Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ^(2) for kings and all those in authority,that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ^(3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ^(4) who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ^(5) For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ^(6) who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ^(7) And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

^(8) Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ^(9) I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ^(10) but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

^(11) A woman^([)^(a)^(]) should learn in quietness and full submission. ^(12) I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;^([)^(b)^(]) she must be quiet.^(13) For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ^(14) And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. ^(15) But women^([)^(c)^(]) will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Footnotes

1. 1 Timothy 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12

2. 1 Timothy 2:12 Or over her husband

3. 1 Timothy 2:15 Greek she

Questions/Comments

1. The NIV here for verse 1 says "I urge, then" and when I was looking at Enduring Word commentary for this chapter, it starts off with the word "therefore". From what I understand, those sorts of phrases imply Paul's building off of what he's been talking about previously. If that's indeed the case, how do verses 1-7 (or perhaps this whole passage) fit in with what Paul's been going over so far?

2. In verses 1-2, why does Paul say that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people and then specifically mentions "kings and all those in authority"?

3. Verse 4 reminds me of 2 Peter 3:9 and verse 5 reminds me of Job 9:32-35.

4. In verse 6, why does Paul feel the need to mention "This has now been witnessed to at the proper time"?

5. In verse 7, why does Paul emphasize that he's telling the truth and not lying?

6. In light of what Paul's been saying for the previous 7 verses, why does Paul give out these instructions to men and women starting with verse 8 and following? And why does Paul talk more about women than men?

7. The footnotes here refer to a wife instead of women in general it seems. Are verses 11-12 controversial or is it more in line with things Paul's mentioned in previous letters (1 Corinthians, for instance)?

8. What does Paul mean in verse 15?

Paul ended the previous section in chapter 11 with “in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”  Today’s reading is largely an exposition of that statement, Paul uses the example of his own life to expound on the gospel that was entrusted to him.   And who better to be an example to us of the power of the gospel (vs. 16) than someone like Paul who’s hands were stained with the blood of many Christians prior to his conversion.  No doubt all of us are sinners, but are we guilty of anything as bad as Paul was (by earthly standards at least)?   If God can save someone like Paul he can save someone like me (and we must remember….many who we would consider “worse” than ourselves as well).

1 Timothy 1:12-20 (ESV)

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

^(12) I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, ^(13) though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, ^(14) and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ^(15) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. ^(16) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. ^(17) To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

^(18) This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, ^(19) holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, ^(20) among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      Why do you think Paul goes to such lengths to elaborate on the gospel to Timothy, one who in his position should know this content exceedingly well?  What danger to we fall into when we “overlook” the gospel?

2.      What does Paul have in mind when he references Christ’s “perfect patience”?  How do you see God’s patience in your life?

3.      What is the ‘charge” referred to in vs 18?  What “warfare” was he to be involved in?

4.      Do Christians today still view their responsibility in terms of “warfare”?  Why or why not?

5.      What does it make a “shipwreck” of one’s faith?  What did those people (Hymenaeus and Alexander) reject that cause it to happen?

Happy Monday! This is kinda special for me because it's my birthday today! I pray GOD would help us apply this book to our lives, whether we are called to be leaders or not, in Jesus' name!

#1 Timothy 1:1-11 NASB

Correcting False Teaching

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true [a]son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 Just as I urged you [b]upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to [c]pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance [d]the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now. 5 But the goal of our [e]instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6 Some people have strayed from these things and have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and worldly, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the [f]sexually immoral, homosexuals, [g]slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

1. Today's society (secular and Christians alike) has zoomed in on particular sins while ignoring others. Are there any sins on this list that you didn't expect to be here? What does this teach you about sin, or what GOD considers profane?
2. What are we to do with this information in our daily lives, either as it pertains to our interactions with believers, our walk with GOD, or how we interact with non-believers, etc.?
3. What does it mean to use the law "lawfully" as Scripture says in v. 8?
4. Anything else you notice?

Have a blessed week!

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 9:1-12  “1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.”

Two weeks ago, in proverbs 7, we looked at many traits of a manipulative person. Today we see the personification of wisdom, and her traits. So as we see this description of Wisdom personified, we see that she is:

1. Industrious (verse 1)- She “BUILDED HER HOUSE” and she “HEWN OUT HER SEVEN PILLARS”. Wise people aren’t afraid to do labor, or to jump in and get busy, even when they are the ones supposed to oversee it all being done. There is a foolishness seen in a leader who is always doing the work of his or her subordinates, but there is a far greater foolishness in a leader who thinks their position means that they no longer have to work and those duties are now the job of someone they are over, or worse, feel they are better than. A wise person should always be wiling to pitch in and give a hand when an extra hand is needed, or when they have the ability to make things work smoother. BUT they must take care that doing so won’t hinder their other responsibilities to the point someone else’s work suffers.

