Luke 10: 21-24 (Daily Bread of 28/12/2018)

HAPPY ARE THOSE TO WHOM YOU HAVE REVEALED THESE THINGS

Key Verse 10:21

Jesus gives thanks to God for the kingdom of God revealed to the world. There is no greater joy than to know and recognize the kingdom of God for us sinners. Let us give thanks for the fact that God has revealed it to us this year even more. 

1. From what you have revealed to the children (21-22) 

Jesus was very happy because the kingdom of God is revealed to certain categories of people. They are not only children, but also people whose hearts are pure and simple. Humanely, they are not very intelligent, but it is to those who belong the kingdom of God, for he humbly accepts the kingdom of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthian that God chose the vile things of the world to reduce to nothing those who are wise according to the world. Jesus is the Son of God and it is he alone who knows the Father, at the same time as he reveals him to whom he agrees to do so. Now, those who act according to his will and do the mission come to know God the Father, for Jesus rejoices in them and wants to bless them.

2. From what you see (23-24)

Jesus was very happy because the disciples, despite their modest origin, came to see the kingdom of God, through obedience to the word of God. In the history of Israel, there were many prophets and kings who wanted to see the coming of God's kingdom. The prophets prophesied the coming of the Messiah, without knowing the moment. One of David's descendants will be sent as Messiah to save humanity. Following their prophecy, the kings wanted to see this graceful coming of the Messiah, but all died without having seen. But now, before the disciples stands the Messiah of the world. He is the Sovereign of the universe and the judge of the living and the dead and the Wedding Lamb in the kingdom of God. The spiritual eyes that see spiritual reality are happy. Unfortunately, how blind people's eyes are because of their attachment to the world. Their proud hearts and human wisdom prevent them from seeing the kingdom of God.

QT - Proverbe 10 :1-17

THE RIGHT AND THE WICKED

Key Verse 10: 1

Solomon puts in parallel the righteous and the wicked and their respective paths. Although their beginning may be similar, their end opposes diagonally.

1. The righteous and the wicked (1-10)
The proverb describes the righteous with diverse profiles such as the wise, the diligent, the prudent. Likewise for the wicked, he describes them with diverse profiles such as the fool, the thief, the lazy, etc. The hand of the active people enriches themselves but that of the inactive get impoverished. The righteous heaps the blessing on his head, but the wicked man has a mouth full of violence. The righteous receive gratitude and remembers him, while the name of the wicked disappears from the remembrance of man. The wise man accepts the commandments, but he who speaks lightly runs to his loss (8b, 10b). The integrity sees his life in safety, but the one with the crooked heart sees his life in danger and his life is full of shame.

2. The wise and the foolish (11-17)
The heart of the wicked is filled with hatred, and it provokes quarrels. But the heart of the righteous is full of love. And this love covers the faults. Peter quoted these words to emphasize the power of love. He covers the multitude of sins (1P4: 8). From the mouth of the righteous comes the word of wisdom (10,13). But the back of the fool is struck by the rode. The wise holds the knowledge in reserve and uses it in the better place. But the fool ruins himself because of their inappropriate words. The wicked uses many pretexts and excuses, but it is only a human trick, and the ruin is imminent. From the mouth of the righteous comes wisdom, but is not always wise to utter plausible words. The fool can make a wise fellow by saying fine words, but his hollow words lead to the destruction that reveals his wickedness. The bad guy can get rich, but it does not bring him to life. The righteous receive instruction from the others, though it is sometimes bitter. But the fool despises it and goes astray. May God make us a fountain of wisdom.

QT - Actes 16 :11-40

THEY HAD SO MUCH JOY TO HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS

Key verse 16: 34

Philippians did not start spectacularly, but from the women near the river. In the work of God there is the work of grace, but there is also the impediment. Paul and Barnabas were imprisoned because of God's work. But they have also experienced a great work over there.

