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. 

QT - 1Corinthiens 1:1-9

« THE CROSS, THE POWER OF GOD

Key Verse 1: 4

The first problem of Corinthians was division. Then there is also the eloquence of people. So they were blind of their major problem of their Christian life because of these deviant inner and outer tendencies. These internal and external problems are still relevant. 

1. Division in the church (10-16)

In the church of Corinth, there were divisions, because of the models that each one took for their believing life. This came about because of their humanist thinking, which was sectarian. Each one puts forward some merit that his object, either wisdom, or power, or the work such a baptism, etc.. In man there is always this bad tendency to take sides. This is an obstacle to the mission and even the cause of destruction for the community. So everyone must be vigilant about this. When we do not forget the centre of our belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can overcome this tendency and remain united.

2. The Cross, the Wisdom of God (17-21)

The mission given by God to Paul was clear. It consists not in baptizing but in proclaiming the message of the cross. When the disciples announced with full confidence, despite the imprisonment of the disciples, there was a great work of God in Jerusalem. The proclamation of the gospel is God's only valid tool for salvation. If you are a servant, you have to focus on this. Especially the content of the message, Jesus crucified, is the key to eternal life in the kingdom of God. The cross is a scandal and a folly for man, but it is the power of salvation for anyone who believes in him. It is above all God's wisdom to save sinners. No human wisdom can provide a cure for the problem of man's sin. But God by sending and killing his Son on the cross, from the very beginning, solved this problem that made him suffer throughout history since the fall. »

QT - Isaiah 36: 1-22

WHAT IS THIS TRUST
Verse Key 36: 4
The famous painter Van Gogh says that if a voice in you says: you can't paint, paint, then the voice disappears. Today, the voice was not heard in itself, but came from the enemy. Listening to the wrong voice gives birth to the wrong inner voice, but the wisdom of the people mastered it.
1. What is this trust (1-10)
Senaherib marched against Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. The enemy general Rabachah came to threaten Judah. He played the role of Satan, because he tempted the enemy by sowing doubt. He says what that trust was. He had a strategy to question Judah's trust in order to discourage him and lower his morale. Actually, what Rabach said had a correct part, because Judah had false confidence. There were three trusts, of which Rabchaqué spoke. First, it was Egypt. Faced with the threat of the enemy, Judah went to ask for his support. It was his habit. But Egypt, which was apparently a strong country, was only a puppet, a broken reed. He was opportunistic, and despite promises, at the crucial moment they did not keep them, and withdrew behind them. Second is their God. Often the trust in their God for Israel was false, for example in Samuel's time, in the battle against the Philistines, they brought the ark in thinking that it would give them victory. But it was a superstition and they were defeated. Then, thirdly, they depended on their miserable army force.    
2. Keep silent (11-22)

The delegation protested that Rabachah spoke in Judean, because this threat lowered the morale of the soldiers who stood on the wall of the holy city. But he didn't care and shouted louder in that language. His words were full of wickedness and cunning. When Satan's voice was heard, the best way to thwart it, and to keep silent, and thus the voice chokes and disappears. When Eve heard Satan's voice, she listened, which made her fall inexorably. Hezekiah was a wise king, so he ordered the people to keep quiet about the enemy's vociferous words. The people act as one body by obeying the king.

QT - Isaiah 35:1-10

ONLY THOSE WHO. . . 

key verse: 8

This is a prophecy on the messianic age. Tribulation and deportation have ended, and now a new era blossoms. Songs resound. It is the image of Paradise. Yet there is a condition in order to participate in this rejoicing. 

1. Here is your God (1-4)

Because of sin, Israel was in the midst of tribulation. They had been led captive into Babylon, but in time, God would deliver them. Until now, due to their sin, it seemed as though God had turned his back on them. Because of their sinful lives, it seemed as if he no longer wanted to be their God. But now that their sin was redeemed, God wanted to be their God. Their honor was restored and blessing returned. The sad state of the desert gave way to gladness and rejoicing. Joy blossomed and the happiness of the inhabitants was restored. Glory and majesty covered the land. Until now, youthful strength was abandoned because of the slavery of sin, but from now on, they would take destiny into their own hands and create a new story. 

2. The redeemed shall walk there (5-10)

A new highway is paved. It is the predicted way of Jesus' work (5,6). It will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it. Only those who accept Jesus can enter this way, and even the foolish can become wise. Nature will be transformed; the desert will become an oasis. The infirm will be healed through God's intervention. They will be delivered from their physical handicap, but they will also need deliverance in their souls. Repentance in Jesus will revive these people. They are now not only physically freed from their invaders; they are also freed from the debilitating weight of sin. There will no longer be any trace of sadness for them, only gladness and rejoicing shall reign. 

