Transformed

1 Corinthians 15
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
1 Corinthians 15:51 NLT


LET IT GLOW

When my son was a young boy, he played with a toy called a "Transformer." How do I describe it? It was made of plastic, movable parts. The toy could start out as a person, then could be changed into a car. I think they make the same toy today, some 20 years later. In our key Scripture, Paul says we will be transformed,
changed (King James Version).

I had to look up the meaning of the word transformed in the King James Dictionary. It means changed in form or external appearance; metamorphosed; renewed.

Who will be transformed, changed? Matthew Henry said," Saints ( believers, I say) will be changed at our Lord Jesus' second coming."

When will this happen? It will happen, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. (verse 52 NLT)

How will it occur? "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first," quoted from 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

What is going to happen? Verse 53 in KJV states," For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
In place of the word corruptible, NAS says perishable; NLT says dying bodies; Williams  says decaying body.
In the present form, our body is decaying and perishing, but it will be changed into a body which will not.
This body will not function in heaven, so it must be changed into a heavenly body, I think.

Philipppians 3:21a states,"Who (Lord Jesus Christ) shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body."

Am I ever ready for this new body! How about you? The older it gets, the more aches and pains it has, with new ones every morning. I'm glad Paul shared this wonderful secret. Oh, I may die before Christ returns, but that's okay. Jesus conquered the grave by rising on the third day!

In his devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Blackaby states:

"Jesus conquered death completely; now He assured His followers that we, too, will share in His victory. Death can temporarily remove us from those we love, but it transfers us into the presence of the One who loves us most. Death will one day be the door by which you gain access to all that is yours in heaven."

Are we ready to be transformed? In a blink of an eye it will happen.

But while we remain here on earth, God wants us transformed. What transformed?
Romans 12:2 says," And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." NASB

Like the caterpillar is transformed, changed through a process, so are we to be changed. Our heart is to be changed daily, our mind is to be changed daily, by submitting unto God's soverignty, His will, His plan for our life. Singing His praises, thanking Him, confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness, reading His Word, saying yes to His Spirit's leading-that's how. Then our mind will be renewed from fleshly thoughts to spiritual thoughts.


LET IT GROW

Verse 58 says,"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

I had to look up the meaning of some words, you know. King James Dictionary reveals the meaning of stedfast as firmly fixed or established; constant, not fickle or wavering; steady. Webster's Dictionary didn't list the word unmoveable, but move means to change from one place or residence to another; be or set in motion.

I think Paul is telling me to have faith that is firmly fixed, not changing. Storms of life can't make it fickle, wavering, strong one day and weak another day. Keep doing the Lord's work. Labor done for Him will be rewarded.
Beware, bad company corrupts good character. (verse 33 NLT)


LET IT GO

Seek God's transformation for my life.
Have firm faith.

Encouragement

 1 Corinthians 14
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3  NIV


LET IT GLOW

It is my hope and purpose of this blog to strengthen the faith of beleivers, while encouraging them to stay faithful in serving God, and bringing comfort with the Word. It certainly has been for my life as I dig into the Scriptures. I hope it is for you, too. As in Titus 2:3, I am an older woman teaching younger women the "how to's" of the Word.

In this chapter, Paul is comparing the value of two spiritual gifts-prophecy and speaking in tongues.
Remember, spiritual gifts are given to believers, by the Holy Spirit, to be used in the church.

According to King James Dictionary, prophecy is a noun meaning a fortelling; prediction; a declaration of something to come; preaching; public interpretation of Scripture. The verb prophesy means, in scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to exhort.

Shepherd's Notes  states:

Paul tells us that prophecy is more important than speaking in tongues because it edifies the whole church, is understood by all, and inspires conviction, confession, and worship, and if from God through people to others. Whereas, speaking in tongues is self-edifying, needs to be interpreted to be understood, and is from people to God. Paul says he would rather that people have the gift of prophecy  than tongues.

Prophecy is for strengthening (to build up others), encouragement (a calling to one's aid, by the side), and comfort (a speaking closely to anyone).

King James Version of the Bible uses the words edification, exhortation, and comfort.

