The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 9:19-23

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all men, that I may win the more.

20 And unto the Jews, I become as a Jew, that I may win the Jews: to them that are under the Law, as though I were under the Law, that I may win them that are under the Law:

21 To them that are without Law, as though I were without Law, (when I am not without Law as pertaining to God, but am in the Law through Christ) that I may win them that are without Law:

22 To the weak I become as weak, that I may win the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the Gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Related Scripture:

Matthew 20:25-27; Acts 16:3; Romans 10:33; Galatians 2:3

Brethren:

We have often expounded upon the command by Jesus Christ to be the servant of all men. Recall friends, if you will how He washed the feet of the disciples so that He would show by example what this was to entail. (Read John 13:5-17)

As such, so did the Apostle Paul, sought to explain to the Corinthian church how they should also be all things to all men, to be the ultimate servant of God, in that they might bring others to the foot of the cross to seek redemption.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 9:14, 18

Brethren:

I leave it up to yourselves, to make your own conclusions today

14 So also hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel.

18 What is my reward then? verily that when I preach the Gospel, I make the Gospel of Christ free, that I abuse not mine authority in the Gospel.

Related Scripture:
Matthew 10:10; Romans 10:15; 1 Corinthians 7:31, 9:12, 10:33; Galatians 5:13

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:8

8 But meat maketh us not acceptable to God, for neither if we eat, have we the more: neither if we eat not, have we the less.

Related Scripture:

Romans 14:17; Acts 10:9-16; Matthew 15:11; Mark 7:21; Proverbs 3:5, 4:23

Brethren:

We are reminded herein of two scriptures. The first being in the Gospel of Mark and the other in the Book of Acts.

In the former, we read how our Savior defines what makes us acceptable to our Creator by making note that it is what comes out of our mouths, that issues that flow from the heart are what defines what types of persons we are.

In the latter, we see how in Peter's vision we learn that God has cleansed all things for our profit.

“ In this he tacitly acknowledges, that in the sight of God it matters not what kinds of food we partake of, because he allows us the free use of them, so far as conscience is concerned; but that this liberty, as to the external use of it, is made subject to love. The argument of the Corinthians, therefore, was defective, inasmuch as they inferred the whole from a part, for in the use of them a regard to the claims of love is included. It is, therefore, certain, that meat recommendeth us not to God; and Paul acknowledges this, but he states this exception, that love is recommended to us by God, which it were criminal to overlook.

He does not speak of improvement as to the stomach; for the man who has dined has a better filled stomach than the man who goes fasting; but he means, that we have neither more nor less of righteousness from eating or from abstaining. Besides, he does not speak of every kind of abstinence, or of every kind of eating. For excess and luxury are in themselves displeasing to God, while sobriety and moderation are well-pleasing to him. But let it be understood by us, that the kingdom of God, which is spiritual, does not consist in these outward observances, and therefore, that things indifferent are in themselves of no importance in the sight of God. While he brings this forward in the person of others by anthypophora , [aka hypopora], he at the same time admits that it is true, for it is taken from his own doctrine, which we touched upon a little ago.”
John Calvin - Theologian

Postscript - Read Matthew 4:4

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:3, 6

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

6 Yet unto us there is but one God, which is that Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Related Scripture:

Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:5-6; Acts 17:28; John 13:13; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2; Romans 5:11; Revelations 4:11, 5:9-10

Commentary:

“In this Christians and Jews agree with the best and wisest philosophers of the Gentiles, that there is but one God; which is clear from the perfections of God, as necessary existence, eternity, infinity, omnipotence, all-sufficiency, goodness, and perfection; from one first cause of all things; from the government of the world; and from the writings of the Old and New Testament: so that to us believers this point is out of all doubt. [However], we Christians know him to be "the Father"; by whom meant either God essentially considered, the one God, Father, Son, and Spirit, called the Father, not in relation to any person in the Godhead, but in relation to the creatures: so this one God, Father, Son, and Spirit, is the Father of spirits, the creator of angels, and the souls of men, the God of all flesh, the Father of all the individuals of human nature, the Father or author of all the mercies and blessings the children of men enjoy. Or else personally considered, and so designs the first person in the Godhead, who is called so in relation to his Son, who is styled the only begotten of the Father: and when he is said to be the one God, it must be understood, not as exclusive of the Son and Spirit; for if the Son stands excluded in this clause from being the one God with the Father, by the same rule of interpretation, the Father, in the next clause must stand excluded from being the one Lord with Christ; but as dominion or lordship belongs to the Father, so deity to the Son, and also to the Spirit.

