Redeemed Sight

2 Corinthians 5:16-19    
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

We are not to look at people with fallen eyes, but redeemed sight.  For seeing unbelievers, as those God may be calling and not as seeing only their sin.  For fellow believers, as redeemed - though imperfect, yet accepted fully in Christ.  We who are His are reborn and remade on the inside, and His presence within now shapes and molds us into Christ’s likeness.  This sight reveals our reconciliation with God the Father in Christ, our acceptance without counting our sins as something to be eternally punished, but covered in the blood and righteousness of Christ himself.  This message of reconciliation, the gospel, is the charge we are given to take to the world as a witness against those opposed to Him, and as the means of God’s word creating faith in those He calls out.  

Appearance vs. Heart

2 Corinthians 5:12-15    
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

The commendation we have is a heart set on God and relying on Christ by His Spirit in us, leaning on all He has done.  Therefore we should imitate these here to be beside ourselves for God and soberingly focused for others.  It is the love of Christ which must motivate us with giving our lives for what He has done, dying for us and rising again with a certain hope so we can live for Him and show that love to others also.  The gospel of God’s reconciling grace should move every fiber of our being to stop living for ourselves, and to instead live for Him who suffered and died for us so we can live again, at peace with God and no longer in enmity.  

Aim to Please!

2 Corinthians 5:9-11    
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

We should live to be holy because God is holy.  This must be the direction we aim our hearts and actions towards in order to please God in Christ.  Each of us will stand in front of Christ to face all we have done, good and bad, so fear of displeasure should motivate in addition to a thankful and loving heart for our redemptive reconciliation in Christ.  This is why Paul (and I) try to move others to take what we do seriously in light of eternity.  However, this does in no way earn our salvation nor is it a call to avoid punishment; rather it is a call to please God and find that pleasure the greatest reward, for we who are His cannot add to our salvation nor negate it by our deeds.  Yet He tests our hearts to see whose are completely His (Job 24:23, 1Cor.3:11-16).  

Absolute Confidence

2 Corinthians 5:2-8    
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.    6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

How we who have been made new creations long for the finality of the heavenly change!  We will be not found naked in the lack of holiness due to remaining sin, but fully clothed inside and out in His perfection.  This mortal flesh of sin and death will find rest in His righteousness which we wear outwardly now in a sense, but in and throughout then.  He is preparing us and has guaranteed this by putting His own Spirit in us now as a seal, a down payment, and the ability to know and do for His good pleasure.  This then is how we live, taking each step in trust of God’s work in us.  Our confidence and pleasure rests in that absolute promise to be free of the last vestige of sin in these bodies and in the presence of the Almighty who is holy, righteousness, and true... 

Never Lose Heart

2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:1    
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.   5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Because of the faith we are kept in by certain grace, we can have courage and endurance in the race.  We see our old nature from Adam slowly being replaced by the new, and can see that we are being made more like Christ.  This makes the pain and anguish of life pale in comparison with eternity.  Much of what we are destined for is clouded over as if looking in an old dirt encrusted mirror (the very dust of the earth we are made of), but we know certainly that these thing exist and will be ours one day.  We live in light of this unseen eternity, knowing this body will be torn down that a glorious temple for God will replace it, one made by God Himself that cannot ever decay or fade away.  This is why we should never lose heart, no matter the pain of trial or change.  

Faith Speaks

2 Corinthians 4:13-15    
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

As Psalms 116:13 goes on to say after stating we believe and then speak, “I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.”  We who are Christ’s have taken up the cup Jesus did not let pass in order that the price would be paid, calling on His name with the assurance that we will also rise from death to life as He did.  Therefore all we do in His name for the gospel’s sake give ever more glory to the worthy One in the thanksgiving all who hear and come to Him offer as well.  So we believe, and so we speak these words of life.  

