Flee the Defilement and Pollution of Sexual Immorality.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

 

1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin^[b] a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

(ESV)

 

The social issues of our time, abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism all have a link to sexual immorality. Abortion is legalized murder, often done because someone committed sexual immorality that resulted in an unwanted pregnancy, covering it up with an abortion. Homosexuality is sexual perversion spoken against in Romans 1:24-27. God made people as males and females (Genesis 1:27) with transgenderism making the claim God can make mistakes in His choice of gender at creation. The truth, however, could be that some want to change genders so they can be in the locker room or public restroom with those of the opposite gender. However, the worst sin of sexual immorality is pornography for it is a sin against one’s body, preventing intimacy with God and the polluting of the temple of the Holy Spirit.

 

After the previous section regarding lawsuits against believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11), Paul begins this section with a statement that all things are legal for him but not all things are helpful. He continues by saying that even though all things are legal, he is not dominated by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Paul then provides clarification of this statement by using the example of food, which is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food with both destroyed by God at some time. However, sexual immorality, unlike food, is not meant for the body because the body is meant for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13-14; Romans 12:1). This is an example of something legal and good for us, food, as opposed to sexual immorality that defiles the body. Since our bodies are members of Christ when one professes Jesus as their Lord and then commits the sin of sexual immorality with their bodies they are acting like one joining their body to a prostitute (1 Corinthians 6:15).

 

When one marries, he and his wife are united with the two becoming one flesh. However, when one is with a prostitute he also becomes one flesh with the prostitute, defiling his body (1 Corinthians 6:16). When we accept Christ, our bodies join with Christ as living sacrifices so to commit sexual immorality with our bodies is like to sinning against our spouse with a prostitute (1 Corinthians 6:17). Therefore, believers are to flee sexual immorality, even though they have the liberty to commit this sin, because it is a sin against one’s body that belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:18). A believer’s body is also the temple of the Holy Spirit so sexual immorality also defiles the temple where God lives in the person of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The conclusion is that we were bought with a price, the death of Jesus the Son of God so we should glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20).

 

The city of Corinth as part of Greece found itself immersed in Greek culture. The gods of Greek mythology freely practiced sexual immorality making its practice common in Greek culture. The Gentile converts in Corinth came out of this culture that freely practiced sexual immorality, with many possibly still living in sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul already pointed to the need to excommunicate one from the Church in Corinth who had sexual relations with his father's wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul provides details about the despicable nature of the sin of sexual immorality and its damage to ones intimacy with Christ and lack of power from the Holy Spirit by polluting the temple of the Holy Spirit, our bodies. The purpose of this teaching is to stop the damaging spread of the sin of sexual immorality within the Church in Corinth.

 

Sexual immorality is still prevalent in our culture today, but with technology, pornography is now available to anyone through their PC or phone. While one may justify viewing pornography on their phone as okay because they are not physically joining with a prostitute, we must remember the words of Christ who said looking at a woman with lust is the same as adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). Therefore, one looking at pornography is looking at another woman with lust and committing adultery with her, a sexually immoral sin. Paul instructed the Roman believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God and to lose conformity to the world through the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:1-2). One engaging in sexual immorality, including looking at pornography, is not presenting his body as a living sacrifice to God. Looking at pornography increases one’s conformity to the world, so I encourage anyone addicted to pornography to seek help and renew their minds by looking at God’s Word instead of pornography.

 

Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life and that no one could have a relationship with God unless they went through Him (John 14:6). Jesus opened the pathway to a relationship with God the Father through His death for sinners, something we all are (Romans 3:23; 5:8). However, this pathway is narrow with only those choosing to confess Jesus as their Lord passing through it (Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have not passed through the passage created by Jesus' death for your sins, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage anyone that just prayed to find a Church teaching the Word of God and to begin renewing their mind through reading and studying the Word of God. This is especially true for anyone reading this addicted to pornography with my encouragement to put down the pornography and pick up the Word of God. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Passing on a Godly Heritage.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 78

 

Psalm 78:2-4

I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
³ things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
⁴ We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

(ESV)

 

One of the main tenants of the Communist Manifesto is the separation of children from their parents to prevent exposure to the values of their parents and instead indoctrination with the secular values of communism. Children are impressionable in their youth and why God stressed the importance of parents sharing the things of God with their children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). In today’s culture, the Church has children once or twice a week with the schools having them five days a week. The numbers are in favor of children having greater exposure to secular and often ungodly values with parents having the ability to tip the scales in favor of Godly values since they have their children seven days a week.

