The Word for Today with Ray: February 2019

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Fathers Under the Cloud and Passed Through the Sea 1 Corinthians 10:1

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth how he kept, “under” his “body, and” brought “it into subjection: lest that by any means, when” he had ”preached to others”, he himself “should be a castaway”. In chapter ten and verse one of First Corinthians, Paul moved on to another topic as he shared how he did not want the Corinthians to be “ignorant” as he referred to the way, “all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” where we read:

Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant,
how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

The verse begins, “Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, ...” Paul began with the word, “Moreover” which means “also, now”, “brethren” or “fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection”, “I would not” which means “Paul did not intend, resolve, determine or purpose” “that you” or “that the church members” “ should be ignorant” which means “should not know, understand, err, mistake or be wrong”. Paul did not want the Corinthian church members to “make mistakes, be in error or be wrong” concerning what he is going to declare.

The verse goes on to say, “ … how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;” Paul continued with the words, “how that” or “because and since” “all our fathers” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of their ancestors, forefathers and founders of a nation” “were under the cloud” which refers to “beneath the cloud which led the Israelites in the wilderness”, “and all passed through” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of them walked, journeyed and traveled through” “the sea” which means “used specifically of the Red Sea”. Paul referred to the children of Israel and their forefathers being “under the cloud” in the wilderness and “passing through the Red Sea” as they left Egypt.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we note how he referenced the past as a present day example once again. His reminder to them was to bring them toward understanding the importance of the “gospel of Jesus Christ” and how the precursor to Jesus was this example in the wilderness. God's redemption message for people is portrayed all through the Bible, and as we examine Paul's example, may the Lord help us to see His passion for everyone to be saved.

Next time Paul told the church members how he and the church members were, “all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Body in Subjection to Avoid Being a Castaway 1 Corinthians 9:27

The apostle Paul shared with the Corinthians how he ran, “not as uncertainly”, and he fought, “not as one that beats the air” because he was to “obtain” “an incorruptible crown” for sharing the “gospel of Jesus Christ”. In chapter nine and verse twenty-seven of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” “lest” he “should be a castaway” where we read:

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The verse begins, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:” Paul began with the words, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “I keep under” or “Paul gives intolerable annoyance and wears out” “my body” which means “Paul's corpse or living body”, “and bring it into subjection” which means “brought under severity and subject to stern and rigid discipline”. Paul kept his physical “body” under strict and “severe” discipline as he shared the gospel.

The verse goes on to say, “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” Paul added the word, “lest that by any means” which refers to “that perhaps and somehow”, “when I have preached” which means “at the time when Paul heralded, proclaimed and published the gospel” “to others” which means “toward other people”, “I myself” or “Paul himself” “should be” which means “” “a castaway” or “not standing the test or approved, unproved, spurious and reprobate”. Paul kept “under” his “body” and brought it “into subjection” because if he didn't, he might be “disqualified” or “unproven” himself.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see how serious he was concerning being “disciplined” in his body. He felt he might be “disqualified” or “castaway” if he did not “keep under” his “body”. The “gospel of Jesus Christ” is a serious, eternal matter, and the souls of people lie in the balance for “everlasting life” or “everlasting death”, and those who “promote and proclaim” it must continually “strive” to “keep” themselves “under” or “bring” themselves “into subjection” that the “gospel” not be reproached. This requires the help of the Holy Spirit of God, and those who are wise shall like Paul rely upon God Almighty to exercise the “discipline” we all need.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul share about, “how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Paul Running and Fighting 1 Corinthians 9:26

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things”, and he shared how “they do it to obtain a corruptible crown”. Paul added that he and those who follow Jesus Christ do these things for “an incorruptible” crown, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-six of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians, “I...so run” and “so fight I” where we read:

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air:

The verse begins, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly;” Paul began with the words, “I therefore so run” which means “Paul then and according in this manner makes haste, exerts himself and strives hard”, “not as uncertainly” or “not with no goal or aim in mind”. Because there was an “incorruptible crown” available to those who “run”, Paul did not do so with no “goal or aim” in mind.