Excellence in Earthen Vessels

2 Corinthians 4:7-12    
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.

The priceless gift of faith in grace that is the gospel is contained in our frail and sinful selves.  This then shows His mighty hand at work in and through us; is can never be said that it is ours.  Therefore, if we suffer we do not give up in despair and are not destroyed by adversity, because the suffering Savior is in us to suffer alongside.  This then shows His resurrection life in our souls as will be in our bodies later and forever.  Death works life - His death and ours by His life we now share in.  This treasure shows His excellent power in all we endure for the gospel and God’s glory. 

Unveiled Glory

2 Corinthians 4:3-6    
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

We should not use tactics that hide the truth of the gospel, but this does not mean that the message is seen by everyone we speak with; to some the message is hidden because they are blinded and unable to believe, dying in the darkness of the enemy’s deceit.  But those called out see the light of Jesus Christ in the glorious gospel of mercy and grace which justifies without our own righteousness.  Therefore we serve others who have ears to hear with the gospel, shining God’s light in knowing Him in Christ on us to others.  This knowing God is an intimate relationship with God, face to face as Moses met with God in the tabernacle, where we now also see His glory in Christ Himself by grace through faith.  Amen! 

Transparent Truth Talking

2 Corinthians 4:1-2    
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Our confidence and sustenance is God’s mercy in Christ.  We minister to others based on all He has done for us, not what we have done or fail to yet do, and that is why we should never give up.  Instead of hiding sin, we battle it within to kill it off by God’s power working in us.  We openly proclaim all that God says, including His wrath on sin, the reality of Hell, and the free gifts of faith and grace.  By showing the truth, we have clear consciences before both God and man, but that does not mean that opposition to the gospel will make us friends with the world who reject and hate our Lord.  We are not to appease for the sake of peace, but lovingly speak truth.  

Transformational Gaze

2 Corinthians 3:12-18    
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Hope is revealed by God’s indwelling Spirit to enable us to speak the truth without holding back.  We now are able to look into the face of God in Christ and do not have to turn away because of our unredeemed sinfulness and certain wrath of God as when the people looked at Moses who spent time talking with God.  We are no longer blinded, but given sight, no longer needing to cover up the reflected glory of God, which now fills our hearts.  We have been freed!  Now we speak what we see from reflecting in both His word and very presence.  He is changing us every day by His Holy Spirit within us to be more like Christ as we reflect His glory to each other and the world.  This glory is for both fellowship and witness.  

Sufficiency in Trust

2 Corinthians 3:4-11    
4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.    7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Our trust in Christ is based on His work, so we are enough in Him to minister the good news of the words of life.  The Law is good and is the moral law of God, yet it could never be followed fully to the letter to earn us life.  It became our death sentence, cold slabs glaring with those ten unobtainable demands.  Even Moses looked into the very face of God and spoke with Him, yet that glory faded quickly away as he left that Presence.  God’s Spirit works and ministers this new covenant of mercy and grace which is eternal, never fading and all-sufficient to bring life that cannot be taken away.  His righteousness, not ours, is the gospel of God’s glory and hope in us.  There is no longer condemnation, no executed justice for those in Christ alone by His grace alone.  Therefore we walk by faith backed by immutable promises sealed by God Himself in us.  This is the sufficiency of the gospel.  

Letters of Reference

2 Corinthians 3:1-3    
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Work done by God in and through us does not require referrals or degrees if the words and witness are true and accurate in love and grace.  Paul and company made this clear in contrast to those claiming to be somebody, but not attested to by God’s Spirit and His out working in their ministry or message.  The true letters of recommendation are changed lives of growing disciples.  Just as God promised in Jeremiah 31:33-34, His word would be written on the heart of His people, and that is who we minister to, those already knowing truth as it is heard.  His Spirit writes on each heart, and the sanctification built on that is helped by our ministry to each other.  God Himself signs these living letters of commendation. 

Triumph in the Air

2 Corinthians 2:12-17    
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.   14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Paul followed the doors opened by Christ for the gospel, and so he also adjusted course when moved as here to find Titus.  He thanks God for victorious guidance for the gospel’s sake, knowing that the knowledge of Christ is like a sweet incense or acceptable sacrifice to God.  Everywhere he takes the gospel men are drawn by it and God is pleased and glorified in it.  Those God draws to salvation see Christ as that aroma of eternal life, yet those going to judgment smell only death apart from Him.  The end of the matter so solemn is that Paul takes this charge to spread the gospel seriously, not for his own gain, but sincerely before God and man with truth.  We also need no methods, but sincere and accurate truth which points those drawn to the sweet smell of the sacrifice of Christ. 

Discipline is Love’s Affirmation

2 Corinthians 2:5-11    
5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Church discipline here was probably for the man committing sexual immorality with his stepmother that was addressed in 1 Corinthians 5:1.  The punishment was now to be followed up with forgiveness and comfort after godly remorse and sorrow filled the offender.  He needed love and acceptance after repentance and forgiveness so that restoration could begin.  Paul wrote to test the church to see if they would do these things and not withhold love and forgiveness.  He knew how Satan takes advantage of bitterness and unforgiving hearts.  Since we know these things, we also must put them in practice both personally and corporately.  

Grief and Gladness

2 Corinthians 2:1-4    
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?   3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

Paul had to address difficulties in the Corinthian church, yet did not do it to make them remain sorrowful, nor did he want to feel only their grief over the sin.  What he sought was forgiveness and reconciliation for the offenders and the resulting joy of Christ working in them.  He loved and cared for those he pointed out sin in, not to be judgmental but to see wholeness in their lives together in Christ.  It was not easy for him to write about the sin and firmly warn of the consequences if not repented of, but again he did it for their good out of this act of love.  He demonstrated true love that is an action, not just a feeling.  We can learn from this to correct when necessary in love that is concerned, humble, and direct enough to restore fellowship.  

The Establishment

2 Corinthians 1:21-24    
21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.   23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

God’s calling and enabling in Christ is assured by the Holy Spirit.  He lives in us, marks us forever as His own, and assures all the promise of God are ‘yes’ and will be so (the amen).  This means we cannot ever become not God’s in Christ after He calls and sets His seal on us and His abiding presence in us.  We cannot lose what we did not earn, and God promises to keep us, even marking us with the spiritual signet ring of our Lord who owns us.  We also see here how ministry is never about us owning others or ruling over their faith, but working together with each other to sharpen and equip as God sanctifies each one.  We all stand individually before our Lord, yet use our gifts and callings to minister together in the faith that is God-given.  

Yes and No

2 Corinthians 1:15-20   
15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit— 16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. 17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

When we boast in Christ alone, we can confidently minister where God calls and leads us.  Though we must make plans, we know God guides our steps, so we do this with thought and prayer as Paul gave the example here.  The certainty then of the work done in Him is a resounding yes to His promises and work in and through us in our synergistic labor in Christ.  God’s glory is seen when we trust His words of promise, doubting nothing.  We pray, plan, and purpose to find motivation and ability in the Spirit working in us for the certainty of God’s glory to result.  We can absolutely and completely trust all that is written, so doubt is handed over to trusting faith.  There is not a no in His word and working. 

Godly Sincerity’s Boast

2 Corinthians 1:12-14    
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Boasting is not in what we believe we accomplish, but doing the right things without complications.  It means being sincere as God would have us to be, relying on His grace to both follow Christ and to do as we ought to as His.  We boast in what Christ has done in and through us and communicate that clearly to others in the gospel.  We need always consider how God teaches each one who is His also, and remind those we minister to what God has already said, not our new ideas or philosophical tales.  We boast in Christ in us and others, not in ourselves.  

Prayer for Burdens

2 Corinthians 1:8-11    
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

The apostles gave all at all costs to minister the gospel, often with great opposition and violence.  These things weighed down on them as they labored with the souls in darkness they were bringing the light of God in the face of Jesus Christ to.  What they learned was that even when life seemed to be lost at any moment, God delivered them, and they could trust Him in all things.  We have been delivered from His wrath on our sin and disobedience, and are continually delivered from it afterwards as well.  This is a reason to pray for each other, especially those in the front lines, not only to be kept but also to bring glory to God as we thank Him for all He does and allows.  We are set free from death and given eternal life, so the troubles we have here can only be turned to praise in His good and sovereign hands.

Abounding Suffering and Consolation

2 Corinthians 1:3-7   
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

God is a merciful and comforting Father.  He comforts us and shows us mercy so that we might be able to do the same to others in Christ.  Through Christ’s suffering in and through us therefore come His overflowing ability to console others who suffer as He and we do.  When we go through trials and suffering, it proves our salvation and equips us to endure and encourage others to endure with us.  We can comfort fellow believers in hope, knowing their future is sealed and the sufferings are Christ’s in us; in the end we will find eternal consolation, and this certain hope is God’s tangible comfort and mercy even now.

2 Corinthians - Grace and Peace

2 Corinthians 1:1-2    
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:  2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s second letter to the Christ followers in the capital city of Corinth in the southern Greek province of Achaia.  He begins by making it clear who he was, a messenger chosen by God, not of his own will or choosing.  He includes his disciple and co-laborer, Timothy, in the greeting because they knew him also.  The letter begins with Father God’s grace and peace in Christ.  Grace to remind the Corinthians that all is a gift of God, and peace by which they have been reconciled to God in Christ, no longer under God’s wrath on their sin, but saved from it forever in the Son.

Purposeful Greetings

1 Corinthians 16:19-24    
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul's.  22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!   23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Churches should communicate with each other, and that primarily by concern and encouragement.  This should be both individually and corporately though the personal touch like Paul’s here is best when possible.  These last words also spell out the seriousness of preaching and accepting the gospel - without Jesus the Christ, we are cursed by God.  But we who know Him eagerly wait for His return and live by grace until we see Him face to face.  This is how and why we love each other in outward demonstrations with the love first given to us.  Maranatha! 

Stand and Watch!

1 Corinthians 16:13-18   
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.   15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.  17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

We are to be as these in Corinth, being vigilant while finding strength and courage for following and serving Christ.  To do all in love involves submitting to authority and serving each other.  I means finding joy in being led, taught, and allowing our needs to be met.  We need to acknowledge those who serve and lead, and follow their examples in our own expressions of love for the saints and our Savior.  We stand guard against false teachers and wolves from the walls, not backing down from truth, but serving fearlessly with humility and love in His grace. 

Be Welcoming

1 Corinthians 16:10-12    
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.   12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Paul speaks of two co-laborers, Timothy and Apollos.  Timothy is fearful of the reception he might receive from the Corinthians, even though Paul wrote to him not to fear (2 Tim.1:7).  He reminded them that Timothy was laboring in the gospel also, and should be treated well.  Likewise Apollos was a laborer in the gospel also, and just because he was busy and could not come right away with others to them, it was no reason to think badly of him either.  We should encourage each other in His work and do so with love, understanding, and encouragement. 

Opened Doors

1 Corinthians 16:5-9    
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.   8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Paul gets to his final desires and plans as this letter comes near a close.  He speaks of traveling through Macedonia, but caveats it as James reminds us with ‘if the Lord wills he will do this or that’ (James 4:13-17).  He could stay when on the way to Macedonia, or be sent to any number of places afterwards.  He shows the desire if in God’s will to spend more time with them, while still wanting to be in Ephesus for Pentecost to take advantage of the opening of great opportunities to preach the gospel there.  He knows God provides the opportunity as well as allowing the opposition.  All is for the sake of the gospel, to reconcile as many as are appointed to eternal life.  We can learn to be so driven and guided. 

