The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, December 29, 2018

The Foolishness of Preaching to Save 1 Corinthians 1:21

Paul the apostle continued to share how God used “the foolishness of preaching” to save people from their sins, and because He did, it “brings to nothing the understanding of the prudent”. In chapter one and verse twenty-one of First Corinthians, Paul told the the church members about God's pleasure to use “the foolishness of preaching to save” where we read:

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

The verse begins, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “after” or “when now, since, of which cause and forasmuch” “that in” or “by and through” “the wisdom” which means “the broad and full of intelligence, knowledge of very diverse matters and skill in the management of affairs” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “the world” or “the circle of the earth with its riches, advantages and pleasures” “by wisdom” which means “the broad and full of intelligence, knowledge of very diverse matters and skill in the management of affairs” “knew not God” which means “did not perceive, get a knowledge of, be acquainted with and understand”. Paul declared how God used His “wisdom” so people in the “world” would not be “acquainted” with Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”. Paul continued with the words, “it pleased” or “seemed good to, chose, determined, decided willingly to prefer and take pleasure in and was favorably inclined toward” “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “by the foolishness” or “absurdity and silliness” “of preaching” which means “heralded, cried and proclaimed” “to save” or “to keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or destruction and to preserve those in danger of destruction” “them that believe” which means “the people who think to be true, are persuaded of, credit and place confidence in”. According to Paul, God was “pleased” to use the “silliness and absurdity” of “preaching” to bring salvation to people who “believe” or “rely upon, trust in and cling to” His Son Jesus Christ.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see how God purposed to have the “wisdom of the world” to be insufficient for people to know God. Rather than “worldly wisdom”, God chose the “foolishness of preaching” to bring people to His Son Jesus Christ. Though it may seem “absurd and silly” when a person “preaches” the gospel, God uses it to “save” all who “believe”. When we hear the “preaching” of the gospel, let us remember, God Himself chose this means to bring “salvation” through His Son Jesus to all mankind.

Next time Paul shares how, “the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom”, 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.

Where is the Wise, Scribe and Disputer 1 Corinthians 1:20

Paul the apostle referenced Isaiah twenty-nine and verse fourteen as he shared how God would “destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent”, and as he continued to share how “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” unto salvation, and he questioned in chapter one and verse twenty of First Corinthians, “where is the wise, scribe and disputer of this world” where we read:

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world?

has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

The verse begins, “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world?” Paul began with the word, “Where” which means “at what locality or whither” “is the wise” which refers to “the skilled, expert, cultivated and learned”? “Where” which means “at what locality or whither” “is the scribe” or “a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher”? “Where” or “at what locality or whither” “is the disputer” which means “the learned disputant or sophist” “of this world” or “the present age or period of time”. Paul referred to the people of “worldly wisdom” as he mentioned “the wise, the scribe and the disputer” in his questions.

The verse continues, “ has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”. Paul added the words, “has not God made foolish” which is the Greek phrase “mōrainō ouchi theos mōrainō” which means “hasn't God proved foolish, flat and tasteless” “the wisdom” or “the broad and full of intelligence and knowledge of very diverse matters” “of this world” which refers to “the aggregate of things earth such as the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments, riches, advantages and pleasures”. Paul rhetorically asked whether God “made foolish” this world's “wise ways”.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see him question, in light of God's superior wisdom, where are the “wise” people, or “scribes” or “disputers” within this earthly existence. Only God has full knowledge and is able to make “wise” decisions based upon that complete understanding. God uses “the foolish” things in this world, such as the “preaching of the gospel”, to confound “wise” people. The salvation plan through Jesus Christ is so simple, and yet many are not wise to understand how this considers the “world's wisdom” empty and void. Let us remember how Paul questioned “where is the wise, the scribe and the disputer” within this world, and when we compare the “wisdom” of God to the world's, may we always seek to rely upon the “saving” “wisdom” of God rather that the “foolish” “wisdom” of man.

