In 1 cor 13, Paul says that spiritual gifts are useless without love. He then provides an extensive description of love, which can be summarized as "unselfish". Since the purpose of the manifestations of the Spirit ( spiritual gifts) is the edification and building up of the body of Christ, it seems to make sense that love is the mechanism of action by which the gifts are employed. Paul concludes by explaining that only faith, hope, and love are eternal, and the manifestations of the Spirit will no longer be necessary when we are someday in the eternal presence of God.

In 1 Cor 12, Paul says he wants the brethren "to be quite certain" about the manifestations of the Spirit within them. Paul explains that it is important to clearly understand that nobody is able to claim that Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit; and likewise, nobody can speak in the Spirit of God against Jesus. The Spirit does not manifest in unbelievers. Next, Paul explains that all varieties of spiritual manifestations in believers are of the "same Spirit" and all serve the purpose of God's work for the common good of the body of Christ. God alone determines how He will manifest His Spirit in each believer. Paul then explains how God unites believers together as one body in Christ to function in harmony. God has arranged the believers as parts of this one body just as He wanted. His design necessitates that the parts interact with cooperation, dependence, honor and respect of each other, and equal concern for each other.

1 Cor 11 discusses the proper attitude of submission in worship and secondly the proper attitude for participation in communion. Paul seems to be giving specific guiding instructions for the current circumstances in the Corinthian church, which likely does not have the same application today. However, the submissive attitude described by Paul probably is applicable to our relationships with one another in the church (and in marriage) today. Paul's idea of submission in this discussion seems to emphasize humility, commitment, cooperation, and unity more than supremacy or inferiority. As for communion, Paul says we should not have an indifferent attitude when eating the bread and drinking from the cup of the Lord. He says, "you should examine yourself" , since we are remembering that Christ died for our sins. Without acknowledging the meaning of communion, one participating is "guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord". There should be an attitude of reverence before God and respectful consideration of the unity of the body of Christ.

In 1 Cor 10, Paul warns again not to worship idols as some of the Israelites did. He then discusses the freedom we have in Christ --- "Everything is permissible". However, Paul says be careful not to cause anyone to stumble and consider the benefit for others , rather than just seeking your own good. He concludes this discussion by saying, "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God".

In 1 Cor 9, Paul discusses "rights of apostleship". First, he teaches that the body of Christ is obligated to support, care for, and fairly compensate our spiritual leaders. Paul gave up many of his "rights" ( to be compensated, to hospitality, to be married), in order to focus on living for Christ and winning others to Christ. Paul explains that he lives this way, not so that he can boast, but because he feels compelled by God. He says that his only compensation is the satisfaction he receives from preaching the Good News without expense or obligation to people. Clearly, Paul's life goals were to live for Christ and to bring people to Christ. In conclusion of this chapter, Paul discusses these goals with an illustration of a race. Paul explains that living your life for Christ ("run in such a way") requires discipline and self-control. Preaching and leading others to Christ takes a lot of time, training ,work, and energy. Paul talks of fear that if he doesn't live in such a way, that he could lose his privilege of telling others about Christ ( "that I myself might be disqualified"). In other words, he was concerned about practicing what he preached. Consider your life goals. Do they lead toward an eternal, imperishable reward?

1 Cor 8 addresses food offered to idols , specifically whether Christians may eat such food. Paul offers many considerations, but the decisive factor is whether others present believe it to be immoral or sinful. Though we don't even acknowledge the existence of idols or gods other than our God, we must consider what affect our decision to eat such food will have on our weaker brethren. Paul says to "take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak". Paul says that in becoming a hindrance to the weaker brethren, "wounding their conscience", you not only sin against them but also sin against Christ. There are probably many modern examples of situations that we need behave prudently also, being careful not to exercise our liberty in Christ in the presence of "weaker brethren". We must let love and edification of the body be the guiding rule in such decisions.

In 1 cor 7, Paul addresses marriage, saying it is legitimate for Christians to marry if they desire. But, he says those who are single or are widows should remain single if they can maintain self-control. Paul says, "each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him". However, Paul says also "those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this." "I would like you to be free from concern.. about the affairs of this world ---how to pleas his wife--". Paul says in this way, a married person's interests are divided. He encourages singles, that they may "live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord".

