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Q4. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40) In your particular congregation, which parts of verses 39-40 are most needed in order to bring your congregation into a biblical balance? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1376-q4-all-things-in-order/ Paul stated that God is not a God of disorder but of peace and most often ignoring and/or resisting disorder. Christians seem to have opted for all forms of worship. Where there is a presence of disorder that may appear as chaos, I believe and am much more comfortable with the John Wesleyan (United Methodist) approach based on a methodic and orderly format of corporate worship. That is not to say, that creativity, joy, unpredictability experiences are ruled out, but a Biblical approach to worship is definitely foundational to corporate worship, praise, and prophecy!

Q3. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) How are Paul’s instructions to those who speak in tongues in verses 27-28 similar to his instructions to those who prophecy in verses 29-32? How do they differ? How might we hold meetings today that allow for the Spirit to inspire spontaneous contributions to the gathered people? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1375-q3-instructions/ Everything done in worship services, according to Paul, must beneficial to the congregation. Every worshipper ought to consider themselves a contributor. These principles touch every aspect – singing, preaching, the exercise of spiritual gifts. Contributions to the service (singing, speaking, reading, praying, playing instruments, giving) must be controlled and methodical and orderly enough to produce control of the people but within limits allow free expression as long as it fulfills the building up of the people. Although Paul would allow tongue speaking if it was accompanied with interpretation so that all got the clear edifying message from the LORD but that preaching/speaking/prophecy by far was the preferred method of doing this. It also should have love as the chief motivation. It is inherent within the intent of Pauline theology/thinking that everything should move towards strengthening the faith of the believers.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 14:5-25) Paul does value speaking in tongues. What does its value seem to be according to verses 2, 4, 17, and (perhaps) Romans 8:26-27? How are the Corinthians abusing speaking in tongues? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1374-q2-value-and-abuse/ Although Christians do not always know God’s will in prayer, the Spirit intercedes for them and answers for them because the Spirit always prays within God’s will. That is to say, we are not left to our own resources to cope with problems. Even when we do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf, and God answers. With God helping us pray, we do not need to be afraid to come before Him, because we can ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us, in accordance to God’s will in trust that He will always do what is best.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1373-q1-prophecy-edifies/ These two verses 3 and 4 states that “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the church.” So the one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself because his spirit is praying to God even though he does not understand what is being said. Paul seems to be stressing prophecy or preaching because it benefits the whole church whereas speaking in tongues primarily benefits the speaker. Paul’s stance is an encouragement to be in tune with the Spirit so that messages and actions of comfort, encouragement and edification/strengthening would be heard/seen in the church.

Q5. (1 Corinthians 12:27) How are you hurt by the people who don't use their spiritual gifts for one reason or another? How much richer would your congregation be if you -- and everyone else -- were to use their spiritual gifts? What might happen in people's lives? What might be the community impact of your congregation? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1368-q5-gifts-and-riches/ As members of one body of Christ, we “all” have an effect on each other for good feelings and not-so-good feelings; we have an impact of one another in the same way a link in the chain as on the wholeness of the chain. Should one link become weak or missing altogether, the chain therefore becomes weak and in effective to fulfill its role. The same is true in the Church. The more the local church, the regional church, all the way to the Church Universal, all work together united in the LORD, we are effective and have a strong voice in our communities. But as people do not pull their weight, do their part, the Church’s force and effectiveness in the community weakens. As the Church works together, people in the community get presented the Gospel of Jesus, and more people come to know the LORD as Master and Savior of their lives and therefore more lives are changed. We all need to work together to insure that the impact of the world is with a unified effort and therefore the Word of God does “not” become diluted.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 12:11) What are several lessons that we learn from verse 11? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual gifts? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1367-q4-lessons-on-gifts/ First, the role of the Holy Spirit with respect to spiritual gifts is that He empowers, distributes and gives these gifts to individuals at a minimum of one per person but at times a person may be the recipient of more than one. But each person is anointed with at least one. The lessons as related in our notes on spiritual gifts (the bold highlights are mine) are: The Holy Spirit empowers/produces the spiritual gifts in people but they can only become effective if the people employ them through their faith. The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts and this is done so that there some type of balance over Christendom. The Holy Spirit gives at least one gift to every person. The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts individually; however, the recipient must yield themselves to God to be equipped to minister to others with the gift(s). The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts according to His own will and plan.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) Has God used you in one of these nine spiritual gifts -- or someone you know? How has this gift help build up and strengthen your congregation or community? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1366-q3-which-gifts/ I have been anointed and used by the LORD with the gift of faith. I have worked on the strengthening of the same over a lifetime of study and devotional reading which includes but is not limited to in-depth Bible study. Over the years and with continual study as indicated coupled with prayer time, I have been used by the LORD to start, facilitate and teach numerous Bible Study Classes not only as part of the Sunday School program in various churches but also within the context of small group ministry which exists outside the Sunday church programs, which typically took place in people’s home but most recently over the past 2 years has been hosted in my own home by my wife and me. In these specific situations, much advancement has been made in people acquiring a more serious approach to Bible Study as well as a experiencing personal and spiritual growth in their own lives with the LORD and with family and friends.

