Faith Bible Church Menifee Sermon Podcast

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward His Saints!        1 Corinthians 11:13–16 (ESV) — 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head  uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do thechurches of God. RESILIENTAND REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF EVALUATION V13 (a)    THE HEART OF PAUL IN CORRECTION CONSTRAINED IN COMPASSION  (b)   THE HOPE OF PAUL IN CORRECTION CONSTRAINED TOTHE WORD  Romans 9:1–3 (ESV) — 1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cutoff from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV) — 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have beenacquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.  RECOGNIZING CREATION AS ORDERED V14-15  (a)     EMBRACING THE NATURE OF GOD'S DESIGN (IN  A WORLD REJECTING IT) Romans 1:26–32 (ESV) — 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the menlikewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (b)    EXPRESSING THE NATURE OF GOD'S DESIGN  Deuteronomy 22:5 (ESV) — 5 “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.   REPENTING OF CONTENTION AS OUR CONDITION V16 (a)     Recognizing our inclination  (b)    Recognizing or new identification  Titus 2:11–15 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

1Corinthians 11:8–12 (ESV) — 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.  REVIEW:  THE APPLICATION OF 3 TRUTHS OF HEADSHIP 1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) — 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.  (v8-9) MARRIAGE & DISTINCTION IN GENDER ROLES  ARE  ROOTED IN THE DESIGN OF GOD'S CREATION, NOT THE DISASTER OF SIN'S CORRUPTION a.   1 Corinthians 11:8-10,  Genesis 1 & 2,  Matthew 19:4, 1 Timothy 2:13  (v10) THE DESIGN OF GOD IS PURPOSED IN THE DISPLAY OF HIS GLORY IN ALL CREATION a.       1 Corinthians 11:10, 1 Peter 1:10-12, Ephesians 1:7-10  Week 4: (v11-12) MEN AND WOMEN EXIST IN RELATIONSHIP INTERDEPENDENT ON ONE ANOTHER,  AND ALWAYS DEPENDENT ON GOD.   INTERDEPENDENCE  BY DESIGN (11a) LIKE ALL THINGS COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON GOD (11b)  MALE & FEMALE DECLARED EQUAL IN VALUE DIFFERENT INROLE…1.        Equal in Value (Genesis 1:27-28, 1 Peter 3:7) 2.        Different in role a.        Physically (1 Peter 3:7, Jeremiah 50:37, 51:30, Nahum3:13) b.        Functionally  (1 Cor 11:3, 14:34,  1 Timothy 2:11-13, 3:1-11)            THREE MODERN POSITIONSTO COMMUNICATE GENDER RELATIONSHIPS (Egalitarian, Complementarianism, Biblical Patriarchy)Principles in such debates: 1.       Be responsive to scripture more than you are reactive to society.2.       Find unity in the word of God, more than you debate the words of men.         HELPFUL DEFINITIONS OFBIBLICAL MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY “AT THE HEART OF MATURE MASCULINITY IS A SENSE OF BENEVOLENT RESPONSIBILITY TO LEAD, PROVIDEFOR AND PROTECT WOMEN IN WAYS APPROPRIATE TO A MAN'S DIFFERING RELATIONSHIPS.” “AT THE HEART OF MATURE FEMININITY IS A FREEING DISPOSITION TO AFFIRM, RECEIVE AND NURTURESTRENGTH AND LEADERSHIP FROM WORTHY MEN IN WAYS APPROPRIATE TO A WOMAN'SDIFFERING RELATIONSHIPS.”Grudem, Wayne. RecoveringBiblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism (p. 51). 

WEEK 1 : YOU MUST UNDERSTAND AND EMBRACE THE HUMBLING HONOR OFFOLLOWING CHRIST HAS HEAD“thehead of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head ofChrist is God” WEEK 2: LIVE TO HONOR CHRIST FOR THE GLORY OF GOD:   Notcontentious  but cultivating forrelationship that declares god's glory CONTEXT: (v3-12)A COVERING AS A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY CORRECTION:(v4-5) Don't live to dishonor, cowardly men and contentious women bringdishonor.WEEK3: CONTRAST: (v5-10) The disturbingcontrast of sin, The Glorious Contrast of God's design.  GENESIS 1:26–28  - CREATEDIN THE IMAGE OF GOD GENESIS 2 CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD AS THE GLORY OFMAN(v7) BREATHED LIFE INTO HIM   (v18) THE NECESSARY HELPER(V21-23)THE GLORY OF MAN FOR THE GLORY OF GOD (1 Cor 11:11) (v24-25) THE COMMAND FOR THE CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIP. -       FULLY KNOWN &FULLY SECURE GENESIS 3:15-16 & Ephesians 5:22-33THE HOPE OF CHRIST, DESPITE OURCORRUPTED CULTIVATION OF LIFE.Genesis 3:15–16 (ESV) — 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, andbetween your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and youshall bruise his heel.” 16 To thewoman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain youshall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband,but he shall rule over you.” Genesis 4:6–7 (ESV) — 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and whyhas your face fallen? 7 If you dowell, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching atthe door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Ephesians 5:31–32 (ESV) — 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and motherand hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I amsaying that it refers to Christ and the church.    1 Corinthians 11:10THE COSMIC SIGNIFICANCE OFGOD'S DESIGN  “10 That is why a wife ought tohave a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” 1 Peter 1:10–12 (ESV) — 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets whoprophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquiredcarefully, 11 inquiring what personor time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted thesufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselvesbut you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those whopreached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, thingsinto which angels long to look.

1 Peter 1:13–19 (ESV) — 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

LIVE TO HONOR CHRIST FOR THE GLORY OF GOD: NOT CONTENTIOUS  BUT CULTIVATING FOR RELATIONSHIP THAT DECLARES GOD'S GLORY  THE CONTEXT – CORINTH CULTIVATING CONTENTION  (v3-12) A COVERING AS A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY 1 Corinthians 11:16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nordo the churches of God.  THE CORRECTION  - PAUL CULTIVATING HONOR(v4-5) PULLING THE WEEDS OFCONTENTION & DISHONOR-       Cowardly Men Don't Bring Honor  (V4)-       Contentious Women Don't Bring  Honor (V5)HOW TO LIVE IN HONOR AND WORSHIP OF GOD Behave With Honor/Respect To Authority, Not Resistance  THE CONTRAST – FLEE THE HEART OF CONTENTION AND EMBRACE GOD'S DESIGN FOR CULTIVATION (v5b-6) Is your heart to Dishonor?To rebel from all authority? Then cut it all off?    (v7-9) Is your heart to cultivate Honor? Understand You were created to cultivate Gen 1-2!BRING  HONOR TO GOD IN THE IMAGE OF GOD, FOR THE GLORY OF GOD MALE AND FEMALE! GENESIS 1:26–28  - CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD GENESIS 2 CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD AS THE GLORY OF MAN(v7) BREATHED LIFE INTO HIM (v18) THE NECESSARY HELPER(V21-23)THE GLORY OF MAN FOR THE GLORY OF GOD (1 Cor 11:11) (v24-25) THE COMMAND FOR THE CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIP. o   FULLY KNOWN & FULLY SECUREGENESIS 3:15-16 THE HOPE OF CHRIST, DESPITE OUR CORRUPTED CULTIVATION OF LIFE. Genesis 3:15–16 (ESV) — 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To thewoman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”