Fitting Collections

1 Corinthians 16:1-4    
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Support for the church began like this, where Paul changed from the normal asking for collections when he visited to a purposeful plan.  He requested that they considered what they would give ahead of time, lay that aside, and then be ready to give what was on their hearts when he stopped by on he way to the main church in need at Jerusalem.  He even asked they appoint one of their own to take the gift to them, so they knew where the gifts were going to.  Paul did offer to go with them on the journey if they desired, however.  This all ensured accountability with sincere giving without pressure.  That is the model. 

Victory over Corruption

1 Corinthians 15:50-58    
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”   55 “O Death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

We cannot gain God’s kingdom as sinners in sinful vessels.  Our sin has been paid for and we stand innocent by imputed righteousness, but our current bodies still harbor sin and so cannot stand in God’s presence.  When our bodies are raised to new life, they will be changed as new creations to match our souls, pure and untouched by sin and death.  The victory over death and Hell accomplished in Christ will be finally fully realized forever.  This is why we labor in the gospel for the kingdom now and to come, knowing the great and unmerited reward with purpose and meaning for His glory.  We labor to know and make Him known to the world and within His church until that time.  

Resurrection’s Hope and Glory

1 Corinthians 15:42-49    
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

The resurrection body will not be corrupted by sin, nor will it decay in physical corruption, powerful and spiritual.  Adam was created as a living man of flesh, and Jesus as the second Adam who was also divine showed that human side as a spiritual man raised from earthly flesh to the incorruptible spiritual which we will be in our resurrection.  No longer of dust, we will share in the heavenly man.  We will bear His image as intended in Eden!  This is the hope and glory of our resurrection which was proven by our Lord as the first, and celebrated by us at the Easter Resurrection. 

Embodiment of the New

1 Corinthians 15:35-41   
35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.   39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.  40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

Our resurrection will give us new bodies, not like the things we see in this life.  The contrasts and examples of earthly and heavenly kinds are seen here in this passage, but the real idea is that each has been created to bear offspring according to its own kind (Genesis 1:24-25).  So we will be the fruit of Christ according to the new resurrected man and woman, according to His kind in a spiritual sense.  We will no longer have bodies that decay and die, but glorious ones to stand in the presence of His glory without sin and death and sorrow.  We will be raised up according to this new kind as a new man, and not the old Adam.  

Easter Rising

1 Corinthians 15:29-34   
29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”   33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Jesus told us, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  We are baptized with the absolute certainty, true hope, that we will rise again as He did as the first to assure us with proof.  When we then suffer as Christ’s, this absolute strengthens us and further gives great joy as we consider ourselves as if each day dying to self and risen in Him.  Remember the followers in Luke 24:34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”  Because of the certainty of hope, we now live each day soberly, righteously, and pleasing to our risen Lord without shame.  If we truly know Him, we are awakened and no longer pursue sin, but Him.  He brought us from a spiritual grave to new life, and after physical death we will again rise (as He did) to eternal life.  

Firstfruit Offering

1 Corinthians 15:20-28    
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Christ rose to be the first offering to God of life from death to set the way for we who are called out in Him.  As children of the first man, Adam, we are born with death in spirit and mortality of body.  But in Christ as a second and perfect Man, the second Adam yet also the Son of God, in Him we shall be raised up to life unending before our Maker as intended in Eden.  Christ is the first given to God the Father and we follow in and through His resurrection to our own as new creations.  In the end this Kingdom and its rule by God over all will end enemies and demonstrate His sovereignty over all the universe.  When all are subject to the absolute rule of God seen everywhere, that is heaven for us forever before Him.  This victory in Christ begins with His gospel, His suffering and death that culminated in the resurrection.  This is the triumph over death due by wrath and certainty of the eternal hope of mercy and grace. 