The verse continues, “so fight I, not as one that beats the air:” Paul added the words, “so fight I” or “in this manner also Paul was as a boxer or contender at the games”, “not as one” which means “not like a person or contender” “that beats” which means “who thrashes, punches or smites” “the air” which means “the atmospheric region wherein they struck out into the air as if at an imaginary adversary”. Paul did not “fight” like he was “shadow boxing” or “beating the air” without purpose when he shared the gospel.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see his determination, purpose and resolve to “contend” as if in the Olympic games for the “gospel of Jesus Christ”. These two categories employed by Paul, running and either boxing or wrestling, are meant to demonstrate the manner and discipline in which those who share Jesus with others are to “contend”. Because there is an “incorruptible crown” that shall never perish or fade away awaiting those who share the “good news” of Jesus, let us emulate Paul and be disciplined to “run” with a goal in mind and “fight” as the Lord gives opportunity with all the power and ability with which He and the Holy Spirit enables.

Next time Paul told the church members how he , “keeps under” his“body, and brings it into subjection”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Corruptible versus Incorruptible Crown 1 Corinthians 9:25

Paul the apostle exhorted the church members in Corinth that, “they which run in a race run all,

but one receives the prize?, and he told them to “run, that you may obtain”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-five of First Corinthians, Paul told the church members how those who “strive for the mastery” “do it to obtain a corruptible crown” where we read:

And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

The verse begins, “And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.” Paul began with the words, “and every man” which means “and each, all, the whole and everyone” “that strives for the mastery” which is the Greek word “agōnizomai” from which we derive the English word “agonize” and means “to enter a contest, contend with adversaries, fight and struggle with difficulties and dangers such as in the gymnastic games” “is temperate” or “is self-controlled and continent” “in all things” which means “within each, every, the whole and everything”. Those who “contend, wrestle and struggle” in games are “self-controlled” and disciplined in every way.

The verse continues, “Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” Paul added the words, “Now” or “then, therefore, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “they do it” which means “those who strive for the masteries are self-controlled” “to obtain” which means “take with the hand, lay hold of and carry” “a corruptible crown” which means “a perishing and decaying mark or royal exalted rank which was a wreath or garland which was give as a prize to victors in public games”; “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “we an incorruptible” or “Paul and the church members a crown which never perishes or decays”. Those who compete in “masteries” and “competitions” on earth receive a “crown” that will perish, but Paul and those who follow his ways shall receive a “crown” that shall never diminish or decay.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see the superior value of the “incorruptible crown” over the one that “perishes”. Paul desired to motivate the church members in Corinth to be intensively involved in sharing the “gospel”, and he used “sports” illustrations to demonstrate the “self-control” or discipline that was needed to accomplish their goals. Jesus Christ desires for people to know Him, and when people “strive” for the “incorruptible crown”, they “agonize” in areas that are most important for eternal and everlasting life.

Next time Paul told the church members, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainty”, and how he “fights, not as one that beats the air”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Run the Race to Obtain 1 Corinthians 9:24

The Corinthian church members were told by Paul the apostle that he was “made all things to all men, that” he “might save some” “for the gospel's sake”. He desired that he “might be partaker thereof with” the church members of the fruits of the “gospel”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-four of First Corinthians, Paul asked the Corinthians if they knew, “they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize?” where we read:

Know you not that they which run in a race run all,

but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.

The verse begins, “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, ...” Paul began with the words, “know you not” which means “do the church members in Corinth not perceive, see, notice, discern and discover” “that they” or “those people” “which run” which means “who haste, exert themselves and strive hard” “in a race” or “on a race course or place in which contests in runner were held” “run all” or “each, every, the whole and everyone make haste, exert themselves and strive hard”. Paul referred to the way all the contenders “run” in races.

The verse continues, “... but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.” Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “” “one receives” which means “takes, carries away, claims and procures” “the prize” which refers to “the award to the victor in the games”? “So run” or “then make haste, exert themselves and strive hard” “that you may obtain” which means “so the church members might lay hold of, seize upon and take possession of the prize”. Although there are many “runners” within “races”, only one person wins the “prize”, and Paul exhorted the church members to “run” so they might “lay hold of” the “prize”.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see his passion once again. Not only did Paul desire to maintain a drive for the “gospel” himself, but he wanted others to “run” with it as well. Paul used this “sports” analogy to encourage church members to diligently pursue sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ with everyone they were able. Jesus Christ desires that everyone have a relationship with Him, and those who are willing may participate in the “race” to let Him be known.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

For the Gospel's Sake 1 Corinthians 9:23

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “to the weak” he “became as weak, that” he “might gain the weak”, and he declared that he was “made all things to all men, that” he “might by all means save some”. In chapter nine and verse twenty-three of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians he did this, “for the gospel's sake” where we read:

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

The verse begins, “And this I do for the gospel's sake, ...” Paul began with the words, “and this” which refers to “Paul was made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” “I do” or “Paul did” “for the gospel's” which means “on behalf and on account of the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah who is the founder of this kingdom” “sake” or “cause and reason”. Paul became what he needed to be able to share the “gospel” with as many people as possible.

The verse goes on to say, “...that I might be partaker thereof with you.” Paul added the words, “that I might be” or “so Paul become, happen and receive being as a” “partaker” which means “a participant and joint partner” “thereof” which means “in the same way” “with you” which means “with the church members”. Paul knew if he “became all things to all men”, he would not only “participate” in the “gospel” benefits afforded to him, but would also “participate” with those within the church of Corinth who shared the “gospel” message.

When we think through these words from Paul, we understand his resolve to “be all things to all men” that he might be able to “participate” with the church members in the results of “the gospel”. Paul desired for all people to be exposed to salvation through Jesus Christ, and when he identified with “everyone”, he made himself available to be a “joint partner” with those within Corinth who shared the “good news” as well. This is a Godly manner, and when we understand and receive it, we may be “joint partners” with others in the “gospel” message.

Next time Paul asks the Corinthians if they knew, “they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

All Things to All Men 1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul the apostle told the Corinthians that he became, “to them that are without law, as without law ... that I might gain them that are without law.”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-two of First Corinthians, Paul continued his exhortation to the Corinthians as he wrote, “I am made all things to all men” to “save some” where we read:

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:

I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

The verse begins, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:” Paul began with the words, “to the weak” which means “to the infirmed and feeble” “became I as weak” or “Paul came to be and happened as the infirmed and feeble”, “that I might gain” which means “so Paul might acquire Christ's favor and fellowship with” “the weak” or “the infirmed and feeble”. If it was necessary, Paul would identify with those who are “feeble” in their faith so he might “acquire” or “win” them to Christ.

The verse continues, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Paul added the words, “I am made” or “Paul came to be and happened as ” “all things” which means “each, every, the whole and everything” “to all men” which means “toward each, every, the whole and every person whether male or female”, “that I might” which means “that Paul might acquire Christ's favor and fellowship” “by all means” or “through each, every, the whole and every certain way” “save some” which means “acquire favor and fellowship with Jesus Christ”. Paul became any way that was necessary to bring “some” people into “favor and fellowship with Jesus Christ”.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see how open he was to identifying with people regardless of their “weak” or “strong” stance in the faith. He was able to adapt to ways that were not “eternal” to bring them into fellowship with Jesus, and we should be inspired to do the same. This was not “sinful” behavior on Paul's part, nor would he be involved in those things, but when people were bent in “weak” or “feeble” ways, it did not persuade him to avoid them. Jesus desires for everyone to know His sacrifice of death on the cross for their sins, and to everyone who is willing, He will provide “eternal salvation” and “fellowship” with God. May all who read these words know and understand His invitation to know Him.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “this I do for the gospel's sake”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Those Without the Law Gained 1 Corinthians 9:21

