1 Corinthians
9 – 10
Interesting how Chapter 9 opens with Paul asking for pay, or
at least justifying it for pastors and then saying he is not asking for it
since he was called directly by God. Verse 9:24 has an analogy I get:
We all know that
when there’s a race, all the runners bolt for the finish line, but only one
will take the prize. When you run, run for the prize!
Fortunately, salvation in a way is outcome based, since we
will all work for the prize and obtain it. This is a great analogy, but at the
same time when you think about it, it’s kind of odd. The race of life, we are
“bolting” for the finish line which in life’s case is death. How many can say
they are racing for death? I can’t but when you think about it our salvation
and the salvation of others IS a life and death struggle. The finish is death
and communing with God in eternity.
Verse 10:13 is always one we look at in hope:
Any temptation you
face will be nothing new. But God is faithful, and He will not let you be
tempted beyond what you can handle. But He always provides a way of escape so
that you will be able to endure and keep moving forward.
How many have said, “God must think I can
handle a lot” in their lives? I sure have. I think many read this as “trials”
and not “temptations” and that’s the hook. We all like to think this is trails,
which since God has let his followers be martyred shows that is not the case.
NO this is just “temptations” which can be easily dealt with. The next verse
has the key work to dealing with “temptations” and that is “RUN”.
As a married guy a fear I have had is an
attractive woman coming on to me, I pray I could handle that pressure. And the
second verse shows I can and studies show I have a 3 second window to act and
that action is “RUN”. Don’t think about it again and just run, it’s that
simple. I know PK tells the story about a woman who came on to him early on and
he did just that. Left her, ran out the front door and went home, without telling
anyone, he just RAN. Nothing tempting us is so great we can’t run from it!
Verse 10:31 is one of those “anything goes”
verses:
Whatever you
do—whether you eat or drink or not—do it all to the glory of God!
I really don’t think Paul was saying its ok
to do anything; rather legalistic stuff from the Law is no longer need to be
adhered to “religiously”. Also, once you open the door to gentiles, who don’t
live under the law things like eating pork, does not suddenly become a sin. No
Paul did not say party down in the glory of God, but rather don’t get stuck on
the Law, but do what is right and give glory to God.
As you may know I am an odd one on the Law.
I look at the food laws as important, not as sins, but rather as a way to fuel
or bodies. God gave us the perfect foods for our bodies to be at their optimum,
sure we don’t have to abide by the food laws but it is what is best for our
health. The key is whatever we do, do it to honor God. If you think pork is ok,
and give it to me for dinner. I will thank God and enjoy the meal. Paul is just
saying don’t get hung up on the small stuff and focus on the one true prize of
salvation for all.
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