In 1 Cor 6, Paul first teaches that the church should handle their own disputes without the need for legal courts. As Christians , we have the indwelling Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ and will someday be judges of the angels and the whole world. Next, Paul addresses those who continue in a lifestyle of sexual sin and call themselves believers. Those who do so are not regenerate and will not share in the kingdom of God. However, those who are now regenerate may have struggled with such sins in their prior life, but now have been made right and no longer are slaves to sin. Paul says that believers will continue to occasionally struggle with sin, but not live a sinful lifestyle. We are free in Christ, but our bodies are now for the Lord's purposes. Our bodies are actually parts of Christ. Once more, our bodies don't even belong to us, since God bought us with a high price. Therefore, Paul says to "honor God with your body" by striving to live by His standards.

In 1 Cor 5, Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for tolerating individuals inside the church who lived blatantly sinful lifestyles. Paul says that not only were they continuing to fellowship with these wicked individuals, but they were prideful and boasted in their spirituality. Paul instructed them to expel such immoral brethren, that they may turn from their ways in repentance and be restored again to fellowship. But if they continued to tolerate these individuals inside the church, everyone else will be affected, as " a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough".

1 Cor 4 teaches that church leaders (pastors, elders, etc.) are "mere servants of Christ" and should not be judged with relativity, but should simply be held accountable to their faithfulness. Only the Lord can know what is motivating a man's heart, and He alone can therefore give whatever reward is due. And since all that a man has is from God, there is no meaning in boasting in man. Leaders who have the mind of Christ will not dogmatize " beyond what is written" , in order to be revered at the expense of other leaders. This teaching is in light of the circumstances which Paul finds himself in the Corinthian church, where divisions have occurred due to spiritual pride and boasting in particular leaders. Paul simply asks them to recognize his special relationship as the one who founded their church and brought to them the Good News. Paul asks them not to admire the "fancy talk" of particular leaders, but to follow his example of "living by God's power" "with quiet love and gentleness".

1 Cor 3 adresses divisions in the church , specifically those caused by spiritual immaturity and worldliness. Paul first reminds us that the foundation of our church ( and our individual sanctification or "spirtual growth") is Jesus Christ. He explains that we can't build up spiritually by our own efforts and the use of fancy materials (church programs, books, etc). We are God's temple, and the Spirit of God works in us and with His means to accomplish the growth. Be assured though, that even if we get nowhere by attempting to do it ourselves in foolishness, Paul says we will nonetheless be saved. Why would anyone do this though, knowing that they "will suffer loss, ...(and) only as one escaping through the flames" will they be (barely) saved ? We are God's sacred temple, where by God's sovereign grace the "seeds" of spiritual formation are "planted and watered" through the work of men, but the growth is caused by God alone. "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man that waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For (though)we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field, God's building". Paul concludes this chapter by reminding us again that spiritual wisdom does not come from man, "so then, no more boasting about man('s wisdom)". He says no one can become spiritually wise by "the standards of this age" or the "wisdom of (Christian authors or bible commentators) of this world", for the "thoughts of the wise are futile". BUT, "all things are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God", so boast in Him and rest in His sanctifying work in you.

1 Cor 2 explains that it is not by man's intellect, but only through the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit that man gains spiritual wisdom and maturity in the spiritual truths of God. Even the message of the gospel is received as foolishness if given only by the fancy persuasive eloquence of human wisdom. Paul says he preaches the gospel very simply and plainly and rests on the work of the Holy Spirit. God's truths are "revealed to us by His Spirit, and ...His Spirit shows us even God's deep secrets" (v.10). "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us" (v12). Nobody can know what the Lord is thinking , but we can have some insight into His thoughts by the illumination from the indwelling Holy Spirit. "We have the mind of Christ" (v.16). I'm guessing that this doesn't just happen passively (ie. while we are sleeping), but requires regular time of fellowship with God in His word, and talking and listening to Him.