Resurrection and the Life

1 Corinthians 15:15-19    
15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

If there is no resurrection of Christ, there is none for us either, and we are liars when speaking of the gospel.  If there is no new life from spiritual and physical death for us, it is because Christ did not rise to life.  This would leave us dead in sin, without hope or faith for the present nor eternity.  All who died before are simply gone and we are quite pitiful in everyone’s eyes... but there is infinite hope in the risen one who died, even as those around that cross looked up at Him and then looked down in sorrow as they thought the kingdom Jesus spoke of had died along with Himself.  It was a dark day, but ultimately a good one, for He died in our stead to cancel our sin debt as He took the responsibility for it on Himself.  

Crux of the Cross

1 Corinthians 15:12-14    
12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

The resurrection is the crux of the cross’ message.  Christ not only died by dying as a curse for us on a tree as it is written, but came back up bodily from the grave.  No true Christ follower can deny this, for without Jesus coming back to life, we cannot either.  If Christ is not risen as we remember on Easter or Resurrection Sunday, then all we preach as good news is as empty as our faith in Him and the gospel.  

Worthy by Grace

1 Corinthians 15:9-11    
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Paul did not consider himself great, just an unworthy apostle because he so persecuted followers of Christ before God blinded him so he could see.  This humility was based on knowing the depths of God’s grace and mercy to an undeserving sinner.  That grace, however, called him to serve and be as he was made to be and do for His glory.  And he then put all effort into hard labor for the gospel’s sake; not to earn or keep God’s favor or salvation, but loving the One who first so loved him out of the world.  He sums it up with pointing to the preaching of the words of life, not the particular messenger (apostle) who obeys and God subsequently uses.  

The Gospel Summed Up

1 Corinthians 15:3-8    
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

What did Paul preach, what was the good news in the words of life he was willing to die for?  Not only did he speak of who Christ is, but also what He did to make reconciliation with God the Father through Him possible.  It begins with Christ dying in our place to justify the due punishment for sin of us all.  Then the facts that He was buried because He was actually dead, but also that He brought His body back to life as God among us (Emmanuel).  Finally, the proof was seen by witnesses that Christ Jesus was alive and walking among them again, just as He said from the Old Testament till then.  Finally, Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus, blinded so that he might see.  Therefore, Paul gave his life to bear witness and to be used to explain what all that means to us.  This is the gospel we live and die for.  

Hold the Gospel Fast

1 Corinthians 15:1-2    
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

Not only did Paul address church order to build itself up in love, he focused on the gospel, the heart of our mission on earth as that church body.  He told it to them clearly and repeatedly so that they would keep it firmly in mind, as we must also do.  We are saved from the due wrath of God on our rebellious sin and its eternal consequences according to the clear truth of God’s word delivered to them and to us.  If we do not take what we have heard to heart, it is an empty and half hearted ineffective belief.  True belief is not an emotion or decision, but God’s word worked into the heart and mind by conviction and enlightenment by Himself as the Holy Spirit of the living God.  That living message and living Word in us is the gospel’s power to save as He calls.  

Order, Order

1 Corinthians 14:34-40   
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.  36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.  39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

The first part of this seems to be addressing a problem in the church at Corinth specifically.  Most likely there were some women there stepping in to evaluate the use of gifts like prophecy, taking on leadership roles reserved for male elders, and were told to go back to the rule of doing things right and in God’s order, not to keep them from speaking at all.  Paul again reminds them of his authority to say these things, for they are what God says, not himself.  He realizes some refuse to accept this in willful ignorance, however.  The end summation is for all the gifts and working in Christ’s body to be done decently and orderly, with grace and dignity worthy of His children.  

Author of Purpose in Order

1 Corinthians 14:26-33   
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.   29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

When the church gathers, any God-given gift must be done with order and purpose, whether a song or teaching or exposition or even another God-enabled language which is interpreted if the hearers do not know it.  If someone reveals something it must be already written already in the scriptures, and so must be examined for accuracy to encourage others to follow Christ and glorify God.  We are only to exercise these spiritual things for building each other up, not as disturbing mayhem, but bringing peace to the soul.  Unfortunately, what is often seen today is the false teaching saying the gifts are part of salvation, or make one a more full Christian; they make the pretense of what should come from God as an exhibition of self exaltation instead of lifting up God and building each other up.  

