Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 6, 2011

Profit

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. 
 
“23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.  24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.  25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake;  26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.  27 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.  28 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;  29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s;  for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?  30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? 
 
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;  33 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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Profit is not cents, but souls.  Profit is not gain for ourselves, but gain for others.  Profit is not time off, but “time in” profitable ventures.  Profit is not freedom to do what we want for ourselves, but profit is freedom from hell and slavery to sin for others.   

And so, we read in today’s Scripture:  “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.”  Verses 23-24.  “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.”  Verse 33. 

We can nod our heads quickly in agreement, because this is not a strange teaching.  Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to love one another. 

But, we are naturally selfish.  Who can love others as one should love others?!  Who sincerely and fully seeks that profit of others?! 

But, there is hope!  

The Spirit of God produces the fruit of love within us so that we can sincerely and fully seek that profit of others.  Praise God!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23.

“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren.  He who does not love abides in death.”  1 John 3:14.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God;  and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”  1 John 4:7.

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.  By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment;  because as He is, so also are we in this world.”  1 John 4:16-17.

“We love, because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:19.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 4, 2011

Idols

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.
 
“14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  15 I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say.  16 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?  17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body;  for we all partake of the one bread.  18 Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?  19 What do I mean then?  That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?  20 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.  21 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.  22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?  We are not stronger than He, are we?”   Corinthians 10:14-22. 
 
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We may not be in danger of worshipping a golden calf or eating things sacrificed to any such physical idol.  But, as we know, idolatry covers much more.  There are things in our lives which pull our love and respect away from God to them.  It may be money.  It may be fame.  It may be self.  It may be other individuals or things.
 
As I read this morning’s Scripture, my mind wandered to something else.  By my mind drifting and dwelling on that subject, for a while, I played with that idol.  Father, please forgive me.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.
 
“… YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND;  AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  Luke 10:27
 
I am quite proud of myself if I love the Lord with some of my heart, some of my soul, some of my strength, and some of my mind.  I feel that there is enough heart, soul, strength, and mind to go around to other people and things.  But, that sharing is idolatry. 
 
God is a jealous God and will not tolerate such divided attention.  In a stunning Scripture, we are shaken to the core to read about what God planned for Israel because of her idolatry.  It is difficult to read, but we need to read it and consider it a warning to us who do likewise. 
 
“15 “But Jeshurun (Israel) grew fat and kicked—
You are grown fat, thick, and sleek—
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scorned the Rock of his salvation.
16 “They made Him jealous with strange gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger.
17 “They sacrificed to demons who were not God,
To gods whom they have not known,
New gods who came lately,
Whom your fathers did not dread.
18 “You neglected the Rock who begot you,
And forgot the God who gave you birth.
 

 19 “The LORD saw this, and spurned them
Because of the provocation of His sons and daughters.
20 “Then He said, ‘I will hide My face from them,
I will see what their end shall be;
For they are a perverse generation,
Sons in whom is no faithfulness.
21 ‘They have made Me jealous with what is not God;
They have provoked Me to anger with their idols.
So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people;
I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,
22 For a fire is kindled in My anger,
And burns to the lowest part of Sheol,
And consumes the earth with its yield,
And sets on fire the foundations of the mountains.

23 ‘I will heap misfortunes on them;
I will use My arrows on them.
24 ‘They will be wasted by famine, and consumed by plague
And bitter destruction;
And the teeth of beasts I will send upon them,
With the venom of crawling things of the dust.”  Deuteronomy 32:15-24.

But, there is hope! 

Psalm 63:8
“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.”

“17 The pride of man will be humbled
And the loftiness of men will be abased;
And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,
18 But the idols will completely vanish.”  Isaiah 2:17-18.

Ezekiel 36:25
“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.” 
 
Ezekiel 37:23
“They will no longer defile themselves with their idols, or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions;  but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them.  And they will be My people, and I will be their God.”
 

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”  2 Corinthians 1:21-22. 

2 Corinthians 6:16
“Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;  AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.”

1 Thessalonians 1:9
“For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,”

1 Peter 5:10
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

“Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;  and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;  so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”  1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 3, 2011

Temptations

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.
 
“12  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
 
13  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 10:12-13.
 
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Many of us have been a believer as long as we can remember.  We grew up in a Christian family, attended a Christian school, and were in church almost every Sunday, some twice on Sundays.  And now, we not only read the Bible and hear good preaching every week if not every day;  we preach and teach.  We are in a cocoon surrounded by good Christian family and friends.   
 
