Today’s selected reading continues in the first New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth. More specifically today’s passage is found in the fourth chapter of this New Testament book. “Let a man so account of us, as the minister of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself: yet am I not herby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1-5).

 

            “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to different from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we might also reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:6-21).

 

            When you come to the fourth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints you will find an incredibly unique and powerful chapter contained within the epistle. I am convinced, however, that in order to truly understand the words which are found in the fourth chapter there is a great need to turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the third chapter of this same epistle. If you begin reading with and from the first verse of the third chapter you will find the apostle Paul writing and declaring unto these saints that he could not speak unto them as unto spiritual but as unto carnal—even as babes in Christ. This language is something truly astonishing when you take the time to consider it for the apostle Paul wasn’t writing these words unto non-believers and those who did not know and who had not heard the truth. The apostle Paul had labored and tailed among these dear saints for a year and six months—even in the midst of the affliction and blasphemy of the Jews toward and against him. The seventeenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts is something which must needs be recognized and understood for within it we encounter the tremendous truth that upon coming to the city of Corinth the apostle Paul would enter into the synagogue on the sabbath as he had done in every city whereunto he had traveled. Luke writes in the eighteenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts that the apostle Paul would enter into the synagogue on the sabbath and reason together with the Jews concerning the truth that was found in the Scripture and the truth about Jesus.

 

            If you continue reading the words which are found in the eighteenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts you will find the apostle Paul sending for Silas and Timothy to come unto him with all haste. Upon the arrival of these two companions and brothers in Christ the apostle Paul would be pressed in the spirit and would immediately begin to argue and contend among them that Jesus was indeed the very Christ. This declaration and these words would indeed anger and infuriate the unbelieving Jews who were hard of heart and as a direct result of this they would rise up in opposition against the apostle Paul. In all reality this was something the apostle Paul was and should have been used to as in almost every city whereunto he had entered and preached the word, the name and the gospel of Jesus the Christ he experienced the resistance and revolt of the unbelieving Jews. From Lystra, to Derbe, to Iconium, to Thessalonica, to Berea and other cities the apostle Paul would indeed experience this resistance of the unbelieving Jews who were hardened of heart and who were envious within themselves. What makes the tenure of the apostle Paul in the midst of the city of Corinth so incredibly unique when you take the time to think about it is that whereas he was typical sent forth from various cities by the brethren when the affliction and persecution of the unbelieving Jews was turned up he would prohibited from doing so. Upon a careful examination of the eighteenth chapter of this New Testament book you will find the apostle Paul receiving a vision from the Lord Jesus during the night. The Lord Jesus would indeed appear unto him and would not only encourage him to not be afraid but also to not hold his peace but to speak the truth concerning the gospel for the Lord had much people in that city.

 

            Luke writes in the eighteenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts that the apostle Paul would labor and toil among the people of Corinth for a year and a half as he would faithfully preach and teach the word and gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. For a year and a half the apostle Paul would teach and preach the word, the gospel and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully establishing a church which was present among them. It was this church and these dear saints we find the apostle Paul writing to in the first epistle written unto them in the New Testament. Of course we know that there was indeed a second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth, however, this first epistle was most certainly one that was more corrective in its nature. You cannot read the words found in this epistle and not encounter the apostle Paul seeking to correct them for certain behaviors and patterns of living that were contrary to the gospel and contrary to Scripture. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely astonishing truth that when this epistle was written it wasn’t written unto those who did not believe and those who did not know the truth. This particular epistle—along with the various other epistles the apostle Paul wrote which are presented unto us in the New Testament—were written unto a church of believers who knew the truth for he himself had taught and preached it unto them. The apostle Paul wasn’t writing to those who did not know the truth but rather was writing unto those who were indeed fully aware of the truth and what it would mean for and unto them within their hearts and lives.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in the third chapter of the first New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints and I am brought face to face with the fact that he declared unto them how he could not write unto them as unto those who were spiritual but rather as unto those who were carnal. Moreover the apostle Paul declared that he could not write unto them as spiritual but as carnal and as babes in Christ. The apostle Paul would go on to write how he fed them with milk and not with meat for they were not able to bear it. What’s more is the apostle Paul would go on to declare that even at the time of writing this epistle they were still unable to handle the meat of the word of the living God. The apostle Paul would declare unto them that they were carnal and the underlying reason for their carnality was because there was envying, and strife and divisions among them. This is something which must needs be carefully considered when reading the words found in this first epistle written by the apostle Paul for it brings us face to face with something the apostle Paul would write unto them in the first chapter of this same epistle. Beginning with the tenth verse of the first chapter the apostle Paul writes the following words concerning that which was reported unto him concerning them in their midst:

 

            “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides I know not whether I baptized any other” (1 Corinthians 1:10-16).

