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John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
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MacArthur explains foolishness and weakness of God this way - Paul is also saying that, even if God could possess any sort of foolishness, it would be wiser than man’s greatest wisdom. And if God were able to have any weakness, it would be stronger than the greatest strength men could muster. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur points out that "God’s wisdom is a kind of paradox. In human thinking, strength is strength, weakness is weakness, and intelligence is intelligence. But in God’s economy some of the seemingly strongest things are the weakest, some of the seemingly weakest things are the strongest, and some of the seemingly wisest things are the most foolish. The paradox is not by accident but by God’s design." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur writes that "The most serious problem of the Corinthian church was worldliness, an unwillingness to divorce the culture around them. Most of the believers could not consistently separate themselves from their old, selfish, immoral, and pagan ways. It became necessary for Paul to write to correct this, as well as to command the faithful Christians not only to break fellowship with the disobedient and unrepentant members, but to put those members out of the church (1 Cor 5:9–13). (Introduction) Church (assembly)(1577) ekklesia from ek = out + klesis = a calling, verb = kaleo = to call) literally means called out and as commonly used in the Greco-Roman vernacular referred to citizens who were called out from their homes to be publicly assembled or gathered to discuss or carry out affairs of state. Wuest (Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3) writes that "The word assembly is a good one-word translation of ekklesia." Louw-Nida says "Though some persons have tried to see in the term ekklesia a more or less literal meaning of ‘called-out ones,’ this type of etymologizing is not warranted either by the meaning of ekklesia in NT times or even by its earlier usage. The term ekklesia was in common usage for several hundred years before the Christian era and was used to refer to an assembly of persons constituted by well-defined membership. In general Greek usage it was normally a socio-political entity based upon citizenship in a city-state and in this sense is parallel to demos (a group of citizens assembled for socio-political activities). For the NT, however, it is important to understand the meaning of ekklesia as ‘an assembly of God’s people.’" Related Resources: What is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between the visible and invisible church? | GotQuestions.org When did the church begin? GotQuestions.org What is the history and significance of the church in Corinth? | GotQuestions.org Wuest's paraphrase - to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been set apart for the worship and service of God, this act of setting apart having been accomplished by being placed in Christ Jesus and thus being in vital union with Him, consecrated ones, this consecration having been by divine appointment and summons, with all those who are calling upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eerdmans Publishing) To those who have been sanctified (cf 1 Cor 6:11+) in Christ Jesus (cf Jn 17:19) - Here Paul elaborates on the nature of the church of God. The true church consisted of true believers, set apart (and rescued) from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light in Christ Jesus (Col 1:12-14+, 1 Peter 2:9+, cf Acts 26:18+). They were set apart in Christ, "the sphere in which this act of consecration takes place." Sanctified is in the perfect tense which means the moment they repented and received Christ as their Savior they were "set apart" from the profane (unholy) to the holy (the possessions of the Holy One) and that is their (AND DEAR BELIEVER YOUR) permanent state forever and ever (Jn 10:27-29). Amen! Keep in mind that the believers in Corinth were in the midst of a moral and idolatrous cesspool (some actively engaged in the unholy deeds), and yet Paul graciously reminds them (AND US) of their exalted, privileged position as people who were holy in position (in Christ Jesus) and in name (saints). This description would be a challenge to the saints at Corinth at the very outset of this letter, because it would raise in their (AND OUR) conscience the question "Am I living according to my true spiritual status before God?" MAY GOD'S SPIRIT USE THE TRUTHS IN THIS LETTER TO MOTIVATE ALL OF US TO BE HOLY AS HE IS HOLY (cf 1 Pe 1:14-16+), IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN. THOUGHT - As stated above, practically speaking sanctified means we have been set apart from Satan's authority in the kingdom of darkness and transferred to God's kingdom (Col 1:12-14+, Acts 26:18+). But it does not stop there beloved. We are called out for a purpose, both generally (to declare the excellencies of Him - 1 Peter 2:9+) and specifically for a special use, for "we are His workmanship (poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Eph 2:10+) In other words God has a specific work (works) for each of us to accomplish during our brief stay on earth. Now ponder the sins of these saints at Corinth (causing divisions, allowing and practicing immorality, bringing lawsuits against one another, dishonoring the Lord's supper and some even questioning the resurrection) and yet Paul still calls them "holy ones!" This is amazing grace in action! The point is that your (my) identity (in Christ) is no longer rooted in your (my) performance! Beloved, if you are like me (and you are), your "performance" will always fall short of what God desires because we are still sinners (albeit saved sinners) and we live in a fallen, incessantly tempting world waging war against our souls (1 Pe 2:11+) and ruled by Satan (1 Jn 5:19+). And if we begin to focus on our performance, and our failures, we will become frustrated, discouraged and defeated. If that is where you are, then you are a perfect candidate for 2 Cor 12:9+. On the other hand you might try to fake it even though you know you fall short so often. We call that person a hypocrite and the church is full of them, hiding behind a mask of pseudo-spirituality, good works, church attendance, etc, seeking the approval of others rather the approval of God. Paul would remind us all that we are set apart from this world. Our new position in Christ is saints or holy ones. Now enabled by His Word and His Spirit, we need to practice our position for the glory of God. This begs the question -- are you practicing your position? Do you realize you are God's masterpiece and He has a specific, special role for you in His great drama of redemption? HE DOES! We all need the Spirit energized pattern of Paul "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind (THIS IS WHAT A LOT OF US NEED TO DO!) and (ENABLED BY THE SPIRIT) reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Php 3:13-14+) Hodge says the verb sanctify "means to cleanse. And as sin is presented under the twofold aspect of guilt and pollution, to sanctify, or to cleanse from sin, may mean either to expiate guilt by an atonement, or to renew by the Holy Ghost. It is used for expiation by sacrifice in Heb. 2:11, 10:14, 13:12 and elsewhere. The word also means to render sacred by consecrating any person or thing to the service of God. In the present case all these ideas may be united. The church consists of those whose guilt is expiated, who are inwardly holy, and who are consecrated to God as His peculiar people." (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) Hodge on in Christ Jesus - that is, in virtue of union with him. It is only in Him that we are partakers of these inestimable blessings. It is because we are in Him as our Head and Representative, that we are justified by His righteousness; and it is because we are in Him as a branch is in the Vne, that we are purified by His Spirit. (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) THOUGHT - In Christ Jesus is the safest place a person can be in this world and that to come, for once you are in Christ Jesus nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Ro 8:39+)! To state it another way, once truly saved, you are saved forever! Eternal security is your possession now and forever. There are two truths in this one verse that substantiate the sound, sure doctrine of eternal security - (1) perfect tense of sanctified and (2) position in Christ (see discussion of "in Christ"). Related Resources: Eternal security - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is eternal security a “license” to sin? | GotQuestions.org Did Old Testament believers have eternal security? | GotQuestions.org In Christ Jesus - 51x in 50v - Acts 24:24; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 6:11; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 8:2; Rom. 8:39; Rom. 15:17; Rom. 16:3; 1 Co. 1:2; 1 Co. 1:4; 1 Co. 1:30; 1 Co. 4:15; 1 Co. 15:31; 1 Co. 16:24; Gal. 2:4; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:14; Gal. 3:26; Gal. 3:28; Gal. 5:6; Eph. 1:1; Eph. 2:6; Eph. 2:7; Eph. 2:10; Eph. 2:13; Eph. 3:6; Eph. 3:11; Eph. 3:21; Phil. 1:1; Phil. 1:26; Phil. 2:5; Phil. 3:3; Phil. 3:14; Phil. 4:7; Phil. 4:19; Phil. 4:21; Col. 1:4; 1 Thess. 2:14; 1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Tim. 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:13; 2 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2 Tim. 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Tim. 3:15; Phlm. 1:23 Have been sanctified (perfect tense = their permanent state or condition; passive voice = set apart by God's supernatural act = divine passive) (37)(hagiazo from hagios = holy, set apart = "saint") means to set apart from the profane (godless world) and to the Perfect (God), to make a person or thing (OT altars, days, priests, etc) the opposite of koinos, which means profane or common. While hagiazo means to consecrate, it also carries the thought of the resultant holiness of character in those who are consecrated! In other words, those who have been sanctified have been made holy inwardly have the potential (as empowered by the Holy Spirit) to live holy lives. Stated another way, their holy position makes possible holy practice. Before a person is saved he has no holy nature and no capacity for holy living, wholly unable to live in a manner pleasing to God. But in Christ we are a new creation with a new (kainos) nature (2 Cor 5:17+) and are given God's precious and magnificent promises to enable us to become (experientially, in our daily practice) partakers (sharers - koinonos) of His divine nature (2 Pe 1:4+). Sin’s dominion is broken (Ro 6:11+, Ro 6:22+) and is replaced by a Spirit enabled desire (Php 2:13NLT+) for holiness, a life pleasing to the Lord. This begs the question, does my daily practice match my eternal position? We are not speaking of "perfection," but of "direction," a journey of progressively increasing Christlikeness. Saints by calling - Sanctified sinners who are now saints bestowed with amazing grace and supernatural gifts should live holy lives so that their practice matches their position. This might have a touch of Pauline sarcasm, for though they were set apart ones in position before God because of their position in Christ into which they had been supernaturally called, many of these saints by "position," were