1. The successful life of the missionary Saint Paul. (16: 11-15)

Paul, lacking the synagogue in the city, came to walk near the river and met a group of women. Then a person became interested in Paul's words. Lydia opened her heart and accepted the gospel. Then he invited the whole group of Jesus to her home and she and her family were baptized. This was the work of the Holy Spirit. When Paul followed His direction, he was able to bear a lot of fruits. Paul did it on a one-to-one basis, and his love focused on Lydia and gave out a great impact around him. The work of God is not the work of mass, but the work of personal salvation. Paul especially appreciated the value of one soul.

2. The glory of God is revealed in the midst of all things (16: 16-40)

Paul practiced good deeds in the name of Jesus, however, he was imprisoned by the enemy. But instead of complaining,  he gave thanks, there came a miracle in which he and all the prisoners saw their chains undone. But the guardians, seeing that they had not escaped, was touched and asked the way of salvation to Paul. He and his family were converted and baptized. Then the great progress of the gospel took place in the city. Paul, despite imprisonment, obtained the greatest fruit of preaching. The will of God can be accomplished in difficult moments. Sing to each other with confidence to God, when you cross the difficulty, pray to God constantly! The officers were afraid that Paul was Roman. Perplexed, they wanted to secretly free Paul, but Paul makes it clear that they make a public apology and publicly declare their innocence. We must not close our eyes to the injustice of the world. Acquiescence and forgiveness are two different things.

The Beginning of Knowledge Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:1-33

key verse: 7

THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE

Introduction to Proverbs

This book contains proverbs of many authors but the main one is Solomon. Wisdom, which is more precious than pearls or gold, is the theme of this book. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Justice, holiness, humility, mercy, peace, diligence, keeping God's word, correcting children, virtuous women, etc are all examples of wisdom. The result of wisdom is life (chapter 3). In most cases, this book deals with wisdom in the world, though sometimes it deals with wisdom pertaining to eternal life (12:28, 15;24, etc).

Solomon wrote Proverbs to make knowledge known to men. This part is divided into three sections: introduction, bad influence and God's answer to resistant men.

1. The Beginning of Knowledge (1-9)

Words of wisdom help us receive instruction, justice, equity and integrity. Wisdom builds as our desire to learn increases. Contrary to human wisdom, divine wisdom can be obtained only through the fear of the Lord. Only fools reject it. 

2. Bad Influence (10-19)

Psalm 1 says "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers." When temptation comes, we must be vigilant and hold fast to justice, or risk running after evil. He who tempts others will fall into his own snare.

3. God's answer to man's resistance (20-33)

Wisdom takes revenge. She cries out against stupidity. She invites the simple to follow her ways. However, people refuse to understand or listen. Their resistance is not without consequence and they receive their just rewards. Though God called many times, they turned a deaf ear. Now, it is God's turn. When they reach out to him for help, he will turn a deaf ear. Since they hated knowledge, God will not rescue them. Since they despised is correction, they will wander. Those who listen to his words will live in a secure and prosperous home. 

QT - Actes 14 :1-6

 THE WORK OF PAUL IN ICONIUM

Key Verse 14: 3a 

Paul visited Iconium and preached the word. The work at Iconium is characterized by the work of preaching.

1. Paul preached with full assurance (1-3)
The work of the gospel at Iconium seems that there is not too much of a particular character. But the work of the gospel often proceeds by the calm and unceremonious aspect. The words "in such a way" in verse 1 show us how much Paul preached with power and assurance. His preaching brought a lot of souls to Christ. But there was a problem, for the unbelieving Jews stirred the Gentiles to hate and persecute the believers. Their hearts were hard as stones without being convinced by the Spirit who asked them to repent. During their stay in the city, Paul and Barnabas did several works. But the true master of the work was only Jesus. It was Jesus who testified to the truth and it was Jesus who made the miracles visible through their hands. It is important to know that the master of the work is Jesus Christ and let him work according to His will.