All created beings and things; angels are of him, are created by him, serve and worship him; devils are of him, and under him, and at his control, though they have rebelled against him; all mankind are of him, and are his offspring; the whole universe, the heavens, the earth, and seas, and all that in them are, are of him; all things in nature, providence, grace, and glory, come of him: he is the author of every mercy, temporal and spiritual.

And we in him or for him; as creatures we are not only made by him, but live in him, and are supported in him, and by him, and are created for his glory: though this seems rather to respect what believers are, as new creatures; they are in God; they are interested in him as their covenant God, and in his everlasting and immutable love; they are engraven on his hands, and set as a seal on his heart; they are "into him", as it may be rendered; they are brought into nearness to him, and communion with him; and are "for him", are chosen, redeemed, regenerated, and called for the glorifying of his grace, and to show forth his praise.

And one Lord Jesus Christ so called, not to the exclusion of the Father and Spirit, but in opposition to the lords many before mentioned, and with respect to all his people. Christ is the one Lord of all, as he is God over all, the Creator and Former of all things; and he is so likewise as Mediator, having all power, dominion, and government put into his hands: he is, in a special sense, the one Lord of his people, and that by right of marriage to them; by right of redemption of them; through his being an head unto them, and King of them; and by a voluntary surrender of themselves to him, rejecting all other lords, as sin, Satan, and the world, who have formerly had dominion over them, they acknowledge him to be their one and only Lord.

By whom are all things; in nature; all the created beings of this, or the other world, whether visible or invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, are by him; no creature was made without him, and all by him; and all things in grace, our election, redemption, reconciliation, pardon, justification, and everlasting glory and happiness,

And we by him; we are redeemed by him from sin, Satan, the law, death, and hell; we are by him what we are, as Christians, as believers in him; by him, and from him, we have all the grace and the supplies of it we have; by him we have access to the Father, and fellowship with him; by him we are governed, influenced, protected, and preserved to his kingdom and glory; and by him we are, and shall be, saved with an everlasting salvation.” John Gill - Theologian

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 7:17, 24

17 But as God hath distributeth to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: and so ordain I in all Churches.

24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.

Related Scripture:
1 Corinthians 4:17; Ephesians 6:3-8; Colossians 3:23-24

Brethren

Live in the calling that God has so given unto you. As is written by Paul, some are Apostles, some are prophets, teachers, pastors or evangelists. (Read Ephesians 4:11) Likewise, it is written that although we are all different parts of the body of Christ, each part plays a function. (Read Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26)

However, take note, that in whatever state we might be, we are all slaves to Christ, who purchased us at a price.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 7:1-9

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, It were good for a man not to touch a woman.

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3 Let the husband give unto the wife due benevolence, and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

4 The wife hath not the power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not the power of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud not one another, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and again come together, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by permission, not by commandment.

7 For I would that all men were even as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

8 Therefore I say unto the unmarried, and unto the widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I do.

9 But if they cannot abstain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Related Scripture:

Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1, 7

Commentary by Adam Clarke - Theologian

Verse 2

“Let every man have one woman, his own; and every woman one man, her own. Here, plurality of wives and husbands is most strictly forbidden; and they are commanded to marry for the purpose of procreating children.

In the Jewish constitutions there are some things not only curious, but useful, respecting marriage. "There are four causes which induce men to marry:

Impure desire;

To get riches;

To become honorable;

For the glory of God.

Those who marry through the first motive beget wicked and rebellious children. Those who marry for the sake of riches have the curse of leaving them to others. Those who marry for the sake of aggrandizing their family, their families shall be diminished. Those who marry to promote the glory of God, their children shall be holy, and by them shall the true Church be increased."

Verse 3

Some have rendered the words, not unaptly, the matrimonial debt, or conjugal duty - that which a wife owes to her husband, and the husband to his wife; and which they must take care mutually to render, else alienation of affection will be the infallible consequence, and this in numberless instances has led to adulterous connections. In such cases the wife has to blame herself for the infidelity of her husband, and the husband for that of his wife. What miserable work has been made in the peace of families by a wife or a husband pretending to be wiser than the apostle, and too holy and spiritual to keep the commandments of God.