2. Providential (verse 2) - God gives wisdom, in part, to be able to provide for others. Wisdom has not only labored to build her house, but she has built up her household! She has provided their needs so they can accomplish the things they need to. A leader is supposed to LEAD. I know that seems simplistic, but someone who doesn’t meet the needs of those they lead is missing the point. Jesus said “but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). The leader is the biggest servant in any group or organization! They not only serve God and their superiors upward, they serve the customer or patrons outward; and they serve their subordinates downward! Parenting is a great example of that. A parent who bosses their kids around with little to no guidance on things of life and little to no emotional or academic support is a horrible parent! Those who think that it is enough in providing a roof, a bed, and meals for their children is failing miserably at what God expects of them as parents. But leaders at work commit this same kind of failure all the time. They give minimal direction, fail to notice the needs of their subordinates, much less care to try to meet them, and never win the hearts and minds of those they lead… and yet somehow think they are doing the job well enough to deserve recognition or even a raise. How sad!

3. Inviting and Investing (verses 3-6) - Wise people SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN OTHERS! Nobody becomes wise without someone else investing in them, and wise people understand this well enough to see the obligation to pay it forward. Wisdom tasked her maidens to find someone else to invest in. In other words, she is helping those mentored to find others to mentor in turn. This becomes a cascading effect, where each group of mentors DOUBLES WITH EACH NEW CYCLE! By the way, this is the way the early church practiced discipleship, so much so that God changed the language from addition in Acts 2:47, to multiplication in Acts 6:1! Some scholars estimate that as much as half of Jerusalem’s population of 50,000 or so residents had heard the gospel and responded to it by the time persecution would drive many of the Christians out of the city by Acts chapter 9 (3,000 men at Pentecost, 5,000 men a short time later, PLUS a majority of their wives and children, and that’s just the start in Acts chapters 2-3!)

4. Prudent (verses 7-9) - One key trait of wise people is that they don’t keep wasting effort in things that don’t work. Instead they go a different direction, either by tackling the problem from a different angle, or by leaving off the failing project and redirecting their efforts in an entirely different direction. This included recognizing when to not invest in certain people. Helping someone who wants to improve is easy, but when you have someone who has already made up their minds and had predetermined that those leading him or her are incompetent and not worth listening to… well that’s time to cut out the dead weight and move on. One of the best things a leader can do for those they lead is to eliminate the distraction and the detrimental consequences of someone who isn’t buying in to the direction the organization is going.

5. Responsible and accountable (verses 10-12) - Finally, wisdom reminds us that we are responsible for our choices. Passing the buck is not an option. When God sent Samuel to confront Saul for sparing the life of Agag, the Amalekite, and keeping the best of the flocks for himself, Saul first said he mostly obeyed, and when that didn’t work, he blamed the people. He was the one who was ultimately in control of all the decisions and he refused to accept any responsibility, and he lost the kingdom for it. Remember, Solomon is writing this all for the benefit of Rehoboam, who is set to take over the throne of Israel. I can’t help but wonder how much better things would’ve been had he listened. But the root problem was that Solomon himself didn’t recognize the bad example he was setting for Rehoboam in scorning the truths of the Bible about strange women, it let his many wives turn his own heart from God. There is nobody in the Bible who cared enough for what was right to come to Solomon the way Nathan did to David after the affair with Bathsheba, and the whole nation suffered for it.

Questions:

1. Who do you lead?

2. How do you serve them?

3. How do you invest in them?

4. How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism? Do you have a few people you have welcomed to give it, even when uninvited?

5. Has God revealed anything that you should begin doing after reading this? (If you are uncomfortable sharing specifics, or even generalities here, that is ok, and a simple yes or no would be fine if that’s the case.).

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Please be with us all and give us what we need most.
Please help us also to set aside some "Sabbath" time just for you; a day to be with you and to enjoy your company.
We next begin to study Paul's two Letters to Timothy.
Help us to understand the Letters and how they apply to our lives today.
In Jesus' name we pray, amen!

INTRODUCTION to 1st and 2nd TIMOTHY

1 Timothy:

Timothy is Paul's trusted young companion whom Paul had been mentoring. When trouble appeared in the Church which Paul had planted in Ephesus, involving people who had come to teach false things about Jesus, Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus to take care of the problem.

He then wrote 1 Timothy to encourage him in his work.

These false teachers had been going through the Old Testament writings, especially Genesis, looking at genealogies and coming up with new and false teachings, such as that God hates meat-eaters and that Jesus disapproved of marriage. This was confusing the people at the Church in Ephesus.