Next time Paul shares how “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Wisdom of the Wise Destroyed 1 Corinthians 1:19

“The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness”, according to the apostle Paul, however he added, “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”, and in chapter one and verse nineteen of First Corinthians, Paul the apostle continued his letter by desiring that God would “destroy the wisdom of the wise” where we read:

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

The verse begins, “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “it is written” which means “it is wrote down and composed”, “I will destroy” which means “God will put out of the way entirely, abolish, put to an end, ruin and render useless” “the wisdom” or “the broad and full intelligence, knowledge of very diverse matters, skill in management affairs and proper prudence in intercourse with men” “of the wise” which means “of skilled, expert, cultivated, learned people”. Paul uses Isaiah chapter twenty-nine and verse fourteen as a reference for God “abolishing and ruining” the “intelligence, knowledge and skill” of “expert and learned” people.

The verse goes on to say, “...and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”. Paul continued with the words, “and will bring to nothing” which is the Greek word “atheteō” which means “do away with, set aside, disregard, nullify, make void and frustrate” “the understanding” or “the knowledge, running and flowing together” “of the prudent” which means “the intelligent, understanding, wise and learned”. Paul continued his reference to Isaiah as he shared how God would “do away with and set aside” the “knowledge” of people who were “wise and learned”.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see how the “wisdom” of man is nil compared to God's. The “wisest” of the “wise” is nothing compared to the “wisdom” of God and His Son Jesus Christ. “Wisdom” intrinsically is having the ability to act upon knowledge, and God knows everything. Therefore He “acts” upon full knowledge and understanding. Man's knowledge is limited, and therefore his judgment is often distorted and unreliable. God's purpose to “save” people from their sins seems like “foolishness” to those who are “wise” in this world, but God knows all and His “wisdom” concerning “eternal life” excels anyone who lives. Let us rely upon the “wisdom” of God, and when people attempt to share how they “know better than God”, may we laugh and turn away.

Next time Paul asks, “Where is the wise, scribe and disputer of this world?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Cross - Foolishness to the Perishing 1 Corinthians 1:18

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth that “Christ” did not send him “to baptize, but to preach the gospel”, and he was not to do this with “wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect”, and in chapter one and verse eighteen of First Corinthians, Paul the apostle declared how “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness” where we read:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The verse begins, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “the preaching” or “the bringing, announcing and proclaiming” “of the cross” or “the crucifixion which Christ underwent” “of Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and the Son of God” “is to them” which refers to “is to the people whether male or female” “that perish” or “who are destroyed, put out of the way entirely, abolished, put to an end to ruin, rendered useless and devoted or given over to eternal misery in hell” “foolishness” or “silliness and absurdity”. People who are on a pathway to destruction eternally think the “preaching of the cross” is a “silly absurdity” and waste of time.

The verse continues, “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”. Paul added the word, “but” which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “unto us which are saved” which means “'toward the people who are rescued and delivered from the destruction and penalties of the Messianic judgment” “it is the power” or “the preaching of the gospel is the inherent power, residing by virtue of its nature or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. People who have received “Salvation” from judgment to come offered by Jesus Christ see the “preaching of the gospel” as God's “power” to eternally alter and change lives.

When we consider these words from Paul, we see why he thought the “preaching of the gospel” such an important role in his life. The “gospel” or “good news” of Jesus Christ coming to pay the penalty for our “sins” and offering escape from eternal judgment with a promise of “eternal life” changes the way people think and live. The “gospel” is God's “power” to help people change their lives from “sinful” ways to “righteous”, and when the “gospel” is “preached”, it has its effect upon those who hear it.

Next time Paul quotes God where He said, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Not Sent to Baptize but to Preach 1 Corinthians 1:17

As Paul the apostle continued to handle the “divisions” within the Corinthian church, he shared how he was not “crucified” for any of the church members nor did he “baptize” them except for “Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas”. In chapter one and verse seventeen of First Corinthians, Paul the apostle continued his letter by sharing how God sent him “not to baptize” ... “but to preach the gospel” where we read:

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

The verse begins, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “even as, indeed, seeing then, no doubt, verily and therefore” “Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and the Son of God” “sent me not” which means “did not order to go to a place appointed” “to baptize” or “to immerse and submerge to wash and make clean”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated” “to preach the gospel” which means “bring, announce and proclaim glad tidings and good news”. Jesus did not “appoint” Paul to “baptize” people, but to proclaim the “gospel” to everyone possible.