IT IS PRAISE WORTHY TOREMEMBER AND MAINTAIN… BUT I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND! 1 Corinthians 1:4-9  - Thanks theyhave in Christ, what they need to Know, Show and Grow in the Gospel!     Romans 12:1–2 Iappeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present yourbodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is yourspiritual worship. 2 Do not beconformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, thatby testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptableand perfect. UNDERSTAND CHRIST IS THE HEADOF EVERY MANColossians 2:10 …you have been filled in him, who is the head of allrule and authority. Paul's pray for the church in Ephesians 1:15–23  T – Total devotionK – growing in Knowledge O –  bringing life in to Obedience  UNDERSTAND THE HEAD OF A WIFEIS HER HUSBANDSUBMISSION IS FOR EVERY SAINT IN CHRISTTo Christ & His CommandsTo Parents(Proverbs 1:8, 6:20, 23:22,Ephesians 6:3, Colossians 3:20)To Employers and Authorities(Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians3:22-4:1, 1 Peter 2:13-25, 1 Timothy 6:1-2)To Government(Romans 13:1-7, 1 peter 2:3-17,Titus 3:1-8)To Church Leaders(Hebrews 13:17)  SUBMISSION AND HEADSHIP IN MARRIAGE IS A BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITY Ephesians 5:22–24Wives submit, Husbands loveas Christ, tosanctify, sustain & celebrate her in the GospelColossians 3:18–19Wives submit, Husbands actsin love toward her, not harsh or embittered toward her1 Peter 3:1-Wives submit to honor the Lordaccording to his word.1 Peter 3:7Husbands live in knowledge of Godand His wife, Honor of her, accountable to Christ his head. Proverbs 14:1 (ESV) — 1 The wisest of women buildsher house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. UNDERSTAND THE HEAD OF CHRISTIS GOD… 1.    Headship displaysthe loving unity of the triune God2.    Headshipdoes not declare superiority and inferiority 3.    Headshipdoes  require communication it does notrequire conflict  Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours inChrist Jesus, 6 who, though he wasin the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking theform of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becomingobedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the namethat is above every name, 10 so thatat the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and underthe earth, 11 and every tongueconfess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  

WHAT YOU MUST KNOWIF YOU CALL ON GOD AS FATHER (1)    GOD IS JUST (v17)a.       Impartial Judge According To Each Ones Deedsb.       Conduct In Fear a.       Joyful Reverence Knowing The Severity Of Your Sin The Immeasurable Goodness Of God Jeremiah 33:9 (ESV) —9And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all thenations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. Theyshall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I providefor it.   (2)    CHRIST HAS PAID THE PENALTY OF SIN YOUNEVER COULD (v18-19)a.       Set Free From Slavery Worthless Ways Of Sin b.       Set Free By The Precious Blood Of Christ     (3)    CHRIST HAS PURCHASED THE PATERNAL LOVE OFGOD ON YOUR BEHALF (v20-21a)a.       Purchased By The Son To Call On God As Fatherb.       Purchased By The Son To Live As Exiles In FaithAnd Hope    (4)    GOD HAS RAISED CHRIST IN GLORY SO THATYOUR FAITH AND HOPE ARE IN GOD! (v21) FAITH - To Believe To The Extent Of Complete TrustAnd RelianceHOPE – Confident Anticipation For The Good To Come 1 Peter 1:3–5 (ESV) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born againto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that isimperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are beingguarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the lasttime. HOPE IN THE NEW BIRTH HE CAUSES! a.       By Mercy b.       A Living Hope c.       Through The Resurrection Of Christ d.       An Eternal Inheritance  FAITH THAT ENDURES THROUGH HIS GUARDING! a.       By God's Power b.        Ongoing GuardingBy Himc.       Trust, Dependence, Believe By His Causing d.       Present New Birth, And Future Fully KnownSalvation 

Matthew 21:9And the crowds that went before him andthat followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is hewho comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 1.THE CROWD OFFER PRAISES.John 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and wentout to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in thename of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 2 Kings 9:13 “Then in haste every man of them took his garment andput it under him on the bare steps, and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed,“Jehu is king.” 2.THECROWD ACKNOWLEDGES   JESUS. Psalm 24:9,10 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, Oancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10. Who is this King ofglory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah  3.THE CROWD DECLARES HIM KING.Luke 19:38 saying, “Blessed is the King whocomes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, Odaughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming toyou; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on acolt, the foal of a donkey.” Genesis 49:8-11 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your handshall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down beforeyou. 9. Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. Hestooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rousehim? 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's stafffrom between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be theobedience of the peoples. 11. Binding his foal to the vine and hisdonkey's colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and hisvesture in the blood of grapes.    Matthew 27:20-23  Now the chiefpriests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroyJesus.  21.The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you wantme to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”  22. Pilate said tothem, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said,“Let him be crucified!”  23. And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?”But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”      4.THE CROWD REJECTS CHRIST.  Isaiah 29:13“And the Lord said: “Because this people draw nearwith their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far fromme, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,”Ezekiel 33:30,31 “As for you, son of man, your people who talktogether about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to oneanother, each to his brother, ‘Come, and hear what the word is that comes fromthe Lord.'  31. And they come to you as people come, and they sit beforeyou as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for withlustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. Matthew 15:7, 8 “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, whenhe said: 8. “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart isfar from me;” Amos 5:23, 24 Take away from me the noise of your songs; to themelody of your harps I will not listen. 24. But let justice roll down likewaters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  