Paul counters that when genuine Christian teaching is given, it is faithful to Jesus and results in Love and genuine faith: the purpose of the commandment is Love from a pure heart. He encourages Timothy to lead the church in times of prayer, including for their leaders and for peace so that the good news of Jesus might spread.

There are angry men to deal with, and women who treat church like a fashion show and teach false teachings in the church. Paul is asking Timothy to deal with all these things.

Paul then talks about Adam and Eve which brings up some controversial topics in 1 Timothy, especially regarding women. Different people and churches have different ideas about what Paul meant, especially divided into the following three viewpoints:

What does Paul mean? Different people have different ideas, such as the following. Paul may mean that

1. women should never lead or teach men in any church, or that
2. women shouldn't lead, but once educated may teach, or that
3. these particular Ephesian women shouldn't lead because they've been deceived by these false teachers, just like the snake deceived Eve in the Garden.

Paul also deals with other problems that Timothy is facing in the Ephesian Church, such as what kind of leaders to appoint, which teachings are false and why, how to help the widows who are truly in need, how to deal with the older men who are getting drunk, how to deal with the issue of slavery, how to shut down the false teachers, and how Christians should live generously, taking care to work hard and be respected in their communities while helping those in need.

2 Timothy:

Thought to be Paul's final letter, 2 Timothy may have been written several years after 1 Timothy and in it Paul urges Timothy to come and see him; Paul doesn't expect to make it this time. He urges Timothy to come so that Paul can hand over the reigns, and encourages Timothy not to be put off by the stigma of Paul's repeated imprisonments, which had caused some others to fall away.

Paul write about what the challenges of the faith are, working for a greater cause, like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.

He urges Timothy to put a stop to the corrupt leaders in Ephesus who are giving false teachings about the resurrection, and for Timothy and the church leaders to stick to the basics of the Christian faith, showing how the scriptures have been leading up to the loving sacrifice of the Messiah so that we too might live and die in love for others.

In closing he asks Timothy to come before winter and to bring Paul his warm coat and some other things, saying that while the others have left him, Christ remains faithful to Paul.

Questions

1. Some of you may well be more knowledgable than I about these two letters. If so, do you have anything to add to the above summary?

2. Is there anything that you are looking forward to looking more closely at in these two letters?

...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

Note: I also enjoy The Bible Project's explanations and clarifications of the scriptures. I used the following two sources; I encourage you also to enjoy their videos elucidating these writings.

Source 1: The Bible Project: Book of 1 Timothy Summary
Source 2: The Bible Project: Book of 2 Timothy Summary

Hello all, we have come to the end of 1 Corinthians. I want to give a big than you to u/FergusCragson for filling in for me last week. Before getting into the summary, I want to share the introduction to this book here written by u/ExiledSanity. In the introduction, we see the history of the church in Corinth and why it was an important destination for Paul.

As we come to the conclusion of this book I would like to share a few of the themes that stood out to me.

• In chapter 1 God sets aside wisdom as his and we are granted wisdom from God. Paul even states the worlds "wisdom" is foolish.
• The importance of marital responsibility by both men and women. It is a partnership in Christ, not a lordship over the other. Each should submit to each other.
• What it means to be an apostle of Christ. Looking at 9:19-23. We are to know the audience and teach them in a fashion they are accustomed to. u/ExiledSanity gave a great answer to what this looks like on October 3. Though the chapter is specifically about food, it seems to me it would apply in most cases.
• The importance of self examination in chapter 11, and the need for use to take seriously the Lords supper. Makes me really appreciate how my home town church did it. (no kids allowed).
• The view of what love looks like in chapter 13. Not only does this chapter show what it looks like it is showing God's character and who he is. Replace love with God and we see God in all his beauty.
• The reinforcement that resurrection is an essential tenant of our faith in chapter 15. Without the resurrection then its all for nothing, but with the resurrection, it means everything.

These are a few of the themes that stood out to me during our reading and I encourage you to provide your thoughts and what stood out to you. I leave you with the 1 Corinthians Summary video from the Bible Project series. I find their videos to be enlightening and I usually try to watch them before and after a book to see if I caught any of the themes they mention.

I don't really have any questions. Please post what you got out of our readings in this book.

Hello r/biblereading

Please see here for our updated schedule to cover 1 and 2 Timothy over the coming weeks. We'll probably move onto some advent reading after this, and I'd still be open to feedback on any ideas for what you might want to cover for that. I was thinking about looking at the Messiah readings we did a few years ago again...but certainly nothing set it stone at this point.

As always, feel free to use the comments on this post for any scheduling changes you may need. Pretty much following our standard weekly assignments for what is out there so far.

Thank you all for your continued support of this sub. Its been a tremendous blessing to my life and I hope it is for yours as well.