According to King James Dictionary:

Edification means to build up, in a moral and religious sense; improvement and progress of the mind, in knowledge in morals, or in faith and holiness.
Exhortation means the form of words intended to incite and encourage; advice; counsel.
Comfort means to strengthen, to cheer or enliven; a relief of pain.

The Word of God gives us strength, encouragement, and comfort as we read it. However, God knows we need the meat of the Word, so He gives us preachers.

Again, Shepherd's Notes says:

Paul equipped his readers with three basic principles that he applied to their worship and service:
1. "All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." (verse 26)
2. "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace." (verse 33)
3. "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (verse 40)

(In regard to the gift of speaking in tongues, which can be controversial: it is Spirit-inspired utterance that is
not intelligible. It is a form of ecstatic utterance. It is not the ability to speak in foreign languages. Reference:Shepherd's Notes) Paul's guidelines are given in verses 27-28, where an interpreter is needed.


LET IT GROW

Now, ladies, I know that Scripture about "women keeping silent in church"  is in this chapter. What does it mean? Is it applicable today? I've been researching the writings of various ministers of the Word. Here's what I found:

Jerry Falwell said in Liberty Bible Commentary:

Obviously, this must be interpreted in light of 11:5 where it is clear that Paul understood that women were permitted to prophesy and to pray in public worship so long as they were properly dressed. The expression may have reference to speaking in tongues. That is, they were denied the privilege of exercising the gift of tongues in the assembly. Alternatively, it may have reference to what follows. (verse 35) Women were not allowed to disrupt the service by asking questions and talking while the service was going on. Certainly, they were not to speak out in tongues either. Public worship was to be reflective of the  One to whom it was directed, thus it was to be beautiful and harmonious.

John Gill said,"Men, not women, were directed to preach and teach. Women, in public assemblies/the church, were not to speak with tongues, nor prophesy, or preach, or teach the Word. All speaking is not prohibited for women; they might speak their experiences to the church, or give an account of the work of God upon their souls; they might speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; or speak as an evidence in any case at a church meeting; but not in such sort, as carried in it direction, instruction, government, and authority. Women came to hear, men came to teach-in churches of Christ."

David Guzik told us,"Men and women sat in different groups at church (in Paul's day). Among Corinthian Christians, there seems to have been the problem of momen chattering or disrupting the meetings with questions. Don't disrupt the meeting. Ask your questions at home.

John Wesley taught, "Unless they (women) are under an extraordinary impulse of the Spirit, they were not permitted to speak, by way of teaching in public assemblies."

My pastor has taught that this verse was in reference to speaking in tongues that was not permitted by women in church services. I want to obey the Word and please God, be in subjection and under the authority of my husband.


LET IT GO

Help strengthen, encourage, and comfort others with the Word of God.

Listen more and  speak less.

Where is Love?

1 Corinthians 13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).
1 Corinthians 13:13


LET IT GLOW

This is the week of Christmas. Most everyone is busy with last minute shopping. Where is love? When I go shopping, do I see people loving each other, or do I see rudeness, selfishness?

Where is love? Yes, I see it in  people who stop in the isles, taking time to talk with people they know and care about, maybe haven't seen in a while. Even in the parking lot this occurs. Other times, they speak briefly or wave, and then hurry about their business.

Where is love? I see it in people helping each other, holding the door open, letting others in front of them in line, smiles, a nod of the head, a hug. I see it in Christmas lights at night, read it in Christmas cards, taste it in Christmas candy, find it in children, family, and friends.

Where is love? I hear it in the Christmas carols, greetings of "Merry Christmas."

Where is love? It's found in Luke chapter 2- when God came down to earth to be born and live as a man, then gave Himself as the "Sacrificial Lamb" for you and me.  I find love in my heart as the Holy Spirit fills me. I find it in  1 Corinthians 13.

Where do you find love?