Q2. Is it legitimate to use Jesus as our example in the use of spiritual gifts? Or was he so different than we are that we can’t pattern our ministry after his example? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1365-q2-christ-our-exemplar/ It is absolutely legitimate to use Jesus as our example first because He is our role model in everything include the demonstration of the spiritual gifts with which we have all been grace and gifted. Because Jesus gave us His Spirit at the moment of conversion, we have been endowed with the spiritual gifts that can be used for the benefit of people with whom we come in contact. Through the power, knowledge and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we indeed can imitate the LORD in all we do and use all our spiritual gifts because this is the will of God. He loved us enough to die for all of us and all our sins that we, in gratitude, can reach out the fallen and corrupt and troubled world around us. The more involved/closer we are the Jesus, the better equipped we are to live inside His will for this purpose.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1364-q1-purpose-of-gifts/ A purpose of spiritual gifts is that they benefit others, aka the common good, of others and that they are useful to build up the body of Christ. When they are used to “not” benefit the common good, they become self-centered, one dimensional, rather than multidimensional, reaching out, united, and fulfilling the purpose for which God had intended. When this occurs, God’s will is accomplished and peoples’ lives are affected and changed.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 11:28) What kind of self-examination at the Lord’s Table is appropriate? How do confession and repentance fit with self-examination? How do confession and repentance serve to bring spiritual health and character change? An honest and critical self-examination is required of each us believers prior to partaking of the LORD’s Supper to be sure that there is no unforgiven sin, that there is no uncompleted reconciliation hanging over our heads, that we have confessed and repented of these issues so that God can be free to bless us, forgive us and cleanse us through the elements. By our confession and repentance, God forgives, cleanses, and further equips us so we can go forward to serve and worship Him more seriously.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 11:26) In what way is the LORD’s Supper a proclamation? To whom is the proclamation made? Why is this important? What happens to the church when its proclamation shifts to a different central theme? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1362-q3-proclaiming-christs-death/ The LORD’s Supper “is” a proclamation, first, because verse 26 states it is such, and second, because we are sharing publicly that our faith is in Jesus and His atoning death for our sins and freedom into eternal life because of His grace/gift in that we believe in and worship Him. The proclamation is made twofold in that we are praising God for what He did for us in the life and death of Jesus Christ and also a statement to non-believers about how the remembrance on a regular basis of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection coupled with our regular participation in the LORD’s Supper and the subsequent eternal life they can obtain. This is the only central theme that can be available as the promise of God is central to eternal life.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 11:25) What does the phrase mean: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood”? What is the old covenant? What are the provisions of the New Covenant? The covenant was discussed throughout the Old Testament as Moses and others carried God’s Laws and Promises throughout as guidance of God’s people to the right kind of living. Through Jesus’ sacrifice for and His atoning of our sin, Jesus became the new covenant: the new way of becoming freed from the slavery of sin and the guarantee of a different life through repentance, faith, and the forgiveness of Jesus. Jesus assisted in even another way at Pentecost to give to us His Holy Spirit to live up to the promise of being with us at all times. Even in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament, when we break the covenant of God through sin, we have His promise that He has provided a way out through forgiveness of our sins, erasing them from His remembrance and freeing us unto eternal life.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) Why is it so important that we continually remember Christ’s broken body and shed blood? In what sense do you believe that the bread is his body? That the wine is his blood? One of the main purposes of the celebration of the LORD’s Supper is to remember all the time, to be reminded what Jesus did for us in His sacrifice, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension; that He took our place on the cross, atoning for our sin and freeing/clearing the way to Him and to eternal life. So when we partake of the Lord's Supper we are remembering Jesus' death for our sins on the cross. As pointed out by Dr. Wilson, the body/bread is indeed representative of His body broken for us, and the cup of juice representing Jesus’ blood shed for us are symbols of the body and blood of Jesus. This is what the matchless Word of God states and is the essence of the Christian faith. This is why this is a Holy “Sacrament” in the Christian church.