Hey everyone - in a few months I will - Lord willing - be able to say that I've read the whole Bible. I started following the One Year Bible plan when my smartphone was down & I found the One Year Bible in a box.

I think after that I'll check in with this group and read along.

God bless

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. ^(2) On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. ^(3) Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ^(4) If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

^(5) After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. ^(6) Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. ^(7) For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ^(8) But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, ^(9) because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

^(10) When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. ^(11) No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

^(12) Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

^(13) Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ^(14) Do everything in love.

^(15) You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, ^(16) to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ^(17) I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ^(18) For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Final Greetings

^(19) The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla^([)^(a)^(]) greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. ^(20) All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

^(21) I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

^(22) If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord^([)^(b)^(])!

^(23) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

^(24) My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.^([)^(c)^(])

Footnotes

1. 1 Corinthians 16:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla

2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Marana tha) used by early Christians.

3. 1 Corinthians 16:24 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

Questions

1. What would this collection mentioned in verses 1-3 been used for?

2. Do we happen to have any details on verse 9 or is this something just the original audience would have known about?

3. In verses 10-11, why does Paul stress that Timothy should have nothing to fear while he is with the Corinthians, he should not be treated with contempt, and that he should be sent on his way in peace?

4. For verse 21, Paul also mentions writing in his own hand in Galatians 6:11, Colossians 4:18, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, and Philemon 19. Besides what he says in 2 Thessalonians 3:17, is there any particular reason why Paul brings this up?

5. Verse 22 seems a bit abrupt, particularly since it's near the end of the letter. Why do you suppose Paul feels the need to include this here?

6. Feel free to ask any other questions/point out anything else that stands out to you!

Paul concludes this chapter on the resurrection with encouragement that what I leads to is a new and better reality….and perhaps more importantly a permanent one and an incorruptible one.   There will not be another fall, the kingdom of God will be our final and eternal state.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (ESV)

Mystery and Victory

^(50) I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ^(51) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ^(52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. ^(53) For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ^(54) When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

^(55)             “O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

^(56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ^(57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

^(58) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.       Why is it important to the Corinthians (and to us) to specify that our bodies will not only be resurrected, but will be changed?  Why can’t “flesh and blood inherit the kingdom of God”? 

2.      The idea of a trumpet is used a few times in the New Testament…almost always in conjunction with the end times.   Why is a trumpet associated with the return of Christ?

3.      What does it mean that “the power of sin is the law.”  What does this have to do with the resurrection?

Happy Monday! I pray GOD would change and challenge our hearts this week, and each week, that we would spend time with Him and would be transformed more into His image, being pruned of our old habits and beliefs, and taking on the New Man in Christ, in Jesus' name! I also pray for guidance and comfort for all those in confusion, transition, despair, or anything else that might be drawing them away from GOD and His Church. I pray we would listen for and seek GOD's Voice and Will, so we would always be ready to be a witness for Christ, in Jesus' name!

#1 Corinthians 15:35-49 NASB

But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?” 36 You fool! That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies; 37 and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or of [a]something else. 38 But God gives it a body just as He wished, and to each of the seeds a body of its own. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of mankind, another flesh of animals, another flesh of birds, and another of fish. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown [b]a perishable body, it is raised [c]an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written: “The first man, Adam, became a living [d]person.” The last Adam was a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, [e]earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy one, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly one, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, [f]we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

--- thoughts and questions ---

1. What does it mean that the dead are "sown in dishonor" and are "raised in glory?" What does this mean for us as believers?
2. What are ways that GOD has changed you from Glory to Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)? How have you grown (perhaps recently, or maybe there was a time of transformation in your life that stood out?) to bear a more Christ-like image?
3. Anything else that stands out to you?

Have a blessed week!

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 8:1-11  “1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? 2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. 5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. 6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

As we begin to focus again on the “four men of Proverbs”, we see the importance of seeking wisdom in Chapter 8. It is the focus of the entire chapter. Notice these thoughts:

• It is God seeking people out to imbue them with wisdom, not the other way around (verse 1-3)

• Wisdom starts with the idea that there is a higher authority over the hearts of men, as the gates of the city were the seat of civil government and the place where business was lawfully conducted. And as a government official (or the king or city ruler himself) would rise and speak loudly and command others to be still and listen to be heard, Wisdom is speaking and doing the same thing. (verses 3 and 6)

• Wisdom from God is tied to his righteousness (verses 6-8)

• Wisdom is something to be attained then by following God. And he does not hide it from the faithful, but freely gives wisdom to those who seek him. It is only the fools and scorners who cannot find it, as it does not come apart from fellowship with God (verses 6-9)