In 1 Cor 1 , Paul addresses some struggles within the Corinthian church, including divisiveness and understanding the wisdom of God. In his introduction, Paul says he is writing to those "who have been called by God to be his own holy people" (v.2), since he is about discuss their need for spiritual unity and Christlike character. He says that just like all believers everywhere, they share the same privilege of being made holy by means of Jesus Christ. Paul then gives thanks to God for them and affirms their spiritual gifts and their standing before God. He encourages them, explaining that God will preserve them and "keep them strong right up to the end", and will "keep them free from all blame" on the great day when Jesus returns (v 8). Paul reminds them again that God is the one who called them into fellowship with His Son Jesus, and He is faithful and will surely preserve them, "for He always does just what He says" (v.9). Once under grace, always under grace. As Paul addresses the issue of unity, he mentions Christ over and over (10 times in v. 1-10) to emphasize that believers are all in allegiance to the same Christ Jesus. He says , "dear brothers", emphasizing the family of God in his appeal to them to stop arguing and to be "united in thought and purpose". Next, Paul addresses their misunderstandings about human wisdom and God's wisdom. He explains that nobody can find God through human wisdom alone, since the message of the cross sounds foolish to those who are not called by God to salvation. "Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God" (v.24). Paul reminds again that "God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus" (v.30) and therefore "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord"(v31).

Romans 16 is composed primarily of a list of greetings to 26 of Paul's dear friends. There is also some final instructions from Paul in v. 17-20, where he urges believers to watch out for false teachers whose aim is to cause divisions and upset people's faith. He encourages the believers to remain obedient to the Lord and to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. How can we do as Paul says? Fellowship in God's word daily and ask God to reveal His truth and listen and obey to the guidance and wisdom given in grace through illumination by His Spirit.

Romans 14 teaches us not to be critical or cause there to be any stumbling blocks in a weaker brother's way. We are not to condemn another servant of God due to a disagreement, but allow God to show them what is right. We can trust that "the Lord is able to make them stand" (v.4). Paul says, "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (v.19). Romans 15 teaches then, to help bear the weaknesses of a brother, for his edification. Accept one another, for the united purpose of bringing praise and glory to God for His grace and mercy. Paul says to boast together only in Christ's work in you, and strive together in prayer , that God might "fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".

In Romans 13, Paul teaches us to respect and obey ruling government authorities, since God has appointed them for the purpose of punishing wrongdoing. He gives three reasons for living rightly and in subjection : 1) to avoid punishment from the authorities, 2) to keep a clear conscience, and 3) time is running out for Christ's return. Paul says to give to all men their dues, whether taxes, fear, or honor, being in debt for nothing, except to love one another as yourself. Paul concludes by saying, "Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires".

Romans 12 is about recognizing and engaging our purpose in Christ. Paul says we should respond to God's amazing mercy and grace by presenting ourselves to God as an act of worship. In this way, He transforms our thinking and allows us to know his good and perfect will. We will then be able to see ourselves from God's eternal perspective and understand the basis of our self-worth--- our identity in Christ. Each of us has been given the ability to do certain things well "in accordance with the measure of faith" given by grace from God. Paul says we are to use these abilities "in proportion to our faith", in devotion to one another in love, and in service to the Lord. Paul concludes the chapter by encouraging us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, living in harmony and peace with everyone.

Romans 10 and 11 are about the "remnant of Israel". As clarified in chapter 9, "Israel" , "Jews" , "children of God" seem to refer to the "children of the promise" or "those of the faith of Abraham" , rather than the biological descendants of Abraham. Here, Paul speaks about how he longs for Israel to stop clinging to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. He longs for them to believe in what Christ has already accomplished in making them right with God. Paul asks a rhetorical question, "How can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?" (v.14). Paul says that not everyone who hears welcomes the message of the Good News. He explains, with quotes from Isaiah, that Israel not only heard, but understood the message. However, they rejected the message and kept disobeying and arguing against it. Paul says, though, that "not all the Jews have turned away from God", but a few are being saved as a result of God's grace in choosing them. "So this is the situation, that most of the Jews have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have---the ones God has chosen-- but the rest were made unresponsive" (v. 11:7). The "Jews" are God's chosen people and are the objects of His promises to Abraham, for God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn (v.29). Paul then says to the gentiles, "you ,too, were once rebels against God, but when the Jews refused his mercy, God was merciful to you instead. And now, in the same way, the Jews are the rebels, and God's mercy has come to you. But someday they , too, will share in God's mercy (v.31)". There is much to cause confusion in all of this, but that's ok. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (v.33)" Maybe it is impossible for us to understand all the details, but it's enough just to know that "everything exists by his power and is intended for His glory" (v.36).