Q5. (1Corinthians 9.24-27) What point is Paul trying to make by using athletic analogies? What place does self-discipline have in our effectiveness as Christian workers? What place does it have in keeping us from falling into gross sin, such as idolatry? How might lack of self-discipline disqualify us from all God has for us? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1359-q5-self-discipline/ Paul compared the Greek games to what he has tried to convey as plainly explain his points. He chose two of the six core events: running and boxing. A runner self-disciplines to properly train for the running event so that he can concentrate of getting to the finish line. Likewise, with the Christian worker, the training, edification and mental preparation equip for eyeing and reaching the eternal (non-perishable wreath) goal of proclaiming and winning as many to faith in Christ Jesus as possible. As a boxer trains for the event, so does a Christian worker discipline to the point of rigorous preparation for the task at hand. But unlike the boxer where part of the training is to shadow box, which in essence practices but miss the mark due to there being no opponent. Whereas, the point of readying oneself is to keep eyes on the mark or task, the Christian worker’s discipline is strict and not casual in any way so that there will be nothing to obscure, distract, or deter from reaching the goal of proclaiming and winning as many to faith in Christ Jesus as possible.

Q4. (1Corinthians 9.15-22) Why did Paul “become all things to men”? What was his purpose? Was he able to be authentic in doing so? What is the difference between Paul’s chameleon ministry and mere role playing? What are you willing to give up so that you can reach the people God has called you to minister to? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1358-q4-becoming-all-things/ Paul was called to minister to all people not just a select group because all people were important to God to receive the gospel that would change their lives forever. He therefore willingly and voluntarily gave himself to others to minister to them and provide to them the individualized and special gospel message meant for them to hear. Paul was always authentic because he did not claim or boast as to anything for or about himself but all to the glory of God. As stated above, Paul continually pointed to the LORD Jesus to give Him all the glory because He was the one doing the saving and not Paul. This is more than role-playing; it was actual obedience to the LORD and pointing others to Him for their salvation and a new way life even into eternal life. Paul used whatever means possibly (by that I mean leaning on and obtaining the necessary strength from the LORD) to deliver and share the Word of the LORD and to win people to Christ.