 

This psalm begins with Asaph asking those hearing it to pay attention to what it is going to teach. The psalm is a parable that will speak of things of old, things that are known, and things the listeners' fathers have told them. Asaph continues by saying he does not intend to hide the things in the psalm from their children but that he intends to tell the coming generation of the glorious deeds of the Lord and what He has done (Psalm 78:1-4). The purpose of the psalm is the establishment of a testimony in Jacob and the appointment of law in Israel they are to teach their children (Psalm 78:5). This is so the next generation might have their hope in God, not forgetting His works, and instead being obedient to His commandments (Psalm 78:6-7). Asaph desires that the next generation not be stubborn and rebellious but a generation that is steadfast in heart and faithful to God (Psalm 78:8).

 

1)      God’s wonders and deliverances of the past – Opening up the Red Sea so the Israelites could pass through, and the army of Egypt drown (Psalm 78:13). God miraculously led the people of Israel with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Psalm 78:14). God made water come out of a rock like a river (Psalm 78:16). God also provided manna from heaven and meat when they craved it (Psalm 78:23-29). Asaph also reminds them of what God did in Egypt to cause Pharaoh to let them go (Psalm 78:43-55).

2)      Rebellion and its consequences – Despite the miraculous wonders of God done on their behalf, the people of Israel still rebelled against God. They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to keep God’s commandments (Psalm 78:10). They forgot God’s works and the wonders He had shown them (Psalm 78:11). God was merciful and gracious towards His people but finally reached a point where their continued disobedience provoked him to anger and found themselves subjected to His wrath (Psalm 78:56-66).

3)      An eternal upright shepherd – God promises Israel an upright shepherd, David, a shepherd boy who will shepherd Israel as their king with an upright heart and skillful hand (Psalm 78:70-72). David’s kingdom is not like other earthly kingdoms for it is an eternal kingdom Through Jesus Christ (1 Kings 2:45; Luke 1:26-33).

 

Asaph has a concern about Israel not passing on their Godly heritage, a heritage of the glorious deeds of the Lord and the wonders God has done for His people. The purpose of passing on a Godly heritage is so the next generation can set their hope in God from knowing what God has done in the past so they can be obedient and have hope in God to take care of them (Psalm 78:5-7). This is not a new thing, but Asaph is reminding them of God’s instructions to them in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Training a child in the way he or she should go remains with them even when they are old (Proverbs 22:6). Asaph is providing a history lesson in a psalm Israel can use to remind children of their Godly heritage, the consequences of rebellion against God, and the mercy of God.

 

Jesus reminded His disciples not to hinder children from coming to Him, reminding them that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them (Matthew 19:14). The future of the Church is not in its methods or programs but in its ability to pass on a Godly heritage and values to the next generation. This is not to downplay churches having children’s and youth ministry programs, but the Church must ensure the purpose of these programs is the passing on of a Godly heritage through teaching from the Word of God and not to segregate children from adults, so they are not a distraction. Parents also have a responsibility and must ensure they train their children in the ways of the Lord both by the example of their lives, having family prayer and Bible reading, and regular attendance in Church and serving in the Church. Parental responsibility is crucial for churches may have children once or twice a week but those in public school have exposure to secular values five days a week. Without parental passing on of a godly heritage, children have greater exposure to secular values than Godly values. As parents, we must repent of our failure to pass on our Godly values to our children before we lose the next generation.

 

If you are reading this and do not yet have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you just prayed and are a parent, I encourage you to pass on the Godly heritage you just received by finding a local Church teaching the Word of God and bringing your children along, so they have exposure to Godly values. I also encourage parents that just prayed to study the Word of God to learn of their Godly heritage so they can pass it on to their Children. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Unified by the Love of God.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

 

1 Corinthians 6:1-2

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? ² Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

(ESV)

 

A divided world full of hatred needs an infusion of love but is looking for love in all the wrong places. Government is not the answer for unification by the government requires one side forcing their values on others through the force of law causing more hatred and division instead of love and unification. Unification around issues also provides little resolution as proponents for each issue usually end up fighting over limited resources needed to promote their issue, leading to further divisiveness and hatred. The Church has the answer to the divisiveness and hatred in the world if it follows Jesus’ commandment to love one another (John 13:34-35) but as we will see in 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, can become divided and hateful if it does not obey this command.

