Jn 16:16-19: A Little While

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

It was only a little while, yet how they would sorrow. Their Master, Leader, and the One who called them friends would be taken by men. Betrayed by Judas (Lu 22:48). Delivered up to Pilate (Mt 27:2). Delivered to be crucified (Mt 27:26). Delivered up His spirit (Jn 19:30) [betrayed and all the mentions of delivered are the same word in the original greek]. Yet all this occurred within 24hrs. It was just a little while, and a dead Rabbi in the grave meant their faith was in vain, they were most miserable (1 Cor 15:17, 19). Perhaps only Mary of Bethany understood He must die (Jn 12:7). Yet only a little while and He would rise! Sadness to Happiness. Sorrow to Joy. Anguish to Rejoicing. It was only a little while.

Lord, might I keep in perspective your higher ways. Tribulations are only a little while. All the afflictions of this life are according to your purposes and to build my faith so that I may endure. It's only a little while and sorrow is turned to joy.

"Let not your heart be troubled"

John 14:1

Peter must especially be troubled at this point, though the rest of the disciples must be too. They have just realized that their Master is about to leave them as He said, "though canst follow me now" (John 13:36). These and the following words are Jesus preparing His disciples for their life without the physical presence of the Saviour. Worse for Peter, he has been told that he will deny his Lord three times before even the end of that night. Surely the Lord will cut Peter off? Perhaps some of the other disciples, who did not understand that Judas had gone to betray the Lord (John 13:28-29) but knew one of them would, were about to blame Peter as the son of perdition. Would the Lord cut off Peter? No, "he loved them to the uttermost" (John 13:1). Peter would deny. All would be scattered. Only John is recorded as being right to the cross. Yet their hearts should not be troubled because He is going to prepare their room in the house of His Father, in spite of all that would occur that night.

We can take comfort that in spite of where we are in our experience. At times, and maybe always, we feel that we are falling short of where God would have intended us for us to be in our lives. Maybe we feel guilty because our prayer life is irregular, our study time is short, and our meditation time doesn't exist. Now's the best time to get on the right track. Despite how far we feel that we've fallen short, we are all on level footing before God because of our salvation being by grace. We are sons of the Father.

Let us not let our hearts be troubled. Live for Christ as the disciples ended up doing. They all died a martyr's death, except John who lived a martyr's life. Let us not let our hearts be troubled, He has gone to prepare a place for us in the house of His Father and He is coming again based on His work and not on ours.

Romans 11 - The Olive Tree

Parable of the Olive Tree – Romans 11:11-25

The goodness and severity of God is on display in the Parable of the Olive Tree (Rom 11:22). Paul uses the illustration of an Olive Tree to explain how God has and will deal with the Jews and Gentiles, in regard to blessing, through the ages.

The section from Romans 11:11-25 is broken up into two sections:

1. v11-15 – Relationship of Jew and Gentiles according to the blessings of God

2. v16-25 – Relationship Illustrated in the Parable of the Olive Tree

Section one gives an outline to how Israel because of unbelief has been set aside, and opportunity for blessing has come to all men through the same means. No longer is the Israelite the exclusive benefactor of God’s riches, but the Gentiles, also through Abraham’s covenant, can be brought into the privilege of God’s blessings.

Section two is the parable, whereby we must read carefully with knowledge of v11-15 and other scripture in order to interpret properly. The players in this parable are as follows:

1. Olive branches – Israel Nationally

2. Wild Olive branches – Gentiles Collectively

3. Root and Olive Tree – The link of God’s Privilege through Abraham

Beginning in v17, it is explained that some of the branches have been broken off. This is speaking of all those of the Nation of Israel who were unbelieving. Among the nation of Israel there are some who are the remnant. This remnant is the branches that remain in the tree; those who are unbelieving are broken off. v20 explains that it was because of unbelief that the majority of Israel nationally has been cut off from God’s blessing for the time being. God has always had His remnant through the ages in Israel. From Noah’s and his family (Gen 7:1), to Elijah and the 7000 prophets (1 Ki 19:18), to Mary, Simeon, John the Baptist and Anna (Lu 2:38), to Jews like Paul (Rom 11:1), even to the future 144,000 marked out of the nation of Israel (Rev 7:4), God will always have his remnant of believing Jews.

Presently the day we live in, God has opened the way of salvation to the whole Gentile nations.* The Gentiles are the wild olive branches**. This is the day when the blessings of God have flowed to the Gentile people in mercy and grace, when the wild olive branches will be grafted into the olive tree. Though unnaturally attached to the olive tree, these wild branches still are able to bring forth good fruit because of the tree and it’s root. The beginning of God working with the Gentiles began with the rejection of the Messiah nationally at the Praetorium with the cry, “his blood be on us and our children.” (Matt 27:25) This present division of God’s dealings with man will continue on until the Lord Jesus Christ’s return to the earth in glory to reign in righteousness and reclaim the city of Jerusalem solely for the nation to make it glorious (Lu 21:24). All nations are now blessed through Abraham to fulfill the promise of the Lord (Gen 12:1-3). The Gentiles can be linked to Abraham and the blessings of God by faith (Rom 4:13, 16-17).

When this age of God’s blessings flowing through the Gentile people will end, will be the exact same time as the regeneration of Israel nationally (Mt 19:28). It will be at this time that all those who are of the Gentiles and unbelieving, will be broken off from the privilege and blessing of God (Rom 11:22). All those who are of the believing remnant of Israel will be grafted again into the olive tree. They will be that nation born at once (Isa 66:8) when the nation of Israel will again live spiritually (Eze 37:1-14) and be the channel of blessing for all the nations in the Millennial Kingdom of Christ (Zech 8:23) as was the intention of God for His people (Mal 1:11).

*I didn’t choose the term “Times of the Gentiles” because the time when blessings from God will flow through the Gentiles is not identical with “Times of the Gentiles.” In brief, The Times of the Gentiles refers to God blessing the Gentiles with political domination in the world. It began with Nebuchadnezzar and will end at the destruction of the Beast. The time that these wild branches refer to does not refer to physical or political things, but rather spiritual blessing.