 

            Within this particular passage the apostle Paul would earnestly entreat and beseech these dear saints in the name of their Lord Jesus Christ that they all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among them. Moreover the apostle Paul would go on to write and speak unto them that they be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for this was one of the foundational principles contained within the Scripture concerning the early church. In fact I continue to write and profess that the single greatest miracle on the day of Pentecost was not the sound of the rushing mighty wind, nor the cloven tongues of fire, nor their speaking with other tongues, nor even three thousand souls being added unto the number of those who were present in the upper room. I firmly believe the greatest miracle on and of the day of Pentecost was the uniting of the hearts and souls of those who believed and were baptized. If you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts you will find the beloved physician Luke writing and declaring how one of the greatest works performed on the day of Pentecost was indeed the uniting of the hearts and souls of all those who believed and would become the beginning of the spiritual body of Christ. When you read the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints I am convinced you must needs read it with the understanding of the work which was done and p reformed on the day of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit would indeed unite the hearts and souls of all those who were together with one accord in the upper room and the three thousand who were added unto them. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the second chapter of New Testament book of Acts concerning the day of Pentecost and that which would indeed take place among those who believed and were baptized:

 

            “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand  souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:37-47).

 

            There is a great need for us to recognize and understand the truth that is found within this passage of Scripture for within it we find what I believe is the single greatest work that was performed and wrought on the day of Pentecost. It is as you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter the tremendous reality of the uniting of the hearts and souls of all those who believed and were baptized. What’s more is that it wasn’t about one-hundred and twenty souls whom we are speaking about in this particular section of the second chapter. What we must needs recognize and understand is that Luke writes how there were three thousand souls who were added unto those who were present together in the upper room as a direct result of the witness of men speaking with other tongues and as a direct result of the preaching of the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. With this being said we must needs recognize and understand how the beloved physician Luke would write how those who gladly received his word were baptized and that same day there were added unto those who were present in the upper room about three thousand souls. Luke goes on to write how these souls continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Furthermore fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles during those days. All those who believed were together and had all things common—and not only had all things common but sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Not only this but they continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house and did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people.

 

            This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit would indeed do an absolutely incredible work—a work not of causing and enabling men to speak with other tongues but a work of uniting the hearts and souls of men. If there is one thing I can’t help but think about when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s what this would indeed look like within our generation, within our culture, within our society and within this nation. There is absolutely no denying the fact that over the past two and a half years—perhaps more than at any other time in the history of this nation—millions of Americans are and have become dependent upon the government for their daily needs. From the stimulus checks that were issued during the height of the pandemic to the PPP loans that were given and now to the latest endowment and entitlement which was student loan forgiveness there are and there have been millions of Americans who have become entirely and altogether dependent upon the government to sustain, uphold and take care of them. In all reality this was something which we saw in Ancient Rome for during the days of the Caesars there would be countless handouts that were given by Caesar to appeal unto the people. Particularly and especially in the Colosseum Caesar would pass out bread and other delicacies unto the people to essentially buy and bribe their support. What we must needs recognize and understand is that what took place during the days of the Caesars and the Roman Empire is no different from the days in which we are living today. There is absolutely no difference between what took place during the days of the Caesars and the Roman Empire than what we are witnessing within our nation.

 

            When I read the words presented in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts I am brought face to face with the tremendous reality that not only did the saints and brethren continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship but they also continued in the breaking of bread and in prayers. What’s more is that all who believed were together and had all things in common for they weren’t willing to allow any division to be present among them. As a direct result of this all who believed and were baptized sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man had need. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is that what these who believed did was entirely and altogether different from what the rich young ruler could not and was unwilling to do. If you turn and direct your attention to the Synoptic gospels—the gospels written by the apostle Matthew, the physician Luke and John Mark—you will find they each present a powerful narrative and account of the rich young ruler. This rich young ruler would enter into the presence of Jesus falling down before Him calling Him good teacher and then proceeding to ask what he must needs do to be saved. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this reality for that which the Lord Jesus invited this rich young ruler to partake in was something which he himself wasn’t willing to do. What’s more is that not only was he unwilling to do that which the Lord Jesus asked and invited him to do but he would also leave and depart from the presence of Jesus sorrowful and filled with grief for he had much possessions. This rich young ruler was entirely and altogether unwilling to part with his goods and his possessions for he was a man who had much possessions. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by Matthew, Mark and Luke:

 

            “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, HOnour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:16-22).