2. They proclaimed the Gospel (4-7)
There was a division between believers and unbelievers. These are in principle pagans versus Jews. But the Jews disturb the camps, provoked divisions among the pagans. So they produced a bias among the pagans. Some were from the Jewish Party, and some from the Apostles' Party. Division and bias are the wrong leavens for the people of God. The Jews and pagans who were being fooled by them began to persecute the Apostles. They mistreated them and wanted to stone them. But Paul and Barnabas prayed and decided to flee the city. They went to Lystra and Derbe, two cities of Lycaonia. They were cities of refuge. Being severely persecuted previously, they might have thought it was finally the moment they rested. But that was not the case. Indeed, they began to announce the good news even in this new city. Purely and simply, they proclaimed the Gospel.

Deuteronomy 34:1-11 (Daily Bread of Friday 23/11/2018)

MOSES SAW THE PROMISED LAND AND THEN HE DIED

Key Verse 34: 6

Today's Word speaks Moses's last day on eart. God forbids him to go into the promised land. Moses was the greatest servant of God. 

1. He died on Nebo (1-6)

Moses went up to the mountain of Moab and looked at the promised land. God showed him the land of Canaan, from East to West and North to South. This was the land upon which Abraham's feet had trodden. God had promised to give it to him and his descendants. God showed it to Moses, but forbade him to enter it because of what happened at Meriba. Moses died at Nebo, but the Lord buried him, so no one knows where his tomb lies. According to legend, any attempt to find him is doomed to failure. Sometimes there are things that God doesn't need to reveal. Sometimes man has to resign himself to what he knows. 

2. Moses the greatest servant of Israel (7-11)

Moses was 120 years old when he died. His death was a part of God's will and plan. Thus, Moses did not wither away as the dean of the earth. God had taken Enoch and Elijah without letting them pass through death. Similarly, the Lord took his life and made him disappear. He still had the vigour and sight of man. God's plan for him ended and he had to leave the leadership to his successor: Joshua. He was a man of war who lead the people during the conquest of Canaan. Moses is nevertheless worthy of constant memory in Israel's history. Not only was he the most humble man on earth (Num 12:3), but he was also a powerful, Spirit-filled leader who brought salvation to his people. The signs that he had operated on Pharaoh to free his people from slavery in Egypt were formidable. He was their unrivaled liberator. The wonders he had worked throughout the wandering in the desert with his people were remarkable. He was their incomparable driver. He should be constantly remembered by the Israelites, and the prophecy that God would send a prophet like him surely points to Jesus Christ.

QT - Deutéronome 31 :1-30

WRITE THIS HYMN AGAINST THEM

Key Verse 31: 19

The last part of Deuteronomy (chapter 31-34) shares the last speeches of Moses before his death.

1. Joshua successor of Moses (1-13)

Moses was old, on the point of death. Moses says that the Lord God is their king and commander and GOD will lead the people in all victory, destroying the enemy. They had only to strengthen themselves and take courage, with nothing to fear. The word of Moses is very similar to that of God which will be given to Joshua on the eve of the conquest of Canaan. Moses called Joshua, who was appointed successor according to the will of God, and encouraged him to lead the war as commander, but calling him that the Chief commander is always God. Our fight belongs to God who leads the war himself. Then, Moses gave the order to read the written law at the seventh year after the conquest, in a place where all the tribes get united, especially the descendants who do not know the law very well. 

2. Write the hymn against them (14-30)

The LORD asked Moses and Aaron to stand in the tent. At the entrance, the LORD appeared in a pillar of cloud. The Lord will indicate what will be the disposition of the people when He goes into the land of Canaan and warns them against them. Already 7 years was expressly mentioned because perhaps this is the moment when the memory would begin to weaken. But what was certain is that he will turn away from the law and wallow with idols. After the flood, God had noticed that man is fundamentally inclined to evil, which led him to decide not to give the same calamity. Jesus did not receive the testimony of men, because he knew what is in them. God knew the corrupt state of the people. So he had the hymn written so that the people would sing it as a testimony against them and every time they sing, they would feel sorry and would return to the right path. Moses had no difficulty in foreseeing it, too, because the people rebelled so often during their lifetime, therefore, even more so after his death (27).

QT - 1 Corinthiens 15 :35-49

THE PRINCIPLE AND GLORY OF RESURRECTION

Key verse 15:45

Paul teaches us through the parable of grain what is the principle and essence of the resurrection. Then he tells us what the glory of the resurrection revealed by Adam and Jesus Christ is.

