July 10
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PAUL ADMONISHES THE CORINTHIANS OF SPIRITUAL PRIDE
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. 21 What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
– 1 Corinthians 4:14-20
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In this letter, Paul reproves the Corinthian church as a father would reprimand a child. He considers them like his own children. He is concerned that they were dazzled by many other teachers telling them about the gospel. He simply reminds them that his love for them is like the love of a father to his own children. It is very different from the reproof they get from other teachers. As a father would expect his own children, he admonishes them to imitate what he does. He was setting an example for them to emulate. He wants them to follow the way that Christ has taught him.
In verse 17, he mentions sending Timothy, his beloved spiritual son so that they can be reminded of how Paul’s way was and so that they won’t be misled by the carnal temptations around them. He mentions to them that he teaches the same gospel and the same truth in the other churches as well so there is no reason to be jealous or envious because he treats all believers the same.
In verse 19, he targets their arrogance in presuming that Paul wasn’t coming over there for some reason that they concocted or assumed. He straightens out their wrong thinking by re-directing their attention on the kingdom power which is only attained by a complete dependence on God on everything. He wanted them to give up their self-reliance and their dependence on their own understanding. Spiritual pride and arrogance is prevalent in many churches today. We could have a good reminder from Paul about this sin problem that is so present in many churches that have chosen a wrong path.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why should we be mindful of spiritual pride as a sin that easily trips us up?
Author Archives: ilmaarts
SERVANTS OF CHRIST & CARETAKERS OF TRUTH ILMA’S BLOG
July 8
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SERVANTS OF CHRIST & CARETAKERS OF TRUTH
This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 3 But to me it is an insignificant matter that I would be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself; however, I am not vindicated by this, but the one who examines me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God.6 Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. 7 For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? – 1 Corinthians 4:1-7
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of their role in the kingdom of God. They are called servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? In verse 2, Paul clearly mentions the importance of being a person with integrity. He must me trustworthy. In verse 3, he points out that self-examination is a human act while being examined by the Spirit of God is a divine intervention. As a servant of God, we must be constantly checked and examined by the Spirit of God as to our loyalty and service to our King Jesus. It is unimportant to hear what other people think or say about us, but our hearts must be examined by the Lord God himself through the Scriptures that are given to those who love him. Paul also warned us not to pass judgments on others because it is only the Lord who knows the hearts of all men. It is only Jesus who can bring into the light all forms of darkness that are hidden from man to see. Paul talks about what will happen when the Lord comes back: all darkness hidden will be exposed in the light that Jesus will bring with Him. He is full of radiance and brightness that there will be no way that any form of darkness will still exist. The human hearts will all be exposed, meaning all the condition of the hearts of all man will come into knowledge to everyone and there is no more hiding. All believers are also expected to take care of the mysteries of God revealed in Scripture.
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REFLECTION
• Why must we take to heart our role as servants of Christ and stewards of truth?
THE TEMPLE OF GOD IN YOU ILMA’S VLOG
July 7
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THE TEMPLE OF GOD IN YOU
16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 18 Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. For it is written: “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE BY THEIR CRAFTINESS”; 20 and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE useless.” 21 So then, no one is to be boasting in people. For all things belong to you, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. – 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers that their bodies are the temple of God since the Spirit of God lives inside them. Because they are God’s temple, they cannot be destroyed. If anyone try to hurt God’s temple, God will deal with those who try to hurt it. Paul explains how it is important to remember that as the temple of God, we need to keep pure and holy.
In verse 18, Paul reminds them to make sure that they are not deceived by those who think they are wise. He cautions those who think they are wise that they need to be humble enough to admit that they aren’t wise so that they can become wise. This almost sounds bizarre for the world to understand. Paul explains further in verse 19 that the world’s wisdom is unlike God’s wisdom. God knows everything so, it is of no use to boast about anything they know since everything belongs to God anyway. He reiterates the importance of gratitude to the one who gave us all, our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the world we currently live in today, many people forget the source of life and everything we have. We become so performance-oriented individuals because that is how the world wants it. It is all about competition and performance. Our fallen nature tends to go with the world system’s concept of salvation. We think that we can contribute something to our salvation when in reality, there is nothing we can ever do to do that. Paul reminds us to never forget where we came from, how we need God and how to be grateful to Him for all that he had done for us. We forget to remember that we ought to keep ourselves pure so we can be used for God’s purpose alone.
