Honor God with Your Bodies

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Mark Shields

In the study of 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul attacks moral laxity and he specifically calls out sexual immorality. Commentary in *Family Times points out that sexual immorality was prevalent in Corinth during Paul’s time because this was the place where the temple for the love goddess named Aphrodite was located. More than a thousand prostitutes were employed at the temple because sex was a part of the worship.

Paul points out that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body, “The two become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in Spirit (v. 16). Paul then goes on to explain that the purpose of our body is to be the temple of the Holy Spirit (v. 19).

This truth should govern how we take care of our bodies. We should eat healthy foods, have good sleeping habits, and exercise to honor God. We should not misuse our body by smoking, drinking, overeating, or immoral. The purpose of our body is for the Lord as a holy place for the Spirit.

This day with You Lord, we pray for proper habits like eating healthy and exercising. As studied in today’s passage, our bodies are for You as the holy place for the Spirit. May we honor You today by taking care of ourselves. At the same time may we realize that even though our physical bodies will someday no longer work, our soul will last forever! Lord … You have provided a way for eternal life and this gives us true peace and joy. Amen.

 

*Nicholes, Lou. “Stay Sexually Pure.” Commentary » I Corinthians 6:12-I Corinthians 6:20 » Family-Times.net, www.family-times.net/commentary/stay-sexually-pure/.

 

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Guided in Truth

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Mark Shields

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5 

Ethics and love of neighbor is already in the agreement of Christianity. If disputes occur, the idea of trying to handle them within the believer community rather than putting them into our legal system would free up resources.

In the post “Set Apart”, we were given an idea for reforming our legal system. Many frivolous lawsuits bog down our system but to make the system function efficiently, the believer community could play a part by handling minor disputes before they go through the extremely expensive and inefficient legal system.

As pointed out in today’s song If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli, mercy is waiting on the other side if we bring our brokenness to the Cross.


Index of devotionals

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Set Apart

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

In the last study, the issue of sexual immorality was discussed. Now in the study of 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Paul shifts to the issue of lawsuits between members of the Corinthian church. Rulings on disputes were made by judges whose way of life was despised in the church (v. 4). Paul was bothered that they didn’t practice the authority God had given them as believers.

As believers in Christ who are set apart and put into a high position, Paul could not understand the need to go to a lower human court to settle differences. Paul reminds them that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God (v. 11).

Studying the Word daily is important if we want to work towards right ethics, high standards, and love of neighbor. There is a need to regularly review the Biblical standards by going to the Word and sharing thoughts with others.

This day with You Lord, guide us in Your truth, teach us, and show us Your ways. Within our agreement to follow Jesus Christ are certain principles and standards we should follow. Help us to understand them and be disciplined to apply them in our life. Amen.

 

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 6-9

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

The last few weeks has been spent going through and sharing some thoughts in the study of 1 Corinthians 1-5. The Christians at Corinth were having some difficulties with divisions and some moral issues. These same issues exist today in our churches but there is one agreement among Christians and that is the purpose of the Cross. Around this agreement, there is great power to organize and be victorious in the battle against anything that goes against this purpose.

There were two viewpoints brought out in the study; the world view and the God view. Experts in various fields seem to miss what should be obvious at times. Wrong data is captured and various opinions interfere in the accuracy.

True wisdom according to Paul is when a person is able to balance their Christian faith with life experiences in order to be more precise in their thoughts rather than only accepting one viewpoint and being closed minded to the amazing unseen qualities of God.

As the post “Healthy Living” points out, we should take care of ourselves because we are God’s temple. We should plant the seeds of Christ’s principles into our soul.  By adding the clear water of the Spirit, God will make these seeds grow into the fruits of the Spirit.

Learned in the lessons so far is that there is power in our life when we let God be the final judge. There is power in our life when we give God credit for what we are blessed with. There is power in our life when we strive to be good examples for others to follow. 

Reading in 1 Corinthians 5, the church had to expel a man from a leadership position because of misconduct. This quick decision would be a good one to follow today in overcoming hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our society that keep us down. By getting rid of some bad apples, a society sets a tone for authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

Questions for Reflection

1 Corinthians 6:1-11
What issue is discussed by Paul? What in the Corinthians’ legal practice upsets Paul? In what ways can you work toward right ethics, high standards, and love of neighbor?

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
What misapplication of Christian freedom does Paul attack? Which misuse of the body does Paul specify? What is the purpose of the person’s body? How should the truth of verses 19-20 govern our eating and sleeping habits? The exercise of our body?

1 Corinthians 7:1-24
Under what conditions is marriage advisable? What responsibilities do a husband and wife have to each other? Do married people necessarily lack self-control?

1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Why does Paul counsel to remain in the status that they are in when God calls? What basic attitudes toward earthly values and relationships does Paul urge? What are some ideas for balancing career and family life with devotion to the Lord?

1 Corinthians 8
What is the problem here (relate to the Corinthians’ circumstances)? How are they failing to show love to others? What may result if “stronger” Christians flaunt their knowledge and liberty?

1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Should people have the right to make their living at the expense of the church? What is Paul’s situation compared to other apostles? What are the right motives for serving God?

1 Corinthians 9:19-27
What is Paul’s attitude and purpose in personal relationships? How is Paul free to be all things to all people without being carried away with this freedom? What are you doing to keep in shape spiritually? What prize do you seek?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

 

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Unlimited Learning

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Mark Shields

Communication and teaching is always enhanced when more of the person’s senses are involved in the learning process. The message being taught is not only communicated by sound but is also being displayed on a screen using words and images. Both sides of the brain get involved in the learning process and the student has a much better chance to see, believe, and achieve what is being taught.

Use technology to make a positive impact on your life. Just a click away is unlimited learning or inspiration from scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, poems, and uplifting music. Available from any place or any time just by using your phone, tablet, or computer.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Use technology to make a positive impact on your life. Just a click away is unlimited learning available from any place or any time just by using your phone.

Communication
And teaching is advanced
When more of the person’s
Senses are enhanced.

Technology
Makes this happen
When the user is viewing
And is interacting.

Finding useful
And important
Information
Or noteworthy content.

Both sides of the brain
Get interested
And the learning process
Becomes unlimited.

So the student
Increases their chance
To see, believe,
Achieve and advance.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-20-2018

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