Comments for February 25

v.8 - The laver was for washing - ceremonial washing ordained by God - not like the washing of the Pharisees and the idolaters, whose attitude was wrong (Heb.9:10) but the washing of the word, the washing of baptism, the grace of God washing our sins clean away. Ps.26:6, Zech.13:1, John 13:10, Tit.3:5,6, Rev.1:5.

When it comes to numbers in scripture, I am, as I have said before, somewhat sceptical of the great significances that some folk place on each one, but here you cannot escape the numbers. Everything seems to be described by how many there were, whatever other description then ensues. I am forced therefore to wonder about the significance of this numerology.

:8 In making the laver of the looking glasses there is a beautiful contrast. The looking glasses would be used by the women - and doubtless the men - so that they could see whether they looked presentable or not. Maybe even to pride themselves in their appearance. In using them to make the laver God was showing them that unless they were 'washed' according to His provision they would not be acceptable to him. Likewise, unless we are washed by the word [Ephesians 5:26] we will not be acceptable to our Father no matter how fashionable we are in our and the world's eyes.

:21-31 In recording the amounts of material that were given and what they were used for in the tabernacle we are being shown that the tabernacle, even though designed by God, is made up of the free will offerings of the ecclesia. Likewise in our day. The ecclesia is 'of God' but is built up of our free will offering. If we hold back in our service the ecclesia is lacking. In the wilderness there is no other source for the material other than the members of the ecclesia.

Exo 38 - By now, if the tabernacle as constructed as it is described the nation would have been able to see the extent and scope of the structure of the tabernacle and the court – but as yet they had no idea how it would be used.

Exo 38:1 The altar was 4 feet high (= 121 cms). The priests would have to make quite an effort to hoist the dead animals up on to it for burning. God demands that we make an effort in our worship to Him, too.
But, further to that, we are a LIVING, not a dead, sacrifice Rom 12:1

Exo 38:8  The priests used the laver for washing their hands and feet before priestly service. Exo 30:18, Exo 40:30-31 The Levites also used water from this laver to purify themselves.Num 8:7

Brass in the KJV should be correctly understood as either copper or bronze.  Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was in common usage in the Near East.  It was a utilitarian metal and is, therefore, linked to the common experience of man.  Thus, it is symbolic of the flesh.  The bronze serpent in the wilderness demonstrates this (Num 21:8-9).

The laver was made out of women's mirrors (38:8). The KJV reads looking glasses, which is an unfortunate translation as glass was not used at that time.  Ironically, the laver, an implement of purification, was made out of objects of vanity.  Flesh needed to be washed before seeking the presence of Yahweh. The figure of baptism is clear.

V.8 These women who assembled at the door would have been of pious character, who frequented the courts of the building; not unlike Anna who departed not from the temple (Luke 2:37) Some commentators say that the parting of their mirrors was their renouncing the world. Has any one any additional thoughts on this?

1. The altar of burnt offering v.1; Heb 13:10-16 and the connection with Jesus, his suffering outside the city gate, the opportunity we have to share, and the city that is to come.

2. Exo 38:8,9,18 - VS.8-9 the outer court perhaps is answering to baptism (Rom 6:3;Eph 5:26;John 15:3); VS.9,18 tabernacle is enclosed by a wall of fine linen (Rev 19:8).

38:8      The women who ‘assembled at the door of the tabernacle’ met to do work which was not specified. They were there to cater for the practical needs of the priests. As such they are typical of the women who ministered to Jesus (Luke 8:3 showing that there is a need to go beyond what is commanded and for us to look for jobs which need to be done.

38:26 The number of men listed is the same as in Num 1:45. So everyone who had been of age when Israel came out of Egypt gave to the work of building the tabernacle. In like manner each of us who have been brought out of the darkness of Egypt have to give to the building of the house of God.

V.24-25 It is difficult to imagine how the Children of Israel accumulated such wealth. When we stop and think of it, they would have been enriched by the spoils of Egypt, and afterwards by those of the Amalekites. (Exo 17) We would also assume that they would have traded with the surrounding nations who bordered on the wilderness. 