1. The principle of resurrection (35-44)
Paul explains how the resurrection is made possible and with what body one resurrects through the parable of grain (35). Just as the grain, after being sown and dead in the earth, comes to life again and takes the body proper to each species (36-38), so is the resurrection of the dead. In other words, even if we bury our corruptible bodies in the earth, we will take up a new spiritual body to relive (42-43). Like the creature belonging to heaven or earth, such as man, animal, bird, fish, etc. to each one's own body with its own beauty (40-41), the natural human body and the spiritual body after resurrection each have its own form and glory (44). The body after the resurrection will possess the form and the glory which will be incomparable with those of the natural body of the earth and which are eternal.

2. The glory of the resurrection (45-49)
Indeed, the glory of which Paul speaks means the "glory of God" which is seen among creatures, so there is the difference between the glory revealed by the earthly bodies and the glory revealed by the heavenly bodies. Paul continues his statement by comparing the first man Adam with the last Adam who is Jesus Christ. The first man Adam was only "a living being" that had been made with dust, but the last Adam, Christ is "a life-giving spirit" that was born from heaven (45-47). Believers who come to have the corruptible body because of the commission of the sin of the first man Adam will come to have a glorious body as the risen Jesus, thanks to His resurrection (48-49). Therefore, believers must reject corruptible things on earth, but live with living hope in the glorious kingdom of heaven.

1Corinthians 13:1-13 (Daily Bread of 9/11/2018)

LOVE NEVER SUCCUMBS

Verse Key 13: 8

The greatest gift that is love is eternal. In this chapter of love, we can learn what spiritual love is and its eternal character.

1. Giving without love is useless (1-7)

Paul says that at the heart of the gifts is love. Paul says in 3 sentences at the beginning of the chapter, all gifts, however powerful, if they are deprived of love, they are worthless. Despite the abundant gifts found among Corinthian members, this church did not improve, but rather degenerated into disorder and confusion. The reason was because their lives and activities were not based on love. Love is so high, wide and great and deep that it is difficult to describe. But the love described by 15 verbs here is not something abstract or theoretical. Love is defined rather with these concrete words such as service, sacrifice or self-denial. The gift of the Spirit confers power on those who possess it through the practice of such love.

2. Love is eternal (8-13)


On the last day when all is accomplished, there will only be love left. As there will be no need for repentance or moral teaching, prophecy will be abolished and as everyone will communicate without language barriers, the gift of language will not be necessary, any more than knowledge. Just as the child undresses himself from his childishness to become an adult, just as we can see face to face whereas in the past we only saw through the mirror, so everything will become clear and we will come to understand all things. As faith and hope are fulfilled, they too will disappear, but love will not disappear. Faith is powerful to move the mountain, but it cannot save and grow a soul. Faith that acts with love is the true faith. The way to be one beyond differences is love. If everyone acts with perfect love, the church will prosper. Love is the greatest thing.

QT - 1 Corinthians 10 :1-11 :1

Keep yourself from falling ! 

Key Verse 10: 12 

Paul firstly talks about the story of Israel pointing out what we must do when temptation comes. Then he deals with the problem of freedom of conscience in relation to sacrificed meat.

1. The lesson of Israel's history (1-13) 
Israel experienced so much grace and power of God in the desert. The cloud covering the people's burning heat, the divided red sea, the manna, and the water coming out of the rock. Despite so much blessing, Israel adored the golden calf and committed adultery with the Moabites, so that 23,000 succumbed the same day. The plaintiffs perished by the bite of the burning snakes. Israel, who did not thank the love of God and the blessing because of their pride, all perishes in the judgment of God. Whoever thinks he is standing, must be careful not to fall. In spite of the very serious test in our eyes, God does not give it beyond our capacities. Moreover, knowing our limits, he also gives us the way to divert it.