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, says:

Life is all about love. Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us
(Galatians 5:14)

Love should be your top priority, primary objective, and greatest ambition. Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else. Why?
1. Life without love is really worthless. Verse 3 in  The Message states: "No matter what I say, what I
    believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." In Matthew 16:18, Jesus summarized what matters
    most to God, "love God and love people."
2. Love will last forever. (verse 13) Love is a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or
    accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.
3. We will be evaluated on our love. In heaven, God won't ask about your career, bank account, or
     hobbies. Instead, He will review how you treated other people, particularly those in need.
     What we do to the least, we do to Jesus. (Matt. 25:40)
     The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6 NIV)

How do I express love?
The importance of things can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest in them. The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you will never get back. Your time is your life. That's why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. The best time to love is now.

With what or whom do I need to start spending more time? What do I need to cut out of my schedule to make it possible?


LET IT GROW

Shepherd's Notes states:
Love is active, not static. Love is something people do.
What does love do? Love is patient, kind, rejoices with the truth, always protects, trusts, hopes, persevers.
What does love not do?It does not envy, boast, isn't proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. (verses 4, 6, 7)

Love never fails, even though prophecies, tongues, knowledge will because they are temporal, not eternal.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (verse 7 NKJV)

Falwell tells us in Liberty Bible Commentary:

Love bears all things, covers all things; believes all things, not gullible, but believes well of others unless convinced otherwise; hopes all things, rather than a negative and ciritical spirit, it is always positive and hopeful; endures all things, sustains the assults of an enemy. Love alone abides. Its clearest expression is to be seen on Golgotha's hill.

Blackaby states, in the devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

Love has no limits. "All things" means everything is included. Love assumes the best about others-an offense was unintentional, harm is forgiven unconditionally. You practice  the same unconditional  love toward others that Christ gives to you.



Where is love? Do others find it in me? Do they see the love of God in me through patience, kindness, truth, hope, perseverence?
Do I bear, believe, hope, endure everything for the glory of God?
Help me Lord!

LET IT GO

I need to learn to let it go, laying it at the foot of the cross, letting Jesus handle situations.

Spend more time showing love to others.

Bear, believe, hope, endure whatever.

Love, and love some more.

Family

1 Corinthians 12
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 
1Corinthians 12:7  NAS


LET IT GLOW

As believers are saved by grace, so also are they equipped by grace to serve. Spiritual gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon every believer.  They are given to individual members for the good of the entire congregation. They equip members of the church to function as the body of Christ in a community. Only the Holy Spirit can give these gifts.

In this chapter, Paul lists 9 spiritual gifts:

• wisdom
• knowledge
• faith
• gifts of healing
• working of miracles
• prophecy
• the ability to distinguish between spirits
• tongues
• interpretation of tongues

Other spiritual gifts are listed in other passages by Paul, found in 1 Cor.12:28-30; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11. (Reference: Shepherd's Notes)

Blackaby states in his devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

The (Holy) Spirit will manifest Himself through your life, not for your good alone, but for the benefit of those around you. The Spirit will lead you to a church body where He can minister through you to each person in that body. (verse 18) God does not add you to a church body so you can be an observer. The Spirit has an assignment for you within the body, and He will equip you by His presence for this work. What an exciting commission from God!
How is the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life benefiting those around you? God has equipped you with exactly what is needed for the edification of the body in which He has placed you.

Do I know what my spiritual gifts are? Am I using them for the encouragement of our church  members and for God's glory?


LET IT GROW

I was born into a family with one sister and brother. I married into my husband's family with three sisters and three brothers. Those families talked to each other, loved each other, and did things together.Not only am I a member of the family into which I was born, the family into which I married, but I am a member of God's family and a local church family, also.

Am I encouraging others to join God's family and my church family? Am I helping other members grow in faith and obedience to God's Word?

The following is from Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life:

You were formed for God's family. God wants a family, and He created you to be a part of it. This is His purpose for your life, which He planned before you were born. (Eph. 1:5, Heb. 2:10a)

When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become His children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family.

Ephensians 2:19B (Living Bible) says, "You are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.

The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship. The Bible says we are put together, joined together, built together, members together, heirs together, fitted together, and held together and will be caught up together.

For the organs of your body to fulfill their purpose, they must be connected to your body. The same is true for you as a part of Christ's Body. You were created for a specific role, but you will miss this purpose if you're not attached to a living, local church.