In Chapter 37, we read about the furniture of the tabernacle: the ark; the lamp stands; the altar of incense etc.  All these were overlaid with fine gold. In Chapter 38, the altar of burnt offering with its horns; all the accompanying tools; the laver for washing; the pillars, were all made of bronze.  Gold is a brilliant, precious metal that has the quality of keeping its lustre, without corrupting, over time. It is, therefore, a fitting metal to represent the glory of Yahweh.  On the other hand, bronze is a compound made up of base, corruptible metals.  It aptly represents the corruptibility of human nature.  The need to sacrifice, and the need to wash, by means of bronze receptacles, emphasizes the need for redemption.  Jesus is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12).  He is the one who overcame sin in the flesh and gained immortality.   His victory over human nature is represented in scripture by the bronze serpent upon a pole (Num 21:8,9; John 3:14).  His sacrifice opened the way of reconciliation and healing for all who would accept His offer.  And so, Jesus effectively transitioned from corruptible bronze to incorruptible gold - from human to divine.  The same awaits His faithful followers.

38:22 Isn’t it appropriate that a man of the tribe of Judah supervised the making of the tabernacle. Jesus, of the tribe of Judah built the house of God – Heb 3:3–the ecclesia through his death and resurrection.

38:25-26 The silver that was given voluntarily of the people amounted exactly to half a shekel each. This then became the tribute money that would be required each time the people were counted – Exo 30:13- thus counting the people equated to the building of the tabernacle. It was a measure of the house of God.

All the gold that was used in the work of the holy place came from freewill offerings (v24, 35v22).

38:8   This is the only specific description of where any of the material used in the manufacture of the tabernacle came from.

38:8   In using brass from the “lokingglasses” for the manufacture of the altar of burnt offering maybe we should learn that in offering an animal sacrifice we should be offering ourselves The use of the lookingglasses maybe is teaching that Israel should be looking at themselves (in a mirror so to speak) when they offered an animal. The animal represented themselves.  The lesson for us is obvious. When Jesus died it should have been us.

38:8   The women assembled “by troops” as the Hebrew indicates. This is like it is recorded of the women in 1Sam 2:22 They did not come randomly but as an organised group to serve God. An indication of fellowship amongst those who served God.

38:25         It has been suggested that the weight of Gold used was around 8 tons and the amount of silver 38 tons. This is an incredible amount of wealth that the people willingly gave to the service of God. How do we compare in our giving?

Exo 38:8  The purpose of the laver was for the priests to wash their hands and feet prior to service in the Tabernacle.  Notice the no dimensions are given. There is no limit to the cleansing water available for God’s servants. 

38:26given that the number at Sinai when the tabernacle was finished matches the number at the beginning of the time at Sinai we conclude that no one died in that age range whilst Israel were there. This was to change dramatically shortly after they eft Sinai.

38:26 we should remember that all the material given according to God’s instruction had been brought out of the land of Egypt. One suspects that then Israel left Egypt they had no idea how the material they had would be used for God’s glory. The same is true of us. When we accept Christ we brought things that we have acquired in “the world” with us. Those things we have must be used primarily in the service of God.

38:7 the mention of the “staves” here and with respect to other elements of the furniture that had to be carried emphasised the fact that life was a journey. In their case a journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan.  Whilst we tend to remain in the same place for large amounts of our life, maybe never moving during the whole of our married life, we must realise that our life is a journey. Wherever we live at the moment we must appreciate it is not our home.

38:24-25  The vast amount of gold and silver used in the making of the tabernacle had all come out of Egypt. As slaves the people would have possessed little of any value. So we have to conclude that all of this gold and silver had been given by the Egyptians, and by inference, was only a part of what the children of Israel had been given by the Egyptians.

v8 The bronze basin has no dimensions whereas each other object in the Tabernacle contains specific measurements. Maybe God is suggesting to us that even in a highly prescriptive activity like building the Tabernacle, there is opportunity for human creativity and decision making. The same holds for ecclesial life. There is one gospel but no one way to preach the gospel; there is no set style for platform speaking. Our creativity, as long as it honours God, is something that God wants us to use.

38:8 So far all the work of the tabernacle and its service in the priests had been conducted by males in Israel. However this did not prevent the woman from being involved. So they assembled at the door of the tabernacle. They were there to work as they might be appointed by the priests.

