My Morning Meal

Competitors don’t like to be benched. Being pulled out of the game is the worst thing that can happen to those who want to be in the game. Even worse if you’re sidelined because of your ineffective or illegal play. To have trained so hard and played so hard only to be disqualified for some indiscretion or due to some lapse of focus adds insult to injury. Not enough just to be good . . . not enough just to play hard . . . but also necessary to stay focused, play by the rules, and finish well.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

In chapter 9, Paul writes to the Corinthians on how he has approached his “position on the team” as an apostle. As an apostle, given full-time to the proclaiming of the gospel, he had the right to expect to live off that labor. The principle and precedent for those that shared the gospel to earn a living from the gospel was well understood . . . taught by Moses (9:8-10) . . . commanded by the Lord Jesus Himself (9:14). “Nevertheless,” says Paul, “we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ” (9:12).

Paul was “all in” to the game. He was determined, by the all-sufficient grace of God, to “play the game” at it’s highest level and within the strictest interpretation of the rules. Rather than exercise his rights as an apostle, he instead determined to make himself “a servant of all, that I might win more” (9:19). He would take no credit for preaching the gospel . . . that was but a stewardship . . . that was simply (well, not so simply) discharging the call the Lord had placed on His life (9:16-17). But if he were to boast in anything, it would be that he discharged his gospel-proclaiming duty free of charge to those who needed to hear of the free gift of salvation (9:18).

Paul was “all in” . . . but you sense that he was aware that at anytime he could be “taken out” if he wasn’t’ careful.

Paul saw himself as a runner . . . not a hundred yard dash runner, but a marathon runner . . . and at the end of the race was a prize. Not some perishable wreath, or ribbon, or trophy, but the imperishable crown of “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the Master and a place amidst His glory for all eternity. And so, Paul was determined to run in a manner that would result in the realizing the prize the Lord had for him. He would not run aimlessly . . . he would not be like a boxer swinging wastefully at the air . . . but he would “complete” in such a way that, as much as lied within him, he would remain at the top of his game . . . in such a way that, at the end of the day, he would not find himself benched . . . sidelined . . . pulled out of the game . . . disqualified.

Not that Paul was in fear of losing his salvation, but he was aware of losing his privilege to serve if he served carelessly. He was aware of the ease with which he might become ineffective if he became “flabby” . . . letting himself go . . . running with less purpose . . . become arrogant or presumptuous . . . resting on past victories . . . losing sight of the prize. And to do so, could end up in him being disqualified . . . castaway . . . not standing the test . . . not approved. It seems that he believed it was not just about running the race but about HOW one run’s the race. Not just about competing but competing at the top of one’s game. Not getting too cocky concerning “your abilities”, but recognizing that it’s about at stewardship . . . about His gifting . . . relying on His grace . . . running the race by the power of His Spirit. How tragic to run but not finish well . . . how sad to think you’ve reached the finish line, only to find that you were pulled from the game miles ago.

Oh, that I would not lose the desire to be “in the game” . . . that I would continue to strive to be at the “top of my game” . . . and not be disqualified from “winning the game” . . . through His power within me . . . and by His grace upon me . . . for His glory . . . amen.

Came across kind of a thought provoking “command” in my reading this morning. You just kind of sense that there was a lot of churn within the church at Corinth . . . a number of issues brewing. One of them looks to be the anxiety around the question, “What do I do now that I am saved?” If I was married, do I try and get out it? If I’m not married, should I make it a priority to take a believing spouse? If I’m uncirmcumcised, do I now have to become circumcised? If I’m circumcised should I try and get uncircumcised (how would you do that?)? I was saved a slave, that can’t be the Lord’s will, I must need to get out of that situation. And to all this churn, Paul kind of says, “Take a breath!”

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him . . . Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called . . . So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.” (1Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24)

Perhaps this churn was more pronounced at Corinth because of the number of “newly saved” who were asking themselves the “Now what?” question. But it seems to me that there’s some instruction here for all believers concerning being content in “whatever condition.”

That God could have plans for us to totally turn our world upside down is entirely possible. That the accountant could be called to be a preacher is possible . . . that the handyman might be called to manage a supplies depot for a missionary organization halfway across the world, shouldn’t be dismissed . . . that a gal who could barely get through English 101 would be directed of God to learn a foreign language (or languages) in order to serve an unreached peoples, is within the realm of God’s possibility. But that His calling might too involve serving Him in your current situation . . . your current condition . . . is just as much a possibility. And so, says Paul, “Remain in the condition in which you are called.”

