1 Corinthians 11:17 - 34

Paul continues instructing the Corinthians believers by reminding them that the highest expression of their unity was the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Instead of being a unifying time, the Corinthian observance had devolved into a display of pettiness and classism. Paul reminds them that the Lord's Table was an equalizer of all - and that their observance of it was to be a reflection of that unity.

1 Corinthians 11:1 - 16

Paul continues to discuss the proper methods of worship with the Corinthians. The issue of covering one's head was a means of showing reverence in Corinthian society. Men would cover their heads in prayer; thus, Paul encourages them to show the distinctiveness of their relationship to God by praying with their heads uncovered. Women could not do this, since a women in Corinthians society with an uncovered or shaved head was advertising herself as promiscuous. To the women, Paul advocated showing a Christian distinctiveness by worshipping with a covered head. The significance was not found in the covering or uncovering of the head; but what such practices practically demonstrated to those observing.

1 Corinthians 10:19 - 33

Paul continues to discuss the matter of participating in former activities when others might be influenced by them. His advice is not to lay the importance on whether or not it is right to participate; but to ask whether or not it is helpful to others in their faith by engaging in those activities. Paul's point is that whatever one does, do it in a way that God receives glory - both from your actions and from the influence it has on others.

1 Corinthians 10:1 - 18

Paul's desire is that the Corinthians followers of Jesus not think themselves so independent that they neglect to learn from their predecessors who learned that pride comes before a fall - and the larger the pride, the larger the fall. God would not allow them to experience anything that He was not able to assist them through; but they would need to accept the fact that they could not complete the task on their own. They were very similar to God's chosen people, the Jews, in that regard.

1 Corinthians 9

Paul discusses his motives for ministry in this passage. He speaks about the lawful obligations that he could use to support himself in his ministry; then he tells that he will not use many of them, as they would impose on others. His ministry is characterized by sacrifice. He knows what he must do; and he does it at any cost to himself - not just when and because he can personally profit from it. Paul willingly becomes a servant to all, in order to bring Christ to them. In all this, he is also careful to serve in such a way that his conduct does not disqualify him from the rewards of faithful service.

1 Corinthians 8

Paul discussed an issue very important to the Corinthians, yet one many of us never even consider - should a believer eat meat that had been offered to idols. The culture of Corinth was saturated with idol worship; much of the meat sold in the city had been offered in some form or extent to a local deity. Should a believer participate in activities very closely tied to their former lifestyle? Paul's response is simple: think of others. If you have no problem participating, then participate - as long as others around you won't stumble. If there are others present who may question the activity, it is better to forego enjoyment rather than cause others to stumble and sin. This principle holds well for us today, too.

1 Corinthians 7:20 - 40

Some in Corinth were concerned about marriage. Due to the economic situation in the city, many were saying "It's too expensive to get married" while others thought that due to the social sexual mores of the city that marriage would not be appropriate for a believer. Paul stated that those who desired to be married, should be married; and that those who wished to remain celibate should do so. The overriding principle was to treat one another with honor. Since the marriage covenant is a lifelong one, it is not to be entered into lightly.

1 Corinthians 7:1 - 19

Paul begins a discussion on the Christian understanding of sexuality. Far from being sinful, sexuality is a blessing from God, and is to be enjoyed as such. For those who are gifted to be single, Paul encourages them to enjoy their singleness. For those gifted with a marriage relationship, Paul's advice is to enjoy it fully. Neither is to be wishing for the blessing the other enjoys.

1 Corinthians 6

Paul continues to instruct the followers of Jesus Christ living in Corinth. They should be actively demonstrating the difference that a relationship with God makes in the way they handle disputes. Sadly, many of the Corinthian believers were using the court system to handle matters that could and should have been settled with the assistance of other believers.

The Corinthians were also to distinguish themselves in the way they handled immorality. Again, the believers were continuing to act the way that those without a relationship with Christ would act. They were not actively demonstrating the difference a relationship with the Savior makes.

1 Corinthians 5

Paul addresses a very serious situation in the church: instead of treating sin as the horrible disaster and danger to growth that it is, the Corinthian believers were celebrating the depths of depravity that they tolerated among their members. Paul reminded them that their duty was to deal seriously with sin among their fellowship; if they would not, he would deal with it in an even stronger manner when he was physically present with them. Make no mistake, sin is deadly serious and must not be tolerated in the life of the believer.