**It must be noted, the wild branches cannot be the church because v22 says that this branch will be cut off. The church will not be cut off but raptured. Any who is in the true church of God can never be plucked from the hand of the Father, Son, of have the seal of the Holy Spirit broken (John 10:28-29, Eph 1:13).

Quoted Scriptures – These are to aid in initial reference. Look up each to ensure the context.

Genesis 7:1: And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Genesis 12:1-3: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

I Kings 19:18: Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Isaiah 66:8: Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

Ezekiel 37:1-5: The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,: And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

Zechariah 8:23: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Malachi 1:11: For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 19:28: And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 27:25: Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Luke 2:38: And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 21:24: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

John 10:28-29: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Romans 14:13, 16-17: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way… Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 11:1: I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11:22: Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Ephesians 1:13: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

Revelation of John 7:4: And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

1 Cor 5 - Discipline in the Local Assembly

I Corinthians 5:1:

"reported commonly" - to have the reputation. What a terrible reputation to have in a local assembly! It is amazing that though this was commonly known, and that they practice was so wicked, it never effected their position before God as holy and sanctified (1:2). Truly this an extraordinary example of how a believer cannot lose his salvation. It is also amazing that this is still a local assembly with a lampstand of testimony. There were all sorts of problems and terribly wrong practices that had become common practice at Corinth. No doubt if it would have been left up to even the spiritual man to decide, he would conclude that this is no longer a place where they are gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, but the apostle knows through the oracles of God that there is yet still hope for this carnal crew. Truly it is Christ who is judge in this matter concerning lampstands of testimony (Rev 2:5).

"not so much as named among the Gentiles" - the fornication was to such a terrible degree, that it was even beyond what the people of the wicked city of Corinth would indulge themselves in. As immoral as the people of the day were, this action was even against the law of the Roman Empire. The father had no doubt remarried, and the son in the assembly had committed fornication with her. There is no mention of judgment to be passed by the assembly upon the wife, so perhaps it can be assumed that she was not a believer. It may been possible that the wife of the man's father is guilty of seducing this man, but he is still responsible before the assembly and God for his actions.

It is amazing seeing that this phrase was used concerning this act of lewdness. The city of Corinth was well known for the immoral behaviour that was prevalent there. There was even a verb coined in the day, "korinthiazomai," which meant "to lead a debased life," using Corinth as its root word. The Corinthian assembly was largely influenced by their surroundings, but even went beyond the practice of the people of the city.

I Corinthians 5:2:

Concerning this immorality there was a puffing up of believers. They were prideful instead of resentful. They were glorying instead of groaning. The completely wrong reaction met the knowledge of this behaviour. Perhaps the believers felt that they would be embraced by those of city if they acted just as they were, but this was doing damage by showing carnality instead of Christ. They did not judge this believe as they should, but were unlikely to be teaching fornication but were tolerant of it.

"taken away" - to remove. Fornication is grounds for excommunication. Paul is instructing that this man be removed from the fellowship.

I Corinthians 5:3:

Though Paul isn't there, the reputation has reached his ears and he has judged. It is important to remember that the only individuals who could judge in an assembly that they were not in the leadership role in was an apostle. Paul uses this authority to pass judgment and teaching on what to do with an individual who is found in the sin of fornication.

I Corinthians 5:4:

"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" - this tells us

1. A local assembly had been established here based upon the pattern that was intended for the gathering of saints to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers here are reminded and instructed that they are to meet in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of this gathering. Christ has given His promise that He is in the midst of those who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The discipline meeting is an assembly meeting. When the believers gather together for the purpose of public judgment upon a believer for this sin, in order to excommunicate him, they should do so with all the characteristics of a local gathering in place (Matt. 18:18-20). Obviously elders should be present, seeing they would be the individuals who would explain the reason why the believer is being removed from fellowship in accordance to the scripture. Head coverings should be in place seeing that the order of headship is on visual display during the assembly meeting for all to see including angels (1 Cor 11:10). All discipline should be conducted with the purpose of restoration in mind (See 1 Tim 1:20 - These two men were under discipline with the hope that they would learn not to blaspheme. They were not under discipline for a predetermined allotment of time or with no hope, but until they learned not to blaspheme).

"my spirit" - as they would be carrying out the instructions of Paul, it is as if he is there personally to approve the judgment to be passed down.

"the power" - it is upon the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ that the discipline is passed down.

I Corinthians 5:5:

"deliver unto Satan" - this would be referring to excommunication. (see also 1 Tim 1:20) Anything outside of the church is in the realm of Satan (1 John 5:19).

"destruction of the flesh" - this is NOT annihilation (same word used at 1 Thes 5:3, 2 Thes 1:9, and 1 Tim 6:9). What is in mind is that the carnality in them would be destroyed and purged for the sake of their spirit.

"spirit." - it is the spirit in view here, not the soul. The purpose of this judgment passed out now is so that the believer will not meet Christ at the Judgment Seat and be greatly embarrassed and saddened at the lack of reward given to him. The believer will not be judged for sin, but will be rewarded according to works. The state and condition of the spirit being preserved is in mind, rather than the saving v. losing of the spirit.

I Corinthians 5:6:

"glorying" - their boasting is in reaction to the fornication committed by this believer. In black and white terms Paul lets them know that it is not good.

