February 27
Read:2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
2 Corinthians 6:14 is a verse often quoted which has been applied to everything from marriage to business partnerships (rightfully so, I believe). The Holy Spirit directs us to avoid an unequal yoke with an unbeliever, then proceeds to give a number of analogies to demonstrate why this is unhealthy or unnatural. Why, He asks, would you mix unrighteousness with righteousness (v. 14), or light with darkness (v. 14), or Christ with Belial (v. 15), or an infidel with a believer (v. 15), or even the temple of God with an idol (v. 16)? He continues that because God dwells in us, we are the temple of God (v. 16).
Given all of these obvious truths, we are to separate ourselves from things unholy or unclean (v. 17). If we do so, God has promised to receive us, to be our Father, and to make us His sons and daughters (v. 17-18). Chapter 7:1 then puts the conclusion on the passage, “Having therefore these promises (v. 17-18 above), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
The New Testament, in removing us from under the curse and demands of the law, never permits us to slack off in the area of personal holiness. Time and again the New Testament believer is called to strive for the holiness of God. We are given the New Testament as our guide, the Holy Spirit as interpreter, and Jesus Himself as our standard. Moment by moment, day by day, year by year, we are to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is an image not only of a loving Savior but of a holy God. We who are His followers must strive to be like Him in all aspects of His character. To strive to love our neighbor as ourselves, yet to dabble in the sins of the flesh, is to have a unbalanced view of God the Son.
The Bible tells us that Jesus, “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” His holiness was perfect, ours will never be this side of heaven. Yet we must be always aware of our deficiencies and working toward change. Like most of God’s work, there is His part, and there is our part. His part is expressed in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Our part is expressed in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where the Bible says, “...let us cleanse ourselves...”
Today, let’s make an extra effort to be clean and holy, as He is clean and holy.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Created Anew
February 26
Read: 1 Corinthians 5
If one considers the history of man’s relationship with his Creator, it’s easy to recognize a handful of events that are absolutely crucial both to the race as a whole and to every individual. The book of Genesis records a number of these beginning with creation and proceeding through God’s adoption of Abram. But even among this amazing sequence, there is one event that stands above them all in terms of significance. That event is the one we know as “the fall”.
Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the universe as God created it was drastically and dramatically altered. All of creation was cast under the curse of sin. Sickness and death entered in, and mankind began a conflict, internal as well as external, that continues to this day. Man’s link to his Creator was broken, and mankind entered into a life of rebellion and disobedience. His spirit was fatally wounded and he fell, surrendering himself to the control of the world, the flesh and the devil. Man, and mankind, died.
For thousands of years, sin and death ruled over God’s creation and creatures. There were promises of redemption to come, but no solution, not even a partial, for many years. Then, on a hill outside Jerusalem, the second pivotal event in history occurred. On a Roman cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, shed His blood for the sins of mankind. That sacrifice, its efficacy confirmed by His resurrection, driven by the love and grace of Creator God, bought us another chance.
Thus came to mankind the very best of news. Jesus, having died on the cross, shed His blood as payment for our sins, raised from the dead and received by faith, can make us whole again. That which was broken in the garden can be recreated by the Father thanks to the work of His Son Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:17 tells us if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. He is freed from the penalty and bondage of sin. He is finally able to live a life in unison with His Creator. Old things are passed away. All is become new. What was hopelessly dead and beyond the capability of man to repair, God has made wonderfully fresh and alive. Truly, through faith in Christ, man is born again.
Brothers and sisters, that’s the good news. Today, let’s be thankful for our redemption. But let’s not stop there. Someone we will encounter also needs to hear of Christ and His work on the cross. Let’s go and tell them.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 1 Corinthians 5
If one considers the history of man’s relationship with his Creator, it’s easy to recognize a handful of events that are absolutely crucial both to the race as a whole and to every individual. The book of Genesis records a number of these beginning with creation and proceeding through God’s adoption of Abram. But even among this amazing sequence, there is one event that stands above them all in terms of significance. That event is the one we know as “the fall”.
Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the universe as God created it was drastically and dramatically altered. All of creation was cast under the curse of sin. Sickness and death entered in, and mankind began a conflict, internal as well as external, that continues to this day. Man’s link to his Creator was broken, and mankind entered into a life of rebellion and disobedience. His spirit was fatally wounded and he fell, surrendering himself to the control of the world, the flesh and the devil. Man, and mankind, died.
For thousands of years, sin and death ruled over God’s creation and creatures. There were promises of redemption to come, but no solution, not even a partial, for many years. Then, on a hill outside Jerusalem, the second pivotal event in history occurred. On a Roman cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, shed His blood for the sins of mankind. That sacrifice, its efficacy confirmed by His resurrection, driven by the love and grace of Creator God, bought us another chance.
Thus came to mankind the very best of news. Jesus, having died on the cross, shed His blood as payment for our sins, raised from the dead and received by faith, can make us whole again. That which was broken in the garden can be recreated by the Father thanks to the work of His Son Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:17 tells us if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. He is freed from the penalty and bondage of sin. He is finally able to live a life in unison with His Creator. Old things are passed away. All is become new. What was hopelessly dead and beyond the capability of man to repair, God has made wonderfully fresh and alive. Truly, through faith in Christ, man is born again.
