Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 6, 2020

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.  Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake;  FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.  If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake.  But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake;  I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s;  for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?  If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;  just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”  1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

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When the Apostle Paul states:  “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable”, he is generally talking about food and drink.  “FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.”  Verse 26.  “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  Verse 31.  And, he is specifically talking about meat sacrificed to idols.  See verses 27-30.

“All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”  Verse 23.

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.  Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”  Romans 15:1-2.

“Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.”  Verse 24.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;  and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”  Colossians 3:14-17.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:5-6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 5, 2020

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – “Listen to the word of the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  I speak as to wise men;  you judge what I say.  Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ?  Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?  Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body;  for we all partake of the one bread.  Look at the nation Israel;  are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?  What do I mean then?  That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?  No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God;  and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons;  you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.  Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?  We are not stronger than He, are we?”  1 Corinthians 10:14-22.

——————–

Consider what the Heidelberg Catechism states about idolatry in part.

Q. 95.  What is idolatry?

A.  Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God who has manifested Himself in His Word, to contrive or have any other object in which men place their trust.

Q. 96.  What doth God require in the second commandment?

A.  That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

Q. 97.  Are images then not at all to be made?

A.  God neither can nor may be represented by any means.  But as to creatures, though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make or have any resemblance of them either in order to worship them or to serve God by them.

Q. 98.  But may not images be tolerated in the churches as books to the laity?

A.  No;  for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have His people taught, not by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of His Word.

In the briefest nutshell, our images or thoughts of God should be formed only by and through God’s Word:  “by the lively preaching of His Word.”, not by man’s desires, thoughts, pictures, or art. 

“Listen to the word of the LORD, O sons of Israel,
For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no faithfulness or kindness
Or knowledge of God in the land.
2 There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery.
They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns,
And everyone who lives in it languishes
Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky,
And also the fish of the sea disappear.

4 Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof;
For your people are like those who contend with the priest.
5 So you will stumble by day,
And the prophet also will stumble with you by night;
And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.”  Hosea 4:1-6.

The Regulative Principle of Worship is important for us to consider, because it is based on the foregoing Question and Answer of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 96.  What doth God require in the second commandment?

A.  That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

The short format of this daily devotion can only get us started to consider it.

Consider the following article “SHALL WE PLEASE GOD OR (CERTAIN KINDS OF) PEOPLE? OR THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP” written by David Engelsma in the Standard Bearer Issue: 14, 4/15/2000 , Vol 76/2000.  Here is a link to the article followed by three quotes from this article – https://sb.rfpa.org/pages/shall-we-please-god-or-certain-kinds-of-people-or-the-regulative-principle-of-worship-3/?hilite=%27regulative%27%2C%27principle%27%2C%27worship%27

“One of the most powerful winds blowing through the Reformed and Presbyterian churches today is the hurricane of “liturgical renewal,” or “progressive worship.” The service of public worship as the Reformed have conducted it for hundreds of years is summarily scrapped as “traditional” (“traditional” being uttered with scorn or with sorrow, as though describing a service that was either foolish or useless). The traditional service is replaced with a service of bands and singing troops; banners; films, skits, and drama; dialogues; dancing; and shallow, man-centered, Arminian, but lively “gospel songs.”

Or the two kinds of services are placed back-to-back on a Sunday morning. The traditional service is at 9 a.m., the progressive service is at 11. Every member can indulge his preference.

The assumption of those who spend their waking hours planning the demolition of the traditional Reformed worship and concocting new and more appealing activities of worship is that the church is free to shape the worship of God as she thinks best. And what is best is whatever pleases the worshiping people.

…

Against the incoming tide stands the regulative principle: God’s wishes decide the worship. Our wishes have as little to do with the “how” of worship as they do with whom we worship. How the church worships is not a matter of our preference. It is a matter of God’s command.

…

No one who fears God will say that the whole matter is unimportant. The right worship of Himself by His chosen people is God’s ultimate purpose in creating and redeeming them. “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21).

Such is the importance of the right worship of God by the church that God has devoted the entire first table of the law to it. The first commandment prescribes whom we must worship. The third prescribes wherein we must worship Him. The fourth prescribes when we must worship Him.

And the second?

The second prescribes how we are to worship God.

God thinks that the important question about the manner of the worship of His people is, “What pleases Him?”

So do we.”

But, there is hope!

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.  You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers;  so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”  Ezekiel 36:25-28.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 4, 2020

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;  and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  and all ate the same spiritual food;  and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them;  and the rock was Christ.  Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased;  for they were laid low in the wilderness.

Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.  Do not be idolaters, as some of them were;  as it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.”  Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.  Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.  Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

—————–

There is the warning.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”  Verse 12.