 

Paul had heard more disturbing news regarding the Church in Corinth. When one of them has a grievance against another in the Church, they go to the law and the secular courts instead of resolving grievances among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:1). What disturbs Paul is that the saints are destined to judge the world yet appear incompetent to judge trivial grievances among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:2). Once again the believers in Corinth are showing immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). The saints will also judge angels, a calling to judge matters beyond this life, and cannot yet judge grievances between each other and take them to secular courts with no standing in the Church (1 Corinthians 6:3-4).

 

This inability to judge is a shame to the Church indicating that there is nobody in the Church wise enough to settle disputes within the Church (1 Corinthians 6:5). Instead of acquiring the wisdom to judge grievances within the Church, members of the Church go to secular courts, publicly displaying divisions in the Church, and a lack of love for one another (1 Corinthians 6:6). This also disturbs Paul for it illustrates disobedience to the new commandment of Jesus in John 13:34-35. To have these lawsuits at all is a defeat for the Church with members of the Church wronging and defrauding each other (1 Corinthians 6:7-8).

 

Paul then reminds the Corinthians that the unrighteous, from whom they seek resolution of grievances, will not inherit the kingdom of God, and not to be deceived (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Paul concludes this part of his letter by reminding the Corinthians that they too were once unrighteous but have received justification by the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). The Corinthians are reverting to the flesh when it comes to grievance resolution instead of faith in God to provide wisdom for resolution within the Church.

 

Jesus gave the Church a new commandment, to love one another, and also taught that it was the believers' love for one another that would let the world know they are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). This is why it concerned Paul when he heard the Corinthians were settling grievances with each other in secular courts, putting on public display the lack of unity in the Church. Paul knew the mission of the Church was to be witnesses for Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8), but with the inability to settle grievances among themselves the Church is no different from the world. Add to this the fact that the saints will judge the world and angels, but appears unable to judge trivial cases, the Church lacks the wisdom to manage grievances among each other.

 

A hate-filled and divided world seeks some way to unify. Some seek unification through government but only find more divisiveness between political parties and even within political parties. Some seek unification by rallying around an issue like the environment, LGBTQ, or Critical Race Theory (CRT), only to discover difficulty getting people to rally around their cause resulting in more divisiveness. Some even resort to fear tactics to bring people into agreement only to discover some do not succumb to fear, viewing it as not from God or a trap (Proverbs 29:25; 2 Timothy 1:7).

 

God loves the entire world because he sent His Son, Jesus, with anyone choosing to believe in Him receiving eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus said that if people lifted Him up, He would draw people unto him (John 12:32). Jesus also gave a new commandment to his followers, a commandment that they were to love each other with the love with which He loved them (John 13:34-35). It is this love the Church is to rally behind and what a hate-filled world needs to see from the Church, and not a Church divided by internal grievances.

 

If you are reading this post and are living in this hate-filled world without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you just prayed with me, you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the one that loved you so much He left heaven, came to this corrupt and evil world, and died for your sins, giving you eternal life. I urge you to find a Church teaching from the Bible so your relationship with Jesus can grow stronger and closer. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Troubled, Look Up

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 77

 

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(ESV)

 

Trouble is a part of the fallen world we live in and something Jesus warned us would happen (John 16:33). While Jesus also told us he has overcome the world, our flesh is weak and can forget the overcoming power of God and experience deep anguish of heart (Matthew 26:41). In Psalm 77, Asaph appears to be experiencing deep anguish of heart with him sharing how he was able to change his perspective from anguish of the flesh to faith in God.

 

The psalm begins with Asaph crying out to the Lord in anguish, knowing that the Lord will hear him. His anguish is intense with it keeping him up at night and his soul not receiving any comfort. He is in such anguish that remembering the Lord causes him to moan and his meditation causes his spirit to faint (Psalm 77:1-3). He cannot sleep or speak due to his trouble and anguish of heart (Psalm 77:4).

 

Asaph considers the days of old before his trouble and asks God to let him remember his song in the night, perhaps a song of praise, and when the meditation of his heart led his spirit to make a diligent search instead of fainting (Psalm 77:5-6). In his anguish, Asaph asks God if he will spurn forever and never be favorable again (Psalm 77:7). He wonders if the steadfast love of God has ceased for all time and if His promises are at an end (Psalm 77:8). In his anguish, Asaph wonders if God has forgotten to be gracious or no longer has compassion (Psalm 77:9). In this anguish, Asaph decides to appeal to the years of the right hand of the Most-High on Israel (Psalm 77:10).