Romans 9 is about God's absolute sovereignty in choosing those who would receive his gift of eternal salvation. Who are God's chosen people, "Israel"? Is it the "Jews"? Are they biological descendants of Abraham? This chapter teaches that God had a plan for some to be chosen and some not to be chosen. He chose some to be objects of his judgment and fit only for destruction, but God also chose to pour out the riches of his glory upon those he prepared to be the objects of his mercy. He selected His chosen elect from both the Jews and from the Gentiles. He did this sovereignly, showing mercy to some just because he wanted to, and he chose to make some people reject Him by hardening their hearts. "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but (only) on God's mercy" (v.16). Paul quotes from Hosea concerning the Gentiles and the Jews---- 1) God says He will chose some (Gentiles) whom he formerly did not call and whom He did not formerly love and 2) God says that the descendants of Abraham have become great, but only a small number will be saved and this the Lord has done "with finality". Let's then rest in the hope and peace given lavishly by the grace of God, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Romans 8 is about the peace, freedom, and blessings we have now in the Spirit. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ ( v.1) and nothing on earth or in heaven can separate us from the love of God (v.39). Paul says that when "the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace"(v.7). As children of God, we eagerly anticipate "sharing in his treasures and ... sharing His glory" (v.17). We were called according to his purposes, chosen in advance, to become like His Son. And since we have been given right standing in His Son, "overwhelming victory is ours through Him" (v.37). Need encouragement? Read this chapter often !

In Romans 7, Paul describes how though we are now free from the control of our sinful nature, we continue to struggle with sin. "So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. "(v.24-25). Enough said !

Romans 6 explains that in Christ we are now able to live free from the power of sin and can therefore now choose to obey God. Even though we still often fail to resist temptation and even cooperate willingly with our sinful nature, the power of sin in our lives is indeed defeated. Because of our union with Christ , we share in His victory over the penalty of sin and death. Because we stand "acquitted" from His judgement, we need never fear death. Let the freedom that we experience in receiving God's love and grace motivate us to live for the glory of God through Jesus and enjoy eternal fellowship with Him !

In Romans 5, Paul explains about the joy that we experience when we enter into a peaceful relationship with God. We are no longer in a position deserving of God's wrath, but have been made right in God's sight by our faith in Jesus. Paul says, "Christ brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand". I praise God daily for the joyful rest we have in looking forward to being with Him forever and sharing in His glory. Paul talks about how we can even rejoice in times of conflict and trials, since God uses those times to strengthen us and build our confidence in our salvation. We should not become discouraged when we face temptations and problems, but remember that God sent his Son to die for us while we were still sinners. "Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment (v. 9)." Christ took our sins upon himself and took our punishment, so now "we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God" (v.11). Furthermore, we "live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ" (v17). Sing and rejoice that we now live under God's new rule of wonderful kindness and grace !!

Romans 4 explains that man is justified through grace by his faith. God's righteousness was given freely ( ie. like a gift) to Abraham simply because he believed and trusted in God, not because of any works or obedience to the law. "To the man who does no work , but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited to him as righteousness"(v.5). Paul further explains by using a quotation from David, which speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works, "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered, Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him" (v 6-8). Paul says again that righteousness promised by God "comes by faith so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed ... to all those who are of the faith of Abraham"(v.16). "The words, 'it was credited to him', were written not for Abraham alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--- for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead... for our justification" (v.24-25).

Romans 2 and 3 are about the eternal condemnation of all who put their faith in themselves or the law. "For all have sinned and fall short of God's glorious standard" (3:23). "No one is good--not even one. No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one" (3:10-12). However, Paul says that God has provided a way of being right in His sight, not by obedience, but by the way promised in scriptures long ago. God's chosen people can be saved, no matter who they are or what they have done, when they put their faith in Jesus Christ to take away all their (past,present,and future) sins. "For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us" (3:25). Can we do anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds, but only on our faith. (3:27). We can rest in the fact that God will keep this promise and remain faithful to us, even when we are not faithful.