2. The freedom of conscience of the Christian (23-11: 1)
Even if it is the sacrificed meat, as it is God who gives it, we can eat it without hindrance in the consciousness. But there are weak Christians who have the motive of very susceptible conscience. At this moment, one must abstain from freedom by considering those who are weak. He who renounces his freedom and rights even if it is not sin, is a Christian like a firm wall. However, the ultimate goal of all the acts of a Christian is the glory of God. Even if we seek the interest of others, we must not compromise with the world; we must be careful that the glory of God is not degraded. The people of the time thought that just as one became one with Lord through the Lord's Supper, so did one become with the idol through the consummation of the meat sacrificed to him. So, the Christian, instead of advancing his freedom or right, must reflect on the question of whether what he does is consistent with the glory of God ! The constant practice of reflecting on "whether ours acts lead to the glory of God" keep us from falling !

Daily Bread for November 8th, 2018: 1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

key verse: 27

THE BODY AND THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

In this chapter, Paul talks about the work of the Holy Spirit which gives diverse gifts to believers. Then, he speaks about the role of each member in the Church, which is the body of Christ.

1. The role of the spirit and the diversity of gifts (1-11)

In the past, the Corinthians worshipped idols. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, they came to confess Jesus as Savior. Becoming attached to a gift such as visions or speaking in tongues is the influence of pagan religions. The sole work of the Holy Spirit is to help sinners repent and confess Jesus as Savior. Confessing Christ and depending on the Spirit to obey God, such things are proof of the Holy Spirit's presence. Each person receives a gift in order to serve the Church. The Holy Spirit gives according to his will. This does not depend on personal merit, so none may feel superior nor inferior. Regardless of how small one's gift is, it's important to use it to serve the saints and the Church, to edify it. 

2. The body and the members of the body of Christ (12-31)

The church is the body of Christ, and the members of this body do not work for themselves. They depend on each other while working for the body. Just as no one part is unimportant, in the same way, no spiritual gift should be neglected. When all members work together and share the same mind, the Church, which is the body of Christ, will remain in good health. A spiritual gift comes from the Holy Spirit and is given so that we may better serve the church. Because of pagan influence, the church at Corinth valued mystical gifts. Yet, Paul warned them and considered the gift of tongues and visions to be least of them all. People are attracted to what dazzles the eyes, but Paul says that the gift we must desire most is love. Instead of envying others' gifts, using our own gifts to help others in love is most important. 

Annonce

Our Smart worship on Wednesday is about Matthews Gospel chapter One with the title:

THE GENEALOGIE OF JESUS-CHRIST

1Corinthians 7:1-24 (Daily Bread of 2/11/2018)

MARRIAGE AND CALLING

Key Verse 7: 9

Paul talks about the problem of marriage and virginity in this chapter. Marriage is a holy institution of God that must be treasured. Paul also talks about the status of the believer.

1. Marital life and celibacy (1-16)

In the Greek world, there were ascetics and zealots from the perspective of the flesh. The former thought that one’s desire should be oppressed, and the latter let their desires go. Paul said that since passion can turn into misconduct, it is better to get married (2,9) and he added that both of these schools of thought were false. However, Paul was not speaking of marriage as if it were an expedient or the second best. Marriage is a holy institution given by God, according to the purpose of creation. The spouses in the couple have a duty to each other. Marital sexual union is not incompatible with spiritual fullness. For those who adopt it, celibacy allows them to devote more time and zeal to God. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that whether or not we got married, everyone lives for the Lord. 

2. Remain in the state in which you are called? (17-24)

Paul's great principle is that everyone lives according to their calling (17,20,24). However, the church in Corinth flouted this and provoked the division between Jews and pagans through the problem of circumcision. Salvation does not come from racial or religious status, but comes from faith in Jesus Christ. The most important thing is that as children of God, everyone lives in obedience to God's commandments (19b) The fact that at the time someone was a slave did not affect their salvation, forgiveness by God and calling. He who has received the Christ’s calling, even if he is a slave, is a free being freed from his sins. On the other hand, someone who is a statutorily free person is a slave of Christ. Therefore, the believer must not let himself be bound by social status to make his decisions, but live according to God's will, keeping in mind the conception that he is a free man but a "slave" of Jesus. 