far from being saints by their "practice." What a sad oxymoronic picture of "unsaintly (unholy) saints!" They were positionally saints who were practically "aint's!" That is, the saints at Corinth "ain't" living (bad grammar but good theology) according to their high calling! Are you (and I) beloved? Peter links our calling with God's holiness, commanding us "but like the Holy One who called you, be (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) holy (hagios) yourselves also in ALL your behavior because (TERM OF EXPLANATION - EXPLAINING WHY WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE HOLY) it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” ;." (1 Peter 1:15-16+) In summary, Peter is commanding us to BE in practice what we ARE in position! THOUGHT - So at the risk of being too repetitive, these great truths beg the question - Does my daily PRACTICE match my eternal POSITION in Christ? Saints are now to live in this present evil age (Gal 1:4+) in a manner which reflects what we were redeemed and "re-created" to be (1Pe 2:24, 25+; cp 2 Cor 7:1+) --- holy ones in character (character is what God knows we are; reputation is who other people think we are) and conduct, set apart by God to be exclusively His possession (1 Cor 6:19, 20+, Titus 2:14+) manifesting holiness of heart. Contrary to some religious teachings, the Bible itself never uses the word hagios or saint to refer to a "special class" of believers who are a "notch above" the rest. We are all equal at the foot of His Cross! (cp 2 Cor 3:5,6+, saints have "a faith of the same kind" as Peter! - 2Pe 1:1+) Those who are holy in position (in Christ) now have the responsibility (and the Holy Spirit power) to live holy in their experience (Christlike). Positional holiness is tantamount to justification, while experiential holiness represents progressive sanctification (growth in holiness or Christ likeness). (See Three Tenses of Salvation) It is interesting to consider the saints (hagios) at Corinth in light of common secular uses of hagios - The Greeks used hagios to describe that which had been set apart and consecrated to their false gods, including their idolatrous temples, altars and offerings. Herodotus wrote that the shrine of the false God Aphrodite at Corinth was set apart (hagios) to the worship of that goddess. This same word hagios was used to describe the pagan offering given at the temple. Money that was given would now be set apart for the use of the priesthood of that temple. The money itself had not undergone a physical change, but it was now set apart for a special purpose. THOUGHT - The religious world gives the designation "Saint" to certain people they feel are "worthy," whereas the Bible teaches that everyone who believes in the only One truly Worthy (Rev 5:12+) is a saint. John MacArthur adds that "They were saints because they had been sanctified (hagiazo), set apart from sin, made holy in Christ Jesus. According to Scripture, every true believer in Jesus Christ—whether faithful or unfaithful, well known or unknown, leader or follower—is a set apart person, a holy person, a saint. In the biblical sense, the most obscure believer today is just as much a saint as the apostle Paul. This is the believer’s position in Christ. Holiness, in that positional sense (Ed note: Synonymous with "positional sanctification" in contrast to progressive sanctification), is not a matter of good works, of holy living. As Christians we should live holy lives, but holy living does not make us holy. To the extent our living is holy, it is because, in Christ, we already are holy and have the counsel and power of His Holy Spirit. We are holy because the Sanctifier (the One who makes holy) has already sanctified us in response to our trust in Him (Heb. 2:11). Christ’s work, not our own, makes us holy. We are “saints by calling.” That refers to the efficacious call of God to salvation (1 Cor 1:24, 26). (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Bolding added)
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MacArthur has a negative example in Col 2:13 - Like all of sinful mankind, the Colossians were dead in their transgressions before their salvation (cf. Eph. 2:1). The Greek construction is a locative of sphere. Unbelievers exist in the sphere or realm of spiritual death. To be spiritually dead means to be devoid of any sense, unable to respond to spiritual stimuli, just as to be physically dead means to be unable to respond to physical stimuli. It is to be so locked in sin’s grasp that one is unable to respond to God. The Bible and spiritual truth make no sense to one in such a state. Those who are spiritually dead are dominated by the world, the flesh, and Satan and possess no spiritual, eternal life. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE CALL OF GOD. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 All true Christian experience has its origin in the call of God: "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you." "Whom He called, them He also justified" (Romans 8:30). We shall note some precious things inherent in this call. It is— I. The Call of Grace. "The grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" (v. 4). This grace by Jesus Christ could never come as a response to human merit. "By grace are you saved, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8+). In grace He calls, because that, while "we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Ro 5:8+) II. A Call to Enrichment. "In everything you are enriched by Him, in all utterance and all knowledge" (v. 5). The new life in Christ is enriched with a new value and a new power. There is a deeper knowledge of God, a clear vision of the treasure of His Word, and fuller expression of all these in the life. Truly he is a rich man. Rich in faith, rich toward God. III. A Call to Patient Waiting. "You came behind in no gift. Waiting for the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is to be feared that many do come behind in their gift of looking for the Coming of the Lord. The Christians at Thessalonica had this gift (1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10). We should be thankful that this gift is being freely bestowed on God's people in these days. IV. A Call to a Blameless Life. "That you may be blameless in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8) Herein lies the practical use of this "Blessed Hope," which if often questioned by the unbelieving. Our lives must be affected by our prospects. "Every man that has this hope in him purifies himself" (1 John 3:3). How say you then that there is no good in looking for His Coming? V. A Call to Fellowship. "You were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (v. 9). Brethren, what a high calling this is! Called into partnership with God's Son in seeking to save the lost and in the building up of His Church, and in the hastening of His Kingdom. In all this we are to be—not sleeping partners, but—active "co-workers together with Him." We are called into fellowship with Him, but the "capital" is all His own in this great business. "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). And from this fullness have we all received. VI. A Call by a Faithful God. "God is faithful by whom you were called" (v. 9). This holy calling does imply serious responsibility. We might well tremble when we think of our own poverty and ignorance and weakness. But then, it was by the God who is ever true to His promise that you were called. Hear what the apostle says to the merciful Philippians: "My God, (so great in His wealth in Christ Jesus) will supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory in IN CHRIST JESUS" (Philippians 4:19+). Only believe! 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, Wuest (paraphrase) - I mean that in everything you were made rich in Him, this wealth being in the form of every exuberant aptitude in proclaiming the Word and in the form of every kind of experiential knowledge,(Eerdmans Publishing) NET 1 Corinthians 1:5 For you were made rich in every way in him, in all your speech and in every kind of knowledge– NLT 1 Corinthians 1:5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way-- with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. ESV 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge-- NIV 1 Corinthians 1:5 For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-- GNT 1 Corinthians 1:5 ὅτι ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ, ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ καὶ πάσῃ γνώσει, KJV 1 Corinthians 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; YLT 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in every thing ye were enriched in him, in all discourse and all knowledge, ASV 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; CSB 1 Corinthians 1:5 that by Him you were enriched in everything-- in all speech and all knowledge. NKJ 1 Corinthians 1:5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, NRS 1 Corinthians 1:5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- NAB 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, NJB 1 Corinthians 1:5 in him you have been richly endowed in every kind of utterance and knowledge; GWN 1 Corinthians 1:5 Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way-in speech and knowledge of every kind. BBE 1 Corinthians 1:5 So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort; in everything you were enriched 1Co 4:7-10 Ro 11:12 2Co 9:11 Eph 2:6-7 3:8 in all speech 1Co 12:8,10 14:5,6,26 Ac 2:4 2Co 8:7 Eph 6:19 Col 4:3,4 and in: 1Co 8:11 13:2,8 Ro 15:4 2Co 4:6 Eph 1:17 Php 1:9 Col 1:9,10 2:3 Col 3:10 Jas 3:13 2Pe 3:18 1 Corinthians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 4:7-10 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. 9For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. YOU ARE RICH IN CHRIST That in everything you were enriched in Him - Not just some things, but everything! Everything (note Paul's 3 uses of "all" in one verse) refers not to material, worldly riches, but the more precious, invaluable, spiritual, eternal riches found only in Him, in Christ, our all in all. Hodge adds "in every respect they were richly endowed with the gifts of the Spirit." In short everything...in Him! This verse explains the grace of God which was given to the saints at Corinth pointing out the grace gifts (charisma) that God had bestowed on the church (speech...knowledge, etc). As