Verse 4 - Self explanatory

Verse 5

What ye owe thus to each other never refuse paying, unless by mutual consent; and let that be only for a certain time, when prudence dictates the temporary separation, or when some extraordinary spiritual occasion may render it mutually agreeable, in order that ye may fast and pray, and derive the greatest possible benefit from these duties by being enabled to wait on the Lord without distraction. It is most evident that the separations permitted by the Apostle, for he enjoins none, are only for a season, on extraordinary occasions; and that the persons may come together again, lest Satan, taking advantage of their matrimonial abstinence, might tempt either party to illicit commerce.

Verse 6

It was a constant custom of the more conscientious rabbins, to make a difference between the things which they enjoined on their own judgment, and those which they built on the authority of the law. We may understand the apostle here as saying that the directions already given were from his own judgment, and not from any Divine inspiration; and we may take it for granted that where he does not make this observation he is writing under the immediate afflatus of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 7

He wished that all that were then in the Church were, like him self, unmarried; but this was in reference to the necessities of the Church, or what he calls, (See1 Corinthians 7:26), the present distress: for it never could be his wish that marriage should cease among men, and that human beings should no longer be propagated upon earth; nor could he wish that the Church of Christ should always be composed of single persons; this would have been equally absurd; but as the Church was then in straits and difficulties, it was much better for its single members not to encumber themselves with domestic embarrassments.

Verse 8

It is supposed that the apostle speaks here of men who had been married, in the word, but were now widowers; as he does of women who had been married, in the word, but were now widows. And when he says, even as I, he means that he himself was a widower; for several of the ancients rank Paul among the married apostles.

Verse 9

If they find it inconvenient and uncomfortable to continue as widowers and widows, let them [so]remarry.

The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 6:12, 17, 20

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not profitable. I may do all things, but I will not be brought under the power of any thing.

17 But he that is joined unto the Lord, is one spirit.

20 For ye are bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit: for they are God’s.

Related Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 7:13, 10:23; 1 Peter 1:18

Brethren:

Verse 12

As stated, all things, that are given unto us and created by God for are for us to use. However, not all things might be profitable to us. For instance, God created such elements as gold, but the lustful pursuit of it profits us nothing if it distracts from the seeking the things of God. Therefore, we cannot, and should not allow them to become idols to us.

Verse 17

Henceforth and from this time forward, let us be joined with Him not only in the heart, but in mind and spirit. In particular, it is suggested to be as such during our prayer or quiet time with Him.

Verse 20

Likewise, it profits us to glorify Him in all things. Through good and bad. For as it has been written, that we count all things as joy for He works all things for His glory. (James 1:1-1; Ephesians 1:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:18)

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 5:1-13

1 It is heard certainly that there is fornication among you: and such fornication as is not once named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather sorrowed, that he which hath done this deed, might be put from among you.

3 For I verily as absent in body, but present in spirit, have determined already as though I were present, that he that hath thus done this thing,

4 When ye are gathered together, and my spirit, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that such one, I say, by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 Be delivered unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your rejoicing is not good: know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened: for Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither in the leaven of maliciousness and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 I wrote unto you in an Epistle, that ye should not company together with fornicators,

10 And not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or with extortioners, or with idolaters: for then ye must go out of the world.

11 But now I have written unto you, that ye company not together: if any that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such one eat not.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also which are without? do ye not judge them that are within?

13 But God judgeth them that are without. Put away therefore from among yourselves that wicked man.

Brethren:

While we are to instructed to stay away from the practices of the world, we cannot fully detach ourselves from it in the course of our daily routines.

Make note, that our Savior associated with those that were considered the dregs of society. I would put forth the proposition, that as He stated He had come to save the lost, (Read Luke 19:10), and as such, made it known that as He might sup with them, He likewise taught them to seek repentance.

Since, therefore, we cannot avoid contact with the non-believer, we should at all times be an example to them of what a life in Christ entails.

My words do not come as close to the those of the theologian below, in expressing the context of this particular part of chapter five. Truly, I say to you, read it, for his words are much better than my own.

