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.