"leaven" - leaven is a picture of sin or something sinful (Matt 13:33; 16:6, 11-12; Mk 8:15; Luke 13:21; 1 Cor 5:6-8; Gal 5:9). Concerning the Levitical ordinances, leaven is an interesting point on which God commands the situations to use it or to not use it:

a. Meat/Meal Offering - Lev 2:11, 6:17, 10:12 instructs that the meal offering was to be made without leaven. The meal offering is a picture of the perfect life of the Lord Jesus Christ to be put through the fire of judgment. Since Christ was without sin, God also instructed that the meal offering be without sin.

b. Feast of Pentecost - Lev 23:17 gives commandment about the Feast of Wave Loaves/Pentecost. At Pentecost, 50 days after the wave sheaf, the instruction was given to make a "new meal offering unto the Lord" which included leaven. The Feast of Pentecost was the same time as when the Holy Spirit came upon those gathered in the room in Jerusalem following the ascension of Christ (Acts 2). The new meal offering at the Feast of Pentecost was to be made with leaven because the Holy Spirit would be coming to indwell the believer who has not yet been saved from the presence of sin and sin can be a reality in believers who are in the church. In contrast with this, all offerings made with Christ in view never contain leaven to represent His sinless life.

The same phrase is used in Galatians 5:9 and perhaps it was a common saying of the day.

I Corinthians 5:7:

In Exodus 12 the children of Israel were commanded that before the Passover feast, they were to purge their houses of leaven. Annually this purging and feast would be reenacted to always remind Israel how the Lord passed over them in protection due to the blood on the door posts from the lamb that was without blemish.

"new lump" - in order for the lump to be new, the old leaven must be purged out. The sin that is in the assembly at Corinth must be purged out in order for the assembly there to be undefiled. When sin worthy of discipline goes unjudged by the assembly, it affects the whole assembly. One specific assembly had this occur because a believer had unconfessed sin of fornication. For years the assembly floundered until this person confessed their sin and discipline was put in place. Today that believer is proud to say that they are in an assembly that has been growing and has been getting stronger ever since his removal from fellowship for a short period of time.

"Christ our passover" - the Lord Jesus fits well into the picture of the passover lamb:

1. without blemish - this was a characteristic of the Lord Jesus as He was completely without sin and defilement. This made Him the perfect sacrifice.

2. first year - this lamb was cut off before the normal life span of a sheep. The Lord Jesus was only about 33 years old when He died.

3. 10th-14th day - this was a period to show others the spotlessness of their lamb. This is what God did with His Son during His public ministry, putting His Son on display for all to see the purity of His Son.

4. blood - the blood must have been applied in order for it to be effective on that household. The blood of Christ must be applied to each if it is going to be effective to save someone from the judgment of God.

5. roast with fire - not boiled or raw, but cooked only with fire. The Lord Jesus passed through the fire-judgment of God for sin on the cross.

6. not a bone broken - when prepared, the lamb was not to have any bones broken. John carefully records in his gospel that no bone of Jesus was broken to fulfill this scripture.

7. time of sacrifice - the 14th day of the 1st month was the time of the feast. Just before this, on the Friday afternoon, the passover lamb was killed. As Israel would have been slaying their passover lambs, the Lord Jesus, our passover, died at the very same time and hours of the year.

I Corinthians 5:8:

"keep the feast" - what is in view is that believers keep the spiritual application of the Passover feast. It is not being taught that a man should examine once a year, but rather the Passover feast be done each day. Keeping sin out of the believers life is an integral part of fellowship with God.

"not with leaven... but with the unleaven..." - each example of the actions that should and shouldn't be present in both the local assembly and the individual believer. If it is found in a believer, it is found in an assembly seeing a church is composed of individual believers. Sin should not be found in a local assembly, nor should it be tolerated as it was in Corinth. What should be found is sincerity and truth.

I Corinthians 5:9:

Paul had written an epistle to these believers that was not inspired of the Spirit and is not part of our Bible, nor to my knowledge has it been discovered even in fragments. Paul wrote to them earlier telling them not to company with fornicators.

I Corinthians 5:10:

Perhaps Paul was not specific enough, since the believers in Corinth likely thought that Paul meant that the believers shouldn't come in contact with anyone who was a fornicator. Since this was impossible in a city like Corinth, they probably passed this instruction by thinking it was impossible. Here Paul clarifies what he means when he says not to company with fornicators.

This verse is not describing people that are in the local assembly, but rather those that are in the world. If we are going to be a witness for the name of Christ, no doubt we must come in contact with these type of people every day. Unless we were going to hide in a hole and never rub shoulders with people of the world, it would be impossible not to be in any association with people of these sins unless we left the world.

I Corinthians 5:11:

The following are things that are grounds for excommunication:

1. fornication - sexual relations with anyone who is not your wife.

2. covetous - those who are constantly seeking the material things of this world that others have. This would include people who would gamble.

3. idolaters - those who worship anything other than God.

4. railer - those who use words to target another on a constant basis in order to bring them down. This is destructive to a local assembly and also often can lead to a disunity and perhaps division.

5. drunkard - alcoholics since they do not exhibit self control and allow themselves to be controlled by something other than the Spirit of God.

6. extortioner - those who obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

The instruction is not to have fellowship with this person, not even sitting down for a meal for the purpose of fellowship.

I Corinthians 5:12:

Those that are without are those in v10. The people of the world. The people who are within are described in v11. The people in the local assembly. There is a difference between the local and universal church. There is a within and a without. Those without are not to be judged by us for their deeds, it is the Lord's work, or, if they are part of another local assembly it is not the role of another assembly to pass judgment upon that individual. The assembly is meant to act autonomous, with other gatherings needing to honour that decision. It is necessary however for the assembly to judge the sins of those who are in their gathering.

I Corinthians 5:13:

Those that are excommunicated become "without." Some argue that the within and without applies to the universal church, but this is impossible seeing that the believer who is put out of the assembly for their sin is never removed from the universal church. Any person who is not in the universal church is not a believer. It is possible for a believer to walk in darkness and lose fellowship with the Father, Son and other believers (1 John 1:6), but it is impossible for a believer to have fellowship with darkness (1 Cor 10:21).

It is important to remember, which is why it is being mentioned again, that all discipline is with restoration in mind. When a believer comes under discipline to be removed from fellowship, he is to be judged by God. The purpose is that he might be repentant and return to fellowship when it is noted that the individual displays their repentance. To those that do not repent, they are in the hand of the Lord and His judgment, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the living God (Heb 10:31). God will not deal lightly with those who damage the reputation of a local assembly and do not show remorse for their actions.