“Christians are to avoid the familiar conversation of fellow-christians that are notoriously wicked, and under just censure for their flagitious practices. Such disgrace the Christian name. They may call themselves brethren in Christ, but they are not Christian brethren. They are only fit companions for the brethren in iniquity; and to such company they should be left, till they mend their ways and doings. How he limits this advice. He does not forbid the Christians the like commerce with scandalously wicked heathens. He does not forbid their eating nor conversing with the fornicators of this world, etc. They know no better. They profess no better. The gods they serve, and the worship they render to many of them, countenance such wickedness. "You must needs go out of the world if you will have no conversation with such men. Your Gentile neighbours are generally vicious and profane; and it is impossible, as long as you are in the world, and have any worldly business to do, but you must fall into their company. This cannot be wholly avoided. This seems a paradox. Why should we shun the company of a profane or loose Christian, rather than that of a profane or loose heathen?

The reason of this limitation is here assigned. It is impossible the one should be avoided. Christians must have gone out of the world to avoid the company of loose heathens. But this was impossible, as long as they had business in the world. While they are minding their duty, and doing their proper business, God can and will preserve them from contagion.” Matthew Henry

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 4:20

20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Related Scripture

1 Thessalonians 1:5

Brethren:

Though we are to live our lives emulating our Creator, and being His proxies, we would do well to likewise remember that this living in holiness is not only in the words we speak, that is to say confessing Christ as Lord but in the power of that confession. It is the Holy Spirit that imbues us with this power.

“True godliness is a powerful thing; faith is powerful, and so is love; and so is prayer, and preaching; and so is all religion, internal and external, where there is the life and truth of grace, and that in exercise. But I rather think the Gospel is here meant, often in Scripture called the kingdom of God, and the doctrines of it, the mysteries of the kingdom; because it is a message from the King of kings; the means of setting up the kingdom or grace in the heart; its subjects are things concerning the kingdom of God; it is what has brought life and immortality, or an immortal life to light; and gives the best account of the invisible glories of the heavenly state, and points out the saints' meetness for it, and title to it; declaring that except a man is born again, and has a better righteousness than his own, even that of Christ's, he shall neither see nor enter into the kingdom of heaven. Now the Gospel is not in "word"; though it lies in the word of God, the Scriptures of truth: and treats of the essential word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ; and cannot be preached without words, even the words of men; yet is not to be preached with wisdom of words, with enticing words of man's wisdom, or in the words which man's wisdom teacheth; nor does the efficacy of it lie in, or depend upon the words of the preacher, or on mere moral persuasion: for whenever it is effectual, it comes not "in word only, but also in power". And by "power" is meant, not a power of working miracles the first preachers of the Gospel had, and by which it was greatly confirmed; nor a godly life and conversation which that enforced upon, and engaged both ministers and people to; but the powerful efficacy of the Spirit, attending the preaching of the Gospel to the quickening of dead sinners, the enlightening of blind eyes, and unstopping of deaf ears; the softening of hard hearts, the delivering of persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, the transforming and renewing of them both inwardly and outwardly; and to the comforting, enlivening, strengthening, and establishing of the saints; all which can never be ascribed to the persuasive language of men, but to the power of God; and which is the more apparent when it is observed what mean and despicable instruments in the eyes of men are made use of: what the doctrines are that are preached, not being of man, nor agreeably to his carnal reason, but esteemed foolishness by him; and the manner in which they are propagated, not in a carnal way, by outward force, but by the foolishness of preaching: and the opposition made to it both by the enmity of man's heart unto it, by the men of the world, and by Satan and his principalities and powers.” - John Gill - Theologian

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 4:9-13

9 For I think that God hath set forth us the last Apostles, as men appointed to death, for we are made a gassing stock unto the world, and to the Angels, and to men.

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, and ye are wise in Christ: we are weak, and ye are strong: ye are honorable, and we are despised.

11 Unto this hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place,

12 And labor, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and yet we bless: we are persecuted, and suffer it.

13 We are evil spoken of, and we pray: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, unto this time.

Related Scripture

Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Matt. 5:44; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60: Lamentations 3:45

Brethren:

How often do we find ourselves being criticized, and made the butt of all jokes for our beliefs? Indeed in this world, there are those that do persecute Christians. Yet herein above we find the Apostle continuing forward in the preaching of the Gospel, no matter what his state or condition, for that is what he had been commissioned to do by our Lord Christ Jesus. As was written elsewhere, he found joy in any state that he was in at any point in time. (See Philippians 4:11-13; James 1:2-4) As such, let us strive to do our utmost best in emulating those that have tread the path before us.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 4:5

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will lighten things that are hid in darkness, and make the counsels of the hearts manifest: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Related Scripture:

Matthew 7:1, 10:26; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 2:29

Brethren:

Whilst we are allowed, yea, even encouraged to discern and call out evil and sin for reproof and correction, we are to do so from the perspective of God's righteousness and His word.