Languages to Hear the Gospel

1 Corinthians 14:22-25   
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Because speaking in languages unknown to the speaker are God-given to convict, they are a sign to those not knowing Christ, without His presence living in them.  Those who already believe need exhortation, not conviction to salvation.  Yet if God’s word is revealed in the congregation, those unbelievers entering will find conviction in clear truth, not in a show of gifting.  If all entering only hear a jumble of multiple languages without interpretation, there is no value and no drawing to Christ.  But if truth is heard, hearts are convicted as they are convinced of their sinful and hopeless state before a holy God.  This is how the good news of Jesus’s atoning death and resurrection is heard to act on, and God gets glory and worship as He is seen in the congregation.   

Speak to Reach

1 Corinthians 14:18-21    
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.  20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.   21 In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.

Building on the previous verses on speaking understandably and to edify, we now see clear communication of God’s truth to teach is of infinite value over unnecessary gifts of languages except when needed, as at Pentecost when the separation of people at Babel was reversed to make God’s people of all nations one in Christ.  Therefore we must understand when God spoke in Isaiah 28:11-12 that this pointed to something beyond that unity - those with hardened hearts would hear many languages, even supernaturally given, yet still refuse to believe.  Tongues (languages) are only effective in reaching His people, and the message in those words is what is heard or rejected.  

Clear Communication

1 Corinthians 14:14-17    
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

We are to pray, sing, preach and hear with understanding to be fruitful.  If someone is moved to speak in Mandarin to a church of westerners, where is the spiritual gain for the listeners?  Even if we pray in a foreign language to God alone, without understanding it is an empty effort that only entertains.  The example here of doing this publicly without a native or supernatural interpreter leaves the congregation unable to agree with “Amen,” because they cannot confirm what they cannot receive. Such thanks we might give is empty if others are not built up.  The gifts of God are to build up, not confuse.  Let the hearts and minds be moved with understanding in using true gifts like supernatural enabling of foreign languages to exclaim, “it is so, amen!”

Gifts are for Others

1 Corinthians 14:10-13    
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.  13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

There are over 6,900 languages in the present world, all with varying sounds and ways of saying similar things, yet for the most part completely unintelligible to outsiders.  But these mean nothing if not understood, as foreigners between speakers and hearers.  Therefore, any spiritual gifting for speaking in other languages must be to those knowing that divinely given language, or someone who knows it must interpret to convey God’s meaning that brings understanding to the scriptures being brought out.  If the speaker or another cannot interpret, there is no spiritually eternal value, only speaking selfishly.  We are given gifts to glorify God by building each other up, not to entertain others or commend ourselves.  

Profitable Gifts

1 Corinthians 14:6-9   
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

The only good that helps others when supernaturally speaking other languages that are not known to the hearers is when God’s word is made understandable and applicable.  This is only revealed by God’s Spirit in a man given insight by God, and it is to make clear the understanding for His people.  Like instruments, the words we speak need to be clear and not random noise, real languages and not contrived to impress or entertain.  We do not want to speak into thin air, but into the thick of men’s hearts and souls by God’s word.  If the hearers speak another language than what the speaker knows, that is where God steps in to give that certain understanding in speech that can reach to teach.  

Gifts to Edify

1 Corinthians 14:1-5   
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Love and using the gifts we are given by God should be things we want, but we should especially strive to bring forth the meaning of God’s word which we speak.  That builds up others.  Speaking in languages which are unknown to those around us and which we unnaturally acquire from God have value only when bringing out God’s word to those speaking those languages, or when God unnaturally gives another the ability to also understand those as at Pentecost and interpret for the edification of others. The reason for gifts is to build the body in love, not minister to ourselves only, so we should seek to bring forth God’s word and its meaning in order to build up, to edify, God’s people.  