1 Cor 4:5-21 *with modification

If you read this before July 19th, please take time to read the revisions in red

I Corinthians 4:5:

"judge" - to decide by trial. Remember the context. Paul isn't saying that in the local assembly it is wrong to judge for sin and deal with it accordingly (as he will begin into in 1 Cor 5). The context is the stewardship. It is for the master to decide whether the steward has done a good job or not. The time will come someday, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, when the Lord returns to set up His kingdom. It is at this judgment that the concealed will be revealed. All are naked and open in His sight, and it will be all put on the table. What is wood, hay, and stubble will be consumed, what is gold, silver and precious stones will remain for Him. He will reveal the works and also the intents of the heart and the motives of men. Following all of this, then each man will have praise from God as he is seen fit. What an amazing and baffling thought, that on the merits of Christ we are put into a position someday where we may hear the Lord say, "well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matt 25:21, 23) because He judges that we have done rightly with what He has given us.

Since Christ is the judge of all at the end, and we know not the councils of the heart, we will likely be surprised at others' rewards in that day. Some who we might consider great men will receive little, while others who we least expect will receive great reward.

I Corinthians 4:6:

(ESV)"I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another."

"these things" - not judging other's stewardships or ministries for Christ based on councils of their heart.

"I_have_in_a_figure_transfered" - Paul applies these things to himself and Apollos. The point Paul is trying to make is that the Corinthians should not judge Apollos or himself as a great man to latch onto their name, since it is unknown to the believer how the Lord will judge another believer. Don't think of man as great, but think of Christ as great. Disagreements and divisions should never be caused over what other men are greatest to attach ourselves to.

I Corinthians 4:7:

These are a series of thoughts why we should not be puffed up, think of ourselves different, or better than another believer; or think about ourselves as better than others since we attach ourselves to the name of another believer.

This is true of all believers/stewards: "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?" Truly all things are gift from God. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, to our faith and our spiritual gifts. The Lord is the owner of all, it is our work to do our best with what He bestows to us. He is worthy to be praised and for us to attach our name to.

As a result of this, we have no glory in ourselves, but the glory is for God who gives.

I Corinthians 4:8:

"full" and "rich" - there was abundance of spiritual gift in Corinth. They could be a self-sufficient assembly without help because they were full of spiritual gift. Unfortunately many of the believers here had stunted spiritual growth.

"reign" - it would seem that those in Corinth already acted as if they were reigning. They must have thought of themselves as far greater then they were. They were no doubt not only overrating other Christians to attach their name to, but also their own gifts.

"I would to God" - it is Paul's desire of course that they should reign. The implications of the Corinthians truly reigning would be that Christ has returned in glory and set up His kingdom. The saints here, Paul, and all other believers would be reigning with Christ who is the true King of kings.

I Corinthians 4:9:

Paul expounds on the condition that the apostles are found in to contrast the condition of the believers in Corinth in the view of the people in the city around them:

1. appointed to death

2. a spectacle unto mankind, angels, and men and women(show, theatre)

I Corinthians 4:10:

3. fools for Christ (in the eyes of the world - 1:18, 2:14, 3:18) v. prudent in Christ

4. weak (1:27) v. mighty

5. despised (1:28) v. honourable

I Corinthians 4:11:

Apollos and Paul both suffered from: hunger, thirst, nakedness, buffeting, homelessness, the need from manual labour to survive. All these things are of higher honour than how the Corinthians lived their lives comfortably. Corinthians sought popularity among the people around them rather than standing for the truth of God, while Apollos and Paul were willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Their stewardship appears to be far greater at this point.

I Corinthians 4:12:

In these verses 12-13, Apollos and Paul would display the mind of Christ. The Lord Jesus always took the higher road and followed His own teaching upon the mountain. These two would be displaying that they were committing themselves to the one who judges righteously rather than taking matters into their own hands just as Peter records of Christ. I Peter 2:23: "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously"

I Corinthians 4:14:

The purpose of this revelation of the life of Paul and Apollos is not to make the Corinthian believers look like they're not as good as them, but to try to wake them up from their relaxation and loose Christian life.

I Corinthians 4:15:

"instructors" - tutors. Paul appeals to them as a father waking his son in the morning (as it were). He was not just a teacher to them, but a father since it was through his preaching that they were saved.

I Corinthians 4:16:

"followers" - imitators. There are three examples in scripture when Paul entreats other believers to look to himself as one to imitate. (1 Cor 11:1, Phi 3:17). Would I be able to tell others to just watch me, in good conscience knowing I would be accountable for my teaching? We should never do this, but still seek to live a life where we might find in the day of judgment that would could have done this. The apostle must have had such a clear conscience knowing that he was living his life according to the will of God, and having victory temptations nearly always. He wanted them to be good stewards as he was. This is an amazing command seeing he was led by the Spirit to write this to the Corinthians, and it was not of his own boastfulness. We could never command this of ourselves today in good conscience knowing the teaching of the beginning of the chapter.

I Corinthians 4:17:

Paul feels that this matter is important enough to sent Timothy to remind them of how Paul was an imitator of Christ. This is the key that we should be an imitator of Christ.

I Corinthians 4:18:

Problems are arising because Paul hasn't been back to Corinth. The believers in Corinth are puffed up and think of themselves as higher than they ought. Paul hasn't been there in a while, so they think that they are doing good. They have been glorying in the flesh and the strength of man which Paul has been countering all through the epistle. (1 Cor 1:25; 2:6, 14; 3:3-5; 4:7; 5:2). The climax in glorying in the flesh is in the next chapter where it is found that a reputation for fornication characterizes the assembly at Corinth.

I Corinthians 4:19:

It is Paul's desire to visit Corinth if it is the Lord's will. He wants to come to see the power of God work among these believers again, rather than them hearing the empty speech of the carnal who do not have their words used by the Spirit of God.

The speech of them which are puffed up seem to be the ones who take the vocal role in this assembly. They would have been teaching things concerning the flesh. The power of God would not be behind those who are teaching carnality.

