Tag Archives: the book of 1 Corinthians

Independence Day

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV)

Freedom is not for the faint-hearted; nor is freedom for the weak-minded.

It is a double-edged sword: We have freedom from things — such as freedom from tyranny, from fear, and from slavery; and we have freedom to things — such as the freedom to choose, and the freedom to succeed.  This freedom is not known everywhere in our world, which makes our heritage as a country even more special in the family of nations; not only for freedom’s benefits, but for its costs, as well.

Today’s scripture reminds us of a kind of freedom that is not limited by national boundaries or by physical borders. Its declaration is not written on paper or on parchment, but on the human heart. As we celebrate and ponder today the gift of freedom in all of its manifestations, remember also the freedom purchased for us by the blood of Jesus, validated by His resurrection, and affirmed through the living testimony of faithful men and women.  His Spirit not only reminds us of freedom’s benefits, but gives us the strength to bear its costs!  – Luther

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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

“Temptation” is any invitation to abandon God’s will. In this world, temptation is a common experience. However, escaping temptation is expected to be the Christian disciple’s common response.

The bible tells us that God will not allow a temptation greater than we can bear. In every temptation — whether we are facing it for the first time or for the 50th time — God has provided us an exit.

When you are tempted, look for the exit — then take it!  – Luther

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“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1, NASB)
 
All of us are examples for others — like it or not.
 
As a disciple of Jesus, when people look to us what is it they see?
 
Writing to the disciples in Corinth, Paul recognized the fact that while it might be difficult for others to see Jesus directly; it was easier to see Jesus through Paul. Our challenge each day is to follow Jesus faithfully in all that we say and do.
 
The great 19th century preacher Dwight L. Moody said: “Out of 100 men. one will read the Bible; the other 99 will read the Christian.”
 
The world is watching you and me. Who is it they see? – Luther
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