I’m not thinking this is necessarily a “remain there forever” thing, but it could be. It certainly though, is a “remain there for a least the next step” thing. While I need to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading . . . and need to be careful about being unwilling to step out of the box I’m content to be in . . . if I’m picking up what Paul’s laying down, then I also need to be careful about not recognizing my current situation as being the exact place God wants me to be in order that I might live the life He wants me to live for His glory.

I am to lead the life that Lord has assigned to me today. It might change tomorrow . . . could end up being radically different in the future . . . but for now, this is my “whatever condition.” This is where God wants me today and I can waste a lot of today churning about what I should be doing tomorrow or, I can leave that with the Lord.

The condition almost becomes secondary if I remember that I “was bought with a price” (7:23) and that ultimately I’m under new management. Paul says that the slave is a “freedman of the Lord” even if he remains in servitude to another. And that he who is free is, in reality, “a slave of Christ.” It’s not so much then about “the condition” it’s about the context . . . and my context is “in Christ.”

And so, “in Christ,” there should be a contentment with the “whatever condition” (Php. 4:11). For today, I can trust that God has me where He wants me and I can serve Him by doing whatever I do “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).

Get rid of the churn and rest. Trust that He is able to move me where I need to be moved . . . when I need to be moved . . . but that, for now, I’m exactly where He wants me to be . . . in whatever condition . . . for His glory . . . amen?

The Psalmist’s questions are kind of haunting. Whatever his situation, you know it’s got to be desperate and confusing. The sort of circumstance where you need a bit of “heavenly sunshine” . . . where you’re looking for some evidence of God’s hand being active in the midst of it all . . . but the sort of situation where all you see is dark clouds . . . where you feel absolutely alone . . . where you wonder, “Where’s God?”

“Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?
Has His steadfast love forever ceased? Are His promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah (Psalm 77:7-9 ESV)

The psalmist, to quote one of my daughters, “is done!” He can’t sleep at night . . . his soul is in a state of constant agitation . . . he is so troubled he can’t speak . . . the song is gone . . . the lyrics are forgotten . . . the melody has turned to a dirge. He is so done with this!

What to do? How to climb out of this hole? How to come up for a breath of air? The answer? . . . remember . . . ponder . . . meditate . . . on every evidence of God’s hand upon your life in the past . . . and know that He is so not done.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12 ESV)

Though he sees no evidence of God working in the present, the psalmist determines to recall the mighty deeds of God in the past. Though God seems silent to his trials right now, the psalmist sets his mind upon the wonder of the all too evident workings of God in the past. He would think of all the previous evidences of God’s presence . . . he would meditate, with renewed awe, on all God’s mighty deeds in the past.

And so, the psalmist recalls that God is holy . . . that He is great and like no other god . . . that He is a God who works wonders and makes known His might to His people . . . that He has, with a mighty and outstretched arm, redeemed His people . . . that He has led them like a flock (77:13-15, 20). He meditates on the God of the past and believes that He is the same God “yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8) . . . that while the psalmist may “be done”, God is so not done.

It’s not a formula that commands the immediate intervention of God’s hand. And, it’s not the “three quick and easy steps” to a sunny outlook. What it is, is work. An effort-requiring determination to bring every thought into captivity in the midst of gut churning, spirit crushing circumstance and “remember the wonders of old.” It is faith in motion. Believing the promises of God enough to recall the past works of God and know that, while He may be momentarily silent, He has not forsaken you nor left you . . . and that He is not done.

This morning I also read this in 1Corinthians . . . ” the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God . . . and such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cor. 6:9-11). How’s that for a work of the hand of the LORD” to remember? Consider that “wonder of old” . . . ponder that evidence of God’s active agency in our lives . . . meditate on that “mighty deed” . . . and know that God’s purposes in bringing us into the light will be accomplished . . . even when the day seems dark.

Praise God . . . even in the storm . . . that He is so not done! Amen?