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MacArthur - Many of us, like the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12:1), are ignorant of our spiritual gifts and even of the fact that we possess them. We need to recognize that we have spiritual gifts and we need to identify them and use them. We need to know whether we have the gift of teaching, preaching, exhortation, administration, helps, giving, or whatever it may be. And we then must be responsive to the Spirit as He uses us to minister with the gifts He has given us. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur says "The faithful believer cannot help being eschatological. We are grateful for past grace, we seek to be responsible in using present grace, but our greatest joy is looking forward to future grace. We watch, we wait, and we hope for (AND PRAY FOR) the Lord’s next coming, His final coming....The revelation refers to His manifestation without the veil of humanity He wore in His incarnation. At His next coming He will be fully revealed in blazing splendor." (MNTC-1 Cor) THOUGHT - This statement puzzles me! There were looking for Jesus, but were not living for Jesus. Looking for Jesus should have motivated living for Him, but there was clearly a disconnect in the lives of these immature saints. If we are living expectantly, this theoretically should serve as a strong impediment against sinning against God, especially in view of the fact that we think we might see Him at any moment! Father, by Thy Spirit, please enable in our hearts expectant looking which in turn supernaturally energizes expedient living for Jesus and in His Name. Amen The first century Christians believed not only that Jesus Christ had died for their sins and risen from the dead, but that He would soon return in glory. And so surprisingly Paul is saying that the saints at Corinth seem to have been maintaining a "Maranatha Mindset," despite their numerous spiritual problems (cf 1 Cor 16:22+). Awaiting eagerly is in the present tense indicating their mindset was one of continual eager anticipation. The verb awaiting eagerly is in the middle voice which pictures the subject (the one waiting) as the beneficiary of the waiting. We could paraphrase it this way -- they were "eagerly awaiting to welcome the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to receive Him to themselves" where "to themselves" is reflexive which reflects the middle voice. What a beautiful picture of the Bride, His Church, waiting to receive Him to herself! A waiting, welcoming mindset should motivate the Bride to keep herself pure and holy (read 1 Jn 3:2+ and 1 Jn 3:3+), but in Corinth this expectation was clearly not having its beneficial effect. James Montgomery
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MacArthur points out that blameless conveys the wonderful truth that "When we enter heaven we will not have all our sins and shortcomings flashed before us for everyone to see, as we sometimes hear in popular theology. Christ will affirm before the eternal throne of God that we are now counted blameless." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Blameless (above reproach, unreproveable) (410)(anegkletos from a = without, negative particle + egkaleo/enkaleo {en = in + kaleo = call} = to call in {as a debt or demand}, to bring to account, to accuse in court, call into account, bring a charge against - in Ro 8:33+ "who will bring a charge [egkaleo] against God's elect?… " The answer "no one!") means not arraigned (as in a court), that which cannot be called to account, unblamable, irreproachable, free from accusation or reproach, not accused of having done anything wrong. Anegkletos ("not convicted, not found guilty") refers to character (behavior) that stands up when correctly tried, not convictable when evaluated by sound rules of evidence. Anegkletos signifies that believers cannot be called to account, for in Heaven they will have no blot on their life for which they could be accused, arraigned, and disqualified. It means there is nothing laid to one’s charge (as the result of public investigation). It is not simply an acquittal but the absence of even a valid accusation. 5v in NT - 1 Co. 1:8; Col. 1:22; 1 Tim. 3:10; Titus 1:6; Titus 1:7 ILLUSTRATION - A video circulating on the Internet showed a huge black Labrador whose owner, a soldier, had just returned from an extended term of service. The animal could not stop leaping on his master, wagging his tail, and crying in small barks of joy. Finally, the man made it to an easy chair where the animal jumped on top of him, crying dog tears because the man he had waited so patiently for had at last returned. Paul writes to the church at Corinth specifically addresses them in verse 2 along with “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Together we are followers of Jesus Christ, and we should be people who are longing for His return. Paul expresses his thankfulness for this community of believers (v. 4). Paul is reminding the church that they are to remain faithful as they “eagerly wait” for Christ’s return (v. 7). Our behavior should be influenced by our desire to please God, because we know that we will see Him soon. Paul mentions the use of our spiritual gifts in verse 7. The use of the God-given gifts are evidence of the faith within us and of our relationship with Him. We are not to sit aimlessly waiting for Christ’s return, but rather we should be serving Him with the abilities He has given us. We are to remain faithful. Notice the dynamic here: while we are remaining faithful, God is keeping us “firm” in our faith so we do not stumble and sin. The wait may seem long as we serve God in this fallen world, but He has promised us His Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us “blameless” to the end (v. 8). (Today in the Word) 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through Whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amplified - God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Wuest (paraphrase) - Faithful is God through whom you were divinely summoned into a joint-participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.(Eerdmans Publishing) NET 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NLT 1 Corinthians 1:9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ESV 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NIV 1 Corinthians 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. GNT 1 Corinthians 1:9 πιστὸς ὁ θεός, δι᾽ οὗ ἐκλήθητε εἰς κοινωνίαν τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν. KJV 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. YLT 1 Corinthians 1:9 faithful is God, through whom ye were called to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. ASV 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. CSB 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NKJ 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NRS 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NAB 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. NJB 1 Corinthians 1:9 You can rely on God, who has called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. GWN 1 Corinthians 1:9 God faithfully keeps his promises. He called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. God: 1Co 10:13 Nu 23:19 De 7:9 32:4 Ps 89:33-35 100:5 Isa 11:5 25:1 Isa 49:7 La 3:22,23 Mt 24:35 1Th 5:23,24 2Th 3:3 Titus 1:2 Heb 2:17 6:18 10:23 11:11 Rev 19:11 through whom : Col 1:24 Ro 8:28,30 9:24 Ga 1:15 1Th 2:12 2Th 2:14 2Ti 1:9 Heb 3:1 1Pe 5:10 fellowship: 1Co 1:30 10:16 Joh 15:4,5 17:21 Ro 11:17 Ga 2:20 Eph 2:20-22 3:6 Heb 3:14 1Jn 1:3,7 4:13 1 Corinthians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages 1 Corinthians 10:13+ No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 2 Corinthians 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. Hebrews 10:23+ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH HIS SON! God is faithful (pistos) - Amplified "God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on)." Surprisingly this specific phrase is found only 3 times in the NAS - 1 Cor 1:9, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Cor 1:18. What has Paul just said about the saint's future? (1) We will be confirmed (established, made sure) to the end and (2) blameless at His coming. Paul's point is you can trust God to keep these promises BECAUSE He is faithful, trustworthy! That they would be blameless is especially significant in the Corinthian church which was rife with serous spiritual problems so how could Paul be so confident that God would confirm them to the end and that they would be blameless? In this passage Paul explains the basis of his firm assurance that they (and we) will be found blameless before God. To reitherate, we can be confident because God said it, that settles it, whether we believe it or not! In other words, He is faithful and is not a man that He should lie (Nu 23:19+, cf Heb 6:17-18+). "The ground of Paul’s hope for the ultimate welfare of the Corinthians is God’s fidelity." (G. G. Findlay) He would confirm and secure them (and us) to the end! Note that Paul puts the Greek word (pistos) for faithful first in the Greek sentence which places even more emphasis on God's faithfulness! MacArthur on God is faithful - We are sure of this grace—past, present, and future—because God is faithful. God is faithful to His sovereign will—through whom you were called. When God calls someone to salvation, He is faithful to that call. Thus our future glory at Christ’s appearing is certain (Ro 8:30). (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Jack Arnold - The fact that every believer will stand in God’s presence (ED: BLAMELESS!) does not depend upon man’s faith but upon God’s faithfulness. Our security is grounded in the character of God. One may have doubts at times about the reality of eternal security, but God is faithful even over our doubts. Since God has given us this great salvation, we ought to live lives in accordance with our calling, position and future promise that we will be in His presence. (Related - Eternal security) Robertson and Plummer - The confident hope expressed in 1 Cor 1:8 rests upon the faithfulness of God (1 Cor 10:13; 1 Th 5:24; Ro 8:30; Phil. 1:6) Who had been the Agent, as well as the Source, of their call. (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary - CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY) To be called by the faithful God is the guarantee of everlasting salvation. - Spurgeon As Paul wrote in Php 1:6+ "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Play Steve Green's beautiful He Who Began a Good Work in You. Do you believe He will be faithful to complete it in you? Hodge - God is faithful, one in whom we may confide; one who will fulfil all his promises. The apostle’s confidence in the steadfastness and final perseverance of believers was founded neither on the strength of their purpose to persevere, nor on any assumption that the principle of religion in their hearts was indestructible, but simply on the fidelity of God. If God has promised to give certain persons to his Son as his inheritance, to deliver them from sin and condemnation and to make them partakers of eternal life, it is certain he will not allow them to perish. (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) W E Vine on God is faithful - cf. 1 Cor 10:)13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Th 5:24; 2 Th 3:9; and for further testimony to the faithfulness of God see Dt 7:9; Ps 36:5; Ps 40:10, and especially Psalm 89, which mentions it seven times, including Ps 89:49; see also Ps 92:2; Ps 119:75, 90; Ps 143:1; Isaiah 11:5; Isa 49:7; Lamentations 3:23; Hosea 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23; 1 John 1:9. Spurgeon on God is faithful - Blessed be His Name that He is. We are often very unfaithful. (ED: Every time we sin we are unfaithful to God!) Man is always so, but “God is faithful.” As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.” (1 Th 5:24+) Faithful (4103)(pistos from peitho = to persuade - induce by words to believe) is something or someone who is worthy of faith or keeps promises, and thus is dependable (worthy of reliance or trust), trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. 1 Co. 1:9; 1 Co. 4:2; 1 Co. 4:17; 1 Co. 7:25; 1 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 1:18; 2 Co. 6:15; Gal. 3:9; Eph. 1:1; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:2; Col. 1:7; Col. 4:7; Col. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Tim. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Tim. 3:11; 1 Tim. 4:3; 1 Tim. 4:9; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Tim. 5:16; 1 Tim. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:11; 2 Tim. 2:13; Tit. 1:6; Tit. 1:9; Tit. 3:8; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 3:2; Heb. 3:5; Heb. 10:23; Heb. 11:11; 1 Pet. 1:21; 1 Pet. 4:19; 1 Pet. 5:12; 1 Jn. 1:9; 3 Jn. 1:5; Rev. 1:5; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 2:13; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:11; Rev. 21:5; Rev. 22:6 Through Whom you were called - Through Whom indicates God was the "intermediate Agent," the causative Agent if you will. In other words, it was God's sovereign pleasure and will which moved Him call us out of darkness into His marvelous light, ultimately into covenant oneness with the Light of the world (aka "fellowship" in this passage). Were called is the divine passive indicating God's power and grace called us (He initiated the call and He completed the call) and we did nothing to merit His calling! Are you humbled yet? Are you thankful you were called? Note also that were called (past tense - at the time of their salvation) is a truth which includes the assurance of what God began, He will complete. How can we be sure? 1 Cor 1:8 just said He "will also confirm you to the end". And we can also compare Scripture with Scripture in this case looking at Romans 8 where Paul explains this association in a "string of pearls" in Romans 8:30+ writing that those "whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." In short the fact that they (and you dear believer) were called in the past assures they (and you) will be glorified in the future! Vine - The calling of the saints is always attributed to God the Father (cf. John 6:44, 45; Ro 8:29, 30). For the various purposes of their calling see also 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; Hebrews 12:24. (Collected Works) MacArthur on you were called - We are saved because God wanted us saved, and we stay saved because God does not change His mind about that desire. We had no part in God’s original desire to call us, and we can do nothing to change it. If He called us when we were lost and wretched, He surely will not cease to be faithful to that call now that we have come into fellowship with His Son. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord - Wuest = "into a joint-participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." At the time Paul wrote this letter, their Fellowship (koinonia) was something that was being tested by divisions, etc (cf 1 Cor 1:10-12, 1 Cor 11:18, 12:25), so Paul reminds them of the ultimate Source of fellowship. With Him they (we) had (have) eternal partnership and communion. THOUGHT - It strikes me that fellowship (koinonia) is a word intimately related to the covenant we are now in with Christ by His blood (SEE The Oneness of Covenant and Covenant: Oneness Notes). Covenant speaks of oneness, communion and FELLOWSHIP. It is our present POSITION in Christ and with Christ forever and ever. Amen! But it is not just our POSITION for position always calls for a concordant PRACTICE. Peter alludes to what our PRACTICE should be (and how it is possible) writing that "by these (2 Peter 1:3b+) He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises (PROVISION FOR PRACTICE OF INCREASING FELLOWSHIP), in order that by them we become PARTAKERS (koinonos) of the divine nature (cf 2 Cor 3:18+), having escaped (BECAUSE OF THE ACT O GOD'S OPERATION RESCUE, THE "RED CROSS") the corruption (A DETERIORATION WHICH IS IN PROGRESS AND UNSTOPPABLE FOR ALL WHO ARE NOT IN CHRIST, THE ONLY "PREVENTATIVE AGENT") which is in the world by lust (THE EFFECTIVE AGENT THAT CONTINUALLY CAUSES CORRUPTION)." (2 Peter 1:4+) So as we by grace through faith (which manifest itself in Spirit enabled obedience out of love, not legalism), lay hold of God's wonderful promises in Christ, the Spirit transforms us, taking us from glory to glory and from one degree of fellowship/koinonos to another, until that glorious day (1 John 3:2+) when our eternal PRACTICE will be PERFECT, UNHINDERED, UNFETTERED FELLOWSHIP with our Lord and Savior Christ and it will endure forever and ever. Amen and amen. Vine points out that "This partnership (FELLOWSHIP) with God’s Son involves rejection by the world, suffering with Christ, and the glories hereafter (1 Pe 1:11; 1 Pe 2:21; 1 Pe 4:12, 13; 1 Pe 5:10)." (Ibid) John speaks of fellowship in his first epistle What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship (koinonia) with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3+) His Son refers to His divinity as the Son of God, co-equal, co-eternal with God the Father. Jesus (Iesous) refers to His humanity and His mission for this name means "Jehovah saves," (cf Mt 1:21+). Christ (Christos) is the Anointed One, the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Lord (kurios) signifies He is our Possessor (cf Titus 2:14+) and we belong to Him (1 Cor 6:19-20+) and under His Lordship we have (among many other things) the privilege of His provision and protection and continual prayers (Heb 7:25+, Ro 8:34+). Ray
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MacArthur points out that "in Paul’s epistles the call of God is always seen as an effective call that produces salvation." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Calling is a privilege that brings sinners into a new position of fellowship with Christ and with this new position of "called out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe 2:9+) comes a solemn responsibility. Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, (Eph 4:1+) COMMENT: The saints at Corinth were not walking in a manner worthy of their calling (and gifting)! "so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Th 2:12+) Related Resources: What is the effectual calling/call? | GotQuestions.org What is fellowship with God? | GotQuestions.org Jack Arnold feels that "Who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" may well be the key verse of First Corinthians. The rest of the letter centers around it. God called these Corinthian Christians into a very important relationship fellowship with Jesus Christ the Lord. Notice that they were called to fellowship with Christ as Lord. The reason for all the problems in the Corinthian church was that they did not understand the implications of their calling and their relationship with Christ, nor were they submitted to the Lordship of Christ in their experience. God sovereignly called these Corinthians into fellowship or partnership with Christ. They had lost a sense of Christ's fellowship. His Lordship over their lives was set aside. They no longer lived in the awareness and the excitement that they were partners with Christ in everything they did. This letter, therefore, was written to call the people back into an awareness of what it means to have fellowship with Jesus Christ. Through fellowship with Christ we get direction and dynamic to live the Christian life in a way that is pleasing to Him. Alan Redpath on fellowship with His Son - The Greek word for “fellowship” here is koinonia, which means having everything in common. It is the thought of communion together, of mutual understanding. We who have been enriched, made wealthy by the grace of God so that our lives may reveal Christ to others, experience this tremendous privilege of having everything in common with our Lord. We are in partnership with Him, if you like. A partnership is a business relationship, but it is also a family tie. A husband or wife may refer to the other one in their marriage as their “partner,” because they have all things in common. At least, that is God’s intention; His plan is the sharing of all interests. We have the same thing in our Lord Jesus Christ. Your interests are His: your mind and its development, your body and its sanctity, purity and holiness, your spirit and its graciousness, tenderness and love. Your concern is to be His glory, the wonder of His person, the majesty and greatness of His power. Your constant ambition should be not only to learn about doctrine, but to know Him. His interests are in your development, your progress, your growth. Your interests are to be in the glory of the sovereignty of Christ. There should be not only mutual interests, but mutual devotion. How wonderful to know that all the resources of Christ are yours! “In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him” (Colossians 2:9–10+). What a breath-taking verse that is! All your resources are His: your personality, your possessions, your abilities, whatever they are. That is the completeness of communion: all He has belongs to you, and all you have (which is so little at best) belongs to Him. That is the response He is seeking from His children. THOUGHT - As we set out on this royal route to heaven, we have the resources of grace and peace; we are enriched in all utterance and in all knowledge; and we are given this great and precious privilege of partnership with Christ. All He has is at your disposal now, and His desire is that all you have should be at His disposal now and always. Are you in that living, vital relationship with the Lord Jesus today? (Alan Redpath) Ray
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MacArthur explains the pathogenesis and the problem with church divisions - "From birth to death the natural inclination of every person is to look out for “number one”—to be, to do, and to have what he wants. Even believers are continually tempted to fall back into lives of self-will, self-interest, and general self-centeredness. At the heart of sin is the ego, the “I.” Self-centeredness is the root of man’s depravity, the depravity into which every person since Adam and Eve, except Jesus Christ, has been born. Even Christians are still sinners—justified, but still sinful in themselves. And when that sin is allowed to have its way in our flesh, conflict is inevitable. When two or more people are bent on having their own ways, they will soon be quarreling and arguing, because their interests, concerns, and priorities sooner or later will conflict. There cannot possibly be harmony in a group, even a group of believers, whose desires, goals, purposes, and ideals are generated by their egos....Few things demoralize, discourage, and weaken a church as much as bickering, backbiting, and fighting among its members. And few things so effectively undermine its testimony before the world. Quarreling is a reality in the church because selfishness and other sins are realities in the church. Because of quarreling the Father is dishonored, the Son is disgraced, His people are demoralized and discredited, and the world is turned off and confirmed in unbelief. Fractured fellowship robs Christians of joy and effectiveness, robs God of glory, and robs the world of the true testimony of the gospel. A high price for an ego trip! (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) That you all agree and that there be no divisions among you - Paul states two purposes he is appealing to the Corinthians - (1) agree and (2) no divisions. All agree is literally "that you all (continually) say the same (autos) thing." This is a better translation for it was Paul's appeal for them to have a united witness (say the same thing) to a lost city! No divisions means no split, rift or discord. The key word in this passage is "same" (autos) used 3 times. Unity of believers is so important that Jesus prayed for it three times in His great prayer (John 17:11, 21–23).