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REFLECTION
• How can we keep God’s temple pure and holy for His purpose alone?
SOLID FOUNDATION IN JESUS CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
July 6
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SOLID FOUNDATION IN JESUS CHRIST
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire. – 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
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According to matterchristi.com, Houses in ancient Nazareth were made with a rough stone foundation and mud-bricks made on site. In this letter, Paul alludes to Christ as the Master builder. But he also says here that he is also one, but he builds on what Jesus laid a foundation to. In verse 11, he reminds the believers that no one else can lay that foundation except the Lord Jesus. He is the solid stone foundation that everything else in the church is built on.
In verse 12, Peter tells the believers that the other builders that work with the Master builder must ensure that whatever materials they use, it must anchor itself on the stone foundation. The material they choose to use will be tested through fire to ensure that they stand strong through time. What Paul is referring to here is the kind of work that the servant of the Lord does for the kingdom of God.
If the builder’s work is based on the teaching of Jesus, then it will manifest fruits that only comes from preaching the true gospel that leads to salvation. Sadly, many churches today look more like any other human organizations rather than the body of Christ. False teachings have crept in our churches today that the message of Christ is not being preached, let alone followed and lived. Paul warns us about the dangers of calling attention to ourselves and our efforts to bring the gospel to others. If it doesn’t point to Jesus and give him praise, it will likely be a self-focused effort.
In verse 14, we are given the hope that there is a reward for abiding in the truth and the foundation of this church who is Jesus Christ. Let us never forget that without the foundation of Jesus, we will all collapse into ruin and destruction.
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REFLECTION
• Why must we always abide in Christ and make sure that we glorify him always?
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE FLESH ILMA’S VLOG
July 4
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MANIFESTATIONS OF THE FLESH
And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary people? 4 For when one person says, “I am with Paul,” and another, “I am with Apollos,” are you not ordinary people? – 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
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In this letter of Paul to the Corinthian church, he expounds on what it is to manifest the flesh in our lives. He reminds them of the difference between spiritual people and those who walk in the flesh constantly. He likens our Christian walk to an infant and the milk or drink that the baby needs in order to fully develop in their faith. In verse one, he reminds the family of believers that he was in a way limited to grow their faith. Just like an infant cannot be give solid food if they can only handle milk to nourish them. Because they are still living in the flesh, they still do not have the ability to take in solid spiritual truths. In verse 2, that was what he was speaking about when he said that he gave them only what they can handle. Many believers get stuck in this process of growing because some of us continue to feed our flesh and not walk in the growth that the Holy Spirit leads us to take.
In verse 3, he gives them the reason why they are still stuck in their growth. He says that because they are still manifesting the natural tendencies of ordinary people. He mentions one sure sign of this bent tendency towards the flesh which is jealousy and strife. He makes them aware that jealousy and strife is a sure indication that they have been feeding their natural cravings which is always wanting to gratify the self. He likens those who engages in these acts of jealousy and creating strife to ordinary people. What is Paul referring to when he addresses these kinds of people? To be ordinary would mean that in the natural, we are weak and sinful. So, Paul refers to that part of ourselves that has a bigger propensity to go with the flesh rather than the Spirit.
In verse 4, he addresses the trivialities that the ordinary person would be inclined to do, they tend to compare with each other and also compete which one has the better apostle or disciple preaching to them. We, humans are so fallen that we fail to see the spiritual process instead of focusing on carnal things. Believers have their own responsibility to grow in their spiritual walk themselves. This is part of their desire to serve the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we be aware of the flesh tendency to hinder our spiritual growth?
THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US ILMA’S VLOG
July 3
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THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US
14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
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In this letter, Paul continues to explain the difference between the natural person and the spiritual person. He also touches on spiritual discernment and having the mind of Christ.
What is Paul talking about here when he says “natural person”? He is referring to our old self before we were born again in Christ. Before the fall of Adam and Eve, we were made exactly in God’s image. The original sin of our first parents did a number on all of us. Because they took the bait of Satan to eat the fruit that they were restricted to eat, we now have the natural tendency to prove that we can know things that God knows. We have a tendency to disobey and satisfy our own desires instead of pleasing God and obeying him. This is why God gave us Jesus Christ because we cannot undo the damage that was done by the sin of our first parents. It was the sacrifice on the cross that God gave a resolution to the problem of our nature to sin. In verse 14, Paul clarifies that the natural person would never understand spiritual things because he finds it foolishness. Only the God’s Spirit makes us see things of the spiritual realm. The mind of an unbeliever will never understand the truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit alone.
In verse 15, Paul explains the one who has the Spirit of the Lord living in them. They hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. God has given them the gift to discern and understand things that they don’t see. The unbeliever or unregenerate person will not comprehend what a spiritual person sees or understands. They do not get revelations from the Holy Spirit since they do not belong to the kingdom of God. In John 10:27, it says that those who belong to God, hears his voice. In John 8:47, it also states that those who do not hear the word of God does not belong to Him.
In verse 16, Paul has an explanation about how to have the mind of Christ. Those who seek the Lord with all their hearts, minds, soul and might will definitely have Christ’s wisdom. It is only given to those who love Him and those who serve Him. No one can know Christ’s mind unless they belong to Him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we continually have the mind of Christ as believers?
REVELATION ONLY THROUGH THE SPIRIT ILMA’S VLOG
July 2
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REVELATION ONLY THROUGH THE SPIRIT
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So, also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. – 2 Corinthians 1:10-13
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In this letter, Paul emphasizes the divine nature of the Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can understand things and get what God’s word really mean. It is through the Spirit of God that we learn to examine and understand things about us and the truth that only comes from God’s word. It is interesting to know that many of us, do not even recognize the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the triune God. In this letter, Paul explicitly gives us an illustration of how powerless and defeated we would be without God’s Spirit.
In verse 11, Paul tells us that no one knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of the person residing inside him. He likewise says that it is the same with God’s Spirit, only the Holy Spirit knows God’s thoughts. Paul reminds all the believers in verse 12 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ receives the Holy Spirit who gives them freely the revelations and understanding given by God. In verse 13, Paul says that the revelations we get from the Holy Spirit is unlike our human wisdom, but they are a combination of thoughts coming from God’s Spirit and spoken in the power of the Spirit of God.
Some people think that when they read something, they have the ability to understand it thoroughly. This is a very dangerous things to do. Philippians 4:8 says that we only think of whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and whatever is worthy of praise. These are the only allowed thoughts by the Spirit of the Lord. Why? Because these are the thoughts that bring glory to God alone and protects every believer from the corruption that comes from the impurities of the world. The more we think of these things, the more we will hear what the Spirit of God reveals to us. The more we think of worldly things, the more we will make our flesh come to life which opposes God’s Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think many of us rely so much on our own understanding?
GOD’S WISDOM GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM ILMA’S VLOG
July 1
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GOD’S WISDOM GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” – 1 Corinthians 2:6-9
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In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he clearly delineates the difference of human wisdom with God’s wisdom. In verse 6, he identifies the criteria how we can be granted wisdom from God. Spiritual maturity is the key to be able to acknowledge the revelations that God grants those who love him. This wisdom is very different from the world’s point of view. It is not accumulation of information for one’s benefit, but it is truth that comes from the word of God that is used to bring God all the praise and glory.
I quote Morris in reference to “rulers of this age”. He says “This debate goes all the way back to the time of Origen and Chrysostom. On the surface, it seems clear that the rulers of this age must refer to human rulers, because only they didn’t know what they were doing when they incited the crucifixion of Jesus. “Paul habitually ascribes power to the demonic forces, but not ignorance.”