1 CORINTHIANS CorrectionWith Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!       1Corinthians 10:31–11:1 (ESV) — 31 So,whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeksor to the church of God, 33 just asI try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, butthat of many, that they may be saved. 1Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. PRINCIPLES YOU NEED TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD IN LIBERTY YOUHAVE BEEN FREED TOLET EVERYTHING YOU DO DECLARE AND DISPLAY THE GLORY OF GOD! (v31)God's glory refers to the consummate beauty of thetotality of his perfections. It is his supreme significance and splendor Biblical Doctrine:A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Glory in Declaration of the weight or gravity his nature and excellence hisdeserved honor, over all things.Glory in Display  His glory isdisplayed in  a physical form,  His glory manifest or displayed inoverwhelming splendor of His presence made known to man. (Isaiah 6, Mark 9:2-9,Luke 2:9, Hebrews 1:1-6 )  Ephesians 2:22 Inhim (Christ)  YOU also are being builttogether into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.2Corinthians 3:17–18  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit ofthe Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are beingtransformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For thiscomes from the Lord who is the Spirit. YOU HAVE BEEN FREED TOBE BLAMELESS AND BOLD SO THAT OTHERS MIGHT BE FREED FROM SIN FOR HIS GLORY! (v32-33)GIVING NO OFFENSE  AND PLEASING EVERYONE Acts 24:16 (ESV) — 16 So I always takepains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 2 Timothy 2:20–26v20-21 YOU ARE A VESSEL CLEANSED IN CHRIST BE THAT VESSEL!  v22-23 PUT OFF OLD PASSIONS AND PURSUE EVERY DEGREE OF HIS GLORY!  v24-26 SERVE HIM IN HIS CHARACTER IN HOPE OF SEEING HISGLORY AT WORK!   YOU HAVE BEEN FREED TO FOLLOW AND FELLOWSHIP IN CHRIST TOGETHER! (ch11:v1) BE IMITATORS OF ME, AS I AM OF CHRIST. Colossians 3:12–17 v12-14 PUT ON AS GOD'S CHOSENONES THE CHARACTER OF GOD, IN THE FORGIVENESS AND LOVE OF CHRIST v15-16 THE PEACE OF CHRIST ASYOUR RULE, THE WORD OF CHRIST AS YOUR HOME DECLARING /DISPLAYING HIS GLORY. v17 WHATEVER YOU DECLARE ANDWHATEVER YOU DISPLAY IN THE NAME OF CHRIST AND IN THANKS TO THE FATHER!

PRINCIPLES YOU NEED TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD INLIBERTYLast Week (v23)  NOTEVERY POSSIBILITY IN LIBERTY IS EQUAL    (v24)  YOUMUST SEEK THE GOOD OF YOUR NEIGHBOR(v25-26) LIVE IN THE FREEDOM OF A CLEAN CONSCIENCE & GOD'SSOVEREIGNTY (v27)USE YOUR LIBERTY/FREEDOM TO BE A LIGHT TO THE WORLD 1 Corinthians 5:9–10 (ESV)— 9 I wrote to you in my letter notto associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning thesexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, sincethen you would need to go out of the world. 1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) — 11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners andexiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against yoursoul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so thatwhen they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds andglorify God on the day of visitation.  (v28-29a)USE  YOUR LIBERTY TO  LOVE OTHERS WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE UNDERSTANDING THE CONSCIENCE ROMANS 2:12–21the inward faculty of distinguishing rightand wrong, moral consciousness.A sky light that receiveslight… V12-16 THE CONSCIENCE FUNCTIONS -       a witness to man (v12-13)-       as a grace of God (v14-15)-       a witness against man in judgement (v15-16)   V17-21ANINFORMED CONSCIENCE SHOULD HUMBLE NOT EXALT -       awareness of thelaw is increased “light” (v17-20)-       Increased light shouldhumble us…. does it?(v21)  Are you More concerned with being right before men than aboutbeing righteous before God (v28-29a) IN LIBERTY SACRIFICE YOUR RIGHTS FOR THE GLORY OFCHRIST IN LOVE FOR OTHERSPhilippians 2:5–11 (ESV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yoursin Christ Jesus, 6 who,though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to begrasped, 7 but emptied himself, bytaking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, hehumbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on across. 9 Therefore God has highlyexalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyknee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that JesusChrist is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ONLY IN CHRIST THECONSCIENCE IS TRULY CLEANSED Hebrews 9:14 howmuch more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offeredhimself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to servethe living God.Hebrews 10:22 letus draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our heartssprinkled clean from an evil conscience…

1 CORINTHIANS CorrectionWith Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!       1 Corinthians10:23–26 (ESV) — 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, butthe good of his neighbor. 25 Eatwhatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the groundof conscience. 26 For “the earth isthe Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” PRINCIPLES YOU NEED TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD INLIBERTY  (v23)  NOT EVERYPOSSIBILITY IN LIBERTY IS EQUAL     Notjust lawful…  but Helpful and builds up…     1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) — 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all thingsare helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated byanything. Ephesians 4:11–16  Romans 15:1–3 (ESV) — 1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with thefailings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.3 For Christ did not please himself,but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” (v24) YOU MUST SEEK THE GOOD OF YOUR NEIGHBOR seek, look for; investigate, examine, consider,deliberate; strive for, aim (at), try to obtain, desire, wish (for); ask for,request, demand   “God's love means that God eternally gives of himselfto others” Wayne A. Grudem, SystematicTheology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Philippians 2:1–11 (ESV) — 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, anycomfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,2 complete my joy by being of thesame mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition orconceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to hisown interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in ChristJesus, 6 who, though he was inthe form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking theform of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becomingobedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the namethat is above every name, 10 so thatat the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and underthe earth, 11 and every tongueconfess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (v25-26)LIVE IN THE FREEDOM OF A CLEAN CONSCIENCE & GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY    Psalm 24:1 (ESV) — 1The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwelltherein,

1 CORINTHIANS CorrectionWith Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!       1 Corinthians 10:22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are westronger than he?  YOUMUST CONSIDER THE PREEMINENCE OF THE LOVE OF GOD, AND IN IT FIND COURAGE ANDCOMFORT   GOD IS THE OBJECTIVEDEFINITION OF LOVE.1 John 4:7–11     God's perfect love is hisdetermination to give of himself to himself and to others, and is his affectionfor himself and his people.MacArthur and  Mayhue, eds., Biblical Doctrine: A SystematicSummary of Bible Truth  God's love means that God eternally gives of himselfto othersWayne A. Grudem, SystematicTheology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine GOD IS THE OBJECTIVEDEFINITION OF HOLY/DIVINE JEALOUSY, PASSION, OR ZEAL. Exodus 34:14 for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord,whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God…        God's jealousy is hiszealous protectiveness of all that belongs to him (himself, his name, hisglory, his people, his sole right to receive worship and ultimate obedience,his land, and his city). (MacArthur and  Mayhue) God's jealousy may bedefined as follows: God's jealousy means that God continually seeks to protecthis own honor.  It is healthy for us spiritually when wesettle in our hearts the fact that God deserves all honor and glory from hiscreation, and that it is right for him to seek this honor. He alone isinfinitely worthy of being praised. To realize this fact and to delight init is to find the secret of true worship.  (Grudem)TWO QUESTIONFOR US ALL TO CONSIDER!  (1) SHALL WE PROVOKE THE LORDTO JEALOUSY?   NO! FIND COURAGE IN HIS LOVE LIVE TO INCITE THEPLEASURE OF GOD!Hebrews 12:10–14      (2) ARE WE STRONGER THAN HE?    NO!   FIND COMFORT IN HIS LOVE LIVE IN THE POWER OFHIS STRENGTH! Romans 8:12–17  