• Wisdom is more valuable than riches. A wealthy fool only enjoys the pleasures of his wealth for a short lifetime at best, and usually it doesn’t even last that long. But wisdom will bring the rewards of eternal riches from God, because of the investment in his kingdom, and in others to help them get there. (verses 10-11)

As I read these verses, I am reminded of the Jesus’ sermon on the mount, where he said this:

Matthew 6:19-24  “19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Prayer

Lord,
all of us have faced having someone close to us die,
and all of us are likely to face it again.
One day too we will need to face our own death.
We don't like thinking about these things.
We have a natural fear of and hatred for death.
But you overcame death on the cross
and rose again
conquering sin and becoming the first to rise to our new life
giving us forgiveness and real hope
for us and for our loved ones.
Strengthen us today in our trust in you
that we may live in joy
die in you
and be raised to new life again with you in your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name, amen!

As always I include two translations of today's reading.

#1 Corinthians 15:12-34, New King James Version

^(12) Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ^(13) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ^(14) And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ^(15) Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. ^(16) For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ^(17) And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ^(18) Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ^(19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

^(20) But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ^(21) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ^(22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. ^(23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. ^(24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. ^(25) For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. ^(26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. ^(27) For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. ^(28) Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

^(29) Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? ^(30) And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? ^(31) I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. ^(32) If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

^(33) Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” ^(34) Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

#1 Corinthians 15:12-34, New Living Translation

^(12) But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? ^(13) For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. ^(14) And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. ^(15) And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. ^(16) And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. ^(17) And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. ^(18) In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! ^(19) And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

^(20) But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

^(21) So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. ^(22) Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. ^(23) But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

^(24) After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. ^(25) For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. ^(26) And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. ^(27) For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) ^(28) Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.

^(29) If the dead will not be raised, what point is there in people being baptized for those who are dead? Why do it unless the dead will someday rise again?

^(30) And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? ^(31) For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. ^(32) And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” ^(33) Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” ^(34) Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Death is not a "natural part of life" except insofar as we all die in this world.
But in fact the reason that death feels so wrong all the time, is because it is. It is an enemy. And it will be vanquished!

QUESTIONS

1. A "What if" question: What if Jesus has not in fact risen from the dead? What is our situation then?

2. What is all this in verse 29 about being baptized for the dead? Is that a Christian practice? Is Paul referring to another group?

3. In the first part of verse 32 Paul writes,

"If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me?"
To what is he referring?

4. Paul had given up rising in the ranks of the Pharisees, given up his chance to some day being the Chief Priest (which, with his intellect and ambition, he could have achieved), and given up his security and any wealth he may have had, all to live a life running from place to place as others beat and imprisoned him, for no real gain other than being mostly misunderstood and ultimately executed. Why does he do this?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4, NKJV

Why would the god not want people to know the difference between good and evil?

The god had NO problem with evil being done, he just doesn't want you to KNOW the difference.

He was FINE with Adam and Eve running around naked. He just got mad when they learned they were naked and needed to cover up.

Sounds familiar, right?

Like a parent who has kids doing inappropriate things to each other( or to the parent). but the parent isn't mad at the inappropriate things being done (because the parent wanted those things done)

Instead, the parent gets mad when the kids begin to KNOW it's inappropriate.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank you as always for this time to study and pray over your Word.
Please be with each of us and give us what we most need
so that we in turn may also help those around us, by the power of your Loving Spirit within.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.

As always I include two translations of today's reading.

#1 Corinthians 15:1-11, New King James Version

#15

^(1) Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, ^(2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

^(3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ^(4) and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ^(5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. ^(6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. ^(7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. ^(8) Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

^(9) For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ^(10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. ^(11) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

#1 Corinthians 15:1-11, New Living Translation

#15

^(1) Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. ^(2) It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

^(3) I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. ^(4) He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. ^(5) He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. ^(6) After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. ^(7) Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. ^(8) Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. ^(9) For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

^(10) But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. ^(11) So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.

THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

This is among the earliest New Testament writings, predating the gospels by several years.

"Hey look, I told you what happened: this guy saw him alive, and then those guys, and then 500 people all saw him -- and then last of all I did! Alive again!"

This is real, he really rose from the dead!

Paul is telling people about something that happened which many people actually witnessed, including all Paul himself. Jesus, having died on the cross, really lives again; and all these people saw it.

This is an eyewitness account.

As tomorrow's reading shows, if it isn't true, then none of this matters.

QUESTIONS

1. If 1st Corinthians, was written before the gospels, to which scriptures is Paul referring in verses 3 and 4, when he says that Christ died for our sins and rose again to life, "according to the scriptures"?

