What Have You Given Up?1 Corinthians 9:3-4
This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don't we have the right to food and drink?

Thoughts for Today:It would seem that some in the Corinthian Church had called into question Paul's apostolic authority. Why? Because when he was with them he chose to work to support himself rather than become a financial burden. A number of people must have thought Paul's refusal to take compensation somehow reduced his value. Their second guessing of his motivation raised questions: "Is he embarrassed to ask for money because he's unqualified. Is he not really an apostle?"

Paul has already defended his apostleship. Now as we move forward into Chapter Nine, he will emphasize that he has abandoned virtually all of the privileges accompanying the office of apostle -- but not because he is undeserving. Then why? For the sole benefit of the Gospel. Sometimes what Paul chooses to do can seem so unusual that he finds it necessary to explain himself to his critics. In this case, he will spend some time outlining the rights he has as an apostle -- which in liberty and by personal choice he has given up.

Questions to Ponder:What rights have you given up for the Gospel? What privileges do you hold that should not be exercised?

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Apostleship by Whose Authority?1 Corinthians 9:1a
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?

Thoughts for Today:The Greek word "apostolos" is translated as "apostle" and means "sent one". However, Biblical apostleship is much more than the simple generic term of "sent one." The following are Scriptural references for Biblical apostleship:

1. Able to testify about Jesus and His resurrection from personal knowledge (John 15:27, Acts 1:21-22, and Acts 22:14-15);

2. Called to the office by Jesus Himself (Luke 6:13, Galatians 1:1);

3. Perfect inspiration by the Holy Spirit and therefore protected against error in teaching (John 14:26, John 16:13, and 1 Thessalonians 2:13);

4. The power of working miracles (Mark 16:20, Acts 2:43, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

Therefore, Paul's assertion in Romans 1:1 that he is "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" is not insignificant. This fact, plus the undeniable signs and wonders of confirmation that accompanied his ministry, should command God-fearing respect for the authority of his instruction. Paul's epistles are Scripture -- that's a capital "S" -- and therefore reflect the Word of God. (2 Peter 3:16: "[Peter is speaking about Paul] He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.")

Questions to Ponder:Have you been reading the words Paul has written as if it is the Word of God? Why not? Are you confused by whose authority Paul instructs? 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

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A Sin Against Christ1 Corinthians 8:12
When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Thoughts for Today:Last summer, my daughter Amanda and I had a lot of fun catching fish off the dock of our home in northern Idaho. Early one morning, as Amanda reeled in a particularly big fish, she declared, "I'm going to keep this one." I usually prefer "catch and release" versus "catch and eat", so I asked her, "What do you plan on doing with it?" Amanda answered, "I'm going to let Abby play with it, and then I'll let it go." (Abby is our dog who has a great interest in all things related to fish.) I said, "I don't think that's such a good idea. If Abby hurts it while she's playing, it's probably going to die, even if you let it go." Amanda thought for a moment, and then said, "You're probably right. God wouldn't be too happy if a fish died because of me. Besides, you wouldn't like it too much either."

I think Amanda's perspective applies pretty well to the way we are to exercise our God-given liberty around other people. We must always consider: How will applying our freedom in the things we want to do affect another person. Why? Because Jesus cares about even His weakest children. They may seem to be worriers, meddlesome, spoiled, and frightened (perhaps in need of a little toughening up), but regardless of their deficiencies, He loves them so much He died for them. So before we say, "I'll do what I want with the fish I catch, go where I want, or eat as much steak as I can find," we must realize: If flaunting our liberty hurts another believer, then we have not only sinned against him or her, but Christ as well.

Questions to Ponder:Have you considered how exercising your freedom may be a sin against Christ? How so? Because if by demonstrating your liberty it wounds the conscious of a weaker brother or sister, then it is a sin against Christ. Therefore, those who are strong have a responsibility to protect the weak. There is also one additional benefit: It creates a greater sensitivity in us personally. Do you need to apply a little more tenderness in your relationships?

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Sensitivity Regarding Another's Conviction1 Corinthians 8:11
So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.

Thoughts for Today:One summer, when I was a boy growing up in Wyoming, my father told me to not hang around with one of the kids in our neighborhood. He said, "Watch out for him. He's got way too much freedom and if you're not careful you will find yourself following him into trouble." Of course, I failed to take my dad's advice and ended up being placed on restriction for most of that summer. My dad accused me of being "weak-minded and easily influenced." He was right. From that moment on, I resolved to not allow my values to be compromised by the persuasive efforts of anyone.

This illustration from my childhood is a slightly different perspective on our passage today. How so? Because one person's freedom might make an activity okay for them, but not necessarily the same for us. Personally, I know there are things I need to stay away from. But those things are not necessarily the same for you. My understanding of this concept has led to a great sensitivity regarding other people's personal convictions. It's a big reason why I don't encourage anyone to follow my example when it comes to liberty -- even if their perspective seems somewhat legalistic. If they ask, I'll discuss it with them, but I won't push anyone to abandon their convictions based on my decision to exercise freedom. Why? Because I don't want to be responsible for leading anyone on a path that might destroy them.