I Corinthians 4:20:

word - spoken word. It is not Paul's words that will be great in themselves, but rather when they are energized by the Spirit. God is the power behind the creation of His kingdom. He may use Paul's words to do this, but Paul would only be a channel.

I Corinthians 4:21:

Paul, as a father, will come to teach his children in Christ lessons according to what they need. A loving father will use the means that will be the most effective for the greatest purposes. This is how the Father deals with us also. Paul's methods suggested are with the rod (chastening), in love, or in the spirit of meekness (gentleness). Am I an effective and obedient steward, or do I need the Father to correct me?

1 Cor 4:1-5 - Stewardship

I Corinthians 4:1:

"Let a man so account of us" - (ESV)This is how one should regard us. Paul is setting the stage for the topic of judging others and even judging ourselves. He also ties this into a previous subject in the last chapter concerning divisions based on men associating themselves with another man and glorying in him.

"ministers" - subordinate, under-rowers. This word has been used in secular Koine writing to describe those who under-rowers. They row following the beat of the drum. They take a lesser but important role in order for a ship to operate in non or contrary wind conditions. They are mere servants carrying out the will of their masters, trying to fulfill it as the Lord commands them.

They also are stewards. A steward is a servant who is the head over other servants in the absence of the master. The steward must be trusted by the master and respected by the other slaves since he is in a position of great responsibility. Every servant of God must be trusted by the Lord and respected by other believers in order to be effective in communicating the word of the Lord.

"mysteries of God" - a mystery in the NT is something that was once concealed but is now divinely revealed. The servant of the Lord had the responsibility of sharing these newly revealed mysteries to the people of God. Their role was to share the mysteries and to keep them from being perverted.

I Corinthians 4:2:

"it is required" - lit. "it_is_sought_for." Above all, the greatest qualification that a steward can have is to be trustworthy and faithful. A man like this who is honouring his master because he loves him and wants never to disappoint the master is a highly rare commodity. This should define our stewardship concerning what the Lord has entrusted to us. Also, this should accurately portray our workplace relationship with our boss if we are put in the position under him but over other workers.

I Corinthians 4:3:

"judged" - examined, at which the accused has to answer an give account (Lu 23:14). This is the word that is used for judged until v5. Paul is confident and is not concerned with how man would rule in relation to his own self if he was to give account before men since: 1. he knows man wouldn't find fault in his stewardship, and, 2. it is the Lord who judges.

It's of no concern to Paul if he is judged by the Corinthians or by any other man. Paul can state with complete confidence that he is not at fault in regards to anything against the Corinthians. Man should not judge the thoughts, motives or intents of other men because we cannot discern them. This is true even concerning ourselves, seeing our own heart is dishonest and cannot be trusted (Jer 17:9).

I Corinthians 4:4:

The true judge is the Lord. We cannot honestly judge ourselves since any fault we might have we have justified and count ourselves right. It is the Lord alone who justifies our thoughts and actions. All is naked and open in His sight (Heb 4:13), what He sees He will judge (Rev 19:12), and it will be compared against the word of God which will reveal what is right and consume by fire what is wrong (Jer 23:29).

I Corinthians 4:5:

"judge" - to decide by trial. Remember the context. Paul isn't saying that in the local assembly it is wrong to judge for sin and deal with it accordingly (as he will begin into in 1 Cor 5). The context is the stewardship. It is for the master to decide whether the steward has done a good job or not. The time will come someday, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, when the Lord returns to set up His kingdom. It is at this judgment that the concealed will be revealed. All are naked and open in His sight, and it will be all put on the table. What is wood, hay, and stubble will be consumed, what is gold, silver and precious stones will remain for Him. He will reveal the works and also the intents of the heart and the motives of men. Following all of this, then each man will have praise from God as he is seen fit. What an amazing and baffling thought, that on the merits of Christ we are put into a position someday where we may hear the Lord say, "well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matt 25:21, 23) because He judges that we have done rightly with what He has given us.

1 Cor 3:13 - The Fire of God

THE FIRE OF GOD IN THREE SENSES - JACK HUNTER

1. The Awesome Holiness of God - The presence of God on this occasion will be very real. We are told that "OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE" (Deut. 4:24, 9:3; Heb. 12:29). Note the RV rendering of Romans 14:10, "the Judgment Seat of God."

2. The Penetrating Discernment of Christ - At last we are face to face with the One we loved and sought to serve. There is no need to be afraid if we have conscientiously sought to please Him as we have handled the Holy Scriptures. We are told that "HIS EYES ARE AS A FLAME OF FIRE," burning, penetrating, discerning, revealing.

3. The Purity of the Word of God - All shall be judged by its unfailing standards, its permanent principles, its powerful, living, sharp inward discernment (Heb 4:14). We are told, "IS NOT MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE?" (Jer 23:29). "What saith the scripture?" will be all-important in that day.

1 Cor 3:5-23 - The Believer: A Field, A Building, and a Temple of God

I Corinthians 3:5:

Paul puts himself and Apollos in their rightful place. After opening the letter by explaining man's inability to convey spiritual things, and that salvation is entirely a work of God, he explains that they are only channels that God has used. As believers our role is to be available to be used by God, and He will use us as a means of blessing others. Paul tries to put to rest the idea of sects forming based on following people.

I Corinthians 3:6:

The roles of Paul and Apollos are expounded upon in relation to the people of Corinth. Paul was in first to break the ground, plants seeds and see souls saved. He stayed in Corinth for a full year and half teaching the word of God (Acts 18:11). Paul planted. After a disciple of John named Apollos (Acts 18:25) was instructed concerning baptism by Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos was ready to be used by God to work with the people of Corinth. Following Paul's departure Apollos was in Corinth (Acts 19:1). No doubt he carried on the work of Paul, as he was a more than capable man since he was an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures. (Acts 18:24) Apollos watered. But the emphasis here is not on the work of Paul and Apollos, since they could have done as much labour as they could and yet would not have seen any fruit for their labours. It is God who giveth the increase.