Grow Up!

1 Corinthians 13:11-13    
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Looking for the fantastic, self-serving edification, and acting without love are marks of spiritual immaturity.  Growing up in Christ requires understanding beyond basic wants to God-driven desires of the heart.  We do not see eternity, only looking at a dim enigmatic reflection, misted over the surface.  When we stand before the Lord and Lamb, understanding will be clear without the mirrored sin in and before us.  God’s pure love on top of and foundational to faith and hope will be fully realized... Oh, to see His face at last, how my heart yearns within me along with Job!  

Victorious Love

1 Corinthians 13:8-10    
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

The love which comes from God and through us always is effectual and victorious for God’s glory.  If we only look to spiritual workings and gifts God gives for His body, we have only the transitory.  Prophecies will end, languages will not be needed in eternity, and we will know completely as we are completely known when standing at last before Him.  We know and see so little in this imperfect world, but when in perfected bodies before the perfect One in a new creation, all that will seem as a distant memory.  But how we loved as His and loved Him in this life is effectual forever.  We should then strive for the best way and not a mere better one.  

An Alien Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7    
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

The character and actions of love include looking to be kind while enduring much over time, not wanting immediate satisfaction, and not wanting what others have that we think we must have.  It is humble, courteous, giving, and looks out for others instead of what is evil and reactionary.  Love cares for what is right and holy, it therefore puts up with much while trusting God in all, keeping hope in Christ till the end.  Love is therefore an alien and supernatural outworking of God’s Spirit in and through us; we cannot love this way in or of ourselves, no matter what effort we conjure up.  

Instruments of Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-3   
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Being in the know and having incredible gifts or abilities falls flat as misplayed instruments all by themselves.  If we could speak in any language and to all of God’s creation in heaven and earth, it is of no purpose without showing the love of God.  Even if we could trust God to do great miracles and explain the entire Bible, love is required for it to make a difference.  God so loved the world, shone His love in our hearts in Christ, and commands us to love others only next to loving Him first.  Because He so loved us, all our acts of charity to the poor and starving, all the sacrifices we make for the gospel (even to giving our lives) must be tempered with God’s selfless agape, or we gain nothing in eternity.  

Body Parts

1 Corinthians 12:27-31   
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

We who are in Christ are one as His body, yet remain individuals with differing appointments by God that are enabled by His spiritual gifting to accomplish these for the body’s sake.  Everyone does not have every calling or gift (though we all exhibit the Spirit’s fruit), but the one thing we do have is the love shown us first by God through Christ.  The second command after loving God is loving each other, and so the gifts and callings must be used for the good of others, which is love.  They are not for personal power or bragging, but for ministry to each other under Christ’s authority. 

One Body

1 Corinthians 12:20-26   
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

In Christ’s body we all have differing gifts and callings, yet only together we are a whole.  Therefore, each member needs the others to function well and to do what God has called us to.  This means that we lift up the weaker parts while never looking down on any.  We concentrate care on those needing it while not caring less for any other.  We must avoid divisive care.  When a member likewise suffers, it is essential that we empathize and assist, especially in prayer and practical ministry.  Equally important is rejoicing and sharing the joy of others when God so works in their lives.  This body must move and think and feel as one under Christ’s word, authority, and His love.  

Individual Membership

1 Corinthians 12:15-19    
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

As individuals in the body of Christ, the church, we each have been created and gifted as new creations with the spiritual means to build up and minister to others.  We do not all possess all gifts or callings, and this is by God’s wisdom to enable us to value and rely on each other.  None is more valuable than another, for only Christ is the head, a position God alone holds in omniscient authority.  Therefore, He gives varying gifts to each of us as He wills, not as we demand or expect.  Only in His sovereign choices of who receives which enabling spiritual gifts can this body be healthy and build itself up as Ephesians 4 gives the pattern.