Secondly, all things hidden, that we ourselves do not see within ourselves and others will in the time of judgment be revealed to us through the illumination of His word and all peoples will be held in an account of all that they have either spoken or have thought.

Henceforth, my friends, speak slowly, and wisely in all things. We must maintain ourselves in a manner in which God would approve. Not in self-righteousness, but in the righteousness of God. Be good stewards of the Word, freely offering to all, who would seek it, and hear it. Expect nothing in return from this, (this is to say from man), for it is God that will reap the harvest. Be honest in your ways and exemplify Him that has given us the wisdom from above.

The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves

by Gaspar Olevian

Edited by R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

Our w wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other. For, in the first place, no man can survey himself without forthwith turning his thoughts towards the God in whom he lives and moves; because it is perfectly obvious, that the endowments which we possess cannot possibly be from ourselves; nay, that our very being is nothing else than subsistence in God alone. [Read Matthew 4:4] In the second place, those blessings which [He] unceasingly distills to us from heaven, are like streams conducting us to the fountain. [Read John 4:14, 6:35]. Here, again, the infinitude of good which resides in God becomes more apparent from our poverty. In particular, the miserable ruin into which the revolt of the first man has plunged us, compels us to turn our eyes upwards; not only that while hungry and famishing we may thence ask what we want, but being aroused by fear may learn humility. For as there exists in man something like a world of misery, and ever since we were stript of the divine attire our naked shame discloses an immense series of disgraceful properties every man, being stung by the consciousness of his own unhappiness, in this way necessarily obtains at least some knowledge of God. Thus, our feeling of ignorance, vanity, want, weakness, in short, depravity and corruption, reminds us (Read John Calvin’s comments on John 4:10), that in the Lord, and none but He, dwell the true light of wisdom, solid virtue, exuberant goodness. We are accordingly urged by our own evil things to consider the good things of God; and, indeed, we cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves. For what man is not disposed to rest in himself? Who, in fact, does not thus rest, so long as he is unknown to himself; that is, so long as he is contented with his own endowments, and unconscious or unmindful of his misery? Every person, therefore, on coming to the knowledge of himself, is not only urged to seek God, but is also led as by the hand to find him.

[Therefore], it is evident that man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he have previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself. For (such is our innate pride) we always seem to ourselves just, and upright, and wise, and holy, until we are convinced, by clear evidence, of our injustice, vileness, folly, and impurity. Convinced, however, we are not, if we look to ourselves only, and not to the Lord also, He being the only standard by the application of which this conviction can be produced. For, since we are all naturally prone to hypocrisy, any empty semblance of righteousness is quite enough to satisfy us instead of righteousness itself. And since nothing appears within us or around us that is not tainted with very great impurity, so long as we keep our mind within the confines of human pollution, anything which is in some small degree less defiled delights us as if it were most pure just as an eye, to which nothing but black had been previously presented, deems an object of a whitish, or even of a brownish hue, to be perfectly white. Nay, the bodily sense may furnish a still stronger illustration of the extent to which we are deluded in estimating the powers of the mind. If, at mid-day, we either look down to the ground, or on the surrounding objects which lie open to our view, we think ourselves endued with a very strong and piercing eyesight; but when we look up to the sun, and gaze at it unveiled, the sight which did excellently well for the earth is instantly so dazzled and confounded by the refulgence, as to oblige us to confess that our acuteness in discerning terrestrial objects is mere dimness when applied to the sun. Thus too, it happens in estimating our spiritual qualities. So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect what kind of Being he is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom, and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with the greatest iniquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom will disgust by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy will be condemned as the most miserable impotence. So far are those qualities in us, which seem most perfect, from corresponding to the divine purity.