100 v. 3 - The two Hebrew words for 'sheep' (tsown 06629) and 'pasture' (mir'iyth 04830) occur together on a number of other occasions, referring to God's people and his care for them. Here are the others: Ps.74:1, 79:13, 95:7, Jer.23:1, 25:36, Eze.34:31.

Psalm 100 The sheep of God's pasture (v3) should praise God because of His goodness. This contrasts starkly with the 'sheep of His pasture' (Psalm 95:7) who complained at His provision in the wilderness. 

Psalm 101 David sets himself a high standard of life. To help him to achieve it he will keep good company. So he will not entertain 'deceit' in his house (verse 7). Whilst we may be very careful who we invite into our homes are we so discerning about the things we watch on the TV or listen to on the radio or the music we listen to?

101 v.2,3 - Is this a statement of David's intention for what is left of his life? Well, it surely is, as it is for all of us, even though we know we fail, but more than that surely it is a statement of what he knows will be the case beyond this life when Jesus returns. We need to try to develop the same confidence in our own redemption and the fact that we will be in this situation too, as long we continue to hate that which is evil.

100:2 In speaking about serving God 'with gladness' we are shown that our service to God is not a drudgery. Nor is it to be viewed as a chore. Sadly Israel did, at times view their service as a weariness' [Malachi 1:13]. This attitude serves as a terrible warning to us.

101:1 In speaking of both 'mercy' and 'judgement' David is speaking of two of God's attributes which we find extremely difficult to manifest together. Either we are too merciful or too judgemental. Our God has the perfect balance all the time. For this reason we should sing of His mercy and judgement. Once we have recognised these wonderful characteristics of our Father we should then try to manifest them together in our lives. By avoiding those who 'practice deceit' :7 we are avoiding those who, by their very nature, cannot balance mercy and judgement.

100:3 In reminding his readers that we are made by God and not by ourselves the Psalmist is restating something we have notes in earlier Psalms. That man can be so arrogant that he does not even acknowledge that he has been made by a supreme being! Of course we can give intellectual assent to the truth that there is a creator and then live lives which deny this.

101:1-3 Maybe David wrote this Psalm after the incident with Bathsheba. He now says that he will walk in his house without setting wicked things before him - this contrasts with how he was when he saw Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2)

100:5 God’s ‘mercy’ and His ‘truth’ are repeatedly seen together for example Gen 24:27, Psa 25:10, 57:3, 61:7, 85:10, 86:15, 89:14 to list but a few.  God’s character demands both mercy and truth in our dealings with men.

101:8 David’s enthusiasm to ‘cut off the wicked’ has to be seen in contest of the effect that wickedness has on fellowship. ‘a little leaven leaveneth the whole’ (1Cor 5:6)

Psalm 100 This Psalm reminds us of our complete dependence on God. In V.5 the writer shows this with three simple statements. 

Psalm 101  A song expressing strong intention to live wisely and faithfully.
 

BEFORE OUR EYES
 
"I will walk in my house with a blameless heart.  I will set before my eyes no vile thing.  The deeds of faithless men I hate; they shall not cling to me.  Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil."  (Psa 101:2-4)
 
David's words of dedication possibly have more meaning in our houses today than they had in the days of David.  T.V., videos, DVDs, novels, magazines and the internet all vie for our attention from within our own homes.  Most of what we get from these media is visual, and, more often than not, the images we see are, as David described, vile.  Right within our own homes we can be exposed to violence, immorality, sex, nudity and all kinds of vice (and that's often just the adverts!)  We would certainly not watch that sort of thing if Jesus were in the room with us!
 
We need to have more discernment in the websites we visit and the programmes we watch.  We need to resolve, like David did, that we will set before our eyes no vile thing.  We should keep ourselves pure for God by filtering what goes in to our minds.
 
The deeds of faithless and perverse men in the programmes they make and websites they design should be far from us and we should have nothing to do with its evil.  No-one sees what we do in our houses and that is why we must be extra careful what we do in them because no-one else is there to be our conscience for us.  So let us, like David, walk in our houses with a blameless heart and set before our eyes no vile thing.

God made us (Psa 100:3).  Therefore He knows all about us, and understands us.  We can talk to Him like we used to talk to Dad when we were young.  He loves us.