Q3. (1Corinthians 9.15-18) Why doesn’t Paul have a personal choice about preaching? Will volunteer and bi-vocational Christian workers receive a greater reward in heaven than those who are paid her on earth? If so, why? If not, why not? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1357-q3-compelled-to-preach/ In today’s language, Paul was “called to preach”; however, what Paul stated is that “I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” In other words, Paul responded to that calling and was compelled to obey the will of God for his life. In fact, the Acts scripture supports his call/command by the LORD Jesus to preach the gospel, and told King Agrippa, “I was not disobedient…” He was entrusted with the responsibility and he must do it. In 9.17: Paul stated that paid service to the LORD reaps a reward for that faithful service but that those volunteer will reap an even greater reward because that worker is serving Jesus out of the faith and love in their heart. The bottom line here is that when God calls, we must respond in obedience, and after praying it through to be sure this is the will of God, do whatever is necessary to bring that call into action for the LORD. Dr. Wilson stated that “You step out and God will guide, provide, and bless others through your obedience”.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) Why did Jesus command his disciples to receive support on their journeys? What scriptural obligation do Christian congregations have to do their best to support their pastor – and, if possible, other workers? What accountability will church board members experience when they pay their pastor less than they should? According to our notes, there is historical precedent for this idea of clergy support in that God provided the priests a continual share of the sacrifices offered by the people to God which was a portion of their tithes. So the priests were able to receive in direct proportion to that which was given. There are scriptural references to this not only in the Old Testament but the New as well...Dr. Wilson quotes Matthew 10.9-10 that "the worker is worth his keep" and Luke 10.7 that "the worker deserves his wages". These were not suggestions but commands of the LORD. The boards and members of local churches have the responsibility/command of tithing and if the funds are not at the level needed, then the pastor will consequently receive less support and therefore the church would not be abiding by the commands of our LORD.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 9:4-12) Why does Paul argue for the right of apostles and other Christian workers to be supported, if he has decided not to exercise this right himself? Why would it hinder missionary work for a missionary to expect his new converts to support him? In these verses, Paul asserted two right of the church, one of which is the right to food and drink, what he calls material support. In our notes, we find that "right" among other meanings relates freedom of choice. He referred to soldiers who were expected to be paid, vineyard workers paid to get a share of the harvest of grapes, and shepherds who were entitled to drink of the goat's milk as part of their sustenance. And in verse 10b, he refers to plowmen and thrashers being entitled to share in the harvest. Paul was on a mission and that mission was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. That was his only focus and therefore did not want to "muddy the waters" of the message by making any efforts about getting paid. He felt that would confuse his message away from the LORD to getting paid. Although a Christian worker should get paid, Paul' stance was more to be with the people and accept whatever they give him.

Q5. (1 Corinthians 10:19-21) The beings behind idols are not real gods, according to 1 Corinthians 8:4. What kind of beings does this passage say they are? What then is the spiritual danger to us of participating in idol worship (or the occult, for that matter)? Not only are these idols but Paul calls them rightfully "demons" and the activity "participating with demons". True koinonia cannot be fully experienced with "not-of-God" idols or demons for that is not God-sanctioned or with God Himself. The spiritual danger of practicing in this manner are things such as "spiritually contaminated, spiritually compromised, pagan practices and just plain idol worship". This idol-type worship or practice will reduce the exercise to "not-of-God" and therefore would certainly enlargen the separation between the individual and Almighty God.. I agree with Dr. Wilson to "renounce all such activity in the name of Jesus."