 

Asaph remembers the deeds of the Lord and meditates on God’s mighty deeds, changing his perspective to the holiness and greatness of God (Psalm 77:11-13). He now sees God as a God who works wonders, making known His might among the peoples, whose arm redeemed the children of Jacob and Joseph from Egypt (Psalm 77:14-15). He remembers how the waters of the Red Sea saw God and trembled (Psalm 77:16). His reference to clouds pouring out water, skies giving thunder, and arrows flashing is perhaps a remembering of how God held the army of Egypt at bay when Israel was backed up to the Red Sea (Psalm 77:17-18). He recalls how God provided a path through the Red Sea, leading the people of Israel by the hand of Moses and Aaron like a flock (Psalm 77:19-20).

 

Asaph is in anguish day and night finding no comfort and even moaning when remembering God and growing faint in spirit when meditating on God. Even though remembering God was troublesome for Asaph during this time, he did so by considering what God had done in the past (Psalm 77:3,5). He also asks for God to restore his song in the night so he can meditate in his heart with his spirit making a diligent search instead of fainting (Psalm 77:3,6). In his remembrance, Asaph remembers the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea. Like him, Israel was in anguish with the sea on one side and the army of Egypt on the other. It appeared there was no way for Israel to survive but God parted the Red Sea, destroyed the Egyptian army, and Israel resumed their journey to the Promised Land (Exodus 14). Asaph now believes his God is the God who works wonders, whose might He makes known to the people (Psalm 77:14).

 

During times of trouble, one can experience anguish and not even want to seek God or meditate on his Word. When this occurs, it is crucial to go against one’s feelings and seek God for in seeking God, we are connecting with the God of wonders who will do mighty things to deliver His people. God has promised never to leave his children or forsake them (1 Chronicles 28:20; Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 43:5; Joshua 1:5) and promises to meet all their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

 

Survival in a chaotic and evil world requires one having a connection with God. This connection is possible because Jesus Christ took the death penalty of sin upon Himself by dying on the cross (Romans 5:8; 6:23). This is a requirement for all of us have sinned, and face death for our sins without Christ. If you are reading this and do not have a personal relationship with God through Christ, I urge you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post and may we look up to our mighty, wonderful, and overcoming God in times of trouble. 

Remove the Cancer of Sin.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 5

 

1 Corinthians 5:1-2

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. ² And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.

(ESV)

 

Cancer is a deadly disease that if left untreated, spreads and becomes deadly. Two members of my family are cancer survivors and after having the cancer removed and chemo for one member, continue to be cancer free. Sin is spiritual cancer and part of everyone’s DNA from our ancestor Adam (Romans 3:23; 5:19). The good news for humanity is there is a treatment for this flaw in our DNA, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God for the sins of humanity (Romans 5:19). More at the end of this post on how you can experience this change in your spiritual DNA.

 

The Apostle Paul has become aware of a detestable sin of sexual immorality of a brother in the Church with a man having his father’s wife, a sin even detestable to the pagans (1 Corinthians 5:1). What really alarms Paul is the arrogance of the Church towards this detestable sin with the Church not mourning it and failing to remove the sinner from the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:2). Paul is not present with the Corinthians but is with them in spirit and has already pronounced judgment on the one sinning (1 Corinthians 5:3). Paul then instructs the Church to deliver the sinner to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).

 

The boasting of the Corinthians is not good for it has led to them ignoring the leaven of sin that has entered the Church that threatens to infect the entire lump of the Church (1 Corinthians 5:6). Paul instructs the Church to cleanse out the old leaven of sin so they can function as a body of believers freed from sin through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7). Paul encourages the Church to celebrate their salvation through the removal of the leaven of sin and function in sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8).

 

While Paul had previously written to the Corinthians, telling them not to associate with the sexually immoral, greedy swindlers, or idolaters, they do need to associate with such people outside the Church since not associating would require them leaving the world (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). Instead, Paul is telling the Corinthians not to associate with such sinners who bear the name of brother or sister in the Church (1 Corinthians 5:11). It is God who judges those outside the Church with believers to judge those inside the Church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

 

The Church is the body of Christ and like a doctor discovering cancer in someone’s body, Paul has discovered the cancer of sin within the congregation of the Church in Corinth. Like a doctor discovering cancer in someone, the doctor knows the survival of the patient requires the removal of the cancer either through surgery, chemo, or a combination of both. Paul calls for the extreme measure of delivering the sinful man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, or cancer of sin, to save his spirit for the day of the Lord. The Church in Corinth exists in a world of sin and cannot avoid association with sin but must guard against sin infiltrating the Church by removing it once discovered.

 

Like the Church in Corinth, the Church today exists in a world of evil and sin. Modern culture asks the Church to condone the cancer of abortion, Gay marriage, transgenderism, and racist philosophies like critical race theory (CRT). While the Church cannot simply remove itself from the culture in which it exists because of its mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), it must guard against the cancer of sin infecting the Church. The Church accomplishes this by not tolerating these sins while proclaiming the Gospel to those practicing these sins. Those practicing these sins are invited into the Church to hear the message of the Gospel but must understand the Church will not condone their sin.

 

If you are reading this post and have not prayed to accept Jesus as your personal savior, freeing you from the cancer of sin, I invite you to do so now by praying with me and experiencing the change in your spiritual DNA available to all by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Comfort When the World is Seemingly Falling Apart.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text Psalm 76

 

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(ESV)

 

The words of Jesus in John 16:33 serve to remind us that we do not live in a utopian world free from problems but have the promise Jesus has overcome the world. While it would be nice if there were no problems after we come to Christ, that would be a false belief going against what the Word of God says. Instead of living in a utopian world after salvation free of problems, we must learn to persevere in tribulation with the hope of knowing Jesus has overcome the world. In Psalm 76, Asaph helps us focus on the might, majesty, and glory of God with Paul telling believers to comfort each other with the news Jesus is coming back for His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

The Psalm begins with a declaration that God is known in Judah with His name great in Israel (Psalm 76:1). During the time of Asaph, the abode of the Lord was in Salem, or Jerusalem, with his dwelling place in the Temple on Mount Zion (Psalm 76:2). From this abode and dwelling place, the Lord broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war of Israel and Judah’s enemies (Psalm 76:3).

 

God is glorious and majestic, stripping the stouthearted of their spoil, sinking them into sleep with the men of war unable to lift their hands (Psalm 76:4-5). The rebuke of the Lord stuns both the horse and rider of the enemies of Israel and Judah (Psalm 76:6). The enemies of Israel and Judah that rouse the anger of the Lord should fear for no one can stand against Israel and Judah when God is with them (Psalm 76:7). God utters judgment from the heavens causing the earth to fear and stand still (Psalm 76:8). When God arises to establish judgment, he does so to save all the humble of the earth (Psalm 76:9).

 

The wrath of man will certainly praise Israel and Judah, with them wearing the remnant of wrath like a belt (Psalm 76:10). One must perform vows made to the Lord with all around them bringing gifts to Israel and Judah who are to be feared (Psalm 76:11). Israel and Judah are nations who cut off the spirit of princes and feared by the kings of the earth (Psalm 76:12).

 

Perhaps during a time of struggle in Israel, which would be during most of its history, Asaph writes this Psalm as a reminder of God’s might, majesty, and glory. God is mightier than any of the enemies attacking Israel and Judah and Israel’s enemies should fear when they rouse the anger of the Lord. One making vows to the Lord must perform them for it is God who cuts off the spirit of princes and is feared by the kings of the earth. In a time of tribulation, struggle, or attack, Asaph is reminding Israel to put their trust in their mighty, majestic, and glorious God.

 

In a world that is seemingly falling apart, God’s people must take time to reflect on the might, majesty, and Glory of God. While Psalm 76 does not provide any context of what was occurring in Israel at the time of its writing, its applicable to anyone enduring a struggle or trial in their lives. This Psalm of Asaph reminds us to look up when facing the struggles of life, knowing that Jesus promised there would be tribulation in life, reminding us that He had overcome the world (John 16:33). Philippians 4:13 reminds us that through Christ, and not the things of the world, we can do all things.

 

If you are reading this and attempting to function in a world seemingly falling apart at the seams without a relationship with Jesus Christ, I encourage you to enter into a relationship with Jesus by praying with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I pray those reading this will find comfort in knowing Jesus is coming back to take His church home to be with Him for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post, providing comfort in tribulation. 

Servants, Stewards, or Superstars.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 4

 

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

(ESV)

 

The media does an excellent job of promoting superstars in movies, television, and sports. They highlight the lavish houses and cars they own, and their extravagant travel. This creats in many a desire to obtain superstar status. Preachers with a strong media presence can attain a superstar status with many following them placing them on a pedestal of worship. The Church in Corinth had placed Paul, Apollos, and Peter on such pedestals of worship, causing divisions in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:11-13, 3:1-4). In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul tells the Corinthians not to regard the apostles as superstars but instead as servants of Christ and stewards of the Gospel, removing them from any pedestal of worship.