1 Corinthians 4

Paul discourages the attitude prevalent among the Corinthians that they did not need the assistance of anyone. In their minds, they had all they needed and were not going to be benefitted at all by new information. Paul explains the ridiculous nature of this assumption and points out that his work among them qualified him to be their teacher and instructor. When he stood before them face to face, would they rather he come lovingly or sternly to correct their wrong thinking and actions? [HINT: Corinthians, pick 'lovingly']

1 Corinthians 3

Paul continues to address the pettiness which was becoming the hallmark of the Corinthian believers; it was a far cry from the mature, transformed character that their faith should have been producing. It did not matter which personality they preferred, any leader worth an iota of respect would have demanded and taught that GOD was the One to follow and CHRIST was the One to emulate. Building a following around a particular man only demonstrates the kind of fanaticism that characterizes the world. The church must not engage in the practice of setting up demigods, dictators or deceivers. We are all fellow laborers together, seeking to assist those that make up the visible body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2

Paul's approach with the Corinthian believers was not to impress them with his eloquence or knowledge; it was to simply and carefully present the glorious transformational gospel of Jesus as Messiah and Lord. He did not try to win friends or influence people; he desired that all the credit would go to God - where it rightly belongs - for the work that He alone could do. God would have to be the One to reveal the truth and wisdom of the gospel message; without His intervening power and presence, the message would seem pointless and ignorant. Again, this points to the wisdom and power that only God possesses. With His help and His assistance, we are able to comprehend and respond to His message of His provision.

1 Corinthians 1

Paul begins a letter to believers in the Greek city of Corinth by reminding them that they are extremely gifted for the work that God has called them to do. They are able to meet the challenges faced by their church in their city. Because of this, there is really no call for the divisions that are occurring among them. Many were aligning themselves with one leader or teacher over another; and by doing this, the focus was lost from impacting the city to winning followers among the brethren. Paul states that the gospel message is confusing enough to those who do not understand it; the added confusion of "with which leader do I ally myself?" was extremely counter-productive. The one who wishes to boast should do so because they know the Lord.

Romans 16

Paul concludes his letter to the Roman believers by mentioning those who were his fellow-workers in the ministry he had. He commended Phoebe to them, as she would be bringing this letter to them; and he urged them all to be lovingly respectful of one another. He ends by stating that God is to receive the glory for all that takes place.

Romans 15:14 - 33

Paul lays out for his readers the obligation they have to care for one another. He was quite honestly proud of the accomplishments made by the Roman believers. He wished to see them, and was making plans to visit them on his way to Spain. He was hoping to encourage them and be encouraged by them.

Romans 15:1 - 13

We have a responsibility to build one another up in our understanding and appreciation for what God has done. Christ Himself was not looking out for His own interests, and we should likewise be concerned with that which positively affects others. Because of this mutual assistance (both God and others seeking our best interest) we can live a life of hope.

Romans 14

Paul reminds his readers that not everyone comes from the same background or upbringing. When God does a transformational work in their life, they become new creatures - but creatures that still have a past. Some will bring this past with them and seek to please God throught their already learned rituals. Paul was specifically writing about those who would still observe Jewish feasts, Jewish cultural practices, etc. While these practices were not wrong in and of themself, they had no bearing on the work of grace God had already done in their heart. Whether or not they should continue these practices, Paul will not pass judgment. He DOES state, however, that each individual should make up their own mind about the matter and do what they are convinced God would have them do. It is NOT a case of "well, they do it, so it must be OK" but rather "I am convinced that it would be sin for me to not do this."

Romans 13

Paul stresses that authority is God-appointed. Every authority has been established by God. Even evil dictators (remember, Paul was writing during Nero's reign) have been allowed to rule by God. God receives glory when rulers obey Him; and He receives glory as He punishes evil rulers. In this list of practical behaviors, Paul mentions the responsibility believers have to live peacefully and lovingly with one another. Time is short. Life is precious. Live for Christ.

Romans 12

Paul appeals to God's great mercy as the reasonable foundation for the believer's service as a 'living sacrifice'. The believer is to have a careful and accurate evaluation of himself (not thinking too highly or poorly of himself) so that he may assist others in their growth toward Christlikeness. Paul lists several practical means of ministering to one another, each of them displaying the wondrousness of the One Who gave them. To those who would mistreat the believer, vengeance is to be left in the Lord's hands. He will deal with them accurately and completely.