Brothers and sisters, that’s the good news. Today, let’s be thankful for our redemption. But let’s not stop there. Someone we will encounter also needs to hear of Christ and His work on the cross. Let’s go and tell them.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Changed into His Image
February 25
Read: 2 Corinthians 3
The apostle Paul, inspired scribe of the Holy Spirit, gives us a truly beautiful picture in 2 Corinthians 3:18. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
In the verses prior, Paul references the veil Moses placed over his face after descending from Mount Sinai. He had been with God, and his face shone with the reflection of God’s glory. The image was so striking and disconcerting to the Israelites Moses had to cover his face when he spoke with them. Later, when he spoke with God, the veil was removed.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul compares the law administered by Moses with grace administered by the Spirit. The law given on Sinai condemns us. The Bible refers to it as the “ministration of death”. And yet, in spite of its function, it was a glorious law given by a glorious God. Even though the covenant of law was temporary, to be superceded by grace, Paul affirms its glory, so much that the Israelites could not bear to look on even the reflection of it on Moses’ face.
By comparison, consider the covenant of grace and the work of the Spirit. In verse 9 we read, “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, how much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory?” He goes on to write that when we come to Christ in grace and forgiveness, the veil is done away, and we behold the glory of the Lord face to face.
But wait, there’s more. In verse 18, we are told not only do we see the Lord as if looking in a mirror, but that the Spirit of God is changing us to look just like Him. Moses was a mere reflection of the glory of God. We, the children of God by faith in Christ, are destined to be not a reflection, but a true manifestation of His wonderful glory. Day by day as we look upon Him the precious Holy Spirit is remaking us into His image, and the glory He has possessed from eternity past is given to us. What an exciting thought, to realize that as I am recreated to be like Him, His glory in me shines brighter and brighter. It is precisely as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
1 Corinthians 15:49 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”
Read: 2 Corinthians 3
The apostle Paul, inspired scribe of the Holy Spirit, gives us a truly beautiful picture in 2 Corinthians 3:18. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
In the verses prior, Paul references the veil Moses placed over his face after descending from Mount Sinai. He had been with God, and his face shone with the reflection of God’s glory. The image was so striking and disconcerting to the Israelites Moses had to cover his face when he spoke with them. Later, when he spoke with God, the veil was removed.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul compares the law administered by Moses with grace administered by the Spirit. The law given on Sinai condemns us. The Bible refers to it as the “ministration of death”. And yet, in spite of its function, it was a glorious law given by a glorious God. Even though the covenant of law was temporary, to be superceded by grace, Paul affirms its glory, so much that the Israelites could not bear to look on even the reflection of it on Moses’ face.
By comparison, consider the covenant of grace and the work of the Spirit. In verse 9 we read, “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, how much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory?” He goes on to write that when we come to Christ in grace and forgiveness, the veil is done away, and we behold the glory of the Lord face to face.
But wait, there’s more. In verse 18, we are told not only do we see the Lord as if looking in a mirror, but that the Spirit of God is changing us to look just like Him. Moses was a mere reflection of the glory of God. We, the children of God by faith in Christ, are destined to be not a reflection, but a true manifestation of His wonderful glory. Day by day as we look upon Him the precious Holy Spirit is remaking us into His image, and the glory He has possessed from eternity past is given to us. What an exciting thought, to realize that as I am recreated to be like Him, His glory in me shines brighter and brighter. It is precisely as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
1 Corinthians 15:49 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”
The Most Important Thing
February 24
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Even though I speak a hundred languages, and converse with the angels, if I don’t have love, I am no better than a blaring horn or clanging cymbal. And if I have incredible revelation from God, and understand every nuance of Scripture, and can reveal mysteries heretofore unknown from the beginning of the world, without love it is meaningless. And although my faith is sufficient to cause a mountain to jump into the sea, if I don’t love, I am nothing at all. Or if I happen to be a great philanthropist and give all I own to care for the poor, or sacrifice my very life for the sake of others, if I do not love I gain nothing from it.
Love suffers interminable injury and insult, and remains kind. Love doesn’t envy the accomplishments, possessions or gifts of others. Love doesn’t blow its own horn. Love is not proud. Love does not behave unruly or uncaringly. Love is more interested in others than in itself. Love is not easily insulted or offended or angered. Love thinks the best of others. Love bears every burden, is trusting, always hopes for and expects the best, and is patient no matter the circumstances.
Love never fails. Prophecy fails, tongues cease, and knowledge vanishes away. When all is said and done, the best we can know and the best we can preach is still insufficient and imperfect. But one day perfection will come, and all our inadequacies will be past.
When I was a child, I saw and understood things as a child. But as I matured, I began to change my childish opinions. As disciples of Christ, we are similar to children. Our understanding is still cloudy and uncertain. But there is coming a day when I will be all grown up, and then shall I understand and be understood.