QT - Esaïe 34:1-17

« EDOM WILL BE JUDGED

Key Verse 34: 5
Isaiah describes what judgment will have fallen on Edom. Edom is judged as one of the judgments made by God who is sovereign.   

1. It will go down to Edom (1-15)

God is the master of history, he governs the whole world. Therefore, his judgment is universal . Nations, peoples and the Earth and all that it contains are objects of his judgment. The fundamental reason for judgment relates to the relationship of creatures with their Creator. All creation that opposes God will be judged. Edom represents this power of opposition to the Creator, and to his will. Indeed, Edom was the country south-east of Israel in the desert. When Israel crossed the desert, it refused to allow Israel to pass through its territory, although they were once Isaac's common ancestor and they shared the same blood. God pronounces Edom's sentence of judgment by the voice of the prophet. Above all, it will be bloodthirsty. The sword will pierce this country by spilling a lot of blood. The enemy will be ruthless to this country that was cruel. Indeed, it had shed much innocent blood. The earth will be devastated and the tar that burns will cover it. And it will become the home of wild animals.

2. Consult the book (16-17)

The universal and ultimate judgment is accomplished through the word of God. Judgment and destruction take place as written in the book. It is therefore necessary to consult it. Sometimes false prophets can mislead about their time, but judgment is inevitable and its coming is undeniable. The world can deny judgment, but the Bible proclaims its existence, hence our required attitude to walk with fear and trembling (Mt 24:36). Then as judgment approaches, the Spirit of God will be sent to gather the people. All those who walk in obedience to the word of God and with fear and trembling will be gathered to receive eternal life in the kingdom of God as their inheritance. " »

QT - Isaiah 30:1-33

SALVATION THROUGH REPENTANCE AND REST

Key verse 30:15b

Today's word shows us how the believer must trust. The heart cannot be divided into Mammon and God, says Jesus. But Israel's heart was divided.

1. Egypt the agitated and the rest (1-11)

As the Assyrian threat grew, people became fearful. Some people advocated asking Egypt for help. But it was a human plan, not God's. Isaiah saw the madness of this. He called Egypt, the useless help, "Rahab the Do-Nothing" (7b). But people didn't want to listen to the truth. They asked the servants of God to stop teaching the Bible.

2. At God’s return the rest will be your salvation (12-18) 

The way of God is the way of repentance and of trust in God. God longs to give us grace. But if we choose the human way over that of God, we cannot be saved.

3. This is the way, walk along it (19-33) Despair does not come from suffering; it comes from the fact that we have no direction. People make idols because they don't recognize God. Sometimes God needs to discipline us with the bread of adversity to teach us to turn to Him. When we call upon him, he heals us and teaches us his way (21). Israel decided to remove impurity and material lust from their within, so God responded with the abundance of His creation. God became angry with the Assyrian enemy who once hurt the people. The enemy will be overwhelmed by the thundering voice of God, and in the land of Judah, however, there will be the bliss that the joyfully heartfelt people enjoy endlessly as they travel to Mount Zion, to the Rock of Israel. In Jesus we have this bliss, for He delivers us from the yoke of sin by crushing the horn of Satan (Luke 1:74).

QT - Isaiah 28:1-29

key verse: 1

WOE TO DRUNKARDS

In today's passage, we learn about the end of those who have pushed God out of their hearts. We can learn a lot from the history of Israel in the north and the kingdom of Judah in the south. 

1. Judgement on the proud (1-13)

The leaders of northern Israel were drunk. They were not watchful in the time of emergency. The ability to discern was eroded and sinful desire grew. Where God had been pushed away, pride increased. The crown of the drunk would be crushed, yet for the rest of the people, God would place a glorious crown on their heads (5). The leaders of southern Judah despised the lesson they could have learned from northern Israel. They too became drunk, and their faith and moral criterion eroded away. They were deluded regarding their own power over the people. They did not listen to the prophets and ignored God's word. They turned away from God, the source of true strength, and lived in falsehood. They would soon be led away captive and forced to listen to people of a foreign tongue (11, 13).

2. The great wisdom of God (14-29)

The prophet reproached the leaders of Jerusalem. They were proud and the cause of this was their rejection of God's word. Instead of seeking God, they took refuge in Egypt. It was stupid to leave God, the rock of salvation, and seek Egypt instead. Both themselves and Egypt would be destroyed. The so-called "wisdom" of those who have left God becomes a nightmare. The prophet cried out, proclaiming God's wisdom. If agricultural techniques are successful, it is because God has taught us to do so. At harvestime, there is a special method for each type of grain. If there is wisdom to be found in agriculture, it also exists in the areas of politics, economics and history. Human wisdom cannot beat God's wisdom. When man makes God the center, the foundation of his life becomes rock solid. 