Romans 1 begins by explaining the facts of the "gospel" or Good News. Paul says that Jesus came as a human by natural descent, was from the line of David, died and was raised from the dead, and made God's grace available to us. Paul then explains that through Christ, we have been given the privilege of being called and the responsibility to share what God has done, so others will believe and bring glory to His name. Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes...and makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith" (v.16-17). In other words, believers are declared right with God because of faith (in Christ) alone. In the remaining verses of chapter 1, Paul explains that God will show his anger to those "who push the truth (of God) away" and that all people everywhere know this truth instinctively. People can clearly see in creation the evidence of God's eternal power and divine nature and they have "no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God" (v.19-20).

In Acts 27-28, Paul and other prisoners are taken by ship to Rome. Guided by the Spirit, Paul offers advice to the ship's officers about how to proceed, since the weather was becoming rough. They didn't listen to Paul and soon encountered typhoon wind, but Paul reassured them that an angel of the Lord had revealed to him that none would perish. He told them, "So take courage For I believe God. It will be just as He said." The sailors listened to Paul and took action to follow his advice (v.32). It says that Paul also persuaded them to eat with him. Paul gave thanks to God before them all and "everyone was encouraged"( v.36). In the end, everyone escaped the storm and arrived safely ashore. Eventually in Rome, Paul speaks before a group telling them about the kingdom of God and taught them from the books of Moses and the prophets. He lectured them from morning until evening and some believed. Paul's final words to them was from Isaiah, "Go and say to my people, You will hear my words, but you will not understand; you will see what I do, but you will not perceive its meaning. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes-- so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them." This scripture quoted by Paul at the end of Acts reminds us again that we are to boldly proclaim the Kingdom and the teachings of Jesus, but only God can draw people to Himself and direct their response in faith to His calling.

In Acts 26, King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak in his defense. Paul began by "begging (Agrippa) to listen patiently"(v.3) as he gave a very thorough summary of his testimony. It says that Agrippa was "well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies". Paul explained that his hope was "in what God had promised our fathers" and "it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me" (v. 8). He further explained , " I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- that the Christ would suffer and ... rise from the dead"(v.23). And, "what I am saying is true and reasonable... the king is familiar with these things and I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." It is remarkable that God had placed Paul in a position that he might give such an amazing presentation of his life testimony and the truths of Jesus' resurrection to King Agrippa. King Agrippa replied to Paul, " Do you think that in such a short time, you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul responded, " I pray to God that not only you, but all who are here listening to me today may become what I am." Although, Agrippa rejects the invitation, Paul demonstrates again his passion for sharing Jesus with the lost. We can be used by God to share the gospel, but God chooses who He will call. Only God can change the hearts of man. Are you presenting yourself daily to God's kingdom work? What are you passionate about that could be more important?

In Acts 25, Paul is brought before a tribunal to hear the charges against him. He again displays his willingness to surrender to God’s will and purposes, saying

“If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die”. The governor, Festus, explained to king Agripa the situation, saying “the accusers began bringing charges against Paul not of such crimes as I was expecting, but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive.” I found some humor in the manner this situation was described. It sounds as though Festus was saying, “ the conflict they had with Paul was simply about some dead guy who Paul insists is still alive”. It wasn’t quite that simple. The fact of the resurrection of Jesus is the most extraordinarily significant event in all of history! Paul understood this well and he was willing to stake his life on this truth. Are believers today willing to stand up for Jesus even when they don’t face persecution?

Acts 24 begins with the Jewish elders presenting their charges against Paul before the governor, Felix. They proclaimed, "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple.” Several days later, Felix sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Many people today, unfortunately, react the same way to the gospel message. They think they can keep postponing making things right with God, but only God knows how many days they have left. That's a risky gamble!

In Acts 23, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin and knows He will likely face persecution, even death. Despite these circumstances, Paul declares confidently "I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." They accused Paul of speaking against the teachings of the high priests, but Paul clarifies that he "stand(s) on trial because of his hope in the resurrection (of Jesus)". The teachers of the law argued vigorously and there was a great uproar. The dispute became violent and the Roman commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces. Though Paul was confident in God's omniscience and good purposes, he most likely was feeling a little less than peaceful during this time. Then, it says in v.11, "the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage!'. Just as God gracefully comforted Paul and provided him with encouragement, we can trust Him to "stand near to us" when we are in fearful circumstances.