2. Do you see this as Paul teaching disciples about a new religion; or him telling people what he's seen and heard and what that means for us;or something else, and if so, what?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up
Hosea 6:2, NKJV

Good Order in Worship

^(26) What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.^(27) If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ^(28) If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

^(29) Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. ^(30) And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ^(31) For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ^(32) The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ^(33) For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

^(34) Women^([)^(a)^(]) should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. ^(35) If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.^([)^(b)^(])

^(36) Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ^(37) If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ^(38) But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^([)^(c)^(])

^(39) Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ^(40) But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Footnotes

1. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people, ^(34) women

2. 1 Corinthians 14:35 In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.

3. 1 Corinthians 14:38 Some manuscripts But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant

Questions

1. Why does Paul stress the need of an interpreter in verses 27-28?

2. How does verse 33's description of God fit in with the context of this passage?

3. Verses 34-35 (particularly verse 34 I believe) have been fairly controversial, from what I understand. How should we view them, both in terms of this passage and 1 Corinthians as a whole? Does verse 39 happen to play a part? Also, what law does Paul happen to be referring to in verse 34?

4. Why does Paul stress in verses 37-38 that these people he's referring to must acknowledge that what Paul's writing is the Lord's command?

5. Feel free to ask any other questions/bring up anything else that stands out to you!

After the brief excuses on Love in Chapter 13 Paul returns to the idea of pursuing the gifts of the Spirit we discussed in the beginning of Chapter 12, but he does so here with a particular emphasis on Love, particularly as it pertains to the idea of “building up the church.”

1 Corinthains 14:1-25 (ESV)

Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. ^(2) For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. ^(3) On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. ^(4) The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. ^(5) Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

^(6) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ^(7) If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? ^(8) And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? ^(9) So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. ^(10) There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, ^(11) but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. ^(12) So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

^(13) Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. ^(14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. ^(15) What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. ^(16) Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? ^(17) For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. ^(18) I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ^(19) Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

^(20) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. ^(21) In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” ^(22) Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. ^(23) If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? ^(24) But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, ^(25) the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

 Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

 1.      Paul references the idea of “prophecy”  repeatedly.   What is the best way to understand this idea in the context of the New Testament church?

2.      Why does it mean to “build up the church?” 

3.      What is the “speaking in tongues” descried in this passage?

4.      Why does Paul say in vs. 22 that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers?   How does this contrast with the complaint of vs. 16 that an outsider cannot understand what is going on?

5.      How does your church view speaking in tongues?  Is it something that you have ever done?

Happy Monday!

#1 Corinthians 13 NASB

The Excellence of Love

If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions to charity, and if I surrender my body so that I may [a]glory, but do not have love, it does me no good.

4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it [b]keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of [c]prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. 9 For we know in part and prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I [d]became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror [e]dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the [f]greatest of these is love.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

We can use the middle of this passage (use the Interlinear tool here to see what the words used to describe Love mean) to recontextualize the beginning verses of 1 Corinthians 13. I've heard at my old home church stories of how people have abused the "Gifts of the Spirit" to try to make a point to someone they didn't like, saying their criticism was "from the Lord." This is obviously sinful and dangerous. Other times, people may genuinely believe what they say is from the Lord, but isn't, and is rooted in the flesh and their own interpretation of Scripture. Both are dangerous and harmful to the Church. That's not to say people have never given a Word from the Lord before in Scripture, nor do I believe GOD has barred people from being a mouthpiece for Himself even in today's world. We must have spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 12:3, 10; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16 and Matthew 4:1-11 show us how to use our knowledge of Scripture to fight against lies and wrong doctrine, for example) to distinguish between what is actually from GOD and what is not.

1. What are some ways a Gift of the Spirit (say, the ones mentioned at the start of the reading) could be used for Love and for the building up of the Church?
2. What are other ways one could be misused?
3. What are some ways you have struggled to act in Love, according to the text here?
4. What verse(s) stick out to you the most? What is encouraging or convicting to you?

Have a blessed week!

Please use this thread for any discussions outside of the scheduled readings:

• Questions/comments
• Prayer Requests
• Praises

Proverbs 7 (KJV)

Proverbs 7:1   My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

Proverbs 7:6   For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, 14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. 19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

Proverbs 7:24   Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

As I read this chapter, I realized this lesson almost feels like a full repeat of the lesson on Proverbs chapter 5 from two weeks ago. I would recommend going back and reviewing it.

So instead of focusing primarily on the immorality aspect of fornication yet again, seeing we covered it with chapter 5 and have hit it several times this last few weeks in 1 Corinthians, I want to look at the manipulation tactics of this strange woman who happens to be a harlot, because she seems narcissistic when you dig into it. (And again, repeating something we addressed two weeks ago, I understand that there are mostly victims who get caught up in being trafficked, and I am not impugning guilt to those who have been coerced into this. But there are also plenty of promiscuous people who are that way because they simply have a loose sense of morality, and narcissists certainly fall into that category.)