1 Corinthians 10:14–22 (ESV) — 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judgefor yourselves what I say. 16 Thecup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood ofChrist? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body ofChrist? 17 Because there is onebread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: arenot those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That foodoffered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons andnot to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lordand the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and thetable of demons. 22 Shall we provokethe Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? BELOVED! FLEE IDOLATRYBECAUSE OF YOUR PARTICIPATIONIN CHRIST, THE PROVISION OF CHRIST, AND THE PREEMINENCE OF HIS LOVE BELOVED, FLEE IDOLATRY  (v14-15)  Idolatry:  The love, devotion or allegiance to anycreated thing in replacement of love, devotion and allegiance to the creator…                                     (1)  YOURPARTICIPATION IN CHRIST- PROCLAIMED IN COMMUNION (v16-17) 1 Corinthians 11:24–26 (ESV) — 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said,“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took thecup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this,as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, youproclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (2)  THEPROVISION IN CHRIST DISPLAYED IN HIS CARE (v18) Leviticus 7:14 (ESV) — 14 And from it he shall offer one loaf from each offering, as a gift to the Lord.It shall belong to the priest who throws the blood of the peace offerings(3)  THEPREEMINENCE OF HIS LOVE, NOT TO BE PROVOKED BY IDOLATRY (v19-22)  Deuteronomy 4:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lordyour God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anythingthat the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV) 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. CHRISTIAN YOU CAN AND MUST DEPEND ON GOD FOR THE GRACE OF SANCTIFICATION!  DEPENDABLE TRUTH FOR THE BATTLE OF TEMPTATION1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. FIGHT TEMPTATION AT THE LEVEL OF DESIREJames 1:12–15 (ESV) — 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God haspromised to those who love him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannotbe tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by hisown desire. 15 Then desire when ithas conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forthdeath.   THREE FRONTS IN THE WAR AGAINST SIN… Pleasure, Possessions, Power1 John 2:15–17 (ESV) — 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. Ifanyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—thedesires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not fromthe Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the willof God abides forever.·       The Desires Of The Flesh  Perishing PLEASURE·       The Desires Of The Eyes  Perishing POSSESSIONS·       The Pride Of Life  ·       Perishing POWER    THE TRUTH IS YOUR TEMPTATION IS COMMON… No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to manMatthew23:12 (ESV) — 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.DEPENDABLEBENEFACTOR FOR THE BATTLE OF TEMPTATION  God is faithful  (a)  TRUST HIM… he will not let you be tempted beyond yourability…    (b) TRUST HIM… with the temptation he will also providethe way of escape… Hebrews 12:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostilityagainst himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you havenot yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Ephesians 4:28  (ESV) — 28 Let the thief no longer steal, BUT rather let him labor, doing honest work with his ownhands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Colossians3:1-17.. – Put off and put on..    (c)  TRUST HIM… That you may endure it.  James 1:2–4 (ESV) — 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trialsof various kinds, 3 for you knowthat the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may beperfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

Luke 1:46–56 AndMary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked on the humbleestate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call meblessed; 49 for he who is mighty hasdone great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation togeneration. 51 He has shown strengthwith his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty fromtheir thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hassent away empty. 54 He has helpedhis servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspringforever.” 56 And Mary remained withher about three months and returned to her home.1. WORSHIP BEGINS IN THEHEART.  Colossians 3:15-1615. And let the peace ofChrist rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And bethankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching andadmonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritualsongs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Ephesians 5:19addressing one another inpsalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lordwith your heart,Galatians  4:19my little children, for whomI am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 2. WORSHIP EXTOLS HISATTRIBUTES. Genesis 16:13So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her,“You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looksafter me.3. WORSHIP IS GROUNDED INSCRIPTURE. Psalm 146:1-10 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!  2. I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while Ihave my being.  3. Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whomthere is no salvation.  4. When his breath departs, he returns to theearth; on that very day his plans perish. 5. Blessed is he whose help isthe God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6. who made heavenand earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; 7.who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lordsets the prisoners free; 8. the Lord opens the eyes ofthe blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves therighteous. 9. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widowand the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. 10. TheLord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise theLord!”4. WORSHIP RECOUNTS HISPROMISES. Exodus 6:6-8  Say thereforeto the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from underthe burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, andI will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall knowthat I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens ofthe Egyptians. 8. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give toAbraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I amthe Lord.'Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be withyou; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.Romans 8:38,39  For I am surethat neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present northings to come, nor powers,  39. nor height nor depth, nor anything elsein all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.2  Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a newcreation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out ofdarkness into his marvelous light.

IN THE GRACE OFTHE GOSPEL, WE MUST ATTACK SIN AT THE ROOT, LEST IT BEAR FRUIT!“Be killing sin orit will be killing you.” John Owen (1)  THEEXAMPLE -  THE ROOT AND FRUIT OF ISRAEL'SGRUMBLING (v6,10) THEY GRUMBLED AGAINST GOD…AND WERE DESTROYED BY THE DESTROYER… -       Exodus 14 – 17 grumbledover the exodus, for water & for meat -       Numbers 14 –Grumbled over the land / inhabitants -       Numbers 16 –Korah Grumbles over position / the people grumble over the death of the wicked    (2)  THEEXHORTATION – TAKE HEED!!!  GRACE OF GODTO ATTACK THE ROOT OF SIN (V11-12)  “Mortification ofany sin must be by a supply of grace. Of ourselves we cannot do it.” John Owen Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great acloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings soclosely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder andperfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was setbefore him endured the cross, despising the shame,and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:3-15  RESPONDTO THE GRACE OF DISCIPLINE·       Regard Discipline As Serious (4-5) ·       Remember Your Sonship (6-11) ·       Recompose Yourself (12-14)·       Reconciling Others (14-15)·     Resolute InChrist's Righteousness  (14-15)    (3)  THEEXERCISE OF FAITH – FAITHFUL FRUITFULNESS! HOLDING FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE  Philippians 2:12–18 (ESV) — 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, sonow, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your ownsalvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.14 Do all things withoutgrumbling or disputing, 15 thatyou may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midstof a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in theworld, 16 holding fast to the wordof life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vainor labor in vain. 17 Even if I amto be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of yourfaith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever ishonorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever iscommendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,think about these things. 9 What youhave learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, andthe God of peace will be with you.