Daily Bread Thursday, November 1st 2018 1 Corinthians 6: 1-20

1 Corinthiens 6:1-20

key verse: 19

YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Corinthians had a problem with lawsuits between brothers. Paul used this opportunity to explain the Christian identity and its practice.

1. You will judge the world (1-11)

There was conflict among the Corinthians, and some of them brought their cases before unbelievers. They did this because of personal injury, which was a selfish motive. They should have sought an authority within the church to resolve their problems instead of going elsewhere. Yet, there was no one to deal with it. It was a mistake to take their case before people who have no standing in the church, since it would give the world reason to judge the Christian community. It was a subject of shame for the believers. The other problem with pursuing these grievances was that the members forgot their own identity as sinners bought with a price. When someone has a grievance, it's an opportunity to understand the sacrifice and humility of Jesus. Yet the Corinthians didn't want to give up any rights. Thus, they distanced themselves from God's grace. Paul had to re-explain what they had been saved from.

2. Do you not know? (12-20)

Paul said not to be enslaved by anything. This is because Jesus died to free us. Nothing should hinder us, especially sinful desire. Immorality is a sin that enslaves us. It's a sin which degrades one's own body. A Christian should know how precious the body is and reject Gnostic thinking which despises the physical body. Jesus, the Son of God, became flesh in order to save sinful man. The body is given so that we may glorify God in it. In the flesh, the Christian must combat "leavening" every day. First, he must hold fast to the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus. Then, because of physical weakness, he must flee immorality instead of facing it. 

QT - 1Corinthiens 4 :8-21

Be my imitator Key Verse 4 : 16 Paul defends himself for his apostolate before the "cozy" Corinthians. These are the dangerous people because by pretending that they stand up alone without needing any help, give the wrong influences within the church. 1. You are satisfied (8-13) The Corinthians had already arrived, while the apostles were struggling. These pushy people thought that they already reigned with Christ. The struggle of the apostles in the midst of the hostile world was unimaginable. However, they did not respond to evil with evil. They always bless those who curse them. They faced the difficult physical condition so that they serve the work of God. These "cozy" spirituals thought they had obtained the reward only on the condition that they believed in God, so they became the made men, without having to pass the trials of life. In fact it was only a spiritual laziness. The value system of the Greeks consists in despising what is weak: such as acts of blessing others, to bear up the situation, and to console others. But the apostles chose to be so, as sweepers and discarded. 2. Be my imitator (14-21) Paul was the spiritual father of the flock of the Corinthian church. When they committed the sin, Paul regarded them as his own children. It was because of his shepherd's heart. The father wants his children to grow up well. Paul tells them to be his imitators. Who says that among men? But that means that for him preaching and practical life must be concordant. Paul always lived a life without reproach and his life was a perfect example of how to live before God. The problem of the Corinthians was speech in profusion but actions in air without exercising power. Paul was sorry for their condition and he wanted to correct them. Knowing that the power of God comes from obedience. These carnal humanists never obeyed. The word without power is only a pure fantasy. He who has the kingdom of God comes when the preacher has power.

Vocabulaire

Exegete

Ascent

Thistle

Thorny

Garment

Salient

Premise

Endeavor

Coal miner

Shapeless

For the time being

Hardened

Nightmare

Booth

Hover

Feather

Rooster

Hatch

Chick

Alter ego : second self

Comforter

Snatch

Scratch

Satiat

Livestock

Obvious

Enshrine

Dull

Impetus

Stun

Faithfulness

Unfortunately

Forehead

Ugly

Profusely

Marvelous

QT - 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (Daily Bread of 26/10/2018)

THE WISDOM OF GOD CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE SPIRIT

Key Verse 2: 4

How does Paul testify to having preached the word to Corinth? (1-5) What is the wisdom of God to which he testifies? (6-9) How can we know the wisdom of God? (10-16) These are the topics that Paul talks about this text.