100:3    ‘The Lord, He is God’ echoes the twofold use of this phrase in Deut 4:35,39 and, subsequently, was shouted in the days of Elijah - 1Kin 18:39 – when Elijah’s prayer on Carmel was answered.

101:6    When David speaks of the one who ‘walketh in a perfect way’ maybe he had in Mind Abraham who was called to walk in that way – Gen 17:1.

100:3 The idea of God’s people being ‘sheep’ is a consistent theme of Scripture. Eze 34:11 has God speaking of His people as ‘sheep’. Jesus lay down his life for the sheep – John 10:15 Paul was concerned that ‘wolves’ would enter the flock – Acts 20:29 . We might be sheep going astray – 1Pet 2:25 and Jesus is the ‘chief shepherd’ – 1Pet 5:4

101:2, If we want to see how one can behave wisely all we need to do is to look at David before Saul – 1Sam 18

Ps. 101 demonstrates David’s steadfastness in the ways of Yahweh. He determines not to compromise his walk by contrary actions or associations.  He is willing to cut off those who do not act properly, according the Yahweh's standards (v.5).  Cut off comes from the Hebrew word tsamat.  It means to destroy, cut off, to make disappear. The word can be used either literally or figuratively.  Presently, our application is figurative; but when Jesus returns to earth, He will literally destroy all those who are wayward and unrepentant.

GIVE THANKS

The title of Psalm 100 reads, "A psalm for giving thanks." Saying thank you is an important part of life. Having someone say thank you to us shows that they appreciate us and what we have done, and gives us the motivation to carry on and even do better. Many people around us have done so much in getting us to where we are today, and they deserve our thankfulness. But the one who has done the most is the LORD our God.

The psalmist said, "For the LORD is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psa 100:5)

Often the things we are thankful for are one off events. Last week, New Zealand's Christian radio hosted three days of thankfulness. During that time possibly hundreds of people called in or were interviewed and were able to say what they were thankful for. Most of them were stand alone events such as a healing, a birth, a restored relationship or a fun moment with children. But God's love endures for ever! Every moment there is something more to be thankful for. He never stops giving us blessings.

We can be thankful for so many little things that we take for granted - the ability to read, to hear, to speak, to stand and walk, and the blessing of family. But most of all we can be thankful for the gift of salvation. Let's give thanks today and every day because God's blessings never stop coming.

100:2 Are we ‘glad’ when we are involved in the things of the gospel? Or do we do such things as a matter of duty or obligation. The Father is looking for willingness - 2Cor 9:7 - in our service.

100:3 The phrase in the KJV: and not we ourselves is an unfortunate translation. I don’t think that there is anyone, however irreligious, would ever claim that s/he made themselves. A better translation, which more modern versions (e.g. ESV) carry, is: and we are his.

101:3  David hates the work of them that turn aside (i.e. fall away to follow false doctrines). Are we like-minded, or do we accommodate others whose beliefs are astray from the Truth. It is easy to become cosy with others in this politically correct world.  But, the choice is as clear today as it was in Joshua’s time (Josh 24:15).

100:4 ‘thanksgiving’ is ‘a thank offering’ - see RV margin – Whenever we approach God we should have something to offer. That is we come to God in the status of a servant.

100:3 Being sheep of God’s pasture is a fairly common concept – Psa 74:1, 79:13, 95:7, Jer 23:1, which really provides the basis for Jesus speaking of the people he spoke to as sheep.

Arrogance, humility, praise

Can you see the similarity between David's words in Psalm 101, and Peter's words in the gospels (Matt 26:33-35)? Both men claim to be able to serve in a complete, or perfect, way. Both did this out of the best intentions, and we don't criticise them for that. But they ultimately failed and their boasts meant nothing.

Jesus requires humility rather than our unrealistic estimation of ourselves. David went through some difficult times, his own sin and imperfect character came to the fore, and we see this progression in character in the next couple of chapters. First he is confident (Ps101), then repentant and needy (Ps 102) and finally, full of humble, acceptable praise, not of his own merits, but God's (Ps 103).

