Tag: pride

1 Corinthians: “We Have Become A Spectacle”

The Corinthians thought the apostles and prophets must be living the good life due to converting all those people and having so much respect within the brotherhood.  In reality, they lived a hard life of toil and were considered to be on the same level as “scum” (perikatharmata, pond scum, slime) and “refuse” (peripsema, dirt or filth you would wipe away, garbage)…and yet they responded to such persecution exactly as Jesus directed them (cf. Lk. 6:28; 1 Pet. 2:23; 3:9; Rom. 12:17).… Read More 1 Corinthians: “We Have Become A Spectacle”

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1 Corinthians: Do Not Go Beyond What Is Written

Nothing written in God’s Word has ever commanded or promoted the decision to give allegiance to mere men instead of the Lord; indeed, the exact opposite is recorded in Scripture (Matt. 23:5-12).  By glorifying Paul, Apollos, and others instead of Christ, the Corinthian Christians had indeed “go(ne) beyond what is written.” To go beyond the authority of God’s Word is sinful (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Josh 1:7; Prov. 30:6; Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:6-10; Rev. 22:18-19).… Read More 1 Corinthians: Do Not Go Beyond What Is Written

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Obadiah: Edom’s Lack of Understanding

Edom would “have no understanding” of what was happening to them (7b).  They would likely be at a loss as to what to do next when they saw that their supposed allies were turning against them.  Their ruler’s trusted advisors and those who would be highly ranked in their military would have no idea how to find a way forward to any outcome except slaughterous defeat, all as Obadiah foretold (8-9).  Even more so, Edom likely would not realize that their demise ultimately was because of the power and will of Almighty God.… Read More Obadiah: Edom’s Lack of Understanding

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The Danger of an “I’m Always Right” Mindset

Let’s be honest.  Who among us can honestly say that we’ve always been completely open to the idea of someone telling us we’re wrong?  What human being is there who has lived his or her entire life having never thought of themselves as being “always right” about a particular thing, even though the truth shows otherwise? We’ve all been like this at times.  Some of us live their whole lives like this.… Read More The Danger of an “I’m Always Right” Mindset

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