You get the sense that the Corinthians thought they had it all . . . and, in a manner they did . . . they had been abundantly graced. Paul says that, in every way, they “were enriched in Him with in all speech and all knowledge” . . . that they were not “lacking in any spiritual gift” (1Cor. 1:5-7). Saved . . . knowing the word . . . having down the lingo . . . equipped with all the tools heaven had to offer . . . BUT . . . there was something amiss . . . something not quite right.

Rather than walking in a manner worthy of their calling, they were having problems walking at all . . . still crawling like infants. Petty jealousies . . . an air of prideful partisanship present among them as they chose sides . . . “puffed up in favor of of one against another” (4:6b). They viewed themselves as rich in Christ (4:8) . . . wise in Christ . . . strong believers, held in honor (4:11). They had a pretty high view of themselves . . . a lot of big talk . . . but for Paul, talk was cheap.

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (1Corinthians 4:19-20 ESV)

The kingdom of God is about power. Not about talking about power, but about power. While all those who enter the kingdom do so by faith and through the grace of God, the kingdom is not about words, it is about works. The kingdom is not a theory to be discussed, but a dynamic to be experienced. The word for power is “dunamis” . . . the root from which we get dynamite . . . the kingdom is about “inherent power.” I can say I’ve entered the kingdom . . . I can talk about kingdom principles . . . I can glory in the kingdom’s future . . . but if there’s no “dynamite”, no power, then I really don’t know the kingdom at all.

And, it seems from this passage of Scripture, that arrogance subdues the kingdom.

Paul was just as graced as the Corinthians . . . just as knowledgeable . . . just as equipped . . . but, unlike the Corinthians he didn’t view it as something to boast in, but as a stewardship. “This is how one should regard us,” writes Paul, “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (4:1-2). If there was ever a “super apostle” it was Paul. But the “S” Paul wore on his chest stood for steward . . . for servant . . . for slave of Christ. And in being a trustworthy steward of the gifts of God, in being diligent to faithfully put into effect that which God had entrusted him with, there was power . . . the kingdom of God was present. But not so with the Corinthians.

“For who sees anything different in you?” Paul asks the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (4:7)

That they were knowledgeable and spiritually gifted was not in dispute. But take knowledge and gift and mix it with arrogance and what you have is just talk . . . no real growth . . . no moving on to the meat of faith . . . nothing “different in you” . . . listless Christianity . . . an anemic dynamic . . . something less than the kingdom of God.

Oh, that I would resist any inclination to view myself worthy of God’s favor . . . that I would be on guard against feeling that somehow I deserve the grace. Instead, might I always view any talents, any gifting, any calling, all as a stewardship to be faithfully administered. Then, I believe, will I know the kingdom of God . . . in power . . . for His glory alone . . . amen.

Ok . . . scratch that one from the list of excuses available to me. No more “Give me a break! I’m only human!” I might be a sinner saved by grace . . . I might be a jar of clay . . . I might be a work in progress . . . but I can’t hide behind being “merely human.” At least not according to Paul this morning.

“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?” (1Corinthians 3:1-4 ESV)

Being merely human . . . acting like mere men (NIV, NASB) . . . carnal (NKJV) . . . living after the flesh . . . navigating life according to the horizontal . . . settling for 3-D when 4-D or even maybe 5-D is available. That’s what the Corinthians were doing . . . and you sense it kind of frustrates Paul. Here they were, the people of God . . . the local testimony of the power of heavenly love and divine grace . . . and they were being mere humans. Bickering. Strife and jealousy running as an undercurrent in their midst. Some wearing “I Haul for Paul” baseball caps while others sported “I Follows Apollos” t-shirts. And Paul says, “I can’t even talk to you!”

Through faith in Christ they had become “new creations,” the old had passed away and the new had come (2Cor. 5:17). They were born again (1Peter 1:3). Sure, after a birth you have a baby . . . but babies are intended to grow up. So are “born agains.” But that wasn’t happening in the Corinth church. Spiritual people who were still being “merely human” . . . still behaving like babies in Christ. People who had been “in the program” for awhile but were still rookies. Acting just like they did before the were brought out of darkness and into marvelous light. Paul wanted to feed them some solid food . . . some meat from the Word . . . but they weren’t ready for it. They were still on milk and pablum. And Paul’s phrase, “Are you not being merely human?” is challenging me.

