Studies in 1 Corinthians - Lawsuits & Sexual Immorality

Just a note, most of this will be based on the English Standard Version of the Bible. If I use a different version, I'll let you know :)

Chapter 6 is divided into two sections: the first is the apostle Paul discussing the recent issue of the Corinthian Christians pressing lawsuits against fellow believers in secular court. The second touches on the topic of sexual immorality.


Lawsuits Against Believers (v. 1-11)

"When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?" (v.1)

There are two main things wrong here:

1. A believer is bringing a lawsuit against his brother in Christ, a fellow member of the church body.
2. A believer is bringing a lawsuit against his brother in a secular court, rather than trying to resolve the issue within the church.

To address the first point, we are called to live at peace with one another (1 Cor. 1:10 says "that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment"). It is already a terrible defeat for us to have lawsuits at all. Paul asks the Corinthians in v.7 why we wouldn't rather suffer wrong or be defrauded (we have no right to seek money in legal battles). It is better to trust in God's sovereign purposes and lose money than to disobey him (by taking matters into our own hands) and suffer spiritually in sinful shame.

The second point is the fact that the Corinthians would consult a secular court, filled with pagan judges who are unbelieving and unsaved (v.9-10). They are severely unqualified to settle Christian matters. This course of action is ludicrous to Paul, because even the most untrained believer is more qualified than the most trained unbeliever... he says that Christians "are more than qualified with the truth, the Spirit, the gifts, and the resources they presently have in him to settle small matters that come up among themselves in this present life." Christians are even destined to be judges along with Christ in the millenial kingdom (Rev. 2:26-27 "The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron... even as I myself have received authority from my father.") and will judge angels (Heb. 1:14 "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation."), so why shouldn't they be able to settle small disputes within the church?

At the end of this first section, Paul reminds the Corinthians of their former lives (following v.9-10, v.11 says, "And such were some of you."). The only difference is that "[we] were washed, [we] were sanctified, [we] were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God" (v.11b). Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. "washed" - gaining new life through spiritual cleansing and regeneration
2. "sanctified" - being transformed by Christ and completely changing our behavior to one of obedience and holiness (rather than being totally dominated by sin)... 2 Cor. 5: 17, NIV "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" However, it's important to note that that this is not a free license to sin because of God's grace... more on that later.
3. "justified" - being made righteous by Jesus Christ


Flee Sexual Immorality (v. 12-20)

The reason Paul brings this topic up is that the Corinthians erred in their way of thinking. They, like the Galatians, believed that they had free license to sin (primarily in committing sexually immoral acts), because they were covered by God's grace. They also believed that their sexual immorality was a natural, biological process, comparing it to eating (v.3 "Food is meant for the stomach, and the stomach for food"). However, Paul warns them as he does the Galatians, "do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh" (Gal. 5:13); basically, do not take advantage of God's grace.

Instead, "the body is... meant... for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (v.13). Our bodies are members of Christ, and whatever we associate our bodies with associates Christ with it as well. If we sleep with a prostitute, we become "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24) with that prostitute, thus involving Christ in sexual immorality, which is a horrible, horrible sin. But if we join with the Lord, we become one spirit with him (John 17:21-23). Remember that we are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that we should glorify God with our bodies (1 Cor. 3:16).

Therefore, Paul tells us to FLEE from sexual immorality. This command is very radical and strongly put, because sexual immorality requires that kind of treatment. It is one of the most ensnaring and persistent sins, because while "every other sin a person commits is outside the body,... the sexually immoral person sins against his own body" (v.18). Satan knows that 99% of the time, if we even court the idea of a sexually immoral act, we'll end up committing it. It is a powerful temptation (especially in males), and we  must run in the opposite direction if we are to have any hope of resisting that temptation. Just remember that "you are not your own, for you were bought with a price" (v.19-20) - Jesus' blood.


Verses to Remember

"Or do you know know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:9-11

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." 1 Cor. 6:18


Closing Remarks

Wow, that was really long... sorry, I just sort of threw it all out there. This was a rough first time out, it took me almost 2 hours to write (and I have finals on Monday... what!), but it was definitely an interesting experience. I got kinda fatigued at the end, so if something doesn't make sense, it was probably because I couldn't see straight anymore... but yeah. As much as this is for you to see what I'm learning and thinking about these days, it's also for me to further internalize and apply the Word and God's teachings. I hope you are blessed by this, please leave comments, suggestions, etc. below!


God bless,

Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24

The Beginnings of a Love Affair

I've only recently begun studying the Bible in earnest. Before coming to college, I wasn't much of a Jesus-lover, even though I was a professing Christian and attended church regularly (I even served on worship team, prayer team, went on short - term missions, all that jazz). I didn't really know the reason why I did all this; I just knew I was supposed to.

So this is me saying that I wanna get to know God. I want to spend time with him, learn about his favorite color and movies, his pet peeves; just like any other romance, I want to fall in love with Him, forge a DEEP relationship with Him. What point is there to praising God if I don't know WHY I'm praising Him? What point is there to serving if it's just to make myself feel like I did something good? What point is there to profess myself as a practicing Christian if I have no foundations to keep me standing tall when the storms come?

Romans 15:4 says, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scripture and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." I pray that I might be taught so that I might be able to share my learnings with you, and that this would be the beginning of a love affair that will last for all of eternity.

Joe Mak