For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I … More Do you trust God when you are feeling useless in the body?
“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” —1 Corinthians 12 John Piper, in a sermon, “Living in the Spirit and in the Body for the Common Good” I think the main point of this passage is verse 7: “But to each one is given the manifestation of the … More Why gifts?
In our read-through-the-Bible plan, we come to 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. where Paul gives instructions regarding The Lord’s Supper. Evidently, there were abuses that needed correction. John Piper, in a sermon, “The Lord’s Supper as Worship”, says that we express the value of Christ by “remembering,” by “proclaiming,” and by “nourishing.” Reminding First, the Lord’s … More The Lord’s Supper as Worship
Our passage for today, 1 Corinthians 11, has been fuel for much debate. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her … More What’s the point of 1 Corinthians 11?
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. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as … More Eternal Life Hangs on the Way We Run
Bob Deffinbaugh, “When a Right May Be Wrong,” at Bible.org: Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 9 sheds new light on the matter of pleasing God. Pleasing God does not result from merely keeping the rules. Pleasing God comes from personal sacrifice, for the glory of God, the good of others, and the advance of the gospel. Many … More Pleasing God goes far beyond keeping the rules.
Stronger and weaker brothers, freedom and love, all issues addressed in our Bible-reading passage in 1 Corinthians today. Here’s some help: Bob Deffinbaugh, “The Great Divorce—Separating “Truth From Love” at Bible.org: I would like to suggest that we take a good, long look at these two categories of the “stronger” brother and the “weaker” brother. As … More Love and liberty
Paul steps on a few Corinthian toes. John Piper comments: [1 Corinthians 7] Verse 19 says literally, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God (is everything).” That was about the most offensive thing Paul could say to a Jew: Circumcision is nothing. And if we understand its broad cultural … More Paul: unfashionable and offensive, but radically God-oriented
We read about principles for marriage in 1 Corinthians 7: Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband … More How to ruin a pearl
For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6:20 John Piper asks, “What Does It Mean That Your Body Was Bought?” When Christ paid the price for his people, he bought our bodies. So let me try to show you from this passage of God’s Word … More Bought With a Price
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 