QT - Philippiens 4:10-23

FOR I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVES ME STRENGHT

Key Verse 4: 13

In this epilogue, Paul expresses first of all, according to the main term of this epistle, his overflowing joy from the sacrificial life of the Philippians, and then his faith based on his trust in God. 

1. I know what it is to have plenty (10-13)

Paul's source of joy was that he saw the Philippians' interest in him flourishing. It's like a flower coming out of a dry land. What a wonderful grace to see brothers and sisters taking care of each other! And to see the flock take an interest in their leader! Paul did not consider it as a merit, but as a grace. Paul was old, he was a prisoner, and he was far from them. It is said that :  « Out of sight, out of mind ». But his flock of Philip never forgot their grace. Paul's philosophy as a servant of God is centered on the life of Jesus. It is characterized by contentment and strength, despite a situation of deprivation. In his devoid and overwhelmed situation, he constantly took the strength that came from God. No obstacle is too much big to overcome it. Once God strengthens us by seeing our faith, we can win any trial of our lives.

2. May God bless you according to His mercy (14-23)

The Philippians' faith was manifested by their sacrificial life. In Thessaloniki, Paul had already received twice the material assistance from them through Epaphroditus' hand. Their example in material management was more than influential, and it is such a hilarious subject in this world so individualistic and selfish. Paul was very happy with it. Indeed, Paul was not dependent on any material support from the outside, for he knew that God was providing for all his needs. But his heart was so moved by their interest in him that he wanted to respond to this profusion of love of the Philippians with his prodigious blessing. Man's happiness does not consist in having a lot of money but in seeing the abundance of heart in his fellow men, like the flowered garden. 

QT - Philippians 2:1-8

key verse: 5

HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST JESUS

Paul encourages his flock in Philippi to seek unity. When unity is sought with human efforts, there is no success and it is weakened. So, Paul reveals the sole criteria: the mind of Jesus. 

1. Paul calls for unity (1-4)

Paul calls the church to unity, for division is against God's will. Love must be reciprocal. As we have received the same spirit, so we form the same body. Experiencing mercy and compassion should have motivated them to act in kind towards others. Unity in spirit leads to lasting joy. Rivalry and conceit are relentless enemies against brotherly communion, and they inhibit unity. There are two ways to overcome them: first, consider others more significant than yourselves, taking into consideration the qualites and gifts others possess, while recognizing your own weaknesses, failures and limitations. Second, you must look to the interests of others.

2. Christ's example (5-8)

The best way to encourage humility and unity among the Philippians is to point out the example of Christ. The important thing is to turn the mind of each man to that of Christ. The outward appearance is nothing; what was Christ's mind? He was equal to God but did not consider it a thing to be grasped. He came down to earth as a man and made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant to serve men and give his life as a sacrifice on the cross in order to ransom mankind. Why was his act so sacrificial? How could he have given his life this way? It was because he loved God; so, he obeyed God (John 14:15, 21a). The cross was a scandal for the Jews who considered the executed as excluded from the people of God. To the Greeks, it was foolishness; even Cicero said to remove an executed man's name from the minds of Roman citizens. Whoever is hung on a cross is considered cursed. Yet Jesus took this position in order to save sinful humanity.

QT - Ph 1: 27-30

« FIGHT FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL
Key Verse 1: 27
After having expressed his testimony concerning his philosophy in God's mission, Paul now exhorts the faithful with Christ's love. 

Regardless of his situation, Paul's exhortations were more than vigorous.

1. In a manner worthy of the Gospel (27-28)

Paul had tenderness for the Philippians, because they were faithful to God, but above all they were the object of Jesus' tenderness. The Gospel is precisely this tenderness. We were worthy of being condemned eternally, but God sent his Son and delivered him to the cross, in order to make him suffer the torment of condemnation in our place. What to do after this Gospel? Now it seems that Paul changed his tone and wanted the Philippians to be the brave soldiers of Christ. 

Many Christians already knew that Paul was a fervent defender of the Gospel(16). But Paul wanted the Philippians to realize that they had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and were living according to this grace. Their struggle is not before man, but before God, so does not depend on the presence of the servant. It is a fight not against human beings, but against the devil, so they must be united in the same spirit and soul. Intimidated, they will be doomed to defeat.

2. The grace of suffering (29-30)

This fight is universal, because the devil is everywhere in the world. So being absent, Paul asked them to unite with him in the fight.

 The fight is also perpetual, because the devil never rests. So Paul was fighting without rest. The Philippians knew and wanted to participate in it through prayer and support. Paul pointed out that fighting and suffering because of the devil is one of the immutable graces. Man loves, in the etymological sense, to receive pleasant grace, but wants to avoid suffering without knowing that it is a blessing. We must know that if we are forgiven it is grace, and if we are called to fierce combat, it is also grace. »