Romans 11:19 - 36

No one should take for granted the mercy of God. Because He has chosen to 'graft new branches' onto the vine of His mercy doesn't mean He will not remove those who 'belong' there by national origin. All are disobedient; none naturally deserve His mercy. Those who do respond favorably to His offer of mercy will find that they are, in reality, part of His family. All are guilty, therefore all can receive His merciful grace. In this way, and for this reason, all the glory for salvation comes from and returns to God.

Romans 11:1 - 18

Paul asks "If Jews and Gentiles can both be extended grace by God, does that mean God has rejected His people?" Not in the least! In fact, it shows just how far God is willing to go to display His great mercy to others. God DOES extend mercy to His chosen people; and at the same time allows others to experiece it as well.

Romans 10

Paul states that his desire is to trade places with his Jewish brothers and allow them the privilege of a relationship to God at the cost of his own damnation. Since this is not possible, he lays out a crystal clear presentation so that these countrymen may know God on a personal level. This is possible by hearing of the offer of God's righteousess, through hearing God's Word and accepting it by faith. There is no national difference, Jew and Gentile are each allowed to respond. All who call upon God will find that He answers.

Romans 9:16 - 33

God is the giver of mercy; He gives it indiscriminately, to whomever He will. We, the creation, are not able to charge Him with wrongdoing in this regard, however. As the Creator, He holds the power and sovereignty over His creation. So, when God shows mercy, it is purely to His glory; and when He refuses to show mercy, He also gets the glory.

Romans 9:1 - 15

Knowing the permanent nature of God's blessing and wrath, Paul states he has such a great desire to see his fellow countrymen come to a right understanding and relationship with God that he would willingly trade an eternity separated from God in hell if it meant that his countrymen would enjoy God's relationship blessings. What a statement! Why have his compatriots not come to that point? It is not that God's Word is ineffective - all who are trusting God for salvation by the means He lays out are His true children. It is not that God is unrighteous in His dealings with men - as Sovereign over the universe, He decides upon whom He will show mercy.

Romans 8:22 - 39

The desire for total and complete freedom from sin and its effects is so great that even the planet groans and labors to be delivered. It is only through God's Holy Spirit that the believer is able to endure. His help is complete - even helping and assisting in areas where we have no realization of the needs we have. Because of this enabling help and hope, the believer enjoys a unique perspective - they can trace God's hand in their life and perceive that He is at work to produce only what is best. With Him enabling and encouraging, protecting and providing, what enemy stands a chance against us? Nothing separates us from Him, His Son, His Spirit, or His love.

Romans 8:1 - 21

So, what happens to the guilt and condemnation of the one who has in faith trusted Christ's sacrifice to be sufficient for them? Paul states that condemnation is non-existent! The penalty of sin has been paid, and the payment has been applied to the believer's account. The one trusting that their flesh can somehow be reformed or conformed to meet the righteous standards God has laid out will never find themselves to be pleasing to God. The one who trusts that Christ has done all that is necessary for his right standing before God lives as a debtor to the grace and mercy that has been shown him. His relationship to God is now one of a heavenly Father, rather than the righteous Judge that his sin demanded. As a child of God, the believer is given an inheritance - a share in glory to come, and the present capability to live a transformed life.

Romans 7

Paul uses the analogy of marriage vows to illustrate the fact that the believer is no longer bound by the law when he finds freedom in Christ. This does not mean that the law no longer applies to the believer; on the contrary, the believer is no longer bound to the guilt associated with the law. The law is what points out our guiltiness (think about it: you don't know you are speeding until you pass a sign that states the law for driving in that area). Once we are aware of God's law that we have violated, we have no choice but to admit that the sentence for violating it is rightfully ours. This is why keeping the law will never make a person righteous! All the law can do is point out where we have failed. ONLY Jesus Christ lived a life at which the law cannot point an accusatory finger. Only He can be your substitute.

Romans 6

So what is the relationship between the believer and sin, once Christ has provided His righteousness? Sin is not to be embraced or practiced just to show how forgiving Christ is; Paul says that is a nonsensical proposition. Sin is to be avoided. Instead, the believer is to yield himself to God, and dedicate his life and living to the practice of righteousness.

Romans 5

Paul continues discussing the righteousness that comes from God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Adam's sin, death has been the reigning force in the world. But now, because of Christ's righteousness, life is possible through faith in Him. Jesus already died so that you and I do not have to.

Romans 4

Paul continues his logical case for God's sole possession of righteousness by stating that not even Abraham earned righteousness - it was given to him by God. All this points out that the only way man can be called "righteous" is if God grants that status to him. Otherwise, we only earn and deserve God's wrath.