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MacArthur has as similar thought - The source of unity is the Lord Himself. We are called to preserve it and we are able to destroy it, but we are not able to create it. The unity of the church is already established by the Holy Spirit. We can only keep it or harm it. It is kept by doing “nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,” but with humility counting others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). If an issue arises that we feel needs attention, we should carefully and lovingly present our views to those involved or to those in authority, but without pride or contention. Vanity and self-will are almost always the causes of divisions and factions in a congregation—and in every other group. We keep unity by not insisting on our own way, by avoiding squabbles and bickering, and by putting the interests of our Lord and of His people above all else. (See 1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) As MacArthur says "Only Scripture-taught, Spirit-led men are able to guide a church into the unity of truth and protect it from error. If a church does not have that kind of men, no form of leadership will work spiritually. Such men are God’s men and they represent Jesus Christ. Christ rules the church through them, and their decisions should be agreed with and followed. Such men are able to lead the church in the unity of faith and practice which the New Testament consistently demands (cf. Heb. 13:7). They are able to guide a congregation in being complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. But if they are not united, the people will not be either." (See 1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bold added) MacArthur goes on to make an important statement - Pastoral elders should make decisions on the basis of unanimous agreement. Not even a three-fourths vote should carry a motion. No decision should be made without total one-mindedness, no matter how long that takes. Because the Holy Spirit has but one will, and because a church must be in complete harmony with His will, the leaders must be in complete harmony with each other in that will. The congregation then is to submit to the elders because it has confidence that the elders’ decisions are made under the Spirit’s direction and power. Because they believe the elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation is then determined to be one with the elders. There may be struggle in coming to this kind of unity, as there was in Corinth—but it is here mandated by the Spirit Himself through Paul. (See 1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur - The central principle of Paul’s argument is that believers are one in Christ and should never do anything that disrupts or destroys that unity. No human leader, no matter how gifted and effective, should have the loyalty that belongs only to the Lord. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur - Paul began his letter by establishing his authority as an apostle. But he wanted no part of the faction named for him. He had never been crucified for anyone. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) As Arnold says "Whenever Christians become guilty of preacher-worship, they have taken their eyes off Christ and the result will inevitably be disunity. No human leader died for us. Cliques tend to emphasize the importance of a human leader. Leaders are built up and almost made equal to the Lord Himself. People begin to think things about him that are not true, and expect things from him that he cannot do. Cliques tend to deify a leader and look at him as if he can do nothing wrong, and as if he knows all things and can solve all problems. All teachers are men, and Christians reveal their immaturity when they see their leaders as anything else." (1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Divisions Because Of Personalities)
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MacArthur - Human wisdom, epitomized in philosophy, has always been a threat to revelation. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has commented, “The whole drift toward modernism that has blighted the church of God and nearly destroyed its living gospel may be traced to an hour when men began to turn from revelation to philosophy.” But the trust in human wisdom that we call modernism is hardly modern. It began with Adam and Eve, when they set their own judgment above God’s, and was in full bloom in Paul’s day. Whenever human wisdom, whether a definite philosophical system or not, gets mixed with divine revelation, revelation loses....Without exception, man’s wisdom elevates himself and lowers God. It always, no matter how seemingly sincere and objective and scholarly, caters to man’s self-will, pride, fleshly inclinations, and independence.....When man elevates his own wisdom he automatically attempts to lower God’s wisdom, which looks to him like foolishness, because it conflicts with his own thinking. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur - When the Lord’s people quarrel and dispute and fight, they reflect against the Lord before the world, they weaken His church, and worst of all they grieve and put to shame the One who bought them—who died to make them one in Him. The Father is one, the Son is one, the Spirit is one, and the church is one. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid; stain or dip as with dye; used of dyeing the hair; of a ship that "dipped" = sank) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. The literal meaning is to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. A study of the 77 NT uses reveals that most of the uses of baptizo in the Gospels and Acts are associated with literal water baptism. The Greeks used baptizo to describe dyeing a garment the whole garment being plunged into the dye. Figuratively, baptizo pictures the introduction or placing of a person or thing into a new environment or into union with something else so as to alter its condition or its relationship to its previous environment or condition. In this sense baptizo means to be identified with. When a person believes in Jesus he or she is figuratively "baptized" into Christ (Romans 6:3+, Col 2:12+, Gal 3:27+) and becomes identified with Him, one with Him in the New Covenant. In summary, the physical act of water baptism depicts the supernatural transaction of identification with Christ when one is saved by grace through faith. Water baptism ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT save a person's soul. Belief in Jesus Christ alone results in salvation of one's soul. Other uses of baptizo in the letters to Corinth - 1 Co. 1:13; 1 Co. 1:14; 1 Co. 1:15; 1 Co. 1:16; 1 Co. 1:17; 1 Co. 10:2; 1 Co. 12:13; 1 Co. 15:29 Related Resource: Is baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org 1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, Amplified - I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, (Eerdmans Publishing)
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MacArthur says " it is not wrong to have special affection for certain persons, such as the one who baptized us, especially if we were converted under his ministry. But it is quite wrong to take special pride in that fact or pride in any close relationship to a Christian leader." Related Resource: Who was Crispus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gaius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org 1 Corinthians 1:15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. Amplified - Lest anyone should say that I baptized in my own name.
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MacArthur has an interesting comment on beyond that I do not know... - This comment gives an interesting insight into the inspiration of Scripture. As an apostle writing the Word of God, Paul made no errors; but he was not omniscient. God protected His apostles from error in order to protect His Word from error. But Paul did not know everything about God or even about himself, and was careful never to make such a claim. He knew what God revealed—things he had no way of knowing on his own. What he could know on his own, he was prone to forget. He was one of us. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Hodge agrees that "inspiration made its recipients infallible, but it did not make them omniscient. They were preserved from asserting error, but they were not enabled either to know or to remember all things." (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) Thomas Schreiner - Paul communicates to the Corinthians that the person who performed the baptism is utterly insignificant. By paying attention to the person who baptized them, they were missing out on the true import of baptism. (1 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary)
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MacArthur notes that "Paul proceeds (1:19–2:5) to give five reasons why God’s wisdom is superior to man’s: its permanence, its power, its paradox, its purpose, and its presentation." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) It is written - Written (1125) is grapho in the perfect tense which means it was written in the past and stands written, written and applicable for every age, yea, for all time. In Ro 15:4+ Paul affirms the value of the OT writing "For whatever was written in earlier times (LIKE Isaiah 29:14) was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." It is interesting that this is the first of 14 clear quotations from the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians.
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MacArthur - Isaiah’s teaching will have its ultimate fulfillment in the last days, when all men’s philosophies and objections to the gospel will be swept away. (ED: cf Da 2:34-35+) Christ will reign unopposed and unobstructed as Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev. 17:14+), and all of man’s wisdom will become ashes....Men are all inclined to try to solve their problems and fight their battles by their own ingenuity and in their own power. But human ingenuity and power only get in God’s way. Men’s own efforts hinder God in His work rather than help Him. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) AND THE CLEVERNESS (sunesis) OF THE CLEVER (sunetos) I WILL SET ASIDE - ESV = "the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." NLT - "discard the intelligence of the intelligent" ESV - "the discernment of the discerning I will thwart" KJV = "bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." TECHNICAL NOTE - It is interesting that while Paul is quoting the Septuagint of Isaiah 29:14, he does not use the Septuagint's "krupto" (to hide) but substitutes atheteo which fits better with "destroy" for atheteo conveys a parallel thought in emphasizing God's intentional rejection of men's cleverness! Morris on wisdom...cleverness - Properly the former denotes mental excellence in general, the latter the intelligent critical understanding of ‘the bearings of things’ (The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians)
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MacArthur asks "Could the apostle have written anything more appropriate for our own day? Where have our great thinkers—our philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, economists, scientists, and statesmen—brought us? Never before has mankind been so fearful of self-destruction or been so self-consciously perplexed, confused, and corrupt. Modern human wisdom has failed just as ancient human wisdom failed, except that its failures come faster and spread farther. The outer life improves in a material way, while the inner life seems to have correspondingly less meaning. The real issues are not solved." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Made foolish (3471)(moraino from morós = foolish; English moron = people are dumb in the sense that they are obtuse or dense to what is plain and obvious - in this case the Word of the Cross) refer in the present context to one's intellectual life. It means to make or show to be foolish. In Mt 5:13 it means to make useless, which could be applied to the ultimate value of men's wisdom! 4x in NT - Matt. 5:13; Lk. 14:34; Ro 1:22; 1 Co. 1:20. In Romans 1:21-22+ Paul writes "even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools." Wisdom - see sophia World (2889)(kosmos related to the verb kosmeo = to order or adorn, to put in order [Mt 25:7 = "trimmed"], to adorn literally [1Ti 2:9], to adorn figuratively [Titus 2:9+]) describes something that is well-arranged, which has order or is arranged harmoniously. Generally kosmos does not refer to the material earth per se but the ordering forces that hold it together, including the involvement of humankind in culture and society. It follows that "Often kosmos has a negative force associated with human sinfulness and moral depravity and stands in opposition to God, but it will ultimately be destroyed. Thus, its association in this context with human foolishness is not surprising." (Baker) Kosmos is used in James 4:4+ with this negative meaning. Kosmos in the letters to the Corinthians (NOTE 4X IN CHAPTER 1) - 1 Co. 1:20; 1 Co. 1:21; 1 Co. 1:27; 1 Co. 1:28; 1 Co. 2:12; 1 Co. 3:19; 1 Co. 3:22; 1 Co. 4:9; 1 Co. 4:13; 1 Co. 5:10; 1 Co. 6:2; 1 Co. 7:31; 1 Co. 7:33; 1 Co. 7:34; 1 Co. 8:4; 1 Co. 11:32; 1 Co. 14:10; 2 Co. 1:12; 2 Co. 5:19; 2 Co. 7:10 The Wisdom In God's Word Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? . . . Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world. — 1 Corinthians 1:20 Today's Scripture: Proverbs 8:12-21 We treasure Scripture. It’s God’s inspired Word, and it teaches us the way to abundant life in this world and eternal life in the world to come. Indeed, it is the source of a wisdom that goes beyond that of the wisest philosophers (1 Corinthians 1:20). But this fact is rarely acknowledged in our culture. So I was glad to read an article by The New York Times columnist David Brooks extolling biblical wisdom. He praised Martin Luther King Jr. for insight into human nature derived from Scripture. He felt that King “had a more accurate view of political realities than his more secular liberal allies because he could draw on biblical wisdom about human nature. Religion didn’t just make civil rights leaders stronger—it made them smarter.” And Brooks said further: “Biblical wisdom is deeper and more accurate than the wisdom offered by the secular social sciences.” Are we drawing on that source of wisdom in our own lives? We need Scripture’s wisdom to deal with our personal problems and political issues. If we study and obey the Bible, we will be able to humbly testify with the psalmist, “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation” (Psalm 119:99). By: Vernon Grounds The Bible is God's Word to us, Still fresh through all the ages; And if we read it we will find God's wisdom on its pages. —Sper One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man. 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Amplified - For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him).