1. Manipulators refuse to fall under societal norms (verse 10). This strange woman dressed improperly (and I do not believe that a woman dressing immodestly absolves a man of any guilt on his part in fornication, or worse, violating a woman, and the Bible never teaches that).

2. Manipulators are us til and play on the emotions of others (verses 10-13). When being provocative wasn’t enough, she caught this simple man off guard with her language and by making the advance (something VERY out of place in the ancient Hebrew culture).

3. Manipulators will try to place you at ease by denying your sense of guilt (verses 14-20) and deny any sense of risk. She wanted him to feel like this was all on her if it went bad, and it was only for his good (his pleasure)

4. Manipulators speak flatteringly verse 21 until that stops working, then they will revert to disorienting you with a shock (back to the loud and stubborn part of verse 11).

5. Manipulators don’t worry about destroying you when you’ve fulfilled your purpose, and then they will find someone else (verses 21-27). How many narcissists move on to their next victim when their current one no longer meets their selfish needs? ALL OF THEM!

Hello all. Firstly I would like to apologize for my late posting. Thank you to u/ExiledSanity for calling me out. Without going into too many details and without starting a pity party, I want to say...I am stressed. I could use prayer. There is alot going on in my life and I have used this weekly reading to center myself so I can know where I am in my week. Yesterday i completely forgot about this reading. I am hoping that after this month things will slow down a bit and I will keep the other readers updated. Thank you to u/FergusCragson for covering for me next week. I could use some prayer for then too. Thank you all for reading through the word with me.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning what comes from the Spirit:[^(a)] brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you used to be led off to the idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person.[^(b)] 7 A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial:

8 to one is given a message of wisdom

through the Spirit,
to another, a message of knowledge
by the same Spirit,
9 to another, faith by the same Spirit,
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
10 to another, the performing of miracles,
to another, prophecy,
to another, distinguishing between spirits,
to another, different kinds of languages,
to another, interpretation of languages.

11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.

Thoughts and Questions:

I have always struggled with this passage. I don't believe I have any of these gifts listed so sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me. Until I met my sister-in-law, I very much doubted the gift of prophecy which she very much has.

Q1: What is your spiritual gift? How should we go about discovering our gifts?

Prayer

Dear Lord,
When I think of all the hard things that could have happened to me,
things I feared happening,
worries I had,
worst case scenarios playing out in my mind,
causing me stress,
making me feel taut inside,
not to mention things that I brought down upon myself,
things that I deserved to have go wrong for me --
and yet they never happened! --
I stand amazed at your many mercies.
Thank You!
When I think of all the good things that have happened,
both small and great,
a breath of wind,
a little sunlight here,
birdsong there,
an unexpected smile or kindness,
I stand amazed at your many mercies.
Sheer Grace!
Thank you, Father!
In Jesus' name and through your Spirit,
Amen!

As always I include two translations of today's reading.

#1 Corinthians 12:12-31, New King James Version

^(12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ^(13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ^(14) For in fact the body is not one member but many.

^(15) If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? ^(16) And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? ^(17) If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? ^(18) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. ^(19) And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

^(20) But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. ^(21) And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ^(22) No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. ^(23) And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, ^(24) but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, ^(25) that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ^(26) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

^(27) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ^(28) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. ^(29) Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ^(30) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ^(31) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

#1 Corinthians 12:12-31, New Living Translation

^(12) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. ^(13) Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

^(14) Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. ^(15) If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. ^(16) And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? ^(17) If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

^(18) But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. ^(19) How strange a body would be if it had only one part! ^(20) Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. ^(21) The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

^(22) In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ^(23) And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, ^(24) while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. ^(25) This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. ^(26) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

^(27) All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. ^(28) Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:

first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

^(29) Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? ^(30) Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! ^(31) So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the members of the body? According to verses 27 and 28, is Paul talking about individuals, or about groups called to focus on different works, or both?

2. When in verse 31 we are told to "earnestly desire the best/most helpful gifts," what action does that ask of us on our part? How do we do that?

3. Is there anything here that could help us in how we view Christians of other denominations?

Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or questions of your own!

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
1 Corinthians 12:26, NKJV

Our schedule for 1 Corinthians (https://www.reddit.com/r/biblereading/wiki/schedule/) currently takes us out another two weeks from today. What would you like to read next?

There are a handful of books we haven't covered on this sub yet, all from the Old Testament (not that we have to do something we have not read before, just providing info for consideration):

• Numbers - After we finished Leviticus last year, this is the only book from the Pentateuch that we have not covered on this sub.

• 2 Kings - Having just read 1 Kings this seems like a natural place to go, though I'm not sure if we are ready to dive into another few months of history or not.

• 1 & 2 Chronicles - I think we can wait a while after we get through Kings before tackling these since they are somewhat repetitive of those books. If we are going to dive further into history I'd prefer to tackle 2 kings and hold off on these for a couple years.