1 Corinthians 10:9/Numbers 21:4-9THEIR EVIL DESIRE LEADS TO EVIL DECLARATION V4-5(a)    HE PRESERVES IN GRACE (Numbers 20)(b)   HE PROTECTS IN GRACE (Numbers 21:1-3)(c)    THEY PERSIST IN SIN (Numbers 21:4-5) Psalm 78:18 (ESV) — 18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.Matthew 15:18–19 (ESV) — 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.HIS JUST AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLINE FOLLOWED BY  HIS GRACIOUS DECLARATION V6-9(a)    HE DISCIPLINES BY GRACE(b)   HE DECLARES THEY DEPEND ON HIM John 3:14–15 (ESV) — 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.APPLICATION:Titus 3:3-8 REALIZE YOU ARE EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT·       You Once Were (V3)·       But… His Grace And His Spirit (V4-7)·       Dependent And Devoted (V8)

CHRISTIAN LEARN BY EXAMPLE TO FLEE FROM SIN BECAUSE GOD IS FIERCE IN JUSTICE & FAITHFUL, POWERFUL & PURPOSED IN THE GOSPEL!     LEARN BY EXAMPLE (v6,11)   WE MUST NOT GIVE IN TO SEXUAL SIN! (v8a)   -       Sexual Sin Prevalent  (1 Corinthians 5)     -       Sexual Sin Is Redeemable (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)     -       Sexual Sin Is A Powerful Perversion (1 Corinthians 6:12-15)     -       Sexual Sin Is Partnership With Darkness (1 Corinthians 6:16-20)     -       Sexual Sin Is Resistible Not Inevitable (as some of them were…) FLEE FROM SIN BECAUSE THE CONSEQUENCE IS FIERCE (v8b)   -    God Is Fierce In Justice (and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.)   Romans 2:4–5 (ESV) — 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.   FLEE FROM SIN BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL… (v13)

1 Corinthians 9:27–10:14 (ESV) — 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.   12 “Therefore let anyone who THINKS THAT HE STANDS take heed lest he fall.” TAKE HEED - The deceitfulness of sin will tempt you to worship what could never satisfy, But God is faithful, powerful and able to keep you!

1 Corinthians 9:27–10:14 (ESV) — 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. THEY WERE ALL PARTICIPANTS V1-4 -              Under the cloud (Exodus 13:21)     -              Passed through the sea. (Exodus 14:22)       -              Immersed into Moses (Exodus 13-14…)             -              Same Spiritual food (Exodus 16:15)       -              Same Spiritual drink (Exodus 17:3)                             THEY DID NOT ALL PLEASE GOD V5-10 -              They desired evil o  Idolatry o  Immorality o  Testing God o   Grumbling     THEY ARE RECORDED AS EXAMPLES FOR OUR WARNING IN THE LOVE OF GOD. V11-14 -             You have been given example and instruction (v11) -             Apply the knowledge you have been given (v12-14) o  Temptation  Common to man (v13) o   The Faithfulness of God (v13) Therefore Flee from Idolatry (v14)  equipping hour

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (ESV) — 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.   Don't live your life as a perishing spectator of the Gospel, but as fruitful participant in the Gospel! Run the race, for an imperishable prize, with grace filled intensity!   Titus 2:11–15 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.     A HELPFUL ILLUSTRATION….                                                                                                                                                       RUN THE RACE v24 Isthmian Games in Corinth           CLARIFYING  MOTIVATION…                                                                                                                   FOR AN IMPERISHABLE PRIZE v25 Disciplined for an imperishable prize!               INTENTIONAL DETERMINATION…                                                                                      WITH GRACE FILLED INTENSITY v26-27 SO…!         2 Peter 1:3–11 (ESV) — 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   Application: Consider  2 Peter, Titus above!  Reflect on his grace! Depend on Christ! He  has saved and is training you! What joy! What effort in grace can you purse to honor Christ in. Purity and good works!  

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV) — 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.   FREE FROM ALL IN SERVICE TO ALL FOR CHRIST! (v19) LIFE WITH ALL THAT ALL MIGHT KNOW CHRIST! (V20-22)     Life with those under the law -       Looking to be justified in the Law   Life with those outside the law -        Looking to be justified on their own means   SUMMARIZED POINTS THEOLOGICAL TRUTH ROMANS 1 – 3 PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN THE LIFE OF PAUL – ACTS 17  

1 Corinthians 9:15–23 (ESV) — 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.   THE RIGHTS OF MINISTRY DENIED BY PAUL AS HIS BOASTING – v15 (v16)  THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL -       Preaching the gospel gives no ground for boasting   -        Preaching the gospel is a necessity o   Failure to preach would only bring distress   1 Timothy 1:15–16 (ESV) 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (v17) THE STEWARDSHIP OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL -        A willing reward -        A required stewardship   1 Corinthians 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. A steward manages assets for the owner's benefit. The steward carries no sense of entitlement to the assets he manages. It's his job to find out what the owner wants done with his assets, then carry out his will.  (The Treasure Principle…Randy Alcorn) 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV). 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (v18) THE REWARD OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL -       Free in Christ to sacrifice for others to know Christ!   Philippians 2:1–11 (ESV) — 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   (v19) THE STRATEGIC SLAVERY IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL Romans 1:14–15 (ESV) — 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.   Philippians 2:14–18 (ESV) — 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twistedgeneration, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ Imay be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Matthew 1:18–25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.   CONSIDERING JOESPH'S CONDITION AND CHARACTER IN THE GRACE OF GOD! (V18-19) CONDITION ·      ENGAGED TO MARY ·      FOUND HER TO BE WITH CHILD CHARACTER ·      JUST / RIGHTEOUS MAN ·      UNWILLING TO SHAME HER / RESOLVED TO PRESERVE HER     BEHOLD!!!  THE “INTERUPTION” OF GRACE FOR YOU AND JOESPH AND ALL WHO HOPE IN CHRIST!! (v20-23)   ·      BEHOLD!!! ·      SON OF DAVID   ·      CONCEIVED FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT ·      JESUS - FOR HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS   Romans 5:6–11 (ESV) — 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.     LIFE GOES ON IN THE ABUNDANT GRACE OF IMMANUEL! (v24-25)   1 Peter 1:3–12 (ESV) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.   6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.   10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

1 Corinthians 9:1–15 (ESV) — 1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? 8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. INTRO: 1 Corinthians 8:12–13 (ESV) — 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. THE REALITY OF PAUL'S MINISTRY (V1-2) (V. 1) 4 Rhetorical  Questions  (V. 2) 1 Clear Answer   THE REGULAR RIGHTS OF MINISTRY DEFINED (V3-11) (V. 3-6) 3 Rhetorical Questions Of Sustaining v.4 Sustaining life v.5 Sustaining responsibilities v.6 Sustaining from double labor     (V.7) 3 Rhetorical Questions of Comparing The work of a soldier The work of a farmer The work of a shepherd    (V.8-11) The Character and Commands of God v.8-9 The character of God in command v.10-11 The hope of service in Christ   (Deut 24:14-22, 25:4, Heb 6:10-12, Col 3:12-17)           1 Timothy 5:17–18 (ESV) — 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”   PAUL'S RIGHTS IN MINISTRY DECLINED (V12-15) But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.  .