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MacArthur says "When we come down (in the world’s eyes) to the cross, God will raise us up to eternal life." One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man. Hodge on in the wisdom of God - “In the wisdom of God, although surrounded by the manifestations of the divine wisdom in creation and providence, man failed to attain any saving knowledge of God.” (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) Swindoll - Even in our own day, many brilliant astronomers peer into space with the most powerful telescopes ever invented, yet their intensive scouring of the universe never leads them beyond the created realm to the Creator Himself. On the other extreme, many scientists focus their powerful microscopes on the smallest particles of matter, seeking some kind of explanation for the order, the complexity, and the beauty of the physical universe, yet they also fail to find the all-powerful and all-wise Orderer Himself. (Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians ) Ray
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MacArthur says "They made for themselves many gods, but the God who had made them they did not know." Baker says know (ginosko) "is not limited to intellectual understanding but includes the kind of knowing that comes from active engagement and experience. With humans, it is knowledge based on personal, even intimate, relations." (CBC-1 Cor) Jack Arnold - In His plan, God decreed that men, with all their wisdom, would not come to know God through that wisdom. Why has God allowed human wisdom then? To give us prestige? To help us make money? To give us power? To better society? To bring peace on earth? According to Paul, the ultimate purpose of wisdom was to bring people to God. It was allowed to show men the utter futility of human wisdom to save themselves. Human wisdom fails to show men their need of God. Paul is saying that man, by his own reasoning, may try and try but his efforts will never bring anyone to God. Therefore, why should anyone trust in that which is doomed to failure? Man’s wisdom is faulty because it fails to recognize God as He is revealed in Christ through Scripture. God is behind all that exists, and to leave Him out is the folly of follies. This is why God is left out of the American public school system. No one dares to mention God’s name, for to do so would be to admit that He is the God of all true knowledge. This is one of the reasons our children should be exposed to Christian education so they can learn to relate God to every area of life. Only an education that is Christian can really do this. (1 Corinthians 1:17-24 The Foolishness Of The Cross) MacArthur - Every time a person looks at a mountain he should think of God’s greatness (natural revelation). Every time he sees a sunset he should think of God’s glory. Every time he sees a new life come into the world he should see God’s creative hand at work. Yet an astronomer can look through his telescope and see a hundred thousand stars, and not see God’s greatness. A natural scientist can look through his microscope and see intricacies of life beyond description, yet not see God’s creation. A nuclear physicist can produce a thousand megatons of destruction, yet not recognize God’s power. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary Related Resources: How did people know about God before the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is natural revelation? | GotQuestions.org What is general revelation and special revelation? | GotQuestions.org
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MacArthur - It is not through philosophy, intellectual understanding, or human wisdom that salvation comes, but through believing. God saves only those who believe. Men cannot “figure out” salvation; they can only accept it in faith. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur comments that "The two groups Paul mentions here are representative of all of unbelieving mankind. Whether, like the typical Jew, they demand proof by a supernatural sign or, like the typical Greek, they want proof by natural wisdom, unbelievers will find an excuse for rejecting the gospel." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Bold added) For - Term of explanation - Paul is explaining why the message preached seems foolish to the unregenerate. Indeed Jews (Ioudaios) ask (aiteo in present tense = habitually, continually ask) for signs (semeion) - "Show me a supernatural sign and I will believe in the supernatural." That sounds logical, even reasonable, but that is not reality! Jesus demonstrated 100's to 1000's of supernatural signs to the Jews and what did they do to Him? They crucified Him! They did not believe in Him, John writing "He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." (John 1:11+) Signs don't save anyone! Only the Word of the Cross, the Gospel saves a human soul! MacArthur concludes that "The gospel is both supernatural and sensible. But it cannot be discovered through supernatural signs or appropriated through natural wisdom apart from a willing heart. It will save only those who believe." (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Matthew records an example of Jews asking for signs writing "Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You. But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign (semeion); and yet no sign (semeion) will be given to it but the sign (semeion) of Jonah the prophet." (Mt 12:38-39+, cf Mk 8:11+, Lk 11:16+, Jn 2:18+) Johnson makes a good point that Jews "already had access to wisdom from God in the Scriptures and needed only confirmations of the times in which they were living (cf. Mt 12:38–39; 16:1–4; Jn 2:18)."(1 Corinthians ) As Barrett says "To ask for a sign implies a refusal to take God on trust." (As Paul says in in 2 Cor 5:7+ "we walk by faith, not by sight" - Does this describe your Christian life? It should.) Arnold - Many times the Jews said to Christ, "Show us a sign” and then they would believe. Christ showed them many signs but they still didn’t believe because of the hardness of their hearts....They rejected the greatest of all signs—the Lord’s resurrection. The modern religious man is always looking for a sign, always looking for a feeling, always looking for a new experience, always getting security somehow from a miracle or a shrine or a cathedral to confirm his or her faith. A very recent sign of this nature is the Shroud of Turin which is supposedly the burial shroud of Jesus. This has evoked much attention in some circles. Another example is the search for Noah's Ark somewhere in Turkey. Still another is the insatiable desire for miracles (signs and wonders) in our day to somehow strengthen our faith. Why all this fuss over signs? Because something in us says if God will give some sign we will believe. We need no signs, only the crucified and resurrected Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:17-24 The Foolishness Of The Cross) Related Resources: Is the Shroud of Turin authentic? | GotQuestions.org Would the discovery of Noah’s Ark be important? | GotQuestions.org Why do so many people seek after signs and wonders? | GotQuestions.org And Greeks (synonymous with Gentiles) search (zeteo in present tense = habitually, continually seek) for wisdom (sophia) - Luke gives us good example writing "And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, “What would this idle babbler wish to say?” Others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities,”–because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? 20 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.(AKA = SEARCH FOR WISDOM) (Acts 17:18-21+) As MacArthur says "The wisdom they sought, as illustrated by the Athenian philosophers, was not divine truth but intellectual novelty." A T
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MacArthur - For those who believe in His Son, the crucified Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. He who is a stumbling block to the unbelieving Jew is Savior of the believing, and the One who is foolishness to the unbelieving Gentile is Redeemer to the believing. In mentioning God’s foolishness and weakness the apostle is, of course, speaking from the unbeliever’s point of view. Ironically, and tragically, the very part of God’s plan and work that seems most ridiculous and useless from man’s natural standpoint actually exhibits His greatest power and greatest wisdom. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Arnold on power and wisdom - Christianity is supernaturally based on God's calling of sinners to Himself. We are Christians because God did a supernatural work in our hearts to bring us to faith in Christ. Christianity is not anti-intellectual but it is supernatural. As Christians, we understand that Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God because we are experiencing the effects of the crucified and resurrected Savior in our lives. Paul writes that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3+) Power (1411) see above note on dunamis - speaks of inherent power to accomplish supernatural feats and is often translated miracles in the NT. In the present context it speaks of the Gospel's supernatural power to circumcise a heart and made a sinner a saint, a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17+). Dunamis is the inherent power residing in Christ and His Gospel by virtue of His nature and the intrinsic nature of the Gospel described in Ro 1:16+ (i.e., the "power of God"). Wisdom - see sophia John Piper's explanation of calling - God Calls the Spiritually Dead to Life (using Ephesians 4:1 as the base passage). Watch John Piper's explanation of calling which he first illustrates by using Jesus' call to Lazarus (John 11:43-44) to "Come out" (or "come forth"). Piper's point is that "dead men" like Lazarus do not hear, so that Jesus' call to Lazarus came with the gift of life to enable Lazarus to hear and come forth. Then Piper demonstrates the principle of calling using 1 Corinthians 1:22-24. He points out that both Jews and Gentiles heard Paul preach Christ crucified, but to the Jews it was a stumbling block and to the Gentiles it was foolishness. Then he talks about the response of those who are the called in 1 Corinthians 1:24. Jack Arnold's summary of 1 Cor 1:17-24 - What lessons are we Christians to learn from this section of Scripture? First, only the gospel of Christ is God’s message of salvation, and there is no other way to God except through Christ. Second, human philosophy only empties the Cross of its real meaning; therefore, the gospel should never be presented in philosophical terminology. Third, when preaching the gospel, we must never hide it by toning it down or obscure it by eloquence. Our goal should not be to have people go away from a gospel presentation saying, “What a brilliant preacher! What a splendid personality! What a dynamic orator! Oh, he made me feel so good inside!” No, our desire should be to get the facts of the Cross to people so they might say, “What a guilty sinner I am, and how amazing is the love of God that sent His Son to die for sinners such as me.” Fourth, as Christians, we must make a declaration of the whole gospel to men, for the gospel is not a system or a philosophy to be debated, but a message about a person who died for sinners. How often in a gospel presentation are we sidetracked in philosophical discussions, the right or wrong of evolution, or the inequities of social justice in the world, and we forget to present Christ crucified to men. Fifth, while no human reasoning can save anyone, a Christian is not to commit intellectual suicide by throwing out intellectual pursuits. He must be intellectually alert and know the thinking and philosophies of secular minds in order to destroy worldly thinking by showing its inadequacy to save a man. Sixth, we must be careful about wanting intellectual respectability with the unsaved world, for in getting it we will have to compromise the faith somewhere. We are not here to please men but to please God. Seventh, the cure for divisiveness and dissension in a local church is a proper understanding and appreciation of the gospel. Believing the gospel is not only the means by which we become Christians, it is also the means by which we are delivered in our Christian experience from all causes of disagreements, factions and dissensions. The Cross makes us focus on what we Christians have in common and not on our differences on secondary theological issues and petty personal preferences. (1 Corinthians 1:17-24 The Foolishness Of The Cross) C H