The verse goes on to say, “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” Paul continued with the words, “not with wisdom” or “not using broad, full of intelligence or knowledge of very diverse matters” “of words” which means “speeches, utterances, decrees and moral precepts” “lest” or “so and in order that” “the cross” or “the crucifixion which Christ underwent” “of Christ” which refers to “the anointed one, the Messiah and the Son of God” “should be made of none effect” which means “be made empty, void, deprived of force, rendered vain, useless and of no effect”. Paul did not brandish “broad, intelligent and knowledgeable” words to convey the “gospel” because that would “make” the “cross” of Christ “void and vain”.

When we meditate these words from Paul, we see why he was so concerned about people reporting that he “baptized” in his “own name”. Paul did not want the “gospel” of which he was commissioned to “preach” to be compromised in any manner. Rather than use “sophisticated” verbiage to share the “gospel” or “good news” of Jesus, he used simplistic terms which were easy to be understood. The “gospel of Jesus Christ” becomes most “effective” when we allow the “cross” to do what it does best – lead people to salvation. Paul did not want to reduce the “effect” of the “cross” by his “knowledgeable words”, and nor should we. May we be busy about sharing the “good news”, and let us do so in a manner which is simple for people to understand.

Next time Paul shares how “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Household of Stephanas Baptized 1 Corinthians 1:16

Paul the apostle continued to handle the “division” among the church members in Corinth, and because he did not want anyone saying that he “baptized in” his “own name”, he shared how he did not “baptize” any of them except “Crispus and Gaius”. In chapter one and verse sixteen of First Corinthians, Paul continued his letter by adding that he “baptized” “the household of Stephanas” where we read:

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

The verse begins, “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas:” Paul began with the words, “and I baptized” which means “moreover Paul immersed and submerged to wash, bathe and make clean” “also” which means “even and indeed” “the household” or “the inhabited house and dwelling place” “of Stephanas” whose name means “crowned” and was “a Christian convert of Corinth”. Paul remembered that he “baptized” those who inhabited “Stephanas” house.

The verse continues, “besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”. Paul added the word, “besides” or “moreover, hereafter, for the future, at last and henceforth”, “I know not” which means “Paul did not perceive, notice, discern, have recollection or discover” “whether I baptized” or “if Paul immersed and submerged to wash, bathe and make clean” “any other” which means “whosoever”. Paul could not recollect whether he “baptized” any other people within the church at Corinth than those he mentioned.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we notice how he continued to devalue himself and exalt Jesus Christ. Because the church in Corinth was “divided”, and some of them were calling themselves “of Paul”, he made sure they knew he was not into “baptizing” for “baptism's” sake. He was careful to resist “baptizing” people because others might report that he did so in his “own name”. Jesus is the one to whom “glory” and “worship” for salvation belongs, and those who are wise will not only resist receiving “credit” for that which God has done, but also give “glory” to God and His Son Jesus alone.

Next time Paul shares how the church members were divided between, “Paul, Apollos, Cephas and Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Saying Paul Baptized Them 1 Corinthians 1:15

As Paul the apostle continued to handle the “divisions” within the Corinthian church, he told them he had not “baptized” any of them other than “Crispus and Gaius”, and in chapter one and verse fifteen of First Corinthians, Paul the apostle continued his letter by giving the reason he did not “baptize” them - “lest any should say” he “baptized” them in his “own name” where we read:

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

The verse begins, “Lest any should say...” Paul began with the words, “Lest” which means “in order that and albeit not that” “any should say” which means “some certain one might speak, answer, bring word, command, grant or tell”. Paul did not want anyone to be able to claim or say anything concerning his role in baptizing.

The verse continues, “...that I had baptized in mine own name.”. Paul added the words, “that I had baptized” or “as though Paul had dipped repeatedly, immersed and submerged to wash, bathe and make clean with water” “in mine own” which means “Paul's personal” “name” or “everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing and remembering”. Paul's concern was for people to be broadcasting the idea that he “baptized” people in his own name rather than in Jesus Christ's.

When we consider these words from Paul, we admire his humility and avoidance of taking “credit” or “glory” for what Jesus has done. Jesus is the one who saves, and “baptism” is the outward expression of what His life changing work inside a person. Salvation from sin is like “death” to the old life, and resurrection to the new. When a person is “baptized”, they represent to the world their relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. Only Jesus is worthy to receive the “glory” for the reason people are baptized, and no other name should be relied upon to be saved.

Next time Paul shares how he also “baptized”, “the household of Stephanas”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.