1. The princes of this century do not know the wisdom of God (1-8)

Even the great men and princes of this century do not know God's wisdom. That's because it's mysterious and hidden. Therefore, the ignorant people, who didn't know God's glory crucified him (8). One cannot believe in Jesus with one's wisdom because the message of the cross can only be learned by through the Holy Spirit (1). Paul, a former philosopher, knew him better than anyone else. He decided to only depend on Jesus Christ during his service. Paul preferred to be weak because through his weakness, Jesus manifested the power of God (1:25).

2. God's Wisdom Revealed by the Holy Spirit (9-16)

Only the Holy Spirit can help us to know and believe in the wisdom of God (4:10). Through the unique power of the Holy Spirit , we can come to believe in Jesus as our Savior. Through the Holy Spirit alone, we can correctly recognize and understand the Word of God. It is as if someone knows another person through his own spirit (11). There is a big difference between the natural man and the man of the Spirit. The former knows nothing about spiritual realities and cannot judge anything. However, the latter knows these realities and can judge everything. Therefore, he is superior and can instruct the ignorant world. The thoughts of Christ come from the Holy Spirit. Thus, we must not fear the wise men of the world, for we are the teachers of the world.

QT - 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

DO NOT STAY CARNAL BUT BECOME SPIRITUAL

Key verse 3:4

Paul raised his voice to indicate the carnal nature of the Corinthians. But a later on, loving them as a father, he explained the truth to them with the illustration of agriculture.   

1. Aren't you carnal? (1-5)

The Corinthians were divisional, practicing bias among themselves. They claimed to follow the best spiritual model through ideal men. But it was pure hypocrisy and comparable to a childish act. What is important for a believer is the content of his faith. The ripe fruit of spirituality matters like Galatians 5:22, "love, joy, peace, forbearance, etc.". "A spiritual man has no division nor jealousy in his dictionary. A carnal man cannot stand for or digest the good instructive words (2). Therefore, it is useless to give these words to them (Mt 7:6). We must grow up to the state of a made man, to the measure of Christ's perfect stature (Eph 4:13).       

2. The servant as an agricultural worker (6-9)

To the Corinthians who fought among themselves by dividing themselves around men, Paul said that, whether it was Apollos or himself, they were only the servants and collaborators who had helped the Corinthians to grow in faith (5:9). As the farmer did, Paul planted and Apollos watered. The fruit depends on the sovereignty of God. The one who allows growing fruit is God. The one who plants and the one who waters work on their different activities but have the same goal, which is to work for God the Sovereign. They are not the opponents, but the collaborators. Each will receive his own evaluation and reward for his work (8).

QT - 1 Corinthians 1:22-31

key verse: 29

NO FLESH WILL BOAST IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

In this section, Paul contrasts the world's wisdom with God's wisdom. Perfect wisdom is found in the cross. It is strong enough to give us victory wherever we go, for the glory of God. 

1. The cross, the power of God (22-25)

The cross is powerful enough to save all men who believe in Jesus from the weight of sin. They have all been pierced by Satan's horn and die little by little. Yet Christ crucified, the horn of salvation, has visited them and delivered them. Now, Paul says that the cross is the power of God for those who are called. God used the folly of what we preach. The cross is a powerful tool for saving the world contrary to the wisdom of the world which blocks and cannot save the world. In appearance, the cross is weak and foolish, but this is not the case, as it has divine power to break through the invincible wall of unbelief and the wisdom of the world. This wall is destroyed by those who believe and preach the cross. 

2. No flesh will boast in the presence of God (26-31)

Paul reminds the Corinthians of God's work among them. They were mostly from the lower class. In the world's eyes, they were vile and without value. But God chose them to be part of a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. They were no longer ashamed before the world and rather convinced others with assurance that came from the Holy Spirit, so much so that the world was astounded. God's purpose for their change is not that they would be raised up in the world, but so that the wisdom of the world would be brought to nothing. The wise of the world would be ashamed before the divine wisdom of the cross preached by the Corinthians. Those who believed in God were precious to him and became wisdom, justice, sanctification and redemption. No flesh can boast before God, for all comes from him. If we can boast, it should be before him alone and for him alone.