“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.”  Verse 6.

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation;  the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41.

But, there is hope!

“Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Verse 13.

“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:18.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15.

“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, …”  2 Peter 2:9.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:10-17.

Other doctrine places its hope in man and man’s alleged free-will and man’s perseverance.

But, Reformed Doctrine places its hope in God and God’s will and God’s “Preservation of the Saints”. 

This is the “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.  Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings;  which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 3, 2020

“Run in such a way that you may win.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;   but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

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There are two components to winning a race.  First, you need to know the rules of how to win (such as stay in your lane, competitor must run on his or her own without any outside help, and first one to cross the finish line wins).  Second, you need to have discipline to comply with the rules.

First, there are those who know the rules, but they do not have the discipline to comply with the rules to win.  They know the truth of the gospel, but they do not have the discipline to exercise and grow in moral virtues.

In this regard, Paul states:  “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.” Verse 25 and “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” Verse 27.

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you;  for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”   2 Peter 1:5-11.

Likewise, we read the following in the Canons of Dordt in the section titled “FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination”.

Article 13.  The sense and certainty of this election afford to the children of God additional matter for daily humiliation before him, for adoring the depth of his mercies, for cleansing themselves, and rendering grateful returns of ardent love to him, who first manifested so great love towards them.  The consideration of this doctrine of election is so far from encouraging remissness in the observance of the divine commands, or from sinking men in carnal security, that these, in the just judgment of God, are the usual effects of rash presumption, or of idle and wanton trifling with the grace of election, in those who refuse to walk in the ways of the elect.

Second, there are those who have the discipline, but they do not know the rules.  They have a zeal for God, but they do not know the truth of the gospel. 

In this regard, Paul stated:  “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”  Romans 10:2-3.

In summary, Paul himself who had reason to boast and to coast to the finish line, so to speak, said:  “although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:  …  But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, …

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:4 and 7-9 and 12-14.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:8.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 1, 2020

“I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.  To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews;  to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;  to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.  To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak;  I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.  I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”  1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

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How do we reconcile Paul’s teaching in today’s Scripture with his opposition of Cephas (Peter) in the following Scripture?

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.  For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles;  but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.  The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.  But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”  Galatians 2:11-14.

Wasn’t Peter being all things to all men?  

The answer is that Paul concluded that “they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel”?  Galatians 2:14.

We also see in today’s Scripture that the purpose of being all things to all men (“To the Jews I became as a Jew, … to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law”) was to save them.

“Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;  just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”  1 Corinthians 10:32-33.

“…  I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.  I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”  Verses 22-23.

We need to be straightforward about the truth of the gospel, but there are things which we can accept.  

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself;  but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love.  Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.  Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.  So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.  Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food.  All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.  It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.”  Romans 14:13-21.

Food and drink are only two examples.  There are many other examples of things about which we can disagree with our brother, but which are not important and are not worthy of giving offense.

But, we cannot accept a different gospel.  

“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;  which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!  As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”  Galatians 1:6-9.

Notice that Paul stated in today’s Scripture:  “I do all things for the sake of the gospel”.  Verse 23.  In other words, Paul pleased men in all things, so long as those things could be done for the sake of the gospel.  Paul would not accept a different gospel just to please men.

The Scripture that immediately follows the above strong warning of Galatians 1:6-9 is “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:10.

People will only be saved through the true gospel.   

Jesus said both in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7:  ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”

Jesus also stated in John 4:23-24:  “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;  for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Not any kind of worship will suffice, but “worship in spirit and truth”.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.  For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”  Romans 11:1-4.

Not any kind of zeal will suffice, but zeal “in accordance with knowledge”, or in other words, in accordance with truth.

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13.

Not any kind of faith will suffice, but “faith in the truth”.

There are those who “did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved”.  2 Thessalonians 2: 10-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 30, 2020

“For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:15-18.

“But I have used none of these things.  And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case;  for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.  For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion;  for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.  For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward;  but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.  What then is my reward?  That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:15-18.

—————

When the Apostle Paul states:  “But I have used none of these things.”, he is stating that he has not used his right to get his living from the gospel as in “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:14.

“That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”  Verse 18.

“and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers.”  Acts 18:3.

“and we toil, working with our own hands;  when we are reviled, we bless;  when we are persecuted, we endure;”  1 Corinthians 4:12.

Today’s devotion will focus on verse 17:  “For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward;  but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.”  

“if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;  …  of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.”  Ephesians 3:2 and 7.

God has given to each one of us a measure of grace and gifts to use for the building up of the body of Christ. 

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  …

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”  Ephesians 4:7 and 11-12.