Why you need the church:
1. A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. (John 13:35)
2. A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation. (verse 25 and 26)
3. A church family helps you develop spiritual muscles. (Eph.4:16b)
4. The Body of Christ needs you. (verse 7)
5. You will share in Christ's mission in the world. (1 Cor. 10:12)
6. A church family will help keep you from backsliding. (Heb.3:13; 13:17; James 5:19)

God created the church to meet your five deepest needs:

• a purpose to live for
• people to live with
• principles to live by
• a profession to live out
• power to live on.

Why is it important to join a local church family? Because it proves you are committed to your spiritual brothers and sisters in reality, not just in theory. You become a Christian by committing yourself to Christ, but you become a church member by committing yourself to a specific group of believers. The first decision brings salvation; the second brings fellowship.

Don't be a "bunny believer" who hops around from one church to another without any identity, accountability, or commitment.


Are you a member of a local Christ believing church? Do I encourage other believers to join a church?
How faithful am I to my church, to my fellow members?


LET IT GO

Stay faithful to my local church.

Find out my spiritual gifts and use them for my Lord and church.

Hair, the Long and Short of It

1 Corinthians 11
But if a woman have long hair it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1Corinthians 11:15


LET IT GLOW

I'm not the kind of female who spends hours fixing my hair. I never have been. On the other hand, I don't like it to be disorderly either. During the summer, I would "wash and wear", so to speak, pulling my hair up in a clip, letting it dry naturally. Thus it grew long. However, now that winter is here, long hair meant spending 20 minutes blow drying it. I didn' like doing that three times a week, though my schedule is flexable.
I decided to have my hair cut, medium length, and styled. It certainly is not short, exposing my ears. I want to look feminine, not like a male. (Hubby does approve of this.)

Background on the culture in Corinth:

Jerry Falwell said, in Liberty Bible Commentary:

In Corinth, it was not uncommon for prostitutes to shave their heads and don blonde wigs, thus signifying their availability to the men in the streets. Just as no respectable Christian woman would go out in public dressed as a prostitute, it is equally important that she not participate in public worship without proper dress.


So why did Paul address the issue of women and long hair? Having researched this chapter, here's what I found:

Shepherd's Notes  states:

The Jewish custom for all women was to show modesty and virtue by covering their heads with a veil when they went outside their homes. The veiling of a woman's head was not a new concept for the Corinthians. In Jewish synagogues it was required, and in Greek sanctuaries woemn were also to be veiled. It is likely that the women in the Corinthian congregation were simply reflecting the more daring styles of the day.
The principle here is that Christians must be sensitive to the cultures in which they live and not needlessly flout local customs unless there is some moral reason to do so.


In verse 3, Paul gives the order of authority: God, Christ, man, woman.
Paul points out some notable statements concerning women/wives:

• Man is the head of the woman. (verse 3) (The wife submits to her husbands authority as head of the family, to his decisions.)
• She dishonors her head, the husband, if the wife prays or prophesies (worship) uncovered. (verse 5)
• She was created from man, from Adam's rib. (verse 8)
• She is the glory of man, gives him honor. (verse 7)
• She was created as a help meet for her husband. (verse 9 refers to Genesis 2:18)
• Her long hair is her glory and her covering. (verse 15)

Falwell said, "Paul is talking about differentiating between the sexes. (verses 13-15) In the natural order of things, it only seems appropriate to cover a woman's head and here her ultimate covering is her hair The Scripture does not dictated "spirituality" by the length of one's hair. The real issue here is submission to divine authority. Therefore, every aspect of the believer's life should reflect his obedience and submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and divinely established authority."


Paul talks about how to appear in public worship-men with uncovered heads and women with covered heads.Although Paul emphasized Christian freedom meaning they no longer had to observe the old Jewish customs, but did it include women no longer had to wear a veil during worship?
To sum it up, Paul says the woman's hair is given her for a covering, veil. (verse 15) There we have it ladies.
We don't need to wear a veil, hat, or scarf, when we wear our hair long as a covering during worship.

Of course, the question then is, "How long is long?"  Paul doesn't signify that. What's important is that people can distinguish us as a woman, not a man. To me, my hair is long enough if it acts as a veil whenever I pray, bowing my head.
This can be a controversial subject, I realize. Our society is different from that of the Corinthians. So maybe each of us need to seek the Lord and how to please Him concerning this matter.