We may think:  “I am not tempted, and even if I become tempted, I can easily resist!”  But, we must realize that just because we may not be tempted much now, it does not mean that we will not later be tempted.  Like Jesus, we may face temptation when we are particularly tired, weak, and hungry. 
 
And, many of us first think as temptations as just either sexual temptations or alcohol/drugs temptations.  We may think:  “I don’t drink or do drugs at all!  I don’t cheat on my wife!”  But, we must remember that there are many other types of temptations.   
 
And so, today’s Scripture begins with this warning:  “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”  Verse 12.  “… Do not be conceited, but fear;”  Romans 11:20.   
 
“Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation;  the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Mark 14:38
 
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;  each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1
 
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8
 
Our Reformed Doctrine belief in “Total Depravity” can help us.  When we truly believe that our “background” is “Total Depravity”, such a belief will lead us away from conceit and into fear.  Such a belief will cause us to keep watching and praying so that we do not come into temptation.  Such a belief recognizes  that the flesh is weak. 
 
Today’s Scripture does not leave us in fear.  Today’s Scripture provides hope.  “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.
 
Let us first meditate on the commonness of temptation.  We may panic, thinking:  “I am the only one that faces this very unusual temptation.  There is no hope!”  Today’s Scripture refutes that thought, and we can take comfort from the knowledge that we are not alone facing an unusual temptation.  Trusted brothers and sisters in the Lord (who have faced similar temptations) can help us.  They can testify and assure us:  “I likewise was tempted, but God indeed helped me endure the temptation!  God indeed provided the way of escape!  God will do the same for you!“
 
Let us meditate on the resistable nature of temptations.  We may panic, thinking:  “I can not resist this temptation.  It is Satan versus me!  The temptation is too strong!  There is no hope!”  Today’s Scripture refutes that thought.  God “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.
 
And, there is also other help!    
 
Let us meditate on the fruit of the Spirit which includes “self-control”.  And, there is more than the fruit of self-control.  Each fruit fights against temptation!  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  Galatians 5:22-24.  “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16. 
 
Generally, God’s grace is sufficient.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9
 
Specifically, God “will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Endure the temptation, knowing that help is “on the way”.  Look for that specific way of escape!  When it comes to mind, don’t turn your attention and lightly dismiss it, but rather, immediately jump into that way of escape! 
 
In conclusion, when you are on that way of escape, you will be encouraged and refreshed finding that the devil flees from you.  “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7  And when the devil leaves you, you will find that like the experience of Jesus, you will receive additional care. “Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”  Matthew 4:11.  

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 2, 2011

Examples: “Look what happens to the wicked and be warned!!!”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:6-11.
 
“6  Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.
 
7  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.”
 
8  Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
 
9  Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.
 
10  Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
 
11  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.”  1 Corinthians 10:6-11.
 
—————————–
 
Let us first talk in the vivid language of the Wild, Wild West.  It is one thing to “lay down the law” and give people knowledge of what they should do and what they should not do.  But, it is another thing, and a helpful addition to promote justice, to “hang ’em high” so everyone can see and better remember through such a shocking display what happens to those who violate the law. 
 
In terms of today’s Scripture, the people had the Law including all the commandments.  But, it is another thing, and a helpful addition to promote justice, to punish the violators so publicly and so spectacularly.  It is memorable.  “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.”  1 Corinthians 10:11. 
 
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;  and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;  and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.”  2 Peter 2:4-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 1, 2011

“trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:1-5.
 
“1  For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;
 
2  and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
 
3  and all ate the same spiritual food;
 
4  and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them;  and the rock was Christ.
 
5  Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased;  for they were laid low in the wilderness.”  1 Corinthians 10:1-5.
 
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We may belong to the right denomination.  We may belong to a good church.  We may be raised in a  Christian community and in a Christian family.  We may hear good preaching and may read the Bible.  But, there may be some in our group who do not please God.
 
Who pleases God?
 
Scripture teaches us that God is only pleased with true believers, those whom He has elected and made alive and filled with His Spirit.   
 
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;  for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  …”  Romans 8:6-8.
 
But, the discussion does not end there.  We are commanded to walk as children of the Light “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:10
 
“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:9
 
Here are some things that Scripture teaches us that please God.  This list is certainly does not contain all of the things that please God.  We should be diligent and search Scriptures “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:10. 
 
“Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;  As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.”  Psalm 104:34
 
Faith pleases God.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6. 
 
Obedience pleases God.  “Samuel said, “ Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”  1 Samuel 15:22  “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20
 
Humility pleases God.  “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be miserable and mourn and weep;  let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”  James 4:6-10.  “He has told you, O man, what is good;  And what does the LORD require of you  But to do justice, to love kindness,  And to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8
 
Increasing in the knowledge of God pleases God.  “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;  joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”  Colossians 1:9-12.  
 
Believing in Jesus and loving one another please God.  “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;  and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.   This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.”  1 John 3:21-23.
 
Doing good and sharing please God.  “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16. 
 
Praising God pleases God.  “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15.  
 
Prayers please God.  “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer;  and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”  Revelation 8:3-4. 
 
Offerings please God.  “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.”  Malachi 3:4  “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:18
 
 
Who can know all the things that please God?!  Who can do all the things that please God?!
 
But, there is hope!
 
God works within us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ in us.   
 
“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 31, 2011

The Prize of Eternal Life in Heaven with God and all the Righteous

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
 
“24  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.
 
25  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.
 
26  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
 
27  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.
 
———————
 
What would we do to receive one million dollars?  We would exert incredible effort, endure great pain and suffering, and be willing to wait decades before we receive such a prize. 
 
And that million dollars does not guarantee us any length of life.  That million dollars does not guarantee us any love, joy, or peace.  That million dollars does not guarantee us any life with our loved ones.
 
What would you be willing to do to receive eternal life?  What would you be willing to do to receive life in heaven with all of its love, joy, peace, and pleasures?  What would you be willing to do to live with God and all of the righteous forever?
 
And so, we are exhorted to live our lives as if we are in a race with only one person receiving such a prize.  
 
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  Matthew 13:44.
 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”   Matthew 13:45-46.
 
Such a prize of eternal life in heaven with God and all the righteous deserves our greatest effort, our greatest wisdom and skill, our greatest focus, our greatest investment, our greatest sacrifice, our greatest performance, and our greatest endurance.  Such a prize of eternal life deserves all that we have.  “Run in such a way that you may win.”  Verse 24.  Exercise self-control in all things.  Verse 25.  Be wise and skillful.  Verse 26.  Be disciplined.  Verse 27.
 
“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.
 
But, winning such a prize requires even more than our greatest efforts and other actions.  Winning such a prize requires the actions of our Sovereign and Almighty God.  In fact, even though we are commanded to so strive for this prize, winning the prize ultimately “does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  “For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16. 
 
Election may be distasteful to many.  It may seem injust.  But, it is our sole “shot” at this prize.  We must have faith in the grace of God that He has elected us and that He has provided all that we need for salvation, this prize.  It is the narrow way and few find it. 
 
Matthew 7:14
“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
 
Does election mean that we do not need to so run the race with our best effort or that we can quit striving for the prize?  No!
 
The Canons of Dordt states:

Article 12.  This certainty of perseverance, however, is so far from exciting in believers a spirit of pride, or of rendering them carnally secure, that on the contrary, it is the real source of humility, filial reverence, true piety, patience in every tribulation, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering, and in confessing the truth, and of solid rejoicing in God:  so that the consideration of this benefit should serve as an incentive to the serious and constant practice of gratitude and good works, as appears from the testimonies of Scripture, and the examples of the saints.

We are reminded of what was quoted in the devotion on October 28, 2011 from Question and Answer 1 of The Heidelberg Catchism that God:  “… makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.” 

In conclusion, and so we join the Apostle Paul, who, although he wrote more about election than anyone else, and although he labored more than anyone else, and although he suffered so much for the sake of the gospel (See Philippians 3:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 15:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-27), he states regarding his pursuit of this prize:  “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 3:12-14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 30, 2011

Perseverance, Encouragement, and Hope: Gifts of God through Scriptures

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
 
“19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.  20 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;  21 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.  22 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.  23 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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“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.  For even Christ did not please Himself;  but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.”  Romans 15:1-3.
 
Yes, we should “become all things to all men”.  Yes, we should “bear the weaknesses” of others.  Yes, each of should “please his neighbor for his good”.  Who can do all of this?!
 
But, there is hope!
 
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  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 15:4-6. 
 
Therefore, we read so many Scriptures, in part, because there is so much hope, perseverance, and encouragement in Scriptures.  I hope my Daily Devotions contain so many Scriptures.  I pray the Scriptures that I quote bring you this hope, perseverance, and encouragement.
 
God is the One Who “gives perseverance and encouragement”.  Romans 15:5.  I pray my Daily Devotions focus on that One God Who gives these gifts and help you trust God more.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 28, 2011

The Grace of “Compulsion”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:15-18.
 
“15  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.
 
16  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.
 
17  For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward;  but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
 
18  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.
 
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Today’s Scripture follows Scripture where Paul taught about the right of Preachers “to get their living from the gospel”.  Now, Paul explains that he has “used none of these things”.  Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself through that work.  Acts 18:3.  “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.
 
But, Paul did not want to boast, so he quickly adds:  “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.”  Verse 16.
 
Paul would not go to such length of teaching about the right of Preachers “to get their living from the gospel” if he was urging all Preachers to be like himself and support themselves through such “outside” work.  So, for this devotion, I think that we can gain more by focusing on the more general “compulsion” of Christian service that believers share with Paul. 
 
There is hope and comfort in such meditation of this “compulsion”.  Question and Answer 1 of The Heidelberg Catechism ends with this comfort and assurance that God:  “… makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.”    
 
We may not support ourselves like Paul.  We may not suffer like Paul.  But, Christ commands us and compels us:  “You follow Me!” 
 
We may be like Peter and wonder about the other disciples.  “So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”  Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”  John 21:21.
 
And so, we follow Christ. 
 
We take comfort in “compulsion” in the memory of Scripture that each of us have been given gifts and do different good works.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we wouldwalk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10. 
 
We take comfort in “compulsion” in the memory of Scripture that God works in us:  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13. 
 
We take comfort in “compulsion” in that “Irresistible Grace”, the “I” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. 
 
1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
 
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
 
Ephesians 3:7
“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 4:7
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
 
1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
 
In conclusion, we are under the grace of compulsion.  “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.  For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”  Colossians 1:28-29. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 27, 2011

“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:8-14.
 
“8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?  Or does not the Law also say these things?  9 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?  10 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.  11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?  12 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.  13 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?  14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:8-14. 
 
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The simple and clear primary message of today’s Scripture is that Pastors are entitled to get paid through receiving a share of the offerings made to the church.  The purpose of this devotion is to focus on this concern of God and this provision by God as giving us insight into the justice of God and the generosity of God.  
 
First of all, we see the commandment of God.  “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  This commandment demonstrates the concern of God.  “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.”  Verses 9 and 10.   
 
We then read the conclusion which demonstrates the direct provision of God.  “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  Verse 14. 
 
We think about the justice of God and remember other Scripture from the Old Testament.  As one example, I think of the blessing of Boaz (a type or representative of Christ) upon Ruth.  “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12. 
 
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”
 
And God is not stingy as some employers may be, tightly hanging on to the coins and reluctantly and begrudgingly giving them to their employees one by one because they must justly do so.  God is generous!
 
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”
 
James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
                                         
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard also teaches us that God is generous, particularly with His laborers.  “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?  Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’”  Matthew 20:15. 
 
In conclusion, you can see Scripture leading us to the conclusion that God is not only concerned about His Pastors and provides for them;  God is also concerned about His other servants as well and also provides for them. 
 
“… Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  You of little faith!  Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’   For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;  for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33. 
 
And, it is important to have this faith that God will provide for all of you His servants, because faith is not just an abstract belief in the existence of God, it must include a belief that God will reward those who diligently seek Him. 
 
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 26, 2011

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:1-4.
 
“1 Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not my work in the Lord?  2 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. 
                                     
3 My defense to those who examine me is this:  4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink?  5 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?   6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?  7 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?”  1 Corinthians 9:1-4. 
 
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Let us pause and consider this point that we are free (at least in a certain sense and to a certain extent).  We do have liberty.  Paul will later address his use of this liberty, but for now, let us pause and consider this point that we are free.

As Christians, we “live” in a local church.  I am not speaking of the true universal church of only elect believers.  This local church is a community of both believers and non-believers.  Jealousies and selfishness can arise which lead to legalism as a way of self-promotion.  “I am better than you, because I don’t do the things that you do.”  We may be free and have liberty to do these things, but our attackers don’t care.  They just want to set up artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves.  Paul faced it then, and we face it today.  

Paul recognized that there were those who wanted to make it seem as if Paul could not eat or drink certain things, as if Paul could not marry, and/or as if Paul could not receive income from contributions received by the church.  If Paul did these things, then his attackers could sling mud and contrast him as imperfect and inferior to themselves or others who did not do these things. 

So, Paul emphasizes his freedom and liberty here in today’s Scripture.  And, Paul also emphasizes his freedom and liberty elsewhere.  And, we see the reason for that emphasis.  There are those who are jealous and try to impose their artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves.     

We are reminded of the whole book of Galatians.  “But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.  But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Galatians 2:4-5.  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.  Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.  And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.  You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law;  you have fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”  Galatians 5:1-5. 

So, be aware and warned of this jealousy and selfish ambition!  

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  James 3:14-18. 

Be reminded of the freedom and liberty that we have in Christ!   

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;  for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”  1 Timothy 4:4-5. 

1 Timothy 6:17
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”  Psalm 84:11.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:32.

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