We are all stewards, and because of the stewardship entrusted to us by God, we are required to be trustworthy stewards.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”  1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

Let us remember the Parable of the Talents.

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.  To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability;  and he went on his journey.  Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents.  In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.  But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

“Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them.  The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me.  See, I have gained five more talents.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave.  You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things;  enter into the joy of your master.’

“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me.  See, I have gained two more talents.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave.  You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things;  enter into the joy of your master.’

“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.  And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground.  See, you have what is yours.’

“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.  Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.  Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance;  but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.  Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness;  in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 25:14-30.

But, there is hope!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 29, 2020

“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

“Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not my work in the Lord?  If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you;  for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

My defense to those who examine me is this:  Do we not have a right to eat and drink?  Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?  Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?  Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense?  Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it?  Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?

I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?  Or does not the Law also say these things?  For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?  Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.  If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?  If others share the right over you, do we not more?  Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.  Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?  So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

—————–

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.  Freely you received, freely give.  Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff;  for the worker is worthy of his support.”  Matthew 10:7-10.

“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  Verse 14.

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13.

Today’s Scripture pierces through our thoughts and intentions to not properly support our ministers.  Today’s Scripture does not allow us to only superficially agree that our ministers should be able to get their living from their service without having to work at another full-time job without also working in our hearts to judge our deceit and to cause us to give as we should to allow our ministers to do so.

“If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?”  Verse 11.

“Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them.  For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.”  Romans 15:27.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 28, 2020

“Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.” 

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians chapter 8.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+8&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge.  Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.  If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know;  but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.  …

However not all men have this knowledge;  but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol;  and their conscience being weak is defiled.  But food will not commend us to God;  we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.  But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.  For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?  For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.  And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.  Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.”  1 Corinthians 8:1-4 and 7-13.

—————

Like today’s Scripture, the following Scripture warns us to not use our liberty so as to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way.

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself;  but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love.  Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.  Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.  So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.  Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food.  All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.  It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.”  Romans 14:13-21.

“…  Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”  Verse 1.

“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge;  and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”  1 Corinthians 13:2.

“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”  Romans 14:19.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 27, 2020

“But I want you to be free from concern.” – “not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 7:32-40.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+7&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“But I want you to be free from concern.  One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;  but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided.  The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit;  but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.  This I say for your own benefit;  not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.

A wife is bound as long as her husband lives;  but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.  But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is;  and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.”  1 Corinthians 7:32-35 and 39-40.

—————–

Today’s Scripture and devotion focuses on the benefits of being single.

Likewise, we read earlier in this chapter the following verses.

“Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.  I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.  Are you bound to a wife?  Do not seek to be released.  Are you released from a wife?  Do not seek a wife.  But if you marry, you have not sinned;  and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.  Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.”  1 Corinthians 7:25-28.

“This I say for your own benefit;  not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”  Verse 35.

We remember the story of Mary and Martha and how we can be worried and bothered about so many things when only one thing is necessary.

“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village;  and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations;  and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?  Then tell her to help me.”  But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;  but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42.

Although today’s Scripture and devotion focus on the benefits of being single, we should remember the benefits of being married in my devotion written on April 22, 2020.  Here is a link to it followed by a few quotes – https://reformeddoctrine.com/2020/04/22/however-each-man-has-his-own-gift-from-god-one-in-this-manner-and-another-in-that/

“Today’s Scripture teaches us that “each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.”  Verse 7.  (1 Corinthians 7:7).

It is a gift from God to be single.

…

But, it is also a gift from God to be married.

“An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.”  Proverbs 31:10.

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”  Psalm 127:3.

“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.”  Psalm 128:3.

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4.

…

In summary, it may take a lifetime to understand what is God’s gift and will for us.  We can pray for what type of gift that we want.  But, most importantly, we trust in the LORD with all of our heart and do not lean on our own understanding.  We do not reserve our happiness until we obtain what we want.  We are happy if we are single, and we are happy if we are married.  God does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.  In any event, what is most important is that we reach heaven.”    

In conclusion, whatever gift that we receive from God, let us remember:  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  James 1:17.

“It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.”  Proverbs 10:22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 26, 2020

“The world is passing away, and also its lusts” – “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 7:25-31.

“Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.  I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.  Are you bound to a wife?  Do not seek to be released.  Are you released from a wife?  Do not seek a wife.  But if you marry, you have not sinned;  and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.  Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.  But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none;  and those who weep, as though they did not weep;  and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice;  and those who buy, as though they did not possess;  and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it;  for the form of this world is passing away.”  1 Corinthians 7:25-31.

————————–

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.  The world is passing away, and also its lusts;  but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John 2:15-17.

“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”  Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:27-29.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

“while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen;  for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:18.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”  Colossians 3:1-4.

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