• Song of Solomon - Obviously has its pitfalls, but probably would be interesting to work through as well

• Lamentations

• Ezekiel - The only of the Major prophets we have not covered.

• Hosea - I was sure we had read this at some point, but I can't find it. We did several of the minor prophets in 2020 and several more in 2022, but this one got missed.

We have covered all of the New Testament books, but if interested the NT books that we have not read for the longest go back to 2018 and 2020:

• 1 & 2 Timothy

• James

• Jude

• Revelation

Certainly open to any suggestions, and also would like to know if you would like to do something special for the upcoming Holiday season or if you'd prefer to just continue working through a particular book of the Bible during that time. I'm pretty sure we have done both before (some more successful than others).

Appreciate all of your support on this Sub. I'm looking forward to whatever we decide to start next.

Correcting an Abuse of the Lord’s Supper

^(17) In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. ^(18) In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. ^(19) No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. ^(20) So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, ^(21) for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. ^(22) Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

^(23) For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ^(24) and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ^(25) In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ^(26) For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

^(27) So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. ^(28) Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. ^(29) For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. ^(30) That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.^(31) But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. ^(32) Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

^(33) So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. ^(34) Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come I will give further directions.

Questions

1. Why does Paul say "to some extent I believe it" in verse 18? And how are the Corinthians "humiliating those who have nothing" in verse 22?

2. What is this "unworthy manner" Paul mentions in verse 27?

3. What do you make of verses 28-32?

4. Why does Paul mention that "anyone is hungry should eat something at home" in verse 34? What's the difference between that and the "private suppers" mentioned in verse 21?

5. Feel free to ask any other questions/bring up anything that stands out to you!

Having completed the excursus on eating meat sacrificed to idols which took up the majority of Chapters 8-10, Paul now moves on to the final section of his letter which addresses some other miscellaneous issues reported to him regarding the church in Corinth.  Among these are additional abuses of the Lord’s Supper, views on spiritual gifts, the role of women in the church, and a failure to understand the importance of the promise of the Resurrection.  We start with a controversial one I suppose in treatment of women and head coverings.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (ESV)

Head Coverings

^(2) Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. ^(3) 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. ^(4) Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, ^(5) but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. ^(6) For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. ^(7) For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. ^(8) For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. ^(9) Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. ^(10) That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. ^(11) Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; ^(12) for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. ^(13) Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? ^(14) Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, ^(15) but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. ^(16) If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      This section of chapter 11 seems to be almost completely disregarded from being applicable to us today by Modern Christians (at least western Christians…for men or women).  What is the biblical argument considering it to be inapplicable?

2.      Why are the angels mentioned in verse 10?

3.      In what way is the head covering a “symbol of authority”?

4.      In what way is Paul arguing from nature in vs. 14?

5.      Have you ever gone to a church where head coverings were common, or expected for women?

Happy Monday! I pray GOD would guide us in the way we should go. I pray we would hear and learn from Him and His Word what we should allow ourselves to do with our free time, with our friends and family, and with our work. I pray He would help us "work as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23-24) in everything we do, and that we would develop as sons and daughters of GOD in the Word and in Discernment of His Voice, in Jesus' name!

Sorry for the late post. I had the template ready, then forgot to work on it.

#1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 NASB

All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things [a]build people up. 24 No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his [b]neighbor. 25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions, for the sake of conscience; 26 for the earth is the Lord’s, and [c]all it contains. 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions, for the sake of conscience. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of that one who informed you and for the sake of conscience; 29 Now by “conscience” I do not mean your own, but the other person’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered about that for which I give thanks?

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. 32 Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; 33 just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.

Christian Order

#11

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

--- Thoughts and Questions ---

1. Sharing as much detail as you feel comfortable, what things in your life does this passage remind you of? For me, it's whether magical media is acceptable to watch or play in video games. I've been reading Scriptures and praying and thinking about this a lot lately, and have done so a lot over the years, tweaking what I find allowable or not and why I find it allowable or not. Now I personally feel I don't have a reason to look down on magic in video games and such in particular, when I don't have much of a problem consuming media that portrays other sins prominently. Now, it's basically "do I want to lower my standard for convenience and for the possibility to witness, or 'witness,' to others, or do I want to raise my standard to be more in-line with what GOD says about magic and other sins in real life, and simply find new ways to relax/entertain myself?"

I want to track my progress in reading Bible, but most application that I tried doesn't had the function to check the chapter after reading it. Any app recommendations? What are you using?

Edit: on android each chapter had checkmark if you read it or not.

Edit 2: i use “sola” app now, thx

i recently came across Romans 11:18, i feel like His word offers a more depth understanding about the tree