While the former attitude is commendable in a way (setting high ideals is good) it can lead to an unyielding attitude to others. Can you detect this attitude in verses 4, 5, 7 & 8? Do you think David changed his view after he himself was found to be perverse (v4) and full of lies to cover up his sin? (v7)

101:5  Slandering one’s neighbour is a clear violation of the teaching of the law of Moses – Exo 20:16

1. Psa 100:1 - perhaps this has application to a future Messianic time when Jew and Gentile throughout the world make a joyful noise.

2. Psa 100:3 - "God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves" - could this be suggesting that God was directly involved in creating man and that man was not some chance evolution that became man by developing on its own?

3. Psa 100:4 - "Enter into his gates<8179> with thanksgiving<8426>" - could this have application to entry of the chosen into the coming kingdom of God on earth? Also, when we are thankful we tend to be less covetous (Exo 20:17;1Cor 6:9-11).

4. Psa 100:5 - "his truth endureth to all generations" - God's truth is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

1. Psa 101:2 - "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect<8549> way...with a perfect heart" - could this have application to Jesus?

2. Psa 101:6 - "the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me" - could this have application to the chosen saints reigning with Jesus in the kingdom of God on earth?

3. Psa 101:7 - "He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house" - could this refer to those not accepted in the kingdom?

4. Psa 101:8 - "I will...destroy all the wicked of the land" - the wicked will not suffer an eternity of torment, the wicked will be destroyed.

101:7    The barring of the wicked as described in the Psalm from the house of God is the reason for the Psalmists desire to distance himself from such people. He knew that company with such would damage him – 1Cor 15:33

JOYFUL PRAISE TO START THE DAY

How have you come before the Lord today? For me, it was in an attitude of prayerfulness, seeking God's direction, guidance and wisdom. It was with thanks and praise, spoken silently, in my morning prayer.

But the psalmist gives us some very different directions as to how we should approach God. He says, "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psa 100:2) Gladness, shown in thankfulness were certainly part of my prayers this morning, but joyfulness and singing didn't really play a part in the way I approached God. This is something I need to work on. I need to make the opportunities to sing and praise the LORD in a joyful way each morning. Imagine the start that would give my day! "No need for a coffee, I've been singing joyful praises to my God!"

If each of us took the time and made the effort to do what the Scriptures say to do, we could make a big difference to the mundane existence we sometimes seem to have. We would feel more positive, having counted our blessings, and singing helps raise endorphins to make us feel good. But above all, by singing joyful praises to our God, we are honouring him. Let's do it!

PURE EYES

As a man I know how much we are driven and tempted by what our eyes see. Many women don't realise the problem men can have controlling their lustful thoughts when they see revealing clothing or lots of flesh in the way a woman dresses. But it is one thing to have encounters with eyefulls of temptation, and it is quite another to go seeking them.

The psalmist said, "I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing." (Psa 101:2-3) One way to our heart is through our eyes. That's why we cannot afford to put vile things in front of our eyes if we want to give our hearts to God. We men need to analyse what we put before our eyes. It is obvious that if we turn to the internet and look at porn, then we are setting vile images before our eyes. It may well be the same if we watch television, or if we flick through magazines, books at the library, DVDs, romantic novels, women's magazines, men's magazines, junk mail through the letter box or email, or even if we purposely go past the place where the sights are likely to feed our sexual desire.

So let's be men of God, whether at home or away, and set before our eyes no vile thing.

101:5   David would not suffer a “proud heart” which we learn later – Prov 21:4 – is something which God hates. So we see that David’s thought reflect the way in which God thinks. 

101:7 David’s sentiments should be ours – Eph 5:11

Psalm 100

This Psalm goes together with the preceding Psalms to talk about how God's rule, and he gospel of salvation, would stretch to the Gentile nations. We've seen how this happened in three places, two in history, and one still to come:

1) During Hezekiah's reign, when the invading nation of Assyria was destroyed by God and Hezekiah's fame went out

throughout the world.

2) After the death of Jesus, when the Kingdom was taken away from Israel and distributed instead to the Gentiles -- in a spiritual sense only.

3) At the return of Jesus when he will reign from Jerusalem over all the world.

This Psalm voices the joy of belonging to God and freely having access to His presence (via Jesus), which is available to believers now, and to everyone in the Kingdom:

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

101:3   How often do we “see” unsuitable things in our lives? From time to time we have no choice. However there are times when we actually choose to see unwholesome things. We watch television indiscriminately at times.

