Picking back up where we left off in 1Corinthians 3 and verse 16 through the end of this chapter or so I think, for now. This changes with we have a renewed mindset. again my study Bibles call this area, "the divisions of the church" or "the ministry of the Apostles" or "the servants of Christ."
1Corinthians 3:16-17, 18-4:5 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple (John 17, 2Corinthians 6:16) of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written (by Job in 5:13), "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." And again (in Psalm 94:11), "The Lord knoweth[H3045, G1261] the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain[H1892]." Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers[G5257] of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of [G575] God." (KJV)
1Corinthians 3:16-17, 18-4:5 "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple (John 17 and 2Corinthians 6:16) is holy, and you are that temple.
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written (by Job in 5:13) , "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again (in Psalm 94:11), "The Lord knows the thoughts[H3045, G1261] of the wise, that they are futile[H1892]." So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. This is how one should regard us, as servants[G5257] of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from[G575] God." (ESV)
1Corinthians 3:16-17, 18-4:5 "Realize that your life is GOD's building; his sanctuary (John 17), designed for his permanent abode (2Corinthians 6:16). His Spirit inhabits you! (He designed every cell in your body to accommodate and express him.)
Just like fire would burn away the dross, any defilement of GOD's temple would be destroyed in order to preserve human life as his permanent sanctuary. (see verse 15) Why fool yourself? What is esteemed as wise according to popular Jewish sentiment is folly. There is no compromise when it comes to wisdom; the only wisdom that matters is what GOD deems wise, even if it seems foolishness to the reasoning of typical religion. Much rather be ridiculed by religion than esteemed as wise by them. (The dynamic of GOD's wisdom is the fact both Jew, Muslim, today's Christian religion and Greeks are equally represented and defined in Christ. It seems so foolish that GOD should die humanity's death on the cross; it seems so weak of GOD to suffer such insult; yet humanity's wisest schemes and most powerful display of genius cannot even begin to comprehend or compete with GOD in his weakest moment on the cross [1Corinthians 1:24-25]. [Look also at 1Corinthians 1:30, 2:7-8]) GOD's wisdom proves the foolishness of all secular wisdom. It is on record in Scripture how GOD outwits the wise of this world. (In the Message Translation, Job 5:13 reads, "He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies - all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash! ) The LORD is familiar with the [2, G3152]unsuccessful search for meaning in humanity's empty [1, G1261]debates and dialogue. (The word, [1, H6098 from H3289, G1261 from G1260 from G1223 and G3049] dialogismos, is translated as someone deliberating with themselves. Psalm 94:11 says, "The LORD knows the thoughts of a person; that they are vanity." The word, [2, G3152 from G3155] mataios, maten, is translated as fruitless, unsuccessful search.) Therefore no one has any reason to boast in themselves, as if they gained anything that does not already belong to them! For all things you wish to gain already belong to you! ([Look at 1Corinthians 4:7] "Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise glory in their wisdom, let not the mighty glory in their might, let not the rich glory in their riches; but let the one who glories glory in this, that they understand and know Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the LORD!'" [in Jeremiah 9:23-24]) You are not winning any competition by picking your favorite teacher from among Paul, Apollos or Kefas; they all belong to you anyway. The world belongs to you! Life and death are yours (John 11:25-26); in what you now have in this present moment you already possess the future! (Not even death can threaten what you have in life! Look at Romans 8:38-38.) As much as Christ is inseparably GOD's own, you are the property of Christ. You are with him. (Jesus endorsed GOD's ownership of the human race. Look at Psalm 24:1, Matthew 13:44 and Luke 15 where all three parables celebrate ownership - you cannot be lost unless you do not belong! And this is impossible!) This is how one should regard us (so called, Apostles): we are the [1, G5257] under rowers of Captain Christ; responsible for the engine room as it were! We are entrusted with the administration of the mysteries of GOD. (The unveiling of the mystery is within this gospel of humanity's association in Christ, and is the driving force of the true Church. The word, [1, G5257 from G5259] huperetes, means an under-rower, who was one who was in the trireme, quadrireme, or quinquereme galleys and rowed in one of the undermost benches; those who were the lowest ranked slaves and often the most invisible part of the whole operation. We are not hiding behind fancy titles or impressive degree's to try and win your applause or financial support. We are not here to impress you with us; our mandate is to impress you with how complete you are in Christ because of GOD's doing. [Look at 1Corithians 1:30, 2:6-9].) (Our title might be unimpressive, but our job is most significant.) For this reason our ministry is of unquestionable integrity. The authority of my ministry is not based upon your scrutiny of my life or even any cross examination by a human court. Neither is it by my own assumption; even though I know of nothing against my conscience, I am not thereby acquitted, The point is not how self righteous I may appear in my own eyes; the LORD's judgment is the only valid reference to our innocence. any judgment prior to the LORD's coming (prior to the cross) is out of context. (The days of performance-based judgment are long over! As this took place in his execution.) His coming illuminates all the hidden mysteries (concerning humanity's inclusion in the death and resurrection of Christ. [look at 1Corinthians 2:7-8]) and unveils the [1]deepest desire of the heart of a person. In his appearing (through the proclamation of this gospel [see 1Corinthians 5:4]) shall everyone be [2, G575]commended by GOD. (Not contaminated by an inferior judgment; [2, G575] apo means away from the influence of humanity's judgment. [1]He is the desire of all nations. All nations long for the redemption of their true identity and their true innocence. [Look at Haggai 2:7; also 1Corinthians 1:7 and 2:7] We voice words of wisdom that were hidden in silence for timeless ages; a mystery unfolding GOD's Masterful plan whereby he would redeem his glory in man!) (The Mirror)
Until next time, the LORD willing, when we shall look at verse 6 on. May the LORD grant you His Love and wisdom.
No comments:
Post a Comment