Weekly Guide：Week 38
October 14, 2018
Forward
We now start the reading on the Book of First Corinthians this week.
The principles we saw in the Book of Romans from past week’s reading would be seen in real world applications in the church of Corinth. Is there a large gap from what our identities are and how we should live to the real world? It is our new relationship with Jesus Christ that gives us salvation to enable us to serve God and to live a life full of the light of the Christ. But it does not automatically purify us. We still need to rely on God’s grace and power in Christ to work in us to support every moment of our lives. Holiness is a gift and being holy requires work. We need to take the initiation to clothe ourselves in Jesus, to co-work with God, and by faith, to live out that life filled with Christ’s light. We need to set our focus on Christ, to let the Holy Spirit lead us on God’s way, and to prevent us from doing things not pleasing to God.
May you all be renewed each day in God’s word!
Question
What is wisdom and where does it come from?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul reminded the church of Corinth there should be no division and quarrel.
- God wants the church to unite in mind and thought.
- God uses the foolish things of the world instead of the wisdom of human to save those who believe.
- God does not like those who proclaim to be wise.
- God’s people are taught His wisdom through the Holy Spirit for the wisdom of human does not understand the mystery of God.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - Have I had caused or even thoughts of division and quarrel? Let me ask God to help me unify with other Christians.
- Integrity - I am a follower of Christ but am I still living in the infancy of my spiritual life? Pray and ask God to help me have a God centered life instead of focusing on the world.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Are leaders of church custodians or servants?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul reminded the Corinthians to not judge but wait for the second coming of Christ.
- Paul warned those who puff up themselves and belittle of others.
- Paul taught and disciplined the church as a father to his children to unite and look up to Christ.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - Have I ever judged others? Ask the Lord to help me not to judge and wait for Jesus’ second coming.
- Integrity - Am I able to withstand the test of fire in building on top of the foundation?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What to do with brothers and sisters who are doing obvious wrongs?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul warned the church about sexual immorality for the wrongdoers would not inherit the kingdom of God.
- Our past sins have been cleansed in the name of Jesus Christ. By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Do I realize that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? Can I remind myself often that I need to live out a holy life?
- Community - What to do when there’s a dispute between Christians?
- Integrity - How should I be associated with the unbelieved? What should I watch out for?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is God’s purpose for marriage?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- God established marriage to keep us faithful to our spouses.
- We may faithfully serve God whether married or not.
- Circumcise or not is nothing. Keeping God’s command is what counts.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - What is God’s calling for me in marriage? How do I follow God’s will to have a holy married life?
- Fidelity - For whether I’m married or unmarried, how do I use my situation to serve the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is freedom in Christ?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- For those with knowledge shall be careful not be stumbling blocks of those with weak conscience.
- The sacrificial food to idols is nothing to God. We don’t’ gain nor lose anything by eating or not.
- If eating sacrificial food to idols causes others to stumble, then don’t eat it.
- Paul put up his rights so he can preach and not hinder the gospel of Christ.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Paul has all the legal rights but would rather put up with them for the gospel. Does my life in Christ obey the higher authority to live out a life with sacrificial love?
- Community - Do I often mind about my conduct so I don’t stumble those who are weak in faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How to win over temptations?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Israelites failure in front of temptation shall serve as a warning to us.
- God is faithful that He always provides a way out of temptation.
- Not to seek our own good but for the good of many others.
- Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Do I have any idol in my life? Do I put it higher than God? How can I get rid of the idol?
- Community - How should I build up my fellow Christians through my freedom in Christ?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What faith did Ruth display?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ During the age when everyone did as they fit, Elimelek fled famine with wife Naomi and two sons for he had little faith. They left Bethlehem in "full" to Moab, a land God despised. God brought suffering to them and Elimelek and his two sons died in Moab. One of the daughter-in-law left Naomi and went back to her home and the Moabite god. The other determined to stay with Naomi and God.
+ The famous quote of Ruth, a true display of faith: "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth became the ancestor of David, an important member in Jesus' lineage.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Elimelek's weak faith caused him to leave the promised land into the seemingly plenty of Moab because he loved the world more than God's promise. Naomi was saddened but never complained about her suffering. She displayed great faith with her life right in front of her two Gentile daughters-in-law. Orpah could not uphold what she had started, left God and went back to the world of idols where she had come from. Ruth, envy of Naomi's God, was determined to follow Naomi and became a great testimony of faith. What do these people remind me of? Where do I stand in the journey of my life right now?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What life testimony did the Gentile Ruth live out?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ruth gleaned in the field for mother-in-law Naomi and herself and was protected by the gracious Boaz.
+ Ruth was richly rewarded just as Boaz's blessing for her: "May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Ruth, a Gentile woman, her love for Naomi and faith for God became a great testimony to the Israelites. God's grace covered the Moabite woman Ruth aplenty even though the law dictates that the Moabites are not chosen as His. It is by God's election that changes our identity. What is my identity before and after I have come to know God? How do I identify myself and my value now?