 

            “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, and take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sat at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:17-22).

 

            “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:18-27).

 

            Compare and contrast that which is found within these three passages of Scripture versus what we find and read in the very next chapter in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. In the nineteenth chapter of this New Testament gospel we find the account of a man who was chief among the publicans—a man named Zaccheus. This man lived and dwelt in the midst of the city of Jericho and heard that Jesus was to pass by that way. Knowing that Jesus was passing by that way this chief publican would run ahead of Jesus and all those who walked with and followed him that he might see and behold him. This chief among the publicans would climb up into a sycamore tree that he might look upon, see and behold Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus coming to the place where Zacchaeus was would look upon him and would instruct him to come down from the tree for today on that particular day he must needs be a guest at his house. Zacchaeus would immediately come down from the tree and would make all haste to invite Jesus into his house that he might entertain Him. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the nineteenth chapter of this New Testament gospel beginning to read with and from the first verse:

 

            “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zaccheaus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day I salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1-10).

 

            I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize the words which are found in the three New Testament Synoptic gospels for within them Jesus invited the rich young ruler to detach and deliver himself from the riches, the wealth, the goods and the possessions which were present in the world. Jesus invited the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and to make distribution unto the poor that he might be free to take up his cross and follow Jesus. Of course we know and understand this rich young ruler was not invited to take up a literal and physical cross but rather that which the cross would indeed represent within his life. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the tremendous reality of that which the Lord Jesus would indeed invite this rich young ruler into—that which he could not and was not willing to do. This rich young ruler was a man who had much possessions and much wealth and yet even in the midst of all that wealth and even in the midst of what might very well have been sincerity within his heart and soul when he initially came into the presence of the Lord Jesus he would leave the presence of Jesus sorrowful and full of grief. The source and underlying purpose for this grief would indeed be the fact that he was a man increased in goods, perhaps in need of nothing and most certainly unwilling to sell what he had. What’s more is this rich young ruler undoubtedly was unwilling to make distribution unto the poor and sought to retain and hold on to his possessions that he might satisfy his own needs, his own desires and his own wants. What a stark contrast from Zacchaeus who was not only willing to give half of his goods to the poor but he was willing to restore fourfold unto any man he might defrauded through false accusation. That which makes the narrative of Zacchaeus drastically different from that of the rich young ruler is that Zacchaeus was willing to sell half of his goods that he might give unto the poor and was willing to make reparations and restitution for anything he might have done to those who he most likely wronged.

 

            It is with this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Philippi. What’s more is I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize and consider the words which are found in the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of the first New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth. Not only this but I would dare say there is a great need to recognize and understand the words which are found in the second and fourth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by James unto those saints which were scattered abroad throughout Europe and Asia during those days. Consider if you will the following words which are found within these passages of Scripture beginning with the second chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Philippi:

 

            “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 vain glory; but in loveliness 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: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no restoration, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and because obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, sin the midst of o crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:1-18).

 

            “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given by the Spirit to every man to p refit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

 

            “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body: but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, and all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

 

            “Thou I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth. Not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh n to her own, is not easily provoke, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all thigns, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things . Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).

 

            “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold thing, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here ina. Good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called: if ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment” (James 2:1-13).

 

            “From whence come wars and freightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, b cause ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:1-10).

 

            Consider also if you will the following words which are found in the twelfth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome for you will find additional language and instruction along the same lines of these passages:

 

            “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one. Members one of another. Having then gifts different according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or minister, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in noun or preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with t hem that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescended to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:4-21).

 

            It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and understand the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for within them we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding that which we are called to in this life—namely living in community and fellowship together with the saints and brethren. If there is one thing that is so striking and alarming when reading the first and third chapters of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints it’s how they allowed schisms, contentions, strife, envy and divisions to be present among them. Although they might have believed the word and truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ they had allowed division to creep in among them and they were no longer living in community, in harmony, in fellowship and unity with each other. The apostle Paul makes it perfectly clear when writing this epistle that these dear saints were such who had allowed division and contentions to drive a wedge between them. Scripture does not seem to indicate that this church was at war within itself, however, we must needs recognize and understand that division when left unchecked can in fact lead to hatred, can in fact lead to malice, and can in fact lead to fightings and wars among us. Lest you think that this is somehow inaccurate and not true I would like to submit to you the condition of our nation right now. I would dare say that never before—certainly not in my lifetime—has this nation ever been as divided as it is right now. Never have there been more lines which have been drawn that have divided men and women as there have been during the days and generation in which we are living in.

 

            If you take a look at and examine the words which are found in the first and third chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints you can and will encounter the absolutely wonderful truth concerning our nation in which we are living. There is absolutely no doubt that we are in fact living in days when our nation is and has been incredibly divided. What’s more is that if you continue paying attention to what is taking place all around us you can and will be brought face to face with the absolutely astonishing truth that division, strife, contention and schisms if left unchecked can and will create the breading ground for bitterness, for offense, for hatred, for malice and so much more. Jesus Himself declared that in the last days there would be many who are offended and all you have to do is take a look at the generation in which we are living and you will clearly see how offenses clearly abound and abound in great measure among us. It is absolutely undeniable to live within this nation at this time and not see the embers and fires of offense, bitterness, resentment, hatred and anger that is found within the hearts and souls of countless men and women. What’s more is this hatred is on both sides of the spectrum—especially politically—for there are many Democrats and those who are on the left who hate, abhor and despise those on the right and those who voted for and perhaps even support the former president Donald Trump. Not only this but for a while there you saw those who were vaccinated and those who were boosted abhorring and hating those who weren’t vaccinated and/or boosted. Families, relationships and the like were indeed destroyed because of the vaccine and because of men and women who refused to associate with anyone who was not vaccinated. This isn’t even taking into consideration other issues raging within this nation such as critical race theory, such as BLM, such as gender equality, such as pronouns, such as sexual orientation and preference and even the transition of men into women and women into men. Also take into consideration the reality and concept of abortion and you will find this nation is a powder keg that is ready to explode at any time now.

 

            We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in the first and third chapters of this first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints for the words presented here bring us face to face with the undeniable truth of schisms, divisions, contentions and strife that was present among the Corinthian congregation. What I can’t help but think about when reading the words which are found within this passage is whether or not there were the wars and fightings which James spoke of in the fourth chapter of the epistle he wrote unto the saints which were scattered. I firmly believe that division, strife and contention when left unchecked can indeed and can in fact lead to wars and fightings present among us. What’s more is that this is even true within the church regardless of whether or not we consider ourselves to be believers or not. I am absolutely convinced that if we allow division(s), strife, contention(s) and schism(s) to be present and manifested among us we can and will find ourselves experiencing tremendous hatred, malice, anger, bitterness and even offense within our hearts. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for we would be incredibly naïve to think that the division we see within this nation cannot be present within the church itself. We would be incredibly naïve to think about and consider the fact that division, that strife, that contention and schism cannot be present in the midst of the early church and cannot lead men and women who should be brothers and sisters to in fact perceive each other as enemies. This is in fact what is happening and what has been taking place within our nation as certain on the radical left will view those on the radical right as enemies and adversaries and those on the radical right viewing those on the radical left as enemies and adversaries. Our currency boasts our being a nation under God and our nation prides itself on being one nation under God and yet I am convinced that we are not and have not been one nation under God nor are we the United States.

 

             I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the fact that those within the church and those within the spiritual body of Christ who allow contention, strife, and division within their heart toward their brother and sister are not spiritual but are carnal. There is not a doubt in my mind that those who allow their hearts to be filled with contention, strife, envy, division and the like are those who are playing a dangerous game with bitterness and offense. Such individuals—if they are not careful—can and will be those who will find themselves in a place where they will harbor hatred and malice in their hearts and can and will view others as their enemies and adversaries. Oh would it shock and surprise you to think about and consider the fact that although we have been called to love our enemies we are never to have any enemies within our hearts nor even within our minds. Oh there might be others who present themselves unto us as our enemies and adversaries yet we are to live our lives completely and utterly free from having enemies and adversaries within our hearts and souls. Oh it is true that they might indeed seek to inflict hurt, pain, grief, suffering, wounds and affliction within and upon us, and we must needs love them, however, I would dare say that we can never and should never look upon another and view them as an enemy or adversary within our heart. With this being said I find it absolutely necessary to draw our attention to the fact that it is possible for us to have those who present themselves as enemies and adversaries within our lives and yet when we love them—even though we are to love our enemies we are to love them as though they were our neighbor and even as we love ourselves. We must needs make no mistake about this for I am convinced that in this generation and during the days in which we are living in right now we are to live our lives completely detached and completely delivered from having any enemies and adversaries. Oh it is indeed true that there might be those who present themselves as enemies and adversaries toward and against us, however, that does not mean that we have to look upon and view them as enemies and adversaries within our heart and mind.

 

            With all of this being said you will continue reading the words presented in this epistle and will find the apostle Paul going on to ask who is Paul and who is Apollos but ministers by whom they believed—even as the Lord gave to every man. The apostle Paul goes on to write how how planted, how Apollos watered but how God gave the increase. This would be followed by an emphatic declaration that neither he that plants nor he that waters anything but God that gives the increase. Moreover the apostle Paul goes on to declare that he which plants and he which waters are one and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor for we are all laborers together with God. This is something which we must needs recognize and understand for the apostle Paul was leveling the playing field and was declaring that in the kingdom of God there is no and there was no hierarchy. Although Paul was indeed called to be an apostle and was a servant of Christ he was no different nor was he any more highly regarded than Apollos, or Timothy, or Luke, or Barnabas, or Silas or anyone else who labored alongside him. Those who labor together are indeed one and there is not one who is greater than another—a truth which Jesus Himself emphatically declared unto the disciples when they argued and contended among themselves who was the greatest. The disciples would ask among themselves and even ask Jesus who was greatest and who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven and Jesus would respond that the greatest among them would not only be the least among them but would also be the servant among them. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the fact that we are indeed and are in fact those who have been called to labor together in the work of the kingdom of heaven. We as the saints of God have been called together with others as part of one body united together under one Head who is Jesus the Christ and Lord. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for if we ever allow ourselves to think within ourselves that we are something that we are not or if we argue and contend that we are greater than others we do ourselves and the kingdom of heaven a great disservice.

 

            What we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this first epistle is how the apostle Paul goes on to describe how he—as a wise master builder according to the grace of God given unto him—laid the foundation. What’s more is the apostle Paul would also go on to declare that although he laid the foundation another would come behind him and would build upon the foundation. This is incredibly important for us to recognize and understand when we consider our role, our place and our purpose in the kingdom of God for I would dare say that not everyone is called to lay the foundation but everyone is called to build. There are those who have been called and will be called to lay a foundation for men and women calling upon the name of the Lord and believing on His name while there are others who have been called and will be called to come alongside and perhaps even come behind and build upon the foundation which was laid. What we have to comprehend is that there is no distinction between that one who lays the foundation and that one who comes alongside and/or behind and builds on top of it. Not only this but we must needs remember the words which Jesus declared unto Simon called Peter at Caesarea Philippi for Jesus would declare that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. We know that the foundation of the church is indeed Jesus Himself and we know that Jesus Himself also builds the church—a truth and reality that is mentioned in the final verses of the sixteenth chapter of the gospel written by John Mark. It is in the final verses of this passage John Mark describes how the Lord worked together with the disciples and His followers as they taught and preached the gospel and as they would heal the sick, cast out devils and unclean spirits and manifest the kingdom of heaven. This is a truth we must needs recognize when we read the words contained within this epistle for the apostle Paul did not even view himself as being somehow or somewhat greater than Apollos, or Barnabas, or Silas, or Luke, or Aquila, or Priscilla or any other fellow laborer whom he worked with.

 

            If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the apostle Paul writing how there is no other foundation a man can lay which is Jesus Christ for Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which the house itself is built. There is and there has always only ever been one true foundation upon which the church is built upon and that is the person and name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lest you somehow think this is inaccurate I would invite you to consider the words which are found in the second, third, fourth, fifth, tenth and even the nineteenth chapters of the New Testament book of Acts. From Jerusalem, to Caesarea to Ephesus the apostles Peter and Paul would faithfully preach and proclaim the word and name of Jesus and it would be the apostle Peter who would emphatically declare that there is none other name given under heaven and upon the earth whereby men can and might be saved. The apostles and the followers of Jesus during the days of the early church truly, genuinely and authentically believed that Jesus was indeed the sole and only foundation upon which the church was built. With this being said it’s important to note that there were others who would come and try and build upon that foundation that which was not ordained nor appointed by the eternal and living God. There were others who would come alongside the early church and try building circumcision upon the foundation of Christ while there were others who would come alongside the church and try building upon the foundation of Christ another gospel while preaching another Jesus and offering another Spirit as the apostle Paul wrote in the epistle unto the churches which were at Galatia. This is something we must needs recognize and understand as it calls land draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the one single foundation that is found within the church and that foundation is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the fact there were and there have been others who have attempted to try and build upon the foundation through false teaching and false doctrine the Spirit of the sovereign Lord can and will crush and destroy all false teaching. In the end it will be truth that will prevail for it was Jesus Himself who declared that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. It was Jesus Himself who declared that when He—the Spirit of truth comes—he will guide us into all truth.

 

            As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to draw your attention to the words which the apostle Paul continued to write in this epistle. The apostle Paul would go on to ask the Corinthians if they did not know that they were the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelt within them. This is a question each and every one of us needs to ask and answer ourselves for we must needs come to the understanding that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells within us. Moreover we must recognize that if any man defiles the Temple of God that man will be destroyed by the living for the temple of God is holy which temple we are. There is a great need for us as the saints of God and disciples of Jesus to recognize that we have been called and are still called to be those who know and understand that we are indeed the Temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells within us. In the Old Testament the children of Israel defiled the temple by bringing in idols, and false altars and would indeed engage in pagan and heathen practices. The children of Israel would defile the Temple of the living God and it would be during the days of Josiah when he would not only seek to repair the Temple but would also launch a campaign to cleanse the temple from the holy place to the outer court. It would be during the days of Josiah when there would be a strong and powerful campaign that would be launched against the corruption, against the wickedness and against the immorality and idolatry that was present during that generation. Perhaps one of the greatest needs that we as the saints of God have is to not only work on cleansing our own personal temple for we are indeed the temple of God but we must also work on cleansing the corporate temple of God which is the church of Jesus Christ. There is indeed a great need for us as the saints of God and disciples of Christ to be those who recognize that we are indeed the temple of the Holy Spirit and diligently work to ensure that we cleanse and purify the temples that they might be holy in the sight of the living God.

 

In the fourth chapter of this epistle we find the apostle Paul speaking of himself and those who labored together with him as the ministers of Christ and as stewards of the mysteries of God. What the apostle Paul declared was that it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful—something which we ought to understand well within our hearts and our minds. If we desire to be a faithful steward and servant who has been entrusted with the divine mysteries of the gospel and of the kingdom we must needs recognize that we must be found faithful. This is something which Jesus Himself emphasized in the parables he spoke—specifically the parable of the talents as well as the parable of the sheep and the goats. If we truly recognize and understand that we have been entrusted as stewards and servants of the kingdom of heaven we must needs acknowledge that we have indeed and have in fact been called to be faithful. Perhaps one of the greatest realities surrounding our being called to be stewards and servants is not only faithfulness but also recognizing that we have been granted as stewards of that which does not belong to us but what we have been entrusted with. We as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ must needs acknowledge and understand that we have in fact been called to be found faithful in the sight of the living God for we have been entrusted with that which has been graciously and faithfully bestowed upon us. In the parable of the talents we find that each man was given a measure based on his ability and that each man had the same opportunity. Each man had the opportunity to double that which they were entrusted with and each man would have been considered faithful in the same sense. The man who was given five talents and doubled those talents was in no way considered to be more faithful than the one who was given two talents and had those talents doubled. We as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ must needs acknowledge and understand that we have been called to be faithful and that we have a responsibility to be faithful in the sight of the living God. Perhaps the single greatest question that we can and must ask ourselves is whether or not we have indeed and have in fact been found faithful. Are we as the saints of God and as the disciples of Christ those who can and those who will demonstrate that we are faithful of that which the living God has graciously entrusted unto us within our lives? How we answer this question can and will have eternal ramifications for just as faithful is the one who called also able to equip so also are those who are called required to be faithful in response to the equipping.