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MacArthur has an interesting thought - Paul possibly went over the membership of the Corinthian church in his mind as he wrote verse 26. He reminded them that they had very few who were famous, wealthy, highly educated, powerful, or influential when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is likely that, when they became Christians, they lost a great deal of the prestige, influence, and income they did have (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
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MacArthur - The world measures greatness by many standards. At the top are intelligence, wealth, prestige, and position—things which God has determined to put at the bottom. God reveals the greatness of His power by demonstrating that it is the world’s nobodies that are His somebodies. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) William Barclay, "Christianity made people who were mere things into real men and women - more into sons and daughters of God; it gave those who had no respect their self-respect; it gave those who had no life, life eternal; it told men that, even if they did not matter to other men, they still mattered intensely to God. It told men who, in the eyes of the world were worthless, that, in the eyes of God they were worth the death of His only Son. Christianity was, and still is, the most uplifting thing in the whole universe." (1 Corinthians 1 Commentary) Weak (772)(asthenes from a = without + sthénos = strength, bodily vigor) (See astheneo - note the concentration of asthenes/astheneo in the epistles to the Corinthians - almost 50% of NT uses) is literally without strength or bodily vigor. Asthenes describes one's state of limited capacity to do or be something and is used literally of physical weakness (most of the uses in the Gospels) and figuratively of weakness in the spiritual arena (weak flesh, weak conscience, weak religious system or commandment [Gal 4:9, Heb 7:18], etc) and thus powerlessness to produce results. Paul used this very word asthenes of himself writing "some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is weak (asthenes) and his speech is of no account." (2Co 10:10NET) Compare Paul's use of the cognate word astheneia in 2 Cor 12:9-10+ "And He (JESUS IN ANSWER TO 2 Cor 12:7-8) has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness (astheneia).” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses (astheneia), so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses (astheneia), with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. " David Brainerd suffered and finally succumbed to tuberculosis after only a few years of ministry to the American Indians. Robert Murray McCheyne died before his 30th birthday. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the “prince of preachers” suffered excruciating pain from gout and arthritis for most of the latter years of his adult life Strong (2478)(ischuros from ischuo = to be able) is an adjective which means strong, powerful, mighty (usually referring to inherent physical strength), able, forcible. Strong, having moral power. Inherently strong. Ischuros denotes power or ability and places “stress on the actual power that one possesses rather than on the mere principle of power. Shame (disgrace, put to shame) (2617)(Kataischuno from kata = intensifies meaning of aischuno = to shame) means primarily to put to shame, to humiliate, to disgrace. In the passive voice it can mean to blush with shame at one's predicament. Who were many of the church members at Corinth? Paul answers in 1 Cor 6:9-11+ Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. Brian Bell comments "We’ve all seen art made from discards. It could be old thimbles, piano strings, rusted clock gears, bent paper clips, scratched door hinges, & cabinet knobs. Each part is virtually worthless. But the hands of a craftsman have turned the useless odds/ends into an extraordinary piece of art. God is such an artist that He can take & mold our worthless lives & turn them into priceless works of art! But Paul says sometimes we forget our “junkyard beginnings”. We think God performed a great work on us because we gave Him high-quality material to work with. Out of His grace, God stoops & saves the nobodies, the nothings, the junk. Thus, the Artist, not the art, should get the honor/glory! (ophia Meets Jesus) ILLUSTRATION - A man overheard a Christian co-worker speaking to another co-worker about Jesus. He interrupted and said, "All you Christians are brainwashed." the believer replied, "I'd say that everyone is brainwashed to some degree. But the Christian gets to chose what he wants to wash his brain with." D. L. Moody was given a note just before he preached. When he opened the note, it only had one word on it: “Fool” Moody stood before the people and said, “I received the letters where the message was written but the person forgot to sign his name; but this is the first time I've received a letter where someone signed their name but forgot to write a message.” ILLUSTRATION - During a Billy Sunday evangelistic campaign, a mentally impaired boy came faithfully each night to sing in the choir. “Joey was not very bright,” said Homer Rodeheaver, the well-known song leader for Billy Sunday, “but he never missed any of our meetings and wouldn’t leave until he shook my hand. Sometimes I was embarrassed by the way he constantly tailed me, and I secretly wished he’d go away.” Then one evening a man came to Rodeheaver and said, “Thank you for being kind to my son Joey. He’s not right mentally, but never has he enjoyed anything so much as singing in the choir. He worked hard doing simple chores for people so he could contribute to the collection. Through his pleadings my wife and five other children came to this evangelistic campaign and have now received Christ. Last night his 75-year-old grandfather, who has been an atheist all his life, was saved, and tonight his grandmother also came forward. Now our entire family is converted!’” Joey was one of God’s faithful servants. GOD HAD USED THE FOOLISH AMONG MEN TO HUMBLE THE WISE. ILLUSTRATION - Johnny Damon of the 2004 Boston Red Sox dubbed his own team "The Idiots." They were known for their long hair, scruffy beards, and carefree spirits. These traits stood in contrast to the clean-cut rival Yankees, who were poised to sweep Boston on their way to the World Series. But Boston's failure to come to grips with reality helped them stage one of the most improbable comebacks in baseball history—those so-called idiots won the championship! In 1 Corinthians 1:27 surprisingly, Paul used similar terminology to describe the believers in Corinth, saying they were not wise, influential, or noble. They were foolish, week, lowly, and despised. Yesterday we studied the apparent foolishness of the Cross in a world that valued miraculous signs and logic. Today we'll examine the fact that not only was the message foolishness—the recipients of the message were fools. (Today in the Word) Unlikely Servants Read: Judges 6:11-16 God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise. —1 Corinthians 1:27 We often hear people say things like: “I’m only a housewife.” “I’m only a janitor.” “I’m only an average student.” Underestimating one’s usefulness to God is nothing new. In Old Testament times, for example, when God looked for someone to conquer the troublesome Midianites, He chose unimpressive Gideon, calling him a “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12+). Gideon responded, “How can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Jdg 6:15). But God persisted, saying, “Have I not sent you? … Surely I will be with you” (Jdg 6:14-16). Gideon became God’s man for the task, because there’s no such thing as a “nobody” in His eyes. The Lord gave Gideon just 300 men to help him, rather than thousands (Jdg 7:1-7+), so that God alone would receive the glory. The apostle Paul also taught that God chooses and uses things that the world calls foolish, weak, lowly, and despised. He shames the wise and the mighty so “that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29). If you feel that you’re “only a nobody,” review God’s call to Gideon. The Lord wants to use you more than you ever thought possible. Gladly take the task God gives you, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calls you, "I am willing, Lord, use me." —Darch God uses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plan. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - We Christians often quote 'not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord,' and yet in practice we seem to rely upon the mighty dollar and the power of the press and advertising. We seem to think that our influence will depend on our technique and the program we can put forward and that it would be the numbers, the largeness, the bigness that would prove effective. We seem to have forgotten that God has done most of his deeds in the church throughout its history through remnants. We seem to have forgotten the great story of Gideon, for instance, and how God insisted on reducing the 32,000 men (Jdg 7:3) down to 300 (Jdg 7:6) before he would make use of them. We have become fascinated by the idea of bigness, and we are quite convinced that if we can only stage, yes, that's the word, stage something really big before the world, we will shake it and produce a mighty religious awakening. That seems to be the modern conception of authority. ILLUSTRATION - What this refers to is this very principle, that God chooses to open the mouths of children and mere striplings and use them oftentimes to do what the wise and the important have been unable to accomplish. One of the greatest awakenings of the 19th century began in Cambridge University in England when D. L. Moody and his singer, Ira B. Sankey, came to that center of learning. In 1950 when I was traveling with Dr. H. A. Ironside, I met an Episcopal rector in Virginia who had been a member of that class in Cambridge when D. L. Moody came. He told me that the whole University was outraged that this backwoods American preacher would dare to appear and speak in the center of culture of the English world. They well knew that he "murdered" the King's English. (Somebody once said that D. L. Moody was the only man he ever heard who could pronounce Jerusalem in one syllable!) So this rector said that he and others of his classmates who were not Christians determined that when Moody spoke in the chapel at Cambridge they would hoot him off the platform. Now, Moody began by asking Sankey to sing. (Sankey must have had a wonderful voice, because whenever he sang audiences quieted and listened to him.) As soon as he finished, Moody stepped to the edge of the platform and looking directly at the students who were gathered there, he said these remarkable words, "Young gentlemen, don't ever think God don't love you, for he do!" This young man said that he and his classmates were dumbfounded by that beginning. Moody went on and in a few minutes he again said, "Don't ever think God don't love you, for he do!" Something about the very ungrammatical structure of these words captured them. The intense earnestness of this man spoke right to their hearts, beyond all the superficial, external things. That young man said that that day he sought out Moody for a private interview, and Moody led him to Christ. A great awakening came to Cambridge University at the hands of that humble servant of God. The Master's Hands God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the . . . mighty. — 1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 A renowned violinist announced before a concert that he would play one of the world’s most expensive violins. His first composition was played flawlessly, and the audience was thrilled at the performance. After taking his bows, the musician suddenly smashed the instrument, completely demolishing it. The audience was horrified—that is, until the violinist explained that he had been playing a cheap violin. Then, picking up the expensive instrument, the virtuoso began to draw the bow across the strings. The sound was beautiful, but most of the people couldn’t tell any difference between the music from the expensive violin and the cheap one. The quality of the instrument was secondary to the skill of the violinist. It’s