John 4:21-2421. Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Psalm 14Verse 1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The Adoration of God …… 1. Is not restricted to a location. 1 Corinthians 10:31So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 2. Is centered around His character.   3. Must be in spirit.1 Corinthians 6:17But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 4. Must be regulated by truth. John 17:17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. Psalm 19:7-117. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8. the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9. the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        IN CHRIST, ETERNAL REDEMPTION HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED! SO OUR CONSCIENCE IS CLEANSED FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD!   Hebrews 9:11–15 (ESV) 14 …Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 10:14–25 (ESV) — 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (v14-18) a.     Christ has eternally redeemed us!  (Heb 9:11-14) b.     He has done, what the Holy Spirit, through the word, declared he would! c.      So there is no more to be accomplished for redemption! (v19 -21) a.     We have confidence because Christ's righteous sacrifice! b.     We have access to relationship and eternity with God through Christ! c.      We have a great high priest! Perfect, Propitiation, and Patient!   (v22-25) Tres Lechugas a.     Let us Draw near!  in full assurances and cleansed in conscience and action! b.     Let us Hold fast! Don't waver in hope! Because he has promised and he  is faithful! c.      Let us Stir one another!  To love and good deeds, encouraging one another all the more as we wait for his return A WEAK CONSCIENCE cannot participate in something that is inconsequential without feelings of guilt of or temptation to sin. 1 Corinthians 8:7–8 (ESV) — 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.   THE CONSCIENCE IS NOT SOVEREIGN! IT CAN BE WEAK, DEFILED, EMBOLDENED TOWARD SIN, WOUNDED 1 Corinthians 8:7–13 (ESV) 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.     WALK IN THE SPIRIT ACCORDING TO THE WORD AND YOUR CONSCIENCE.  (Heb 10:15, 2 Peter 1:21) Romans 14:23 (ESV) — 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.     AS WE WALK IN LIBERTY WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT WE AND OTHERS CAN BE DECEIVED INTO SIN. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)  “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 (ESV)  “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Romans 13:14–14:1 (ESV) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.   Galatians 5:13–15 (ESV) For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 1 Peter 2:15–17 (ESV) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor   WE ARE NOT CALLED TO SEEK TO CONFORM OTHERS TO OUR CONSCIENCE BUT ALL BE CONFORMED TO CHRIST AS HIS SERVANTS! Romans 14.1-13 (ESV) 1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.   YOUR BROTHER IN CHRIST IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE CHRIST WHO BOUGHT HIM, AND THE SPIRIT WHO WORKS IN HIM! Romans 14:15–23 (ESV) — 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.   THE STRONG ARE CALLED TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF THE WEAK. Romans 15:1–7 (ESV) — 1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward His Saints!1 Corinthians 8:1–13 (ESV) — 1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possessknowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. CONTEXT: TO BE KNOWN BY GOD IS THE KNOWLEDGE THAT MATTERS & BEARS FRUIT IN LOVE. (v1-3)John 13:34–35, Ephesians 1:15, Colossians 1:4, Galatians 5:13, Philemon 4–7Hebrews 6:9–12 (ESV) — 9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. WHAT WE ALL NEED TO KNOW! (v4-6) Idols have no real existence there is only one God.Jeremiah 10:11–15 (ESV) — 11 Thus shall you say to them: “The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.” 12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. 13 When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 14 Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them. 15 They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. WHAT THE WEAK HAVE KNOWN, HINDERS WHAT THEY KNOW (V7)a. Because former association the conscience is weaki. How the conscience works – Romans 2:14-16ii. How the conscience is cleansed – Hebrews 9:13-14, 10:19-24b. Can be defiledi. how the conscience is defiled - Romans 14:23 TAKE CARE WITH WHAT YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO (V8-13)a. Comfort for the weak and correction for the maturea. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.b. Take care your right doesn't ________ the weaker brother a. Stumble –snares them, makes occasion for sin. b. Embolden – encouraged or built up (to go against their conscience) c. Destroy – teardown, ruin d. Wound –injure, weaken by striking (their conscience)

1 Corinthians 8:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. THE KNOWLEDGE AND LIBERTY OF LOVE IN CHRIST!   THE KNOWLEDGE WE ALL POSSESS! (v1) KNOWLEDGE WE ALL NEED 1 Corinthians 1:4–9 (ESV) — 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.   2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) — 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.   THE KNOWLEDGE THAT PUFFS UP 1 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV) — 6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (4:18,19, 5:2, 13:4)   THE LOVE THAT BUILDS UP! 1 Corinthians 13:1–8a (ESV) — 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends…       THE KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR OWN IMAGINATION! (v2) Proverbs 26:12 (ESV) — 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.         THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOD OF ALL CREATION! (v3) Galatians 4:9 (ESV) — 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?   1 John 4:19–21 (ESV) — 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 7:25–40 (ESV) — 25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. 32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. 36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.   3 REASONS FOR PAUL'S JUDGEMENT THE PRESENT DISTRESS (V26)     THE PERISHING STATE OF EARTH (V29-31)       THE ANXIETY OF WORLDLY TROUBLES (V28, 32-34)   PAUL REASONS IN MERCY, GRACE AND LOVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT BY MERCY PAUL IS TRUSTWORTHY (V25, 40)     IN LOVE PAUL WANTS BELIEVERS TO LIVE FOR WHAT THEY ARE TRULY DEVOTED TOO. (V35,40)     BY GRACE PAUL IS CLEAR ABOUT WHAT IS NOT SIN (V28, 36)   “As the planets, turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun, so, while we act in our worldly sphere, God is to be the center of our desires”   PURPOSED THOUGHTS ON A PERISHING EARTH (v29-31) 1 John 2:15–17 (ESV) — 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.   TEMPTATION TO WORLDY PLEASURE   LOVE NOT THE PLEASURE OF THE WORLD BUT THE PLEASURE OF THE LORD (Galatians 5:16-26) TEMPTATION TO WORLDY POSSESSION   LOVE NOT THE POSSESSIONS OF THE WORLD BUT AS THE POSSESSION OF THE LORD (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19) TEMPTATION TO WORLDY POWER   LOVE NOT THE POWER OF THE WORLD BUT IN THE POWER OF THE LORD (Proverbs 3:5-8 Jeremiah 9:23–24   Psalm 39:4–8 (ESV) — 4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! 7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!   LIVE PURPOSED IN YOUR MARRIAGE NOT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (Ephesians 5:22-32)     LIVE PURPOSED IN YOUR EMOTION NOT FOR YOUR EMOTION (Proverbs 3:5-8, 29:11, Romans 12:9-16)     LIVE PURPOSED IN YOUR FINANCES NOT FOR YOUR FINANCES (Jeremiah 9:23–24, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19)   APPLICATION: Where are you tempted by the world?  How can you live by faith & in love for the Lord in desires for pleasure, possessions and power? What areas of life do I need to commit to training by grace to live purposed in the present? (Titus 2:11-14)

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 (ESV) — 17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.   THE RULE IN ALL THE CHURCHES (v17) LEAD THE LIFE (a)   The Lord has assigned (b)  God has called     2 EXAMPLES OF THE PRINCIPLE IN PRACTICE  (v18-23)   (1)  Circumcision (v18-20)   Jeremiah 9:23–26 (ESV) — 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” 25 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.”   Galatians 5:2–8 (ESV) — 2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you.   1 John 5:3–5 (ESV) — 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?         (2)  Slavery  (v20-23)   Ephesians 6:5–9 (ESV) — 5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