Questions to Ponder:Some people's convictions may seem silly to us. But our knowledge doesn't justify leading anyone on a path toward destruction. Who in your life seems somewhat constricted when it comes to their faith? Have you considered restricting your liberty to achieve greater fellowship?

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What Makes Us Weak?1 Corinthians 8:10
For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?

Thoughts for Today:Paul has previously instructed that eating meat that was once sacrificed to idols does not make us better or worse in God's sight. However, this knowledge must be balanced with a greater principle: Love. In other words, we must always be aware of how exercising our freedom might influence those who are weak. But why are some people "weak"? Here are three illustrations:

1. New Christians. In our culture we are conditioned to believe that we must "pay our dues", "there's no free lunch", and "work our way up the ladder". Those thoughts may apply to our vocation, but nothing could be farther from the truth when it comes to our faith. It does take some time for new Christians to grow in understanding that the ways of the Lord are completely different than the world's. Over time we learn, the Cross is both the starting point and finishing line. We don't fight for victory, we fight from a position of victory -- with confidence the victory has already been won. This is completely different than the world's teaching. So until they learn this truth, new believers become especially sensitive to everything they do. Why? Because they don't want to risk failure in God's eyes.

2. Spoiled Brats. Hebrews 5:12: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Some people simply refuse to grow. They won't come to a Bible study, small group meeting, men's or women's retreat, or even regular fellowship with other believers. They stand on the outside, never going deeper, wanting to be fed, yet not willing to put forth any effort. As a result, they become locked in a state of perpetual spiritual immaturity. They never grow.

3. Frightened Children. Some kids are afraid to go into the world. They don't go to the park because they fear bee stings; don't learn to swim or go swimming because they are afraid of drowning; and don't have any friends or meet new people because they are wary of strangers. The spiritual world can work the same way. If fear of the world keeps us from being in the world, then we're missing a very important piece of who God made us to be in Christ. Fear leads to all sorts of restrictions, and keeps us locked up safely in the house of legalism.

Questions to Ponder:Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? What about in the lives of others who God has given you to mentor? It is only by growing in our faith that we develop spiritual maturity and the liberty that comes as a result. Today, how will you take the first step on the path toward spiritual maturity?

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​                                                                                     Merry Christmas
  Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:20-23 (All quoted Scripture is CEV)
 click here to read the scrioture
Scripture Quote: The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him, all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us. (John 1:14)
 
When we accepted Jesus as our Savior and invited the Holy Spirit into our lives, did we also receive all the kindness and all the truth of God? Now that's a good question. We acknowledge that God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Jesus to save us by teaching us to revere God and to love people and truth. People can be difficult to love sometimes and unless we are actively seeking God's truth for our lives by learning what His Word teaches, we are not living out God's best for us.
 
Christ was truly God. But he didn't try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a man, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble and good. He obeyed God and even died on a cross as a living sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is everything to the Christian. His birth is celebrated because His life was full of kindness and truth. Our faith in Jesus, along with our study of the behavior He wants to impart to us, makes us so very glad that we have been chosen to follow Him. Christians can choose kindness and truth this Christmas and for the rests of our lives.
 
Today’s meditation: Celebrate the birth of kindness and truth!
 
Memory Verse: Jesus replied, "Didn't I tell you that if you had faith, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

A Contradiction or Necessary Balance?1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Thoughts for Today:The argument Paul makes against eating food sacrificed to idols is not based on the sinfulness of the physical act, but rather on the impact it can have on others. Paul has consistently taught that we must always think about the effect of our actions upon other people. However, many Christians debate this teaching because of what seems to be an opposing instruction from John 5:44: "How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" As a result, the issue can take on a different level of complexity: "Is the exercise of our personal freedom a stumbling block for our brothers and sisters in Christ, or are we simply giving in to the pressure of popular opinion?" In our passage today, Paul's warning relates to the potential problems encountered if we apply only one of these principles without the equalizing effect of the other perspective. So rather than contradicting each other, these truths actually provide balance.

Paul gave us two tests to help us evaluate whether we should stand firm without compromise (by conviction), or give up our freedom (in love). The first consideration is to objectively analyze what the effect of not exercising our freedom will have on us personally. The second is how our action might negatively influence a weaker believer. If we find something to be critical to our faith, then we must be certain to follow our convictions. (Galatians 5:1: "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.") On the other hand, if the issue is relatively insignificant, but our actions would bring harm to another, then in love we are to honor others above ourselves. (Romans 14:17-18: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.")

Questions to Ponder:Is there an area of your Christ-given freedom that you've taken to the extreme? Not with prohibited behavior, but something that might cause another to stumble? Take a long hard look at how others perceive Jesus through your example. Is He properly represented? Have you taken liberty a bit too far?