something like that in our service for the Lord. The Master can use ordinary instruments like us. If we are yielded to Him, He will produce beautiful music through us. The apostle Paul said that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). God did so, “that no flesh should glory in His presence” (v.29). Play The Touch of the Master's Hand by Wayne Watson Lord, use me as Your instrument To magnify Your name; May Your love be my song today, My life Your grace proclaim. —Sper God can use ordinary instruments to produce a concert of praise. Flawed And Frail God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise. — 1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 One of my boyhood heroes was Davy Crockett, the “King of the Wild Frontier.” I looked up to him, admiring his courage and exploits. Years later, my brother gave me a book that traced the experiences of the real-life David Crockett. I was surprised by his humanness. The real Davy Crockett made mistakes and had serious personal problems. The book depicted him as both flawed and frail. This was both disappointing and reassuring to me. It was disappointing because he was less than I had come to believe, but reassuring because that reality made Crockett more accessible to me—and even more of a hero. In the Bible we see that God consistently used people who were far less than perfect. That shouldn’t surprise us. God is glorified by showing Himself strong through our weaknesses. It shows us that He desires to work through our lives not because we are perfect but because He is. And since He uses weak and foolish things (1 Cor. 1:27), it means you and I are prime candidates for His work. It’s not in the flash of the style that you hone, Nor all the degrees you’ve compiled; The Savior is looking for servants who own The warm, willing heart of a child. —Gustafson In God’s service, our greatest ability is our availability. The Big Cover-Up God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. —1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 If we are committed to pleasing Christ, we will try to have a good testimony among unbelievers. Some Christians assume that being a good example means keeping up an appearance of strength—even when they are weak. They have the misconception that any appearance of weakness hinders their testimony. Thus begins a subtle slide to spiritual play-acting, or what I call “the big cover-up.” When seeking to have a good testimony, we must ask whether we are trying to represent God or ourselves. And when seeking to be strong, we must ask, “In whose strength—God’s or ours?” According to Paul, the Lord enables us to testify of Him and His strength, not by despising our weakness but by using it, “that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29). Are unbelievers best won to Christ by “strong” people who pretend they’re never weak, or by “weak” people who testify of a strength not their own? Unbelievers often say of the former, “I could never be like that.” But of the “weak” people, they more often say, “If Christ can help them, perhaps He has something for me.” My life today I yield, O Lord, to Thee, A channel for Thy love and grace to be; Use me just as Thou wilt, I humbly pray, To point some soul unto the living way. —Christiansen To show others what Christ will do for them, show them what Christ has done for you. The Unlikely God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. —1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 1:25-31 Fanny Kemble was a British actress who moved to America in the early 1800s and married a southern plantation owner named Pierce Butler. Fanny enjoyed the life afforded by the wealth of the plantation, until she saw the cost of that luxury—a cost paid by the slaves who worked her husband’s plantations. Having written a memoir of the cruel treatment slaves often suffered, Kemble was eventually divorced from her husband. Her writings were widely circulated among abolitionists and published in 1863 as Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838–1839. Because of her opposition to slavery, the former wife of a slave owner became known as “The Unlikely Abolitionist.” In the body of Christ, God often wonderfully surprises us. He regularly uses the unlikely—people and circumstances—to accomplish His purposes. Paul wrote, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen” (1 Cor. 1:27-28). How will you let God use you today? God desires willing hearts ready to be used. Does He Want To Use Me? God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. — 1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The work of God is not done by great people but by ordinary people who are committed to Him. We may say to God, “I am nothing. I have no gifts. I often fail miserably. Do You really want to use me?” The answer to that question is found in God’s Word. He used the hesitant, inarticulate Moses to lead Israel to freedom (Ex. 3:13; 4:10). He used men of the herds and flocks, as well as fishermen and farmers to accomplish His work and record His words. A simple carpenter and a peasant girl raised His Son. That’s still the way God works. Although we have “mega-methods,” mass media, and superchurches, it is ordinary people who do God’s extraordinary work. A grandmother prays faithfully for her 14 grandchildren and talks to each one about trusting Christ. A clerical worker witnesses to everyone in his office. A Christian takes a meal to her unbelieving neighbors when their baby is hospitalized and assures them of her prayers. When we ask, “Does God really want to use me?” the answer is clear. God chooses “the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27). Though oft our spirits long to rise And bask in heavenly realms above, The Lord has placed us here on earth To live for Him—to serve, to love. —DJD No Small Deeds God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. — 1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Do you sometimes feel that your life isn’t making any impact for God? I do! The human race now numbers more than 6 billion people, the majority of whom don’t know Jesus. World problems are overwhelming. My praying, witnessing, and giving seem to be doing little to change our ungodly world. Recently when I was tempted to sink into a mood of futility, I read something by Frederick Buechner that lifted my heart. Comparing the world to a great spider web, Buechner wrote, “If you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling. . . . As we move around this world and as we act with kindness, perhaps, or with indifference, or with hostility toward the people we meet, we too are setting the great spider web a-tremble. The life that I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked. No man is an island.” Encouraged by Buechner’s words, I returned to my seemingly small duties with new zeal. Who knows how the few souls we touch will touch others who in turn will touch still others! God uses us in our weakness and smallness to accomplish His far-reaching purposes (1 Cor. 1:26-31). By: Vernon Grounds I cannot do great things for Him Who did so much for me; But, Lord, I'll do the little things In fellowship with Thee. —Anon. No deed is small when done for Christ. Different Goals God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise. — 1 Corinthians 1:27 Today's Scripture: 1 Cor. 1:18-31 In 1945, professional golfer Byron Nelson had an unimaginable season. Of the 30 tournaments he entered, he won an amazing 18 times—including 11 in a row. Had he chosen to, he could have continued his career and perhaps become the greatest of all time. But that was not his goal. His goal was to earn enough money playing golf to buy a ranch and spend his life doing what he really loved. So, instead of continuing on at the peak of his career, Nelson retired at age 34 to become a rancher. He had different goals. The world may find that kind of thinking to be foolish. It doesn’t really understand the heart that looks beyond trying to gain more wealth or fame to real satisfaction and contentment. This is especially true when it comes to our choice to live for Christ. But it is in the world’s perception of our alleged foolishness that we might best represent the Master’s different goals to this world. Paul wrote, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27). What Christ will say on judgment day Will finally make life’s values clear; He’ll show that we were rich or poor By what on earth we held most dear. —D. De Haancons Core values are of no value unless they reflect God’s values. 1 Corinthians 1:28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, Amplified - And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are,
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MacArthur on sanctification - In Christ we are set apart, made holy. We are declared righteous in Christ and are made holy in Christ. (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Sanctification (38) (hagiasmos from hagios = holy, set apart, consecrated) is a word used "only by Biblical and ecclesiastical writings" (Thayer) and which literally means sanctification which includes the ideas of consecration, purification, dedication ("personal dedication to the interests of the deity" BDAG) and holiness. Hagiasmos was used in the Greek pagan religions to describe buildings, altars or offerings set apart for religious purposes. The object set apart was thus declared sacred, holy, devoted to religious purposes. It applied also to the worshippers. They were set apart persons, thus religious devotees of the temple. The dominant idea of sanctification (dictionary discussion) is separation from the secular and sinful and set apart for the sacred, (specifically in the NT) for God’s special use (cp 2Ti 2:21, 22+), all made possible by the atoning work of Christ and the provision of His Spirit. There are 2 general meanings of sanctification - (1) All believers are sanctified by the Spirit in Christ, and this is their position forever. "That Christ is made sanctification to believers implies that they are thus set apart to God in contrast to their former condition of alienation from God. It is not a process but a fact." (Vine)(2) Sanctification is also used of the Spirit enabled process (experiential in contrast to positional) by which the one in Whom we live and Who lives in us (i.e., Christ, the Spirit of Christ - cp Jn 14:20, Col 1:27+, Ro 8:9+) progressively becomes more and more manifest in our daily conduct (cp 2Co 4:10, 11, 2 Cor 2:14-16, Ro 8:29+). This is also known as progressive sanctification or present tense salvation. Hagiasmos in 10v - Rom. 6:19; Rom. 6:22; 1 Co. 1:30; 1 Thess. 4:3; 1 Thess. 4:4; 1 Thess. 4:7; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:2 2 Thessalonians 2:13+ But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification (hagiasmos) by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 1 Peter 1:2+ according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work (hagiasmos) of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. Paul links righteousness with redemption in Ro 3:24+ declaring we are "justified (dikaioo - DECLARED RIGHTEOUS) as a gift by His grace through the redemption (apolutrosis) which is in Christ Jesus;" And redemption - In simply terms this describes the fact that believers are set free from the tyranny of our flesh and the devil. We now belong to the Lord. We have been purchased by the payment of Jesus' precious blood out of slavery to our old masters, sin and Satan, and are now the prized possessions of our new Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen. Purchased slaves can now boast in their new Master! Redemption describes the price that had to be paid with the blood of Christ to bring sinners into a state of righteousness and sanctification. Ralph Earle - Godet defines "redemption" as "our complete and final deliverance" (cf. Rom. 8:18-30). One could almost suggest that we find here the "three works of grace" in salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification. The first two are available to us in this life; the third will come in the next. And so in the context of divisions, the mention of these great truths should show them how shallow is their belief or allegiance to a man (whether Paul, Apollos or Cephas). These truths should cause the saints at Corinth to glory in the Lord not in a particular spiritual leader, no matter how gifted or talented. And the same principle applies to Christians today.