1 Corinthians 7:12–17 (ESV) — 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.   Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.   (1)   CHRISTIANS MARRIED TO UNBELIEVERS  (V12-16)   a.     CONTEXT     b.     CONSENT   c.     CONFLICT     d.     CONSOLATION   Titus 3:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,   1 Peter 3:1–6 (ESV) — 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 7:8–16 (ESV) — 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to  remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?   TO THE SINGLE STAY BUT NOT IN SIN (V8-9)   Consideration for  continuing unmarried   V25-28 Present circumstances? V29-31 Present state is perishing! V32-35 Present relationships have demands!           TO THE MARRIED STAY AND DO NOT SIN  (V10-16)   (1)   CHRISTIANS MARRIED TO CHRISTIANS (V10-11)   Marriage for Protection     (1 Cor 7:1-9) Marriage For Procreation  (Gen 1:28  Ps 127:4) Marriage For Pleasure       (Song of Solomon Prov 5:15-20) Marriage For Provision     (Prov 12:4, 19:14, 18:22, Eph 5:28-30) Marriage For Partnership  (Gen 2:18, 24-25) Marriage as a Picture         (Eph 5:31-32)       Mark 10:7–12 (ESV) — 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 7:6–9 (ESV)6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.   CONTEXT:  Corinth's Question: 1 Cor 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote…   Paul's Concession v6   - Commands to the married are not commands to be married. Colossians 3:1–25                                                                                           (See also Ephesians 5:1-22, 1 Peter 2:1-18) V3-4 Eternal realities that command present response! V5-11 Repentance in faith for all in Christ, because Christ is all in all!  All other identities have become secondary. V12-17 Attitudes and actions in faith for all in Christ! V18-25 Concession or agreement with God's commands applied in particular circumstances of life in Christ!         Paul's Consideration v7-8 –  Convictions in Consideration of God's glory and good gifts Consideration for  continuing unmarried   V25-28 Present circumstances? V29-31 Present state is perishing! V32-35 Present relationships have demands!   Consideration for contentment and conviction where you are called    V16 Live as You Are Called  (married to an unbeliever…) V20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called - (circumcised or not) V24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.  Slave or free…         Paul's Conclusion v9  - Conclusions with genuine convictions and concession to God.    1 Corinthians 7:28 …But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned… 1 Corinthians 7:36  … let them marry—it is no sin.   Marriage for Protection     (1 Corinthians 7:1-9) -        Focus and fruitfulness with the gifts that God has given you… in the perishing world.   Marriage For Procreation  (Genesis 1:28  Psalm 127:4) Marriage For Pleasure       (Song of Solomon Proverbs 5:15-20) Marriage For Provision     (Proverbs 12:4, 19:14, 18:22, Ephesians 5:28-30) Marriage For Partnership  (Genesis 2:18, 24-25) Marriage as a  Picture        (Ephesians 5:31-32)     Application 1.     Where in life do you need to seek contentment and submission to God's will where he has called you? 2.     Consider how can you live for God's glory where he has called you? 3.     Consider God's faithfulness in gifts to others, how can you encourage them for God's glory where he has called them?

Ephesians 4:11-16 Leaders are to equip for the work of ministry (v11-12) Saints are to do the work of Ministry (v12)   THE ONGOING GOAL OF MINISTRY building up the body (v12) in maturity (v13) No longer tossed in the world (v14) conformed in Christ (v15)   THE PROPER WORK OF MINISTRY speaking the truth in love (v15) Laboring properly to build the body up in love  (v16)     THE CHURCH IS OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PASSION, PURPOSE, PEOPLE AND PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF CHRIST!   (1)  Under The Authority Of Christ The Saints Make Disciples, Identified In Christ & Increasing in Obedience To Christ   Matthew 28:18–20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 Timothy 2:1–2  You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Colossians 3:12–17 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   (2)  Each Member Of The Body Is Gifted By The Spirit, In Order To Bring Glory To The Father Through The Work Of Christ!   Romans 12:1–8 a.Together by mercy we present our bodies as a living sacrifice. (v2) b. Together we are transformed  by renewal in mind (learning in teaching) to  test and discern the will of God (learning in doing) (v3) c.  Individually we humble ourselves, think clearly about the faith God has given us d.   We no longer consider ourselves independent  but part of his body, members of one another, mutually dependent. (v4-5) e.     Using our gifts as members of the body for the body. (v6-7)   1 Peter 4:10–11 a.     Each has received a gift to serve one another b.     A gift is a stewardship                                                i.     Gifts used for our own power, pleasure, possession in sin are a perversion of God's gifts, and can have severe consequence for us. (But will not end the purposes of God)  ( Solomons Good gift 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomons faithless use 1 Kings 11:1-13 ) c. Speaking and serving by the strength that God supplies for the purpose of God's glory in Christ!

Loving the Local Church: If you love Christ you must love his church! 1.     THE CHURCH IS THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF  CHRIST'S PASSION & PURPOSE Mark 10:45 (ESV) — 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Acts 20:28 (ESV) — 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Hebrews 9:12 (ESV) — 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 1 Peter 1:18–21 (ESV) — 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of YOU 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that YOUR faith and hope are in God. Titus 2:13–14 (ESV) — 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.     2.     THE CHURCH IS CHRIST'S BELOVED PEOPLE John 13:35 (ESV) — 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Ephesians 1:15 (ESV) — 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, (Colossians 1:4, Philemon 5, 1 Peter 1:22, 2:9,  4:8, 1 John 3:11, 23, 4:7-12, 2 John 5) Hebrews 6:10 (ESV) — 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Acts 20:28 (ESV) — 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock     3.     THE CHURCH IS CHRIST'S PUBLIC TESTIMONY Colossians 1:18 (ESV) — 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Ephesians 3:10–13 (ESV) — 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 1 Timothy 3:15 (ESV) — 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.     4.     THE CHURCH IS OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PASSION, PURPOSE, PEOPLE AND PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF CHRIST! Romans 12:3–6 (ESV) — 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them… 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) — 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  

2 Corinthians 5:11–21 (ESV) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.   1. RECONCILIATION BEGINS WITH THE FEAR OF THE LORD.   2. RECONCILIATION PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY.    3. RECONCILIATION IS BEYOND HUMAN COMPREHENSION.   4. RECONCILIATION IS A CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY.   5. RECONCILIATION IS NOT DEPENDENT ON HUMAN DISPOSITION.   6. RECONCILIATION WAS INITIATED BY GOD.   7. RECONCILIATION IS ROOTED IN THE GOSPEL.