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A Conscience Sensitive to the Lord1 Corinthians 8:7
But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.

Thoughts for Today:We know that God looks at our hearts. For example, the Lord said to the prophet Samuel when He passed on Eliab (one of David's older brothers) as one of the candidates to replace Saul as king (1 Samuel 16:7): "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

From the Lord's perspective, our conscience is more important than our actions. It's the reason God forgives terrible acts (such as Paul's persecution of Christians) -- they were done in ignorance and unbelief -- but with a clear conscience. (1 Timothy 1:13: "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.") Yet others, such as Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10), were dealt with harshly. What's the difference?

The acts of Ananias and Sapphira were intentional in both the planning and execution of what they did. They had rejected the conviction of their conscience. It's a good reminder for all of us to always keep our hearts sensitive to the Lord.

Paul tells us in our passage today, if you think it's wrong, then it's probably wrong for you, but not necessarily wrong for everyone. He uses the example of meat to make his point. If one person doesn't eat because they think, "This meat is defiled -- it was on the altar of an unholy idol!" While another looks at the meat and says, "It's just meat!" Who is right? Paul says both are because conscience dictates right and wrong on subjects not specifically prohibited.

Questions to Ponder:Are you confused about what liberty you have in Christ and what is restricted? What does the Bible say? Absent a Scriptural prohibition, what does your conscience tell you? Which way is the Lord urging? His leadership will never be toward anyone or anything that will bring harm.

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​More Than One God?1 Corinthians 8:6b
...and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

Thoughts for Today:Previously, Paul said "there is but one God." He now says, "There is but one Lord." It is certain from these statements that he didn't believe in two Gods. To confirm this, Paul says very clearly in 1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJ): "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." This definitely refers to Jesus as being God -- and also reveals Paul believed in one God -- with more than one manifestation. Here's a little more Scripture in support of this concept:

John wrote (John 1:1): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

The Word reveals Jesus as God in the flesh (John 1:14).

All Scripture confirms Jesus' divinity (for example: Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 1:23, and 1 John 5:20).

God the Father called Jesus, God (Hebrews 1:8).

Jesus forgave sins (Mark 2:5 and Luke 7:48), a power that God alone has reserved for Himself (Mark 2:6-7).

Jesus received worship (Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:9, and 17), also reserved for God alone (Matthew 4:10 and Revelation 22:9).

The term "Christ" (used 569 times in the New Testament), further establishes the divinity of Jesus.

The Apostle John wrote (John 5:23): "That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him." It is just one more supporting statement for the divine nature of our Lord. We can't simply honor Jesus. We have to honor Him "just as" (in the same way) we honor the Father. This is what separates true Christianity from other religions of the world. Many respect Jesus as a great man (for example: Islam, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses), but they are absolutely opposed to making Jesus equal with the Almighty God. (1 John 2:23: "No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.")

Questions to Ponder:Have you allowed the humanity of Jesus to lower your view of Him as God in the flesh? What does Scripture say? The Bible is totally consistent regarding the identity of Jesus as Lord. Colossians 1:19-20: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." That's pretty clear to me. What about you?

Calling Something God Doesn't Make it God1 Corinthians 8:5-6a
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live...

Thoughts for Today:In my many mission trips to some of the more remote regions of the world, I have been exposed to the local people's worship of various deities. So if any of you doubt the subject of our passage today, take it from me it is very real. Paul does not deny the existence, presence, or influence of these many gods or lords. In fact, he acknowledges that there are multitudes of objects and demons that people call gods and worship accordingly. But just because someone calls something a god doesn't mean it is God.

A couple of years ago, my friend Jim and I were hiking through an ancient village near Jharkot in the Muktinath region of Nepal when we came upon one of the many idols located throughout the village. As we rested for a moment, a woman walked up to the idol, carefully placed her offering at its base, and quickly ran away. We later found out the reason for the woman's haste -- the villager's fear of the various gods worshipped (gods of fertility, the harvest, etc.) was so great, they didn't want to spend too long in its presence. At the time, I remember thinking of the hundreds, perhaps thousands of wasted prayers and offerings made to a god with stone feet. How tragic!

During our time in the village we spoke to many people of the love of the one true God, which was expressed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. It was a completely different God than any of those they knew and many believed. However, there were others who thought they should worship Jesus along with their other gods. (They didn't want Him to be angry.) It was difficult for them to understand -- as Paul explains in our passage today -- "for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live..."

Questions to Ponder:We Americans are not that different than the woman in the village in Nepal. We also make regular offerings to our gods. How so? Go to any college football game, professional basketball game, Justin Bieber concert, art museum, fashion show, and you will see all the ways we worship people, places and things. Still not convinced? What occupies your thoughts and time? The latest celebrity gossip, sports highlights, auto review, or the Lord? Last week, did you spend more time honoring the heroes of your favorite pastimes or worshiping God?

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