Hence that dread and amazement with which as Scripture uniformly relates, holy men were struck and overwhelmed whenever they beheld the presence of God. When we see those who previously stood firm and secure so quaking with terror, that the fear of death takes hold of them, nay, they are, in a manner, swallowed up and annihilated, the inference to be drawn is that men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God. Frequent examples of this consternation occur both in the Book of Judges and the Prophetical Writings; so much so, that it was a common expression among the people of God, "We shall die, for we have seen the Lord." Hence the Book of Job, also, in humbling men under a conviction of their folly, feebleness, and pollution, always derives its chief argument from descriptions of the Divine wisdom, virtue, and purity. Nor without cause: for we see Abraham the readier to acknowledge himself but dust and ashes the nearer he approaches to behold the glory of the Lord, and Elijah unable to wait with unveiled face for His approach; so dreadful is the sight. And what can man do, man who is but rottenness and a worm, when even the Cherubim themselves must veil their faces in very terror? To this, undoubtedly, the Prophet Isaiah refers, when he says (See Isaiah 24:23), "The moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reign;" i.e., when he shall exhibit his refulgence, and give a nearer view of it, the brightest objects will, in comparison, be covered with darkness.

Post Script

Brethren:

I am reminded here of how the face of Moses shone after the meeting with God on Mt. Sinai.

30 And Aaron and all the children of Israel looked upon Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone bright, and they were afraid to come near him.

31 But Moses called them: and Aaron and all the chief of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

32 And afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he charged them with all that the Lord had said unto him in mount Sinai.

33 So Moses made an end of communing with them, and had put a covering upon his face.

34 But, when Moses came before the Lord to speak with him, he took off the covering until he came out: then he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, how the skin of Moses’ face shone bright: therefore Moses put the covering upon his face, until he went to speak with God.

Exodus 34:30-35

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:21, 23

21 Therefore let no man rejoice in men: for all things are yours.

23 And ye Christ’s, and Christ God’s.

Related Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 3:29

“Forget that their ministers are men, or pay that deference to them that is due only to God, set them at the head of parties, have them in immoderate esteem and admiration, and servilely and implicitly follow their directions and submit to their dictates, and especially in contradiction to God and the truths taught by his Holy Spirit. Mankind are very apt to make the mercies of God cross their intentions. The ministry is a very useful and very gracious institution, and faithful ministers are a great blessing to any people; yet the folly and weakness of people may do much mischief by what is in itself a blessing. They may fall into factions, side with particular ministers, and set them at their head, glory in their leaders, and be carried by them they know not whither. The only way to avoid this mischief is to have a modest opinion of ourselves, a due sense of the common weakness of human understanding, and an entire deference to the wisdom of God speaking in his word.

Ministers of all ranks, ordinary and extraordinary. Nay the world itself is yours.’’ Not that saints are proprietors of the world, but it stands for their sake, they have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees to be fit for them, and they have all they have with the divine blessing. "Life is yours, that you may have season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven; and death is yours, that you may go to the possession of it. It is the kind messenger that will fetch you to your Father’s house. Things present are yours, for your support on the road; things to come are yours, to enrich and regale you for ever at your journey’s end.’’ [Make], note [thereof],If we belong to Christ, and are true to him, all good belongs to us, and is sure to us. All is ours, time and eternity, earth and heaven, life and death. We shall want no good thing, Read (Psalm 84:11) .But it must be remembered, at the same time, that we are Christ’s, the subjects of his kingdom, his property. He is Lord over us, and we must own his dominion, and cheerfully submit to his command and yield themselves to his pleasure, if we would have all things minister to our advantage. All things are ours, upon no other ground than our being Christ’s.”

Matthew Henry - Theologian

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:18-20

18 Let no man deceive himself: If any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him be a fool, that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God: for it is written, He catcheth the wise in their own craftiness.

20 And again, The Lord knoweth that the thoughts of the wise be vain.

Related scripture:

Job 5:13; Psalm 94:11; Proverbs 3:7

Brethren:

It is folly to totally depend on the wisdom of man. God does indeed imparts to, and give us wisdom from which we can base our decisions in life. His wisdom leads us to paths of righteousness and holiness. With Him, wisdom is compassionate, loving, judicious, prudent, and sagacious.

Friends let us be led by His example, and seek to emulate Him, in all things pertaining to wisdom. Seek His counsel first, daily, in the mornings, and also at the last before retiring at night.