HERALDING THE GOSPEL 1 Corinthians 15:3–11 (ESV) — 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures Colossians 1:24–29 (ESV) — 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.   Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”       PRAYER FOR HOW WE HERALD THE GOSPEL!   Colossians 4:2–4 (ESV) — 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.   Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV) — 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.   EQUIPPING THE SAINTS Ephesians 4:11–16 (ESV) — 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.   IN CHRIST WE ALL DO THE WORK OF MINISTRY AS HIS BODY!  (V11-12) -               Leaders equip (Titus 1:9) -               All the saints do the work of ministry -               All saints build up the body  (More in two weeks – Discipleship in community) IN CHRIST WE ALL MATURE TOGETHER AS HIS BODY! (V13-15) -               Building until we attain: unity of faith, knowledge of Christ, maturity to fulness of Christ. -               No longer tossed but tethered to Christ our head through the truth in love IN CHRIST WE ALL GROW WHEN WE EACH WORK PROPERLY (V16) -               Each purposed to work to grow one another in the love of Christ.  

Revelation 1:7–12 (ESV) — 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

1 Corinthians 7:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1 Corinthians 6:12–20 (ESV) 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.  13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.  15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!  16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”  17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.  18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.  19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,  20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:12–20 (ESV) — 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV) — 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.   1 John 3:2–3 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.     NOT DECEIVED BY SIN BUT GRIEVED BY SIN THAT WILL BE CONDEMNED (v9-10)   Not wandering in sin           Clear thoughts of the power of the Cross! 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, 1:18, 1:22–24, 1:30–31, 2:1–5, 3:11   Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) — 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, BUT DENYING ITS POWER. Avoid such people.   HOPE!  NOT OF FEAR AND JUDGEMENT BUT FRUITFULNESS NOW & FOREVER! (11)   Washed            Sanctified          Justified!           Colossians 3:4 (ESV) — 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV) — 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 1 Peter 1:7–9 (ESV) — 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:13–15 (ESV) — 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 1 John 2:28–29 (ESV) — 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.  

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV) — 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. A FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE THE FUTILE STATE OF THE WORLD!   (v1,4-7)GO TO LAW BEFORE THE UNRIGHTEOUS? FUTILE JUDGEMENT OF THE WORLD! 1 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) — 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.   a.     General Principles for Believers b.     A believer could be brought into a lawsuit and should proceed in accordance to the law, and to honor God! Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1-8, 1 Peter 2:13-17   A FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE THE FUTURE AND FRUITFUL WORK OF CHRIST IN THE SAINTS!   (V2-3) THE FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN THE WORK OF CHRIST AT HIS RETURN (   JUDGMENT IN THE KINGDOM Daniel 7:22, Matthew 19:27–28, Revelation 20:4   JUDGEMENT OF ANGELS 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6 , Revelation 20:7–10     (v7-8) The Fruitful participation in Christs work now Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) — 11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Colossians 3:12–17 (ESV) — 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Corinthians 5:9–13 (ESV) — 9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

1)  Captivating Introduction — vv. 1–2 2)  Crafty Infiltration — vv. 3–4 3)  Compelling Illustrations — vv. 5–10 —  He judged the Privileged (Hebrew Citizenry) —  He judged the Principalities (Heavenly Creatures) —  He judged the Perverted (Heathen Cities - Sodom and Gomorrah) 4) Corresponding Imageries — vv. 11–16 Old Testament Characters He uses the OT Characters to show who the apostates are —  They are Pharisaic (Cain) —  They are Profit-driven (Balaam) —  They are Proud (Korah) Objects of Creation He uses the Objects of Creation to show what you can expect from them. Expect: —  Danger (Reefs) —  Disillusionment (Clouds — Promise but no performance) —  Deadness (Trees — Jude says they are twice dead, and no true spiritual fruit can be seen) —  Disorderliness (Wild, wild waves) —  Directionless (Wandering Stars) —  Destruction (As Enoch Prophesied) 5) Critical Instructions — vv. 17–25

Psalm 26 Of David.  1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.  2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.  3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.  4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites.  5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.  6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord,  7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.  8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.  9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,  10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.  11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.  12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.During times of conflict David…. 1. Refused to retaliate.  2. Requested a thorough examination.   3. Reviewed his conduct.  4. Returned to worship.  5. Relied on Yahweh's character. 6. Responded positively.  7. Rested on a reliable foundation 8. Revered Yahweh. 

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 5:1–8 (ESV) — 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.   LAST WEEK V1-5: PRACTICE OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE: Christ came to save sinners, according to the will of God That we would be made holy and blameless before him!  1 Timothy 1:15, Matthew 1:21, Acts 13:38–39, 26:15–18, 1 Corinthians 1:7–8, 6:9-13, Ephesians 1:4–6, 5:25–27  Colossians 1:21–22, Hebrews 12:10–11, 1 Peter 1:13–16, 2:9–12, 1 John 3:1–3, Jude 24–25.     Regular Practice of Church Discipline:  GOAL Of Repentance, For Result Of Restoration! Matthew 18:15–17 (ESV) — 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Summary more detail and examples in the WWT Document under Membership = Step 1 = Confront the sinning brother/sister privately. (v.15) Step 2 = Confront the sinning brother/sister with one or two witnesses. (v.16) Step 3 = Have the whole church call the sinning brother/sister to repent. (v.17) Step 4 = Ostracize the unrepentant from fellowship and worship. (v.17)     MOURNING NO BOASTING IN SIN & NO BAKING SIN IN v6-7a -       No Boasting -       Only Clean Baking         1 Peter 1:17–21 (ESV) — 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.     CELEBRATING SALVATION IN SINCERITY AND TRUTH!  V7b-8 -       Clean In Christ The Passover Lamb o   Exodus 12   -       Clean in New Life o   Malice & Evil  Sincerity & Truth

FAITH BIBLE CHURCH                                                 6/23/2024 1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 5:1–13 (ESV) 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.   This week June 23rd -  (V1-5) THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE   Next week June 30th   (V6-8) THE PURITY OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE   July 28th  (V9-13) THE PROCLAMATION OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE     CORINTH'S ARROGANCE IN SIN RATHER THAN MORNING OVER SIN… V1-2A   RERR!   THE REPORT   THE EXTENT   THE RESPONSE   THE REMOVAL         (New life in Christ Romans 6:1–4, 1 John 1:5–10)   THE AUTHORITY AGREES, THE ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLES, THE APOSTATE IS SET APART V2B-5   PAUL'S PRONOUNCEMENT     THE CHURCH'S PRONOUNCEMENT     THE GOSPEL'S PRONOUNCEMENT  

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 4:14–21 (ESV) — 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?     THE GOALS OF A LOVING FATHER IN CHRIST (v14-17)   ADMONISHMENT (V14)  Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) — 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.   Discipline and Instruction from the word: 1 Corinthians 10:11 2 Timothy 3:16–17   Discipline and Instruction  of the Lord: Hebrews 12:3-12   EXAMPLE (V16)    1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Be Imitators Of Me, As I Am Of Christ.                       REPLICATION (V17)  2 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) — 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.             THE COMMITMENTS OF A LOVING FATHER IN CHRIST (v18)   DETERMINED & DEPENDENT  (V18-19A)    PURPOSED &PRESENT (V19B-20)   CONSIDERATE & COMMITTED (V21)             Hebrews 12:3–13 (ESV) — 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 THEREFORE lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.