Q4. (1 Corinthians 10:18) In what way did the priests participate in the altar by eating of the Old Testament sacrifices? How does Paul connect this observation with our participation with Christ’s sacrifice? A portion of the sacrifices that were brought to the temple/tabernacle were eaten by the priests and a portion was also burned at the altar. The eating of the sacrifice symbolically therefore not only satisfied the sactifice but it also was part of the atonement process in having their sins/guilt taken away from them. Paul's point is that as the priests participated in the sacrifice so do we by eating the elements from the LORD's Supper and therefore becoming sharers in the offering of Christ on the cross for our sins. Not only is this profound historically but central to our faith and is so vital that it is recognized as a sacrament in the church.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 10.16-18) What does koinonia mean? What does it mean to “participate” or “share” in the blood of Christ? Or in the body of Christ? “Koinonia” refers to a sharing or participation together which in this verse is stating that we are all one in Christ, and we join together in Holy Communion, publicly stating through this action of faith that we are “one” with the LORD. This sacrament is a time set apart to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us on the cross. We share together in His sacrifice for our sins/forgiveness/reconciliation/redemption.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) What about our human make-up causes us to face temptation? What does this passage teach about our temptations? What does it teach us about God’s help in temptation? Sometimes in our wisdom, we get too confident, or over confident, that we have it all together and that sets us up for the fall. If we are not prepared or lost within our “smartness”, the fall can have quite tragic consequences. We are not immune for the temptations “or” from sin. Temptation is a reality for us all, as it was for Jesus, except He never gave into the temptations, like we do a lot. The devil is smart and know where our vulnerability is, and he will slip in almost unnoticed and overwhelm us with the surprise temptation. But God promised throughout His matchless Word, that He will never leave us, that He will always be with us to help in our times of need. He will never allow the temptation or trial to be more than we can handle as He will give us what we need to overcome the situation. All we really have to do through our faith is to rely/lean on Him and seek His wisdom and strength.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 8:1-8) The 'liberal' Corinthians had ready excuses for why it was okay to eat with their friends in feasts held in pagan temples. What were their excuses that Paul combats in verse 1-6? Sometimes we excuse our own questionable behaviors. How can we assess the validity of our excuses? What effect would observing your behavior have on new Christians? The Corinthians knew and had more wisdom than others. Paul's stance with them that knowledge and wisdom tends to puff one up which leads to pride but in reality they are truly not as wise as they think. Paul's argument concentrated on love as being better than knowledge because love builds up/not puffs up and therefore strengthens those who love. The validity of our excuses needs to withstand the test of whether we are leaning on loving others in Christ rather than how much we may know about rituals, mores or whatever. New believers need role models and we are they, so we need to be careful what message they receive from us. Paul has outlined what that is and we must lean on that so that what they say is the gospel or the truth or actually is the message from God.

Posted 21 May 2014 - 06:18 PM Q2. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Why doesn’t Paul care how others judge him? Why doesn’t Paul judge himself? Why are our motives so important in God’s judgment process? Do you see God as a harsh judge? An easy judge? Why? Paul does not bother about what others think about him and he does not worry about himself because it is only the LORD at the appointment Who will judge him. Our motives are important in this process because God see what is in our hearts and want us to be open before him. What we feel about our situation or excusing ourselves from what we do or do not do matters not, only that which matters to God. He alone sees our motives, which may be hidden to others and/or to ourselves. God is neither a harsh nor an easy judge; He is God but holds us accountable to that which is right and is part of our sanctification process.

Posted 21 May 2014 - 01:37 PM Q1. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) In what sense is a Christian worker a “steward”? Have you ever met a Christian worker who wasn’t faithful? What effect did this have on the church? On this person’s witness. What are the reasons we are sometimes unfaithful in our area of ministry? What can we do to remedy that? A steward is typically a manager…one who has responsibility over a program, a house, a church, financial resources, property, et al. A Christian worker is indeed a steward or manager of the grace of God given through the Holy Spirit through which He works to bring the good news to others as well as helping to build up the church (people) in being more faithful and devoted to the LORD Jesus. People who claim to be Christian workers and who are not faithful to the LORD are truly a hindrance and road-block to the matchless Word of God and the message and heart of He who died for the forgiveness of all our sins and gave us the command to spread His message to all the world. This attitude negative affects the church’s ability to be credible to the unbelieving world and thereby prohibits the progress in the sharing of this Christian message of hope to the world. Sometimes we get over our heads by not saying “No” to some service opportunities; not stopping to weigh the priorities of our spiritual gifts against the myriad areas of service so they match. That leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and not being faithful to the tasks we have said “yes” to being stewards/servants.