LET IT GROW

Verse 31 states,"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

Isn't that the truth? I tend to think I'm okay, acceptable, so I don't need to be judged. When in fact, I sin daily and am in need of repentance and forgiveness. But I do need self-examination. Christ and his Word are my standards for me to use as my comparison, of which I fall short every time.


LET IT GO

As a wife, honor my husband and the Lord Jesus by submitting to them.

Do a spiritual exam daily.

Temptations

1 Corinthians 10
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13


LET IT GLOW


Especially around Christmas time, I hear a lot of ladies talking about the temptation of chocolate. Personally, it does not tempt me to eat it. That's because I don't like chocolate. Yes, you read it correctly. Because I don't like chocolate, it does not tempt me. I know, my husband has already told me how "weird" I am. It's not that I didn't have chocolate available whenever a child, because I did. Mom baked those yucky chocolate cakes and made homemade fudge. Oh, I can take it or leave it, mostly leave it. (Of course that leaves more for hubby, except now our granddaughter likes it, too.)

 I now do a psychological thing on myself-to satisfy my sweet tooth's, I just  take a bite of a piece of chocolate candy, shake my head in disgust, and that ends that sweet desire. (By the way, my children were grown before they experienced chocolate pudding and pie. One of my children does not like it either. Can you guess which one? Nope, it's our son. His birthday cakes were always strawberry. Funny, huh?)

Lest you get me wrong, other foods tempt me-pies, cobblers, ice cream, Dr. Pepper, butterscotch and peanut butter fudge, mmm, sweet stuff. So I battle with the temptation of foods just like you do. (See, I am normal.) Other things, not just food, tempt me though, which at times lead to my yielding and sinning. Can Paul can help us out in that department? Yes.

Paul tells us that temptaion is a common thing; we all experience it. We all face similar problems, trials, tests. It helps to know we're all in the same boat. The good news is that God is faithful. He won't allow us to be tempted "above" what we can stand. Since He made us, God knows exactly what we can take.

Jerry Falwell said in Liberty Bible Commentary,

"If God did not know that you could take it, He would not have allowed you to suffer it.  In fact, He will provide a way of escape for us. In the Greek, it is a nautical term. The idea is not that He will enable us to escape temptation, but that He will enable us to land safely on the other side victoriously. Often the only escape is to endure." So when the lucious piece of cake, a cookie, pride, grumbling, gosip, is tempting me to partake, I don't have to indulge. I can leave it alone, with God's help.
Paul says in verse 6," These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did." NLT
He was talking about the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, warning us. Stay away from those things that tempt me to fall into sin.
I'm looking forward to reading Lysa TerKurst's new book, Made to Crave, which comes out in January.

LET IT GROW

James 1:12 (Living Bible) states," Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him."

The bottom line is, "How do I resist temptation?" I found some help; read on sister.

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, said:

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good. On the path to spiritual maturity, even temptation becomes a stepping-stone rather than a stumbling block when you realize that it is just as much an occasion to do the right thing as it is to do the wrong thing. Temptation simply provides the choice. While temptation is Satan's primary weapon to destroy you, God wants to use it to develop you. Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growing in the character of Christ. God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality!
Galatians 5:22-23)
How does temptation work?
1. Satan identifies a desire inside of you. Temptation always starts in your mind, not in circumstances.
    (see Mark 7:21-23, James 4:1)
2. Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about sin. (see Hebrews 3:12)
3. Step three is deception. Satan is incapable of telling the truth and is called the "father of lies." (John 8:44)
    "It's only a little sin." But a little sin, like being a little pregnant: It will eventually show itself.
4. Step four is disobedience. You finally act on the thought you've been toying with in your mind. 
    (see James 1:14-16)

Understanding how temptation works is in itself helpful, but there are specific steps you need to take to overcome it:
1. Refuse to be intimidated. It is not a sin to be tempted. Temptation only becomes a sin when you give in
    to it. Martin Luther said, "You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from
    building a nest in your hair." Lust is a choice to commit in your mind what you'd like to do with your body.
    The moment you became God's child, Satan, like a mobster hit man, put out a "contract" on you. You are
    his enemy, and he's plotting your downfall.

2. Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it. There are certain situations that make
    you more vulnerable to temptation than others. These situations are unique to your weaknesses, and you
    need to identify them because Satan surely knows them! He knows exactly what trips you up, and he is
    constantly working to get you into those circumstances.  Ask yourself, "When am I most tempted?"
    "Where am I most tempted?" " Who is with me?"

3. Request God's help.  Heaven has a twenty-four hour emergency hot line. God wants you to ask him for
    assistance in overcoming temptation. He says,"Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you
    will honor me." Ps. 50:15
    I call this a "microwave" prayer because it is quick and to the point: Help! SOS! Mayday! When
    temptation strikes, you don't have to have a long conversation with God, you simply cry out. Ask Him
    for the power to do the right thing and then expect Him to provide it. Instead of giving in or giving up, look
    up to God, expect Him to help you.

Sounds advice I can take to the bank, so to speak. I don't have to yield to the temptations. God provides a way of escape.

LET IT GO

Identify those things which tempt me to fall into sin. Turn from them.

Prepare for temptation with prayer and Scriptures. Ask God for help.

Repent when I fail and sin; honor God when I resist.

Crowns

1 Corinthians 9
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  1 Corinthians 9:22b


LET IT GLOW

Paul was a Jew who preached Christ to the Jews, as the fulfillment of the law; he sought to convert the Gentiles to faith in Christ. He preached on the uneducated ones level where they could understand about salvation and the Christian living, though Paul was highly educated for his day.(Paul was part of the Sanhedrin counsel.)  He knew how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Phil.4:12)
Paul was all things to all men. He was whatever he needed to be in order to reach the lost with the gospel.
Can I say the same things? Am I willing to endure the "whatever" is needed in order to reach others with the gospel? Wow!


Matthew Henry tell us that Paul did not despise the Gentiles nor judged them, but converted them. He was a Jew, but not a stumbling-block in their way. Paul denied himself for their sakes, that he might insinuate into their affections, and gain their souls. He would not sin against God to save the soul of his neighbor, but he would very cheerfully and readily deny himself.

Denying self. I've heard that before.
In Mark 8:34b, Jesus stated,"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Jesus summed it up, how to be His follower, didn't He? Linda, put your wants, desires, and plans aside, crucifying them, then live as Jesus lived. Am I willing, daily?

Falwell explains in Liberty Bible Commentary:
Paul was willing to concede Christian liberties at all points if in the process, the gospel is preached, and the lost are won to Christ. This implies a willingness to do more, not less than the law required. It certainly does  not condone sinful activity and compromise in order to "win" some.


LET IT GROW

I have never won a contest where a crown was received by the winner. My sister was high school football homecoming queen and received a crown. I wonder if she still has it, or if it has  perished with time.

In verses 24-27, Paul uses the example of running a race to receive a corruptible (perishable) crown as the winner. He tells us that as Christians, we will obtain an incorruptible (imperishable) crown that is eternal.

Jerry Falwell said,"The Isthmian games were an athletic event known to all of Paul's readers, held on alternate summers within the vicinity of Corinth It was an event not to be missed  by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece."

Sounds like these games were as popular to the Corinthians as the Razorback football, basketball, and baseball games are in my state.

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states:

Paul lived a purpose-driven life. He said, "I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." (NLT verse 26) His only reason for living was to fulfill the purposes God had for him. He said, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21 NIV) Paul was not afraid of either living or dying. Either way, he would fulfill God's purposes. He couldn't lose! When fulfilling your purposes seems tough, don't give in to discouragement. Remember your reward, which will last forever. The Bible says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Cor. 4:17 NIV)

Blackaby said, in his devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

"Atheletes are willing to push themselves harder and longer and farther than anyone else. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train.
If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? Are you striving to bring your body into subjection for the glory of God? Are you training your mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world? Are you disciplining your life in prayer? "

Am I surrendering my body and mind unto the Lord for His use and glory?


LET IT GO

Deny self, live for Jesus.

Remember that faithfulness and obedience will receive a crown.

Work for Jesus out of love, not for the crown.