Now, I know I’m not to think of myself more highly than I should . . . but I’m also to think with sober judgment (Rom. 12:3) . . . to appropriately recognize who I am in Christ and conduct myself in a manner consistent with that. And, if I’m picking up what Paul is laying down, then I ain’t no mere human. I’m not super human . . . by no stretch of the imagination . . . but I am more than just a “natural man” subject to the “natural ways” of my “natural being.” I, according to the word of God, am “spiritual people.”

When I, by faith, acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Savior and received His death on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for my sin, I got re-wired. When I believed that Jesus rose from the dead, is alive, and wants to live in me, I underwent an “extreme makeover.” My spiritual DNA went from being twisted in sin to being tuned to the kingdom of heaven. The cloud that enveloped my brain was replaced with the mind of Christ. I underwent a heart transplant, my old heart of stone replaced with a “heart of flesh”, capable of being soft and supple to the things of God. The “old man” was given the boot and the Holy Spirit of God moved in, took up residence, and offered to take control. None of this was my doing . . . all of it God’s doing. Mine however, is to grow up . . . to live in a manner worthy of my calling . . . to stop being “merely human.”

By the grace of God given me, I am to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ laid within at my re-birth (1Cor. 3:10-11). No more “I’m only human” (though I am so aware of my human-ness), but I’m to live as a child of light who grows up to become a mature believer. I’m to feed on the Word that I might develop a “digestive system”, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit in me, that is able to feast on the deep things of God and the high and lofty things of the kingdom of heaven. And this, not that I would boast . . . no bragging to be done, it is the work of Christ in me . . . but that I might, by His grace, be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29) . . . no longer being “merely human” . . . but living as “spiritual people” . . . for His glory alone! Amen?

Unobservable . . . imperceptible . . . imponderable . . . such are the things God has prepared for those who love Him. But doesn’t that present a bit of a problem? If these things are beyond what any eyes have seen . . . so hidden that no ear has heard of them . . . so out there that our minds can’t even imagine them . . . then it’s good stuff beyond our reach . . . beyond our even knowing that there’s something to reach for. Stuff beyond any natural connection. Cue the supernatural . . . cue God’s PQ . . .

” . . . these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1Corinthians 2:10 ESV)

A bit blown away this morning as I consider Paul’s assertion that, as believers, we have the mind of Christ (2:16). That we have received “the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (2:12). That we might comprehend things which are beyond the natural man’s comprehension. Not because we have a particularly high IQ . . . but because God has an out of this world PQ . . . because of God’s Power Quotient . . . the blessed Holy Spirit.

When Paul hit Corinth he didn’t come trying to convince them of the testimony of God with “lofty speech or wisdom” but determined, instead, to know nothing among them “except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (2:2). He didn’t approach the pagan culture with “plausible words of wisdom” but instead preached the foolishness of the cross that, any difference it made, would be a demonstration of the Spirit and of power . . . “that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (2:4-5). And once God’s PQ was manifest in this way . . . hold on to your hats . . . the flood gates of the unimaginable just open up.

“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age . . . But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” (1Corinthians 2:6-7 ESV)

Secret things . . . hidden things . . . things ordained of God before even the creation of the world. High things . . . lofty things . . . heavenly, spiritual things . . . things beyond the grasp of natural man. And these things are imparted to us. The flood gates of the unobservable and imperceptible has been open to those who, by faith, have “seen” Christ crucified . . . risen on the third day . . . ascended into glory . . . interceding at the right hand of the Father . . . making ready a place for us . . . preparing for the day of His return. A little bit of faith opens up a lot of “secret and hidden wisdom” through the Spirit of God . . . through God’s PQ.

Oh, what danger when I start to think that I’m the one who’s getting it. Nope . . . instead, I’m the one who’s receiving it. It’s not about my skill in interpretation . . . but all about His grace in illumination and revelation. Not about my intelligence quotient . . . but about His power quotient, manifest through the Spirit of God, the One who will lead us into all truth (John 16:13) . . . even truth beyond our imagination.

Father, by Your grace, through Your Spirit, continue to open my eyes to the unobservable . . . and give me ears to hear the imperceptible . . . and a mind to ponder the imponderable. That I might know You . . . and the power of the Spirit in me. For Your glory . . . amen.