“In these words the Apostle does not require, that we should altogether renounce the wisdom that is implanted in us by nature, or acquired by long practice; but simply, that we subject it to the service of God, so as to have no wisdom but through his word. For this is what is meant by becoming a fool in this world, or in our own estimation; when we are prepared to give way to God, and embrace with fear and reverence everything that he teaches us, rather than follow what may appear to us plausible.” - John Calvin - Theologian

Have We Been Found Wanting?

By R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

23 But hast lifted thyself up against the Lord of heaven, and they have brought the vessels of his House before thee, and thou and thy princes, thy wives and thy concubines have drunk wine in them, and thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood and stone, which neither see, neither hear, nor understand: and the God in whose hand thy breath is and all thy ways, him hast thou not glorified. 24 Then was the palm of the hand sent from him, and hath written this writing. 25 And this is the writing that he hath written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing, MENE, God hath numbered thy kingdom, and hath finished it. 27 TEKEL, thou art weighed in the balance, and art found too light. 28 PERES, thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

The Book of Daniel Chapter 5:23-28

Brethren:

The above was spoken by Daniel to Belshazzar during a feast in which the fingers of a hand appeared and wrote on the wall the following: MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN.

A little over a year ago, this writer had posted several pleas to his countrymen to repent and return. Yet today, we're witness to so much anger, hatred, and violence in our nation. It has often been suggested by this writer that we've become a nation of "just me" type personalities. There is no love for our neighbors, and we've certainly have not demonstrated any true love and repentance towards our Creator.

Over the last few days, we've read of vast areas of forest land being devastated by fire. A major hurricane hit our nation, and it seems one more is going to make landfall in the coming week. Also, there have been reports (in my area in particular near the New Madrid Fault line) of minor earthquakes.

Friends, I am not one that would normally consider doom and gloom, but all of the above has caused me to wonder, have we been righteously judged and found wanting?

Consider then, the following Scripture.

From the Book of Lamentations by the Prophet Jeremiah

18 The Lord is righteous: for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

20 Behold, O Lord, how I am troubled: my bowels swell: mine heart is turned within me, for I am full of heaviness: the sword spoileth abroad, as death doeth at home.

Lamentations 1:18, 20

16 The crown of our head is fallen: woe now unto us, that we have sinned.

Lamentations 5:16

Also, in the Book of Jeremiah

16 And I will declare unto them my judgments touching all the wickedness of them that have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 1:16

And finally, from the Prophet Isaiah

13 For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts.

14 Therefore will the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush in one day.

15 The ancient and the honorable man, he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

16 For the leaders of the people cause them to err: and they that are led by them are devoured.

Isaiah 9:13-16

Honestly, I do not know, if this is our last chance or if we've passed that point, and our God has deemed us unfit to be in His service. I pray for the former and fear of the latter.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:16-17

16 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man destroy the Temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the Temple of God is holy, which ye are.

Related Scripture:

Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21

Brethren:

In The Gospel of John we read:

"Jesus answered, and said unto him, If any man love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and will dwell with him."

It is, therefore, more than reasonable to put forth this proposition that along with the Father and Son, there also resides the Holy Spirit. For all three are one.

Additionally, we also read in both the Old and New Testaments that we are to be holy, for the Lord God is Holy (See Leviticus 9:2, 20:7; 1 Peter 1:16)

Henceforth friends, let us strive to be as He is, Holy

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:10-15

10 According to the grace of God given to me, as a skillful master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon: but let every man take heed how he buildeth upon it.

11 For other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 And if any man build on this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, timber, hay, or stubble,

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by the fire: and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work, that he hath built upon, abide, he shall receive wages.

15 If any man’s work burn, he shall lose, but he shall be saved himself: nevertheless yet as it were by the fire.

Related Scripture:

Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 7:24-25, 18:18; Luke 6:48; Romans 9:33; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:4

Brethren:

What else can be said? Paul has already stated, that he preaches no other gospel but that of Christ crucified and risen from the dead to be propitiation (See 1 John 2:2) for our sins. (See 1 Corinthians 1:23). This is the foundation, that Christ is the Savior/Redeemer. On this belief, we stand solidly.

Now, as Paul has written, one may lay the foundation, and another may expand upon it. Each one shall be examined by God.

“Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid at the bottom of all his labours among them—even Jesus Christ, the chief corner-stone. Upon this foundation all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock all the Christians found their hopes. Those that build their hopes of heaven on any other foundation build upon the sand. Other foundation can no man lay besides what is laid-even Jesus Christ. Note: The doctrine of our Saviour and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom, and is the foundation, of all the rest. Leave out this, and you lay waste all our comforts, and leave no foundation for our hopes as sinners. It is in Christ only that God is reconciling a sinful world to himself, (See 2 Corinthians 5:19) . But of those that hold the foundation, and embrace the general doctrine of Christ’s being the mediator between God and man, there are two sorts.

Some build upon this foundation gold, silver, and precious stones, namely, those who receive and propagate the pure truths of the gospel, who hold nothing but the truth as it is in Jesus, and preach nothing else. This is building well upon a good foundation, making all of apiece, when ministers not only depend upon Christ as the great prophet of the church, and take him for their guide and infallible teacher, but receive and spread the doctrines he taught, in their purity, without any corrupt mixtures, without adding or diminishing.

Others build wood, hay, and stubble, on this foundation; that is, though they adhere to the foundation, they depart from the mind of Christ in many particulars, substitute their own fancies and inventions in the room of his doctrines and institutions, and build upon the good foundation what will not abide the test when the day of trial shall come, and the fire must make it manifest, as wood, hay, and stubble, will not bear the trial by fire, but must be consumed in it.

There is a time coming when a discovery will be made of what men have built on this foundation: Every man’s work shall be made manifest, shall be laid open to view, to his own view and that of others. Some may, in the simplicity of their hearts, build wood and stubble on the good foundation, and know not, all the while, what they have been doing; but in the day of the Lord their own conduct shall appear to them in its proper light. Every man’s work shall be made manifest to himself, and made manifest to others, both those that have been misled by him and those that have escaped his errors. Now we may be mistaken in ourselves and others; but there is a day coming that will cure all our mistakes, and show us ourselves, and show us our actions in the true light, without covering or disguise: For the day shall declare it (that is, every man’s work), because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is. The day shall declare and make it manifest, the last day, the great day of trial.

The expression carries in it a plain allusion to the refiner’s art, in which the fire separates and distinguishes the dross from the gold and silver; as it also will silver and gold and precious stones, that will endure the fire, from wood and hay and stubble, that will be consumed in it. Note, There is a day coming that will as nicely distinguish one man from another, and one man’s work from another’s, as the fire distinguishes gold from dross, or metal that will bear the fire from other materials that will be consumed in it. In that day: Some men’s works will abide the trial [and] will be found standard. It will appear that they not only held the foundation, but that they built regularly and well upon it [and] that they laid on proper materials, and in due form and order. The foundation and the superstructure were all of a piece. The foundation-truths, and those that had a manifest connection with them, were taught together. It may not be so easy to discern this connection now, nor know what works will abide the trial then; but that day will make a full discovery. And such a builder shall not, cannot fail of a reward. He will have praise and honour in that day, and eternal recompence after it. Note, Fidelity in the ministers of Christ will meet with a full and ample reward in a future life. Those who spread true and pure religion in all the branches of it, and whose work will abide in the great day, shall receive a reward. And, Lord, how great! how much exceeding their deserts!

There are others whose works shall be burnt whose corrupt opinions and doctrines, or vain inventions and usages in the worship of God, shall be discovered, disowned, and rejected, in that day-shall be first manifested to be corrupt, and then disapproved of God and rejected. Note, The great day will pluck off all disguises, and make things appear as they are: He whose work shall be burnt will suffer loss. If he have built upon the right foundation wood and hay and stubble, he will suffer loss. His weakness and corruption will be the lessening of his glory, though he may in the general have been an honest and an upright Christian. This part of his work will be lost, turning no way to his advantage, though he himself may be saved. Observe, Those who hold the foundation of Christianity, though they build hay, wood, and stubble, upon it, may be saved. This may help to enlarge our charity. We should not reprobate men for their weakness: for nothing will damn men but wickedness. He shall be saved, yet so as by fire, saved out of the fire. He himself shall be snatched out of that flame which will consume his work. This intimates that it will be difficult for those that corrupt and deprave Christianity to be saved. God will have no mercy on their works, though he may pluck them as brands out of the burning. on must be made by suffering. Because this fire is to try every man’s works, those of Paul and Apollos, as well as those of others.”

Matthew Henry - Theologian