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law”. His desired was to “gain” each of them in the “gospel of Jesus Christ”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-one of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians what he did with, “them that are without law” where we read:

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God,

but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

The verse begins, “To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God,

but under the law to Christ,)” Paul began with the words, “to them” which refers to “toward the people” “that are without law” or “who are destitute of the Mosaic law, the Gentiles or those departing from the law who are violators of the law, lawless and wicked”, “(being not without law” which means “who exist destitute of the Mosaic law, as Gentiles or those departing from the law and as violators of the law, lawless and wicked” “to God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “under the law” or “who are subject and lawful” “to Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and the Son of God)”, “as without law” or “those not having the Mosaic law who were Gentiles and violators of the law, lawless and wicked”. Paul also ministered the “gospel of Jesus Christ” to those who did not have the “law of God – Moses' law”.

The verse goes on to say, “that I might gain them that are without law.” Paul continued with the words, “that I might gain” or “so Paul might acquire Christ's favor and fellowship with” “them” which means “the people” “that are without law” which means “who are destitute of the Mosaic law, the Gentiles or those departing from the law who are violators of the law, lawless and wicked”. Paul's desire was to win people to Jesus Christ who were not exposed to the “law of God”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see his desire was to reach every person possible regardless of their social or religious background. Some people were not exposed to God's law, and they lived in opposition to God's rule. Paul desired to “gain” or “acquire” them into “Christ's favor and fellowship” which meant sharing the “good news” of salvation through Jesus Christ with them. Oh that God might put within us the same desire to see all people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and when that passion arises within us, let us be as Paul and “gain” as many as possible regardless of their background for the Kingdom of God.

Next time Paul tells the church members that he was, “made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

As a Jew or As Under the Law 1 Corinthians 9:20

Paul the apostle asked the church members in Corinth if they knew, “that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple?” In chapter nine and verse twenty of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians, “I became as a Jew” and “as under the law” that he “might gain them” where we read:

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

The verse begins, “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews;” Paul began with the words, “and” which means “in addition, moreover” “unto the Jews” or “toward those belonging to the Jewish nation as respects to birth, origin and religion” “I became” which means “Paul came to be, arose and happened” “as a Jew” or “like those belonging to the Jewish nation as respects to birth, origin and religion” “that I might gain” or “so Paul might acquire Christ's favor and fellowship with” “the Jews” which means “those belonging to the Jewish nation as respects to birth, origin and religion”. Paul behaved as a “Jewish” person so he might be able to win the “Jewish” people to Jesus Christ.

The verse continues, “to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;” Paul added the words, “to them” or “toward the people” “that are under” which means “who were from and among” “the law” which means “the rule producing a state approved of God”, “as under the law” which means “like being from and among rule producing a state approved of God”, “that I might gain them” or “so Paul might acquire Christ's favor and fellowship with” “that are under” or “those who are from and among” “the law” or “the rule producing a state approved of God”. Paul was like those who were “among God's law” so that he might be able to win those who were raised “among God's rule”.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see how he put no strong emphasis upon ethnocentrism and identification for selfish purposes. Paul became like the people to which he was ministering the “gospel of Jesus Christ” because when he did, he had the possibility to “gain” or “acquire” them for “Christ's favor and fellowship”. Paul desired to win everyone he could to Jesus, and if he needed to behave like those with whom he shared, he did. The heritage of people was not nearly as important as their “salvation”, and if Paul needed to identify with them to share the “gospel”, he did. Let us allow the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit teach us how to identify with others that we “might gain” them for the kingdom of God.

Next time Paul adds to his list of ways that he acted as he tells the church members, “to them that are without law, as without law”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.