In verse 9, Paul refers to Isaiah 64:4 where the prophet says that from of old, no one has heard or perceived by the ear and no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. Paul is saying that it is only a divine act that can make any human understand or see what is going on in the spirit realm. We are all limited to see or comprehend beyond our understanding, but the Holy Spirit can equip us with wisdom if we abide and love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul. Our fallen nature prohibits us from seeing what the Spirit brings us. That is why we need Jesus so much in our lives so that we can get revelations and discern what God is saying. Notice that Paul clearly states the importance of a heart that longs for Jesus. Matthew 6:21 says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” If we don’t treasure Jesus, our hearts will not be ready to accept him and all the wisdom he gives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it impossible to have God’s wisdom when we don’t serve him?
DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
June 30
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DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST
And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
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In this letter, Paul shows us how to live the life of a believer. He reminds the believers in Corinth of how he brought the gospel to them. He said that when he came to preach the Good News, he didn’t use eloquent words to show his wisdom, but proclaimed God’s testimony. In Paul’s days, there were so much focus on knowledge and wisdom. Though we know that Paul’s background as a Pharisee exemplifies him to be very knowledgeable in the Torah he didn’t use Because the Lord Jesus Christ transformed Paul from a worldly powerful man, to a humble servant of God, he couldn’t continue to use his knowledge the way he used to when he was a Pharisee. In verse 2, Paul’s determination to shift his focus from the world and remove everything that is not going to give God the glory and pursue the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. His persistence to focus his entire life in the quest to know Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is astounding. How many believers can follow this passion for knowing God?
In verse 3, he reminds the Corinthian church of how he was one with them in weakness, fear and trembling because they were relying on the Lord alone. He didn’t use persuasive speech but allowed the Holy Spirit to use him to say the right words that God alone provides. Paul knows that the world uses knowledge and wisdom to attract attention to themselves and he would have nothing to with those ways.
In our world today, human knowledge and wisdom becomes like modern day idols. We want to know things so that people can look up to us and we can feel important. This is not the way of the Lord. In God’s economy, we rely on God’s power and wisdom and strength. We present the gospel only in the way that is true and right. This is why we have been given Scriptures so that we won’t get waylaid in our Christian walk towards eternity.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience how your passion to know Christ have led you to truth.
GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH, WEAK AND INSIGNIFICANT ILMA’S VLOG
June 29
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GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH, WEAK AND INSIGNIFICANT
26 For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no human may boast before God. 30 But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written: “LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
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In this letter, Paul summons the believers to examine their calling. This letter encourages those who feel weak, foolish and those who feel insignificant. Paul is clearly addressing the problem of arrogance of those who are powerful and try to manipulate to rule the church. The weaker members of the body of Christ must have been discouraged by this power hungry and arrogant members. In this letter, Paul stresses the preference of God to choose the foolish, weak and insignificant. Why would God choose them instead of the elite, educated, rich and powerful? Remember the parable of the young rich man in Matthew19:16-22? A young rich man approached Jesus and asked what good deed must he do to have eternal life. Jesus corrects this young man because his concept of good by doing something to grant everlasting life is twisted. In verse 17, Jesus says there is only one who is good. Then Jesus told him to follow all the commands and the proud young man says that he has already done that. When Jesus finally told him, to sell all that he has and give it to the poor, the young man was so sad because he owned a lot. This is probably why it is hard for the rich, the powerful and the wise to let go of their attachments. They have too much to lose. Whereas the foolish, the weak and those that are insignificant have nothing more to lose. It is easier for them to receive the invitation of God to enter his kingdom. Paul further confronts the proud members of the church with their boasting because he reminds them that nothing they have comes from their own. Everything they have belongs to God, so what is the point of boasting? God did it all so why would they take credit for something they never did on their own? Once again, we see how Paul challenges the all member to care for one another especially the weak and vulnerable.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it dangerous to aim to be intelligent, strong and powerful, and important?