I Corinthians 3:7:

This verse is self explanatory, building from the verse previous, that the planter and the waterer are nothing without God who gives the increase.

I Corinthians 3:8:

"one" - neuter. This means that they are one in aim. The planter and the waterer both have the same goal. It was a tragedy no doubt to Paul and Apollos that their teaching, which was the same, and their gospel, which was the same, would divide the people of Corinth based upon who delivered it. Paul and Apollos wanted to see the blessing of God bestowed upon Corinth, and that was their intention of teaching and preaching to the people there. Their aim was not to bring glory to themselves.

"reward" - wages, hire. Though each might have the same aim and goal, each will be judged as individuals. We will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ where we will be rewarded according to our works.

I Corinthians 3:9:

"labourers with" - co-labourers. The worker for God and God are deemed to be co-labourers by Paul. This can be so, seeing Apollos, Paul, and God all had the same aim and desire. Each, though the same aim, had their own role in the assembly at Corinth. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

"husbandry" - tillage or cultivated field. Paul said that "we" are labourers and "ye" are husbandry. This would indicate that this, the building and the temple of God, are descriptions of the local church and not the individuals of the universal church. This fits the analogy that Paul has been using through the first section of the chapter to paint the picture of building up the individuals in the assembly in Corinth. The church is the collection of the believers in fellowship, and is the husbandry that is in mind. The word used, husbandry, indicates that it is a field that is ready to be worked in. God's assembly (and His people) are living, breathing, and able to grow.

"building" - This is a noun. The place where the people of God gather is not the "ekklesia [church] building," but instead the people of God are a church building. When the people gather together, this is what forms the church. The building that Paul speaks about is the local assembly at Corinth. This is the analogy that Paul is about to use for the next section in the chapter.

I Corinthians 3:10:

"masterbuilder" - architect. Paul claims this place as the architect of the believers in the assembly at Corinth. By the grace of God, Paul was able to do this. Paul created the blueprints from the pattern that God had laid out to him. When building, it is important to have a good foundation. Paul laid this foundation. Others, like Apollos, had built upon that. Paul's warning is that we need to take heed how we are building on. Though the foundation is set, if the building on top of it is not good, it will fall. The building of an assembly needs to be based upon the word of God and have it's components all be quality.

I Corinthians 3:11:

There is only one foundation that can be used when building a man or woman of God, that foundation is Jesus Christ. Any other foundation, is not one that a believer can rest upon for salvation. (John 14:6)

I Corinthians 3:12:

Now concerning what is to be built upon the foundation is discussed.

"Gold, silver, and precious stones" - would be things that are costly items that can be used for building. In order to build up an assembly it will take sacrifice that will cost. Thousands of hours in the scriptures, studying the things of God, and sacrificing personal time to develop spiritual gift in order to edify the church are all a part of the costly price to build. These in their pure form are what God desires.

"wood, hay, and stubble" - are things that are not costly and are easy to come by. These building supplies are from items that were once living but are now dead. These three are a second group of building supplies that will not stand the test of God.

I Corinthians 3:13:

The manner in which our work and building will be judged is revealed: by fire. What has my life been? Gold, silver and precious stones for God? Or wood, hay and stubble: things in our life that was once good and profitable but is now dead and not able to stand the test of God? This life we have will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last. Not only will the gold, silver and precious stones pass through the fire, but also any impurities will be taken out of them. May my life by one that is pure gold, silver, and precious stones for Thee, O Lord, that I might be something for Thee. Able to be used, able to see my works come through the fire into reward to be given to Thee.

I Corinthians 3:14:

The work that comes through the fire, will be rewarded. This testing will all be at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is where the Christian will be judged for his work on earth, but not his sin. Each will stand before Him. Each will be rewarded accordingly.

I Corinthians 3:15:

Though we might suffer loss as our work is devoured by fire, we will endure. It is not our own merits that will bring us through the fire, but it is based upon our foundation. The Lord Jesus is one who has already passed through the fire of Calvary (From above hath he sent fire into my bones - Lamentations 1:13a). The judgment of God for us has passed upon the Son. Praise the Lord that the very fire that will take our works that are of no worth is the very fire that we will be saved (future) through. What will be left behind will be the image of Christ in us and our works that are the gold, silver and precious stones. What will pass through the fire in us will be only because of the Lord Jesus Christ, and also because He passed through the fire of the judgment of God.

I Corinthians 3:16:

A slight shift in language occurs. It is revealed that the assembly is greater than just a mere building, but the temple of God. The temple was the place where God chose to put His name and to dwell there between the cherubim on the mercy seat. The assembly of God, where Christians gather to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 18:20, 1 Cor 5:4) are the temple of God because God has chosen to place His name and the Lord Jesus meets with us in the midst.

I Corinthians 3:17:

"defile" - corrupt

"temple" - inner temple

Hard language comes down from our Holy God. A warning is expressed to those who corrupt themselves. God has made sanctified us and made us holy unto Himself. He has put in us His Holy Spirit to live therein. The warning is that if we go about to "corrupt our inner temple" that God will bring judgment upon us. This destruction would include joy, fellowship with God, potential for reward and possibly eventually our life. The destruction does NOT mean that our salvation will be taken away from us.

I Corinthians 3:18:

God does not want us to be wise in things of the age. If we are wise in the things of this age then we are not walking in accordance to the will of God. In the eyes of God, though we are still holders of the blessings of sanctification, justification, adoption, etc., at conversion, we are considered to be fools like those who are wise in this age. God would require us to be "fools" in the eyes of the people of this age in order to bring blessing to himself. The things of this age are evil and foolish. Man thinks in each new generation that he has come up with something revolutionary, when it is usually just a reworking of something that has already happened. "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done : and there is no new thing under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

I Corinthians 3:19:

As was already explained at the conclusion of ch1, God's wisdom is much greater than man.

I Corinthians 3:20:

Man's wisdom pales in comparison to that of God.