In the meantime, and for this time, faith, hope and love are important. But even of these three, love is the most important.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Even though I speak a hundred languages, and converse with the angels, if I don’t have love, I am no better than a blaring horn or clanging cymbal. And if I have incredible revelation from God, and understand every nuance of Scripture, and can reveal mysteries heretofore unknown from the beginning of the world, without love it is meaningless. And although my faith is sufficient to cause a mountain to jump into the sea, if I don’t love, I am nothing at all. Or if I happen to be a great philanthropist and give all I own to care for the poor, or sacrifice my very life for the sake of others, if I do not love I gain nothing from it.
Love suffers interminable injury and insult, and remains kind. Love doesn’t envy the accomplishments, possessions or gifts of others. Love doesn’t blow its own horn. Love is not proud. Love does not behave unruly or uncaringly. Love is more interested in others than in itself. Love is not easily insulted or offended or angered. Love thinks the best of others. Love bears every burden, is trusting, always hopes for and expects the best, and is patient no matter the circumstances.
Love never fails. Prophecy fails, tongues cease, and knowledge vanishes away. When all is said and done, the best we can know and the best we can preach is still insufficient and imperfect. But one day perfection will come, and all our inadequacies will be past.
When I was a child, I saw and understood things as a child. But as I matured, I began to change my childish opinions. As disciples of Christ, we are similar to children. Our understanding is still cloudy and uncertain. But there is coming a day when I will be all grown up, and then shall I understand and be understood.
In the meantime, and for this time, faith, hope and love are important. But even of these three, love is the most important.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
The Limit of Liberty
February 23
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.
In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.
For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.
Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.
In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.
For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.
Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Add Thou Not...
February 22
Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-10
The last act of Moses prior to Israel’s entrance into Canaan was to preach his way through the law. This sermon is recorded as the book of Deuteronomy. In the midst of all the rules and regulations and exhortations to remember and obey, there is one statement which should not be overlooked. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
The Jews have historically had trouble with the first part of this command. In their zeal to follow God, they drew lines which God never gave. Much of their disagreement with Jesus was over His refusal to honor the traditions of the elders. These traditions, written to “enhance” the law, ultimately overthrew it. Even today, the Jews give as much credence to their traditions and the teachings of the elders as to the Word of God itself.
The Mishnah and the Talmud are written collections of interpretations, case studies, commentaries and sermons that are frequently used as guidelines for interpreting the Law, or Torah. To the extent they provide additional understanding, they stand in the same place as expository sermons. When they begin to have authority over the revealed Word of God, they have gone too far.
Modern fundamentalists frequently fall victim to the same process. In our desire to be separate and holy (not an unworthy goal), we add things to the Word of God. Every church has its little list of do’s and don’ts equivalent to the old saying “I don’t drink, smoke or chew nor go with girls who do.” When pushed on the biblical relevance of one of these issues, we will invariably end up exactly where the Pharisees did, “But it’s our tradition.” And also like the Pharisees, we are susceptible to falling into the ditch of tradition.
Proverbs 30:6 has a similar warning, “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” God’s word is pure. It will be vindicated. It will pass through the fire. Our word has no such guarantee. Let’s be careful not to add our own spin to the Scriptures. They are sufficient. If they don’t say it, it doesn’t need to be said. If they do say it, we should proclaim it from the housetops.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-10
The last act of Moses prior to Israel’s entrance into Canaan was to preach his way through the law. This sermon is recorded as the book of Deuteronomy. In the midst of all the rules and regulations and exhortations to remember and obey, there is one statement which should not be overlooked. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
The Jews have historically had trouble with the first part of this command. In their zeal to follow God, they drew lines which God never gave. Much of their disagreement with Jesus was over His refusal to honor the traditions of the elders. These traditions, written to “enhance” the law, ultimately overthrew it. Even today, the Jews give as much credence to their traditions and the teachings of the elders as to the Word of God itself.
The Mishnah and the Talmud are written collections of interpretations, case studies, commentaries and sermons that are frequently used as guidelines for interpreting the Law, or Torah. To the extent they provide additional understanding, they stand in the same place as expository sermons. When they begin to have authority over the revealed Word of God, they have gone too far.
Modern fundamentalists frequently fall victim to the same process. In our desire to be separate and holy (not an unworthy goal), we add things to the Word of God. Every church has its little list of do’s and don’ts equivalent to the old saying “I don’t drink, smoke or chew nor go with girls who do.” When pushed on the biblical relevance of one of these issues, we will invariably end up exactly where the Pharisees did, “But it’s our tradition.” And also like the Pharisees, we are susceptible to falling into the ditch of tradition.
Proverbs 30:6 has a similar warning, “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” God’s word is pure. It will be vindicated. It will pass through the fire. Our word has no such guarantee. Let’s be careful not to add our own spin to the Scriptures. They are sufficient. If they don’t say it, it doesn’t need to be said. If they do say it, we should proclaim it from the housetops.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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