100:3   Rather like Psa 95:7 we should realise that we are the sheep and God is the shepherd. We often think we are the shepherd organising our lives only to find that we have made bad decision.  We should let the Scriptures dictate our actions and thoughts.

100:4  Sheep are willing to follow a shepherd. Without a shepherd they just wander. So sheep is an apt metaphor to use to speak of you and I. We are directionless without the gospel message and salvation in Christ which we can only know through His word.

KNOW THIS

If we want to worship God properly, there are some things we need to know. They are not just things to think, or recite, or a statement to sign, they have to be part of us, in our minds and hearts. We need to know this:

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people; the sheep of his pasture." (Psa 100:3).

The LORD, Yahweh, is the mighty one. There is no greater god. He is all powerful, all knowing, and everlasting. He created us. We are not here by chance. We didn't randomly evolve, but we are here because God wanted us. He wanted you and me to be his, and he created us for that purpose. We are his people. We belong to him. And if we belong to him, then knowing all this should lead us to living with the purpose of doing what he wants us to do, loving and worshipping him.

Know this, and let it guide your life.
 

LOOK HERE

It's so hard to stay on the right track. All so easily we follow our eyes as temptations pass before them, and then discover ourselves in the grip of sin.

David came up with two principles to help him live a blameless life, and I suspect he would have kicked himself for not thinking of them or remembering them when he saw Bathsheba in her bathtub.

This was David's first principle: "I will set before my eyes no vile thing." (Psa 101:3) If it's going to lead you into temptation, don't even look at it! Turn away! Run away! Turn away your eyes from evil.

And now listen to David's second principle: "My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me." (v.6). Turn your eyes toward people who are going to lead you to do good and turn to God. Look to godly people to be your friends and advisers.

David's advice is simple. You are going to follow your eyes, so look to the good and follow those who will lead you in a godly direction.
 

100:3    Do we see ourselves as “sheep”? Or do we see ourselves as ones who need no guidance? Sheep, left to their own devices simply get lost.

101:4 the sentiments of David’s words here are echoed by Solomon – Prov 11:20.

101:5 We might think we would never slander our neighbour – that is say anything that is not true of them. However the way we gossip – pass on stories we have heard – about fellow believers could easily be slander. Unless we know the thing we are passing on is true we should not even mention it. Even if it is true we should question whether there is any value in passing the information on to others.

100:2 Some things that we do are learned habits. It may be meeting with others to remember Jesus or to study His word. It may be a regular reading of His word. Such habits are good. However they should be anticipated with joy, not with a grudging heart. A offering given grudgingly is not given with “gladness” and it is the “cheerful giver” that God is pleased with (2Cor 9:7)

100:4 Notice her and earlier in the Psalm how praise and thankfulness are related to each other. Praise should be the automatic response and reaction to being thankful to God. We accept His generosity in forgiving our sins – but do we praise Him as regularly as we need forgiveness?

101:2 There was a time when David did not walk with a “perfect heart” – 2Sam 11:2 – but clearly David learnt from his gross error.

We, rather than pointing the finger at David, should be asking ourselves whether we learn from our mistakes.

8 v.3 - Here is a simple truth and yet one on which we can pin our hope. This chapter is still in the context of the preceding ones - pointing out the futility of the inclusion of the ways of the world into our worship, and this short verse is a very succinct way of saying it all. It is a very privileged position in which to find ourselves. ch.2:9, Rom.8:28,29, Jas.1:12, 2:5, Ex.33:12,17, Ps.139:1,2, John 10:14, Gal.4:9, 2Tim.2:19, Rev.2:9,13,19 etc.

8:1 Another indication that the Corinthians trusted in their own wisdom. 'Knowledge puffeth up'

9:2-3 Again the apostle Paul is defending himself against criticisms from the Corinthians about his status as an apostle. It is common, when one cannot fault a person's argument, to criticise the person. We must take care that we do not do thins ourselves.

RUN

At the Olympics the worlds best athletes gather to compete for the honour of winning and wearing the gold medal. Many of the athletes are professional and they spend all day training every day. They employ the best coaches and tone every muscle to get every last little bit of speed or strength from their bodies. They sacrifice social events, rich foods, time, energy and money - and it is all for the short lived pleasure of a medal. The point is, that for an Olympic competitor, nothing is too much to sacrifice to win that medal.

Paul says that we are in a race too. In the same way that an athlete trains and sacrifices, we need to train and sacrifice as Christians. We have to put as much energy into our training as the athletes do. We, like many of those athletes are professional Christians. We are supposed to be training to be like Christ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year no matter what our job, hobbies or circumstances. We must be aiming to constantly improve our lives aiming for the high standard of Christ. And in the end there will not be just one winner - everyone who runs for Christ will win the prize of everlasting life. What a race! On your marks, Get set, GO!

8:3 It may seem strange that having spoken of 'knowledge' and 'charity' (V1)  Paul  speaks of loving God. However the two concepts are fundamentally connected as John says 1John 4:20

9:4-5 In claiming to have 'power' Paul is saying that as an apostle he has the authority to live of the gospel. It seems that the Corinthians were questioning Paul's status, as we have said in previous years, and questioning his lifestyle.  An issue he raises with the Thessalonians 2Thess 3:3

1Cor 9:1  Am I not an apostle? Paul's detractors at Corinth no doubt challenged his claim to apostleship on the grounds that, unlike real apostles, he had never seen Jesus. We can also compare the rights of an apostle, with the rights of a governor. Neh 5

The food that was offered to idols was sold in the public market.  To a Corinthian brother who was strong in the faith (8:5-6) eating this food would not be a bother.  But another brother of less understanding (8:7) would be reluctant to do the same. 

For the sake of harmony, the stronger brother should not deride his weaker brother.  He certainly should not offer this meat to the weaker brother, even without his being aware.  Such is the sensitivity in Christ toward brethren.  Of course, the lesson, for us, goes beyond food to all other areas of activity.  We must apply tact in our dealings with brethren under all circumstances.  Let us discern what is really important, spiritually, and not debate matters of preference.

8:1 In saying ‘Now as touching …’ it appears that Paul is addressing another matter that either the Corinthians had written to him about like he does in 1Cor 7:1 or he is addressing another problem that he knows existed in Corinth.

9:5  In observing that brethren’s wives went with them on ecclesial work we learn, incidentally, about New Testament practice.

 8:7-8 The trend of Paul's attitude is unmistakable; the one who insists on a scrupulous attitude towards food does so "being weak" in both conscience and understanding. The Jewish followers of Jesus who had not outgrown the prejudices from years of orthodox Jewish living were the source of the problem in the first century ecclesias. To-day, the one that takes the hard line with problems of diet nearly always look upon themselves as being strong in faith, while Paul is suggesting they are in fact weak. 

To us meat offered to idols is nothing. It doesn’t matter to me who says what over the bullock that is being slaughtered, when I come to eat the steak (although that isn’t very often!) But to people who had come to God from an idol worshipping country, it must have been a real problem. So in 1Cor 8Paul goes over the same ground as he did later in Rom 14.  His last verse, 1Cor 8:13 gives us a great summary.  If my food upsets my brother so much, I’m willing to be a vegetarian. This is a lovely concept. We must not cause a weaker member to sin by being oblivious to their problem.

8:7 Notice it is the one who has the scruples about eating the meat who is ‘weak’. However it is probable that the brother who would not eat the meat actually thought he was strong. We need, in our own lives, to recognise who is weak and who is strong in this Scriptural context less we confuse what really does matter with that which is irrelevant.

Commenting on 8:13, Dr. Charles Ryrie, in his NASB notes, aptly says: Here is the great principle that regulates conduct in morally indifferent matters.  It is the principle of love voluntarily regulating liberty.

8:1 In speaking of the way that charity ‘edifieth’ Paul is setting out the acid test for all our actions. Does what we are doing ‘edify’? If not then we should not be doing it.

8:7 We may try to encourage brethren who are worried about doing certain things because they used to do them before the accepted Christ fully. Maybe they did certain things in the previous church they belonged to so they do not want to do them now. Whilst those things may not actually be wrong we run the risk of damaging their conscience by our insistence even though we might be right in judgement.