I Corinthians 3:21:

The summation of all this chapter is found in this, "let no man glory in men." We are not followers of men. Great preachers, elders, men of God and others are not the leading authorities on the things of God. The word of God is the leading authority on the things of God. Whatever man says, it needs to be measured against scripture in order to ensure that it holds true.

"all things are yours" - it is not that just Paul, or Apollos is theirs, but all things. Both these who the division has been founded upon are one/united in the same goal. These man we are not to serve and follow, but they served us.

I Corinthians 3:22:

An expansion on the examples:

1. Paul, Apollos, Cephas: Men of God who were used of God to teach every believer, not just some.

2. the world, or life, or death: Mankind is for us to reach to, life is for us to continue in to prepare for heaven, and death is our gain to go to be with the Lord.

3. things present or things to come: God has given us these moments to use for Him, and will bless us with things in the future based on how we use the present.

All things are ours, and all things in our lives that we would know are God's will, so that we can grow and be built up and make our lives something for God.

I Corinthians 3:23:

"ye are Christ's" - All things are ours, but we are Christ's. We belong to Christ and will answer to Him at the future day of Judgment and be rewarded accordingly. Paul ensures that we do not get too full of ourselves knowing that all things are ours, but it is still necessary that we answer to Christ.

"Christ is God's" - It is remarkable to see the submission of Christ. He is equal with God, but is willing to take a position of submission to God. Through His life he was one who walked in perfect will of God, relying on His heavenly Father. He cried out to His God upon the cross (Matt 27:46), and Paul to the Ephesians states that Christ had a God, the Father of glory (Eph 1:17).

1 Cor 2:16b-3:4 - The Mind of Christ v. The Carnal Mind

But we have the mind of Christ. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (1 Corinthians 2:16b-3:4)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1-5)

I Corinthians 2:16b:

"we have the mind of Christ" - cf. Phil 2:1-5. The mind of Christ is one of humility. This is the mind that would never challenge the will of God. A clear example of this was carried out by Christ who was always submissive to the will of His God, even to the death of the cross.

I Corinthians 3:1:

Paul turns his attention to the condition of the saints in Corinth. Paul calls them "carnal." This would signify that though they are saved, they are allowing their own fleshly desires to control their lives. This verse would show that it is possible that though someone is saved, that they live their life after the desires of the flesh rather than the desires of God. Paul compares them to babies: small in spirituality and dependent upon others for spiritual survival and progress.

I Corinthians 3:2:

The condition of the believers only allows them to be fed with the "milk" of the word (cf. 1 Pe 2:1-3). This would imply that they would be able to only understand the simplest truths from scripture. The carnal Christian is unable to digest the solid food that the word of God can provide. The carnal Christian, though he may be saved for a lengthy period of time, is at the same point as a brand new born again Christian in regards to their ability to comprehend scriptures. They certainly are unable to be taught by the Spirit the deep things of God that the Holy Spirit knows and is able to teach (1 Cor 2:10,13). The believers at Corinth continue in this condition and are not growing spiritually.

I Corinthians 3:3:

Paul gives three examples of why those in Corinth are yet carnal:

1. there is envying, zeal, or friction one against the other. A believer should love other brethren. Those that do not, are walking exactly like those abiding in death and are showing that they do not love God (1 John 3:14. 4:20-21). The mind of Christ would, instead of looking at his own things and wanting more, look on others and love them: " Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Phil 2:4)

2. there is strife, or quarreling. Believers are speaking against believers. This is not how saints should act. 1 Cor 2:16 explains that the mind of Christ is what should be evident in the believer. The mind of Christ is expanded on in Phil 2:1-4 and directly addresses that quarreling is not participated in by those who have the mind of Christ: " Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Phil 2:3)

3. divisions or heresies. The word heresies is chosen because it is, according to the NT definition, heretics who divide saints. It is tragic when men form their own groups and divide from the church based on imposing the will of man instead of the will of God. Satan loves to put these sorts of thoughts into the mind of the believer. He loves to cause fellowship to be broken among believers. This is not the mind of Christ to divide, rather Paul tells the saints at Philippi, "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Phil 2:2)

Paul goes the step further in writing to the churches at Galatia. The three problems pointed out in this particular passage in connection with the mind of Christ are cited as works of the flesh. This is fitting seeing the works of the flesh are playing out in the life of these carnal believers. After guidance from Paul, those who are believers will no doubt adhere to the correction, but those who will continue in their own ways, contrary to the word of God, will not have part in the kingdom of God at the time of reward and have manifested themselves as not true believers [For the sake of simplicity, the works of the flesh in accordance to the carnal believers at Corinth have been put into ALL CAPS]:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, STRIFE, seditions, HERESIES, ENVYINGS, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:19-21)

I Corinthians 3:4:

Paul now points specifically to the divisions between Paul and Apollos converted believers. Perhaps these divisions are too the cause of the strife and envying, or the strife and the quarreling may have caused the divisions. These divisions were noted back in ch1:11-13.

Spiritual Things are Only Revealed by the Holy Spirit, Not by Man

I Corinthians 2:1:

"testimony of God" - this would refer back to 1:6 and the "testimony of Christ." Only the only references to this is here and in the Revelation. The testimony of God is what Paul declared to those in Corinth on his visit (Acts 18:1-11). The gospel taught from the OT scriptures would literally be the testimony of God when referring back to Acts 18:4 when Paul was in the synagogues of Corinth, and looking at v2.

"testimony" - some MSS have this word as "mystery." Regardless of the word, this would still be consistent seeing the mystery that Paul would be talking about would be the revealed gospel through Jesus Christ (2:7-8)

I Corinthians 2:2:

What Paul called the testimony of God in v1 is explained here in v2 as telling about Jesus Christ crucified.

"save" - except

I Corinthians 2:3:

The condition Paul finds himself in is not one of strength. Nevertheless, we know that the salvation rests in God's power and not that of man. It would be certainly an encouragement to the preacher who feels he did a poor but honest job in proclaiming the gospel and because a man who is held in such high esteem as Paul describes himself as "in weakness, in fear and in much trembling."