 

The heart’s desire of Paul is that he be regarded as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God who is found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Paul considers it a small thing to be judged by the Corinthians or a human court, and does not even judge himself (1 Corinthians 4:3). Paul is unaware of anything against himself but it is not this that acquits him for it is the Lord who judges him (1 Corinthians 4:4). Paul then tells the Corinthians not to pronounce judgment before the time when the Lord will judge (1 Corinthians 4:5; Revelation 20:11-15).

 

Paul and Apollos apply the application of regarding ministry as servanthood and stewardship of the things of God for the benefit of the Corinthians. This is done so they are not puffed up with pride thinking they are special but also servants of God and stewards of the things of God (1 Corinthians 4:6). The Corinthians have not received anything different than anyone else who has confessed their faith in Jesus as their savior and therefore have no reason to boast as if they did not receive God’s grace but something special based on their efforts (1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

By God’s grace, the Corinthians have already received all they should want and have already become rich and have become kings. However, Paul wishes they would reign as kings so he can share in their rule (1 Corinthians 4:8). Paul then flips the table on the Corinthians who have placed Paul, Apollos, and Cephas on a pedestal by stating he views the ministry of apostles as last of all. Paul views apostles as fools for Christ’s sake, as weak, as people held in disrepute (1 Corinthians 4:9-10). The apostles are in hunger, thirsty, poorly dressed, buffeted about, and homeless (1 Corinthians 4:11). The apostles work with their own hands, bless when reviled, endure when persecuted, and entreat when slandered. The apostles are like the scum of the earth, the refuse of all things (1 Corinthians 4:12-13).

 

Paul is not writing this to disgrace the Corinthians but instead to admonish them as beloved children (1 Corinthians 4:14). The Corinthians have countless guides in Christ but few fathers with Paul viewing himself as their father in Christ through the Gospel, urging the Corinthians to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:15-16). Paul has sent Timothy to remind the Corinthians of Paul’s ways in Christ as he teaches wherever he goes (1 Corinthians 4:17). Some of the believers in Corinth are arrogant, thinking Paul is not coming to them, but Paul does intend to come soon, not to hear what they have to say but to discover the power behind them (1 Corinthians 4:18-19). This is because the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Paul concludes this section by asking the Corinthians if he should come to them with a rod of correction or in a spirit of love and gentleness (1 Corinthians 4:21).

 

The Church in Corinth was divided because the members were finding their identity in the person under whose ministry, they came to accept Jesus as their Savior (1 Corinthians 1:10-17, 3:1-23). The Corinthians assigned superstar status to various ministers in the Church, causing divisions between members saved under the different ministries of leaders in the Church. To bring unity to the Church, Paul teaches the Corinthians the ministry of Apostles in 1 Corinthians 4, a ministry as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, the Gospel (1 Corinthians 4:1). The religious leaders of the time of Christ were the scribes and Pharisees sitting on Moses’ seat (Matthew 23:2). The scribes and Pharisees had stewardship of the things of God and should have served as servants of God but instead wanted attention brought upon them (Matthew 23:4-6). The scribes and Pharisees wanted people to view them as superstars for God, but Paul, a Pharisee wanted nothing to do with this and wanted the Corinthians to view him as a servant and steward of the things of God.

 

Ministers of the Gospel today have the benefit of mass media and social media making it possible for ministers to have their teaching available to people all over the world. There is no longer a limit to this global access for large Churches, but it is available to any Church, large or small. While the ability to reach out with the Gospel to anyone in the world is a powerful tool, it is also a two-edged sword that can lead to ministers viewing themselves as superstars with a global outreach. Paul, a Pharisee who experienced a dramatic conversion (Acts 9:1-18) could have given in to the temptation to be viewed as a superstar but instead was satisfied to be viewed as a servant of Christ entrusted as a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1).

 

The Mystery of God entrusted to Paul was the truth that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and a man without sin who died, was buried, and resurrected to forgive the sins of humanity. My prayer is that ministers of the Gospel would use the tools of media to broaden the spread of the Gospels, not to become superstars but instead to be more effective servants of Christ in spreading the Gospel. Using the tool of this blog, I want to reach out to anyone reading this post who has not prayed to receive Jesus as his or her savior. If that is you, please take a moment to pray with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.