Exercising one's freedom in Christ should not be done at the expense of offending another (8:9).  Stumblingblock here means an obstacle which allows the possibility of apostasy to occur.  It is incumbent upon the spiritually strong to be patient with the spiritually weak.  It is also the duty of the spiritually weak to work on becoming spiritually strong. That is done only by reading and considering the Word (2Tim 3:15-17).

Should preachers and Bible teachers get paid?

In 9:7-14 Paul appears to advocate a paid ministry. Particularly in 9:14 "the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." So should we pay our preachers to go and spread the word?

We find the answer in v13. Paul takes our minds back to the law of Moses, where Levites and Priests were given a portion from the rest of Israel. But Levites and Priests were chosen by God to minister to the rest of Israel, and most of us are not chosen in this way. Paul and Barnabas had been chosen (Acts 13:2) but interestingly chose not to use that right (9:12). Neither did Jesus. Also we should remember that until the Roman occupation, Israel had no civil servants, police force, school teachers or government apart from the Priests and Levites. All these necessary functions would have been carried out by the Levites and their upkeep would be paid for by the tithes and offerings.

In Chapter 8 in talking about the eating of meat offered to idols. It would appear that Paul is violating the statement of practice agreed to in Acts 15.

Acts 15:28-29

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

These were the only conditions that were placed on the believers from the 2000 year old law of Moses

Paul here is dealing with the reality. That these conditions were put in place to placate the party of the circumcision.

Acts 15:19-21
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.

Paul's explanation here in 1 Cor. 8 is the same. These Jewish Brethren are weak in their understanding of the gospel in demanding the law be kept. Paul is saying the meat offered to idols is offered to nothing but eating it would upset your Jewish brethren so it is better not to do it.

Therefore there is consistency.

9:1 ‘my work in the lord’ is Paul’s appeal to those who questioned his status. If he was not an apostle then they were not ‘in Christ’ is the force of his argument because he first preached to them. He had to return to this theme again – 2Cor 3:3 in his second letter.

9:20-22            Notice that whilst Paul modifies his behaviour to match that of others that he might win them for Christ he does not say that he became ‘as strong’ to those who were strong. Such an approach would have been not at all appropriate at all. The other categories are perfectly understandable situations to be in. The ‘strong’ was actually proud and to match his behaviour would be destructive to his purpose in preaching the gospel.

9:7-9  The principles outlined here, which reflect the teaching of Jesus in Luke 10:7 and the Law of Moses Deut 25:4

8:8-9  In speaking of the effect of “meat” on our relationship with God Paul is using the principle which Jesus lays out in Matt 15:17-20

.1Cor 8:11

8:2     Paul’s comment about “knowing anything” is not a general comment. Clearly many believers knew a lot of things.  Paul is not advocating ignorance of all things. Rather he is opposing those who claim to have special knowledge of idols. Jews in the church would have had a view informed by the Old Testament.  As can be seen from a reading of what follows Paul is, by implication, saying that trying to impose Old Testament behaviour with respect to idols is not appropriate for non-Jewish believers. 

9:27     Paul’s concern that he might be a castaway – losing a place in the kingdom – draws on the idea that the Nazarite might lose the days of his separation if he is defiled – Num 6:12

9:1    Do we have a high regard for the one who introduced us to Christ and instructed us in Godly things? Can we even remember the one who introduced us to Christ? I suggest that such an one should be in honour in our minds.

9:1-4    Note the repeated use of the word “all”. It might seem unnecessary to repeat the word as often as Paul does. However the point he is wishing his audience, and us, to see is that there are no exception. All of us need to learn from the lessons of the wilderness journey. We cannot say “I would not be like them”. Paul’s inspired point is that in fact we are.

9:18    Maybe those who sought a following did abuse their position. Paul, in speaking of his desire, is setting them an example as to how they should behave.

9:10       We might think that a lot of the detail contained in the Old Testament is of little relevance to us who are no longer living under the constraints of the Law of Moses. However those details were written for our benefit. A similar point is made on two other occasions – Rom 10:4, 1Cor 10:11

1Cor 9:9,10

“For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God care for oxen? Or saith he altogether for our sakes?  For our sakes, no doubt, this is written; that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.”