I Corinthians 2:4:

Paul's message was not set up in order to please the ears of the listener, not as an eloquent disortation in order to attempt to convince his listeners, rather from the way his message is described it was quite feeble from the human standpoint. The gospel message, however, is not one to display the glory of man but the glory of God. The Spirit of God will take this message in its weakest form and use it to the greatest extent.

"enticing" - persuasive

"words of man's wisdom" - this refers back to 1:17. The emphasis again is that the strength of man is of no regard when it comes to spiritual matters.

I Corinthians 2:5:

There is significant danger in the wisdom of men being incorporated into the gospel message. When there is proposal to spread the gospel apart from the ways that God has instructed, the early church demonstrated, or by the word of God itself, there should be red flags. There should be no emotional experiences created that are based upon empty things, or "altar calls," "sinner's prayers," not telling someone that they are saved. These things are a recipe for a false profession or to giving someone security who is still on the road to hell. Salvation is a work of God. Revealing of spiritual things and conviction is a work of the Spirit. Conversion to Christianity, in relation to help from another, can be done by guiding an individual in the scriptures, otherwise convictions and convincing is left up to God. Our role is to pray (1 Tim 2:4) and to spread the gospel (Mk 16:15), not to save souls (Rom 1:16).

"stand" - be OR rest

I Corinthians 2:6:

"perfect" - full grown. This would refer to those who are Christians (Phi 3:15). It is only those who have received the gospel message that understand its wisdom, to those who have the wisdom of the age or are the rulers of the age it is foolishness.

"world" - both words are "age."

I Corinthians 2:7:

"mystery" - Rom 16:25-26, Eph 3:1-11, Col 1:24-29. A NT mystery is something that was once concealed, but is not divinely revealed.

"hidden" - things that were hidden were things like the Messiah was to suffer for sin before reigning in righteousness, the Jew and Gentile on the same ground, and the position that God brings those saved into.

"ordained" - preordained

"world" - ages

"ordained before the world" - this verse is again a display of God's omniscience. God was not caught off guard by sin, nor was the plan of salvation a plan B for man, but before creation God devised the plan of salvation through the sacrifice of His Son.

I Corinthians 2:8:

"princes of this world" - same as v6. A reason why God had to hide the way of salvation being provided is that surely the wicked hearts of the rulers of this age would seek to foil the fulfillment of the prophets. Had they known, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 2:9:

*quote* Isa 64:4 - This verse is concerning earthly things as a fulfillment of Christ crucified. This would include the privilege of the believer of enjoying the heavenlies (Eph 1:3) while upon earth. These things, like the manner in which God would bring these blessings about, was a mystery and is yet hidden to those who are unbelievers.

I Corinthians 2:10:

The hidden things of God have been revealed by the Spirit of God to believers. The Spirit of God knows all things about God and therefore is capable of teaching them to the believer.

I Corinthians 2:11:

The reason for the ability of the Spirit of God is explained in this verse. The man's own spirit knows the man, but other men do not fully understand another man. The spirit is in connection with emotions such as happy and sad (Eph 4:30), therefore the spirit knows what the man enjoys and what he doesn't. The spirit of the man knows all things concerning that man. The Spirit of God is the same, as the Holy Spirit knows what brings God pleasure and sadness, even so He can be grieved at things which cause God sadness. Man does not know these things unless he is told by the Spirit about these things.

I Corinthians 2:12:

Knowing the world in depth is of no concern to the believer. The Spirit has been given to the believer in order that he might be taught blessings that God freely bestows upon believers.

I Corinthians 2:13:

Those who are taught by the Spirit, such as the things communicated in this epistle, tell them in their own words whereby they might be understood by those who are taught by God's Spirit to discern them. The way the Holy Scriptures have been inspired is in this manner: God had chosen men to communicate the things that were once hidden to others using their own vocabulary guided by the Spirit. This words then in turn can be interpreted based on spiritual understanding as taught by the Spirit of God. This is how the believer is able to understand teaching from the scripture, or the unbeliever to understand God's way of salvation from the inspired words in the scripture.

I Corinthians 2:14:

"natural" - soulish

The unbeliever cannot understand the Bible because they are not taught by the Spirit of God.. To the unbeliever, the things of God are foolishness. This refers especially back to 1:18 where it states that, "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness." The power of the cross must be spiritually discerned. When unbeliever cares nothing for the things of God, thus the Spirit won't reveal things of God to them. The Holy Spirit, whether we are saved or not, always submits to the spirit of man. The character of the Spirit is that He will not force Himself upon the unwilling heart.

I Corinthians 2:15:

"judgeth" - discerneth. The spiritual man is able to discern all spiritual things because he is under control of the Spirit of God. Because the spiritual man is spiritual, the natural man is unable to understand him. This is because the natural man is unable to understand spiritual things, thus the spiritual man.

I Corinthians 2:16:

"mind" - intellect. *quote* Isa 40:13. The direct OT quote from the Hebrew manuscript (Masoretic) whereby the KJV was translated substitutes the mind for the Spirit of Jehovah: " Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his councellor hath taught him?" The LXX quote says, "Who has known the mind of the Lord? and who has been his counsellor, to instruct him." These difference in these two quotes may indicate that the work of the Spirit of the Lord is to always carry out the mind and will of God. Truly no man can know the mind or the Spirit of the Lord without spiritual teaching from the Holy Spirit. The question is rhetorical, as the very thought of such an idea to be carried out by one who is spiritual is foolish.

**We know that both the Masoretic and Septuagint (LXX) texts are inspired since the Masoretic is what was translated into English for the OT, and the Textus Receptus uses LXX quotes in its text.**

"we have the mind of Christ" - cf. Phil 2:1-5. The mind of Christ is one of humility. This is the mind that would never challenge the will of God. A clear example of this was carried out by Christ who was always submissive to the will of His God, even to the death of the cross.