+ **Integrity** - What Boaz saw in Ruth was not lust but her faith in God. From what can I see Boaz's tenderness and respect toward Ruth? How should I view those who are in need?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Boaz fulfill his responsibility as a guardian-redeemer?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ When one dies, according to the law, a close relative is obligated to redeem his family, marry his wife, and buy his land to maintain the inheritance. Naomi followed this law to find a home for Ruth. Ruth obeyed Naomi's will and Boaz obeyed the law to fulfill his obligation.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - God's grace was realized through Naomi's love, Ruth's obedience, and Boaz's faithfulness. Through me, God's grace may also come to others. What can I learn from Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz's integrity in love, obedience, and faith and apply that to my service to the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was Ruth's role in God's plan?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ According to Israelite's law and in the presence of the elders, Boaz and another relative decided on Ruth's marriage. Boaz married Ruth by faith just as Ruth followed Naomi by faith.
+ Naomi gained an heir who eventually became the ancestor of King David of Israel. Her bitterness turned into sweetness.
+ God's promises to His people never change. Even a Moabite woman had become an important part of His salvation plan.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - The relative who was closer to Naomi than Boaz was not willing to marry Ruth because "I might endanger my own estate." This was because Ruth's future son would not be under his name and yet inherit the land he would redeem. So, he would rather not take on the responsibility of redeeming and gave it to Boaz in order to protect his own interest. Although Ruth's child became Naomi's son and named under Elimelek, Boaz's name was the one recorded in Jesus' genealogy: "Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth" (Ruth 4:21, Matthew 1:5). Contrasting to the relative who held on to his own estate, Boaz was willing to give up his but was rewarded the greatest blessing. How does Boaz's selfless and faithful service remind me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is gospel?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The source of gospel is God.
+ The main character of gospel is Jesus.
+ Gospel is spread through disciples and Paul is the example for all messengers of gospel.
+ The righteousness of God is shown through gospel so that all may be saved by faith alone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Paul is not ashamed of gospel. His attitude toward came from the grace and the calling from God. Have I ever been ashamed of gospel? Recall the events that happened to Paul in the Book of Acts. Would I stumble if any of those happen to me? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith in walking with Him.
+ **Fidelity** - Paul's hope and love to the Roman Christians are shown between the lines. He prayed continuously for them and wished to share with them his spiritual gifts. Think about the people around me, my children, my family, my siblings, my friends, my co-workers, and all those whom I serve. How should I pray for them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is the righteous judge?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Humanity is sinful because they know God but do not glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
+ No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
+ Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don't have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
+ **Community** - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth under the persecution?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Sadducees' inability to see resurrection proves limitation of human wisdom.
+ The sign of Lord's protection came again. Paul was transferred to Caesarea while the plot to kill him was being planned.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - For God's truth reveals all fallacies that Paul pointed out the heresy of his accusers even under the great political pressure against him. How should I do more to understand God's way, the only truth?
+ **Identity** - Even people in high positions such as Felix would be afraid when they hear about righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. World's definition of success and status won't help us in anyway in God's eternity. The fruit of eternal value comes only from relationship with God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth in front of King Agrippa?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul was granted appeal to Caesar.
+ King Agrippa acknowledged Paul's innocence.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Paul explained with the truth, not seeking excuses, whether in front of King Agrippa or Festus. When rebuked while I'm preaching, can I stick to the truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul would have been released by King Agrippa if he hadn't repealed to Caesar. However, Paul's intention was to proclaim gospel in Rome, not his personal freedom. What is my priority when I weigh the pros and cons, my personal benefit or God's commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Paul encounter on the way to Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Angel told Paul that all on the ship would be saved.
+ Protected by God, Paul was not harmed b snake's bite.
+ Arrived in Rome.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Seeing what God has revealed to Paul, we often moan in not hearing from God. However, we frequently forget that we rarely walk in God's presence and we seldom put our faith completely in Him. I shall examine myself regularly to ensure that I'm walking on His path and making His commission as my mission.
+ **Integrity** - Paul relied on God when surrounded by troubles as he said in Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Am I still trying to overcome difficulties by my own strength? Do I have faith in God alone and am willing to let Him take control and follow Him whole heartedly?
+ **Integrity** - Julius is a Roman centurion responsible to transfer Paul to Rome. His treatment to Paul was unusual as he was lenient to Paul (27:3) and later saved Paul's live (27:43). What caused Julius to do these to Paul? Does my life's integrity show through that others may see?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul continue to proclaim gospel after he had arrived in Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Roman Jews were willing to hear the gospel knowing the Christian faith was slandered everywhere.
+ Salvation went to the Gentiles as some Jews believed while some were blinded and did not believe.
+ Paul proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Long time believers may become laxed, slackened, and satisfied for merely being saved. In drilling down to the root cause, we might find blinded hearts. Have I laxed on my way to sanctification? Has the world deceived me from God's truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul did not give up on those who were blinded. Rather, he welcomed all who came to see him and proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Have I ever given up testifying for God because few ever believed me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is gospel?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The source of gospel is God.
+ The main character of gospel is Jesus.
+ Gospel is spread through disciples and Paul is the example for all messengers of gospel.
+ The righteousness of God is shown through gospel so that all may be saved by faith alone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Paul is not ashamed of gospel. His attitude toward came from the grace and the calling from God. Have I ever been ashamed of gospel? Recall the events that happened to Paul in the Book of Acts. Would I stumble if any of those happen to me? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith in walking with Him.
+ **Fidelity** - Paul's hope and love to the Roman Christians are shown between the lines. He prayed continuously for them and wished to share with them his spiritual gifts. Think about the people around me, my children, my family, my siblings, my friends, my co-workers, and all those whom I serve. How should I pray for them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is the righteous judge?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Humanity is sinful because they know God but do not glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
+ No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
+ Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don't have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
+ **Community** - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses