July 3
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THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US
14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
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In this letter, Paul continues to explain the difference between the natural person and the spiritual person. He also touches on spiritual discernment and having the mind of Christ.
What is Paul talking about here when he says “natural person”? He is referring to our old self before we were born again in Christ. Before the fall of Adam and Eve, we were made exactly in God’s image. The original sin of our first parents did a number on all of us. Because they took the bait of Satan to eat the fruit that they were restricted to eat, we now have the natural tendency to prove that we can know things that God knows. We have a tendency to disobey and satisfy our own desires instead of pleasing God and obeying him. This is why God gave us Jesus Christ because we cannot undo the damage that was done by the sin of our first parents. It was the sacrifice on the cross that God gave a resolution to the problem of our nature to sin. In verse 14, Paul clarifies that the natural person would never understand spiritual things because he finds it foolishness. Only the God’s Spirit makes us see things of the spiritual realm. The mind of an unbeliever will never understand the truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit alone.
In verse 15, Paul explains the one who has the Spirit of the Lord living in them. They hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. God has given them the gift to discern and understand things that they don’t see. The unbeliever or unregenerate person will not comprehend what a spiritual person sees or understands. They do not get revelations from the Holy Spirit since they do not belong to the kingdom of God. In John 10:27, it says that those who belong to God, hears his voice. In John 8:47, it also states that those who do not hear the word of God does not belong to Him.
In verse 16, Paul has an explanation about how to have the mind of Christ. Those who seek the Lord with all their hearts, minds, soul and might will definitely have Christ’s wisdom. It is only given to those who love Him and those who serve Him. No one can know Christ’s mind unless they belong to Him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we continually have the mind of Christ as believers?
Monthly Archives: July 2021
REVELATION ONLY THROUGH THE SPIRIT ILMA’S VLOG
July 2
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REVELATION ONLY THROUGH THE SPIRIT
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So, also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. – 2 Corinthians 1:10-13
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In this letter, Paul emphasizes the divine nature of the Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can understand things and get what God’s word really mean. It is through the Spirit of God that we learn to examine and understand things about us and the truth that only comes from God’s word. It is interesting to know that many of us, do not even recognize the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the triune God. In this letter, Paul explicitly gives us an illustration of how powerless and defeated we would be without God’s Spirit.
In verse 11, Paul tells us that no one knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of the person residing inside him. He likewise says that it is the same with God’s Spirit, only the Holy Spirit knows God’s thoughts. Paul reminds all the believers in verse 12 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ receives the Holy Spirit who gives them freely the revelations and understanding given by God. In verse 13, Paul says that the revelations we get from the Holy Spirit is unlike our human wisdom, but they are a combination of thoughts coming from God’s Spirit and spoken in the power of the Spirit of God.
Some people think that when they read something, they have the ability to understand it thoroughly. This is a very dangerous things to do. Philippians 4:8 says that we only think of whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and whatever is worthy of praise. These are the only allowed thoughts by the Spirit of the Lord. Why? Because these are the thoughts that bring glory to God alone and protects every believer from the corruption that comes from the impurities of the world. The more we think of these things, the more we will hear what the Spirit of God reveals to us. The more we think of worldly things, the more we will make our flesh come to life which opposes God’s Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think many of us rely so much on our own understanding?
GOD’S WISDOM GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM ILMA’S VLOG
July 1
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GOD’S WISDOM GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” – 1 Corinthians 2:6-9
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In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he clearly delineates the difference of human wisdom with God’s wisdom. In verse 6, he identifies the criteria how we can be granted wisdom from God. Spiritual maturity is the key to be able to acknowledge the revelations that God grants those who love him. This wisdom is very different from the world’s point of view. It is not accumulation of information for one’s benefit, but it is truth that comes from the word of God that is used to bring God all the praise and glory.
I quote Morris in reference to “rulers of this age”. He says “This debate goes all the way back to the time of Origen and Chrysostom. On the surface, it seems clear that the rulers of this age must refer to human rulers, because only they didn’t know what they were doing when they incited the crucifixion of Jesus. “Paul habitually ascribes power to the demonic forces, but not ignorance.”
In verse 9, Paul refers to Isaiah 64:4 where the prophet says that from of old, no one has heard or perceived by the ear and no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. Paul is saying that it is only a divine act that can make any human understand or see what is going on in the spirit realm. We are all limited to see or comprehend beyond our understanding, but the Holy Spirit can equip us with wisdom if we abide and love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul. Our fallen nature prohibits us from seeing what the Spirit brings us. That is why we need Jesus so much in our lives so that we can get revelations and discern what God is saying. Notice that Paul clearly states the importance of a heart that longs for Jesus. Matthew 6:21 says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” If we don’t treasure Jesus, our hearts will not be ready to accept him and all the wisdom he gives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it impossible to have God’s wisdom when we don’t serve him?
DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
June 30
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DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST
And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
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In this letter, Paul shows us how to live the life of a believer. He reminds the believers in Corinth of how he brought the gospel to them. He said that when he came to preach the Good News, he didn’t use eloquent words to show his wisdom, but proclaimed God’s testimony. In Paul’s days, there were so much focus on knowledge and wisdom. Though we know that Paul’s background as a Pharisee exemplifies him to be very knowledgeable in the Torah he didn’t use Because the Lord Jesus Christ transformed Paul from a worldly powerful man, to a humble servant of God, he couldn’t continue to use his knowledge the way he used to when he was a Pharisee. In verse 2, Paul’s determination to shift his focus from the world and remove everything that is not going to give God the glory and pursue the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. His persistence to focus his entire life in the quest to know Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is astounding. How many believers can follow this passion for knowing God?
In verse 3, he reminds the Corinthian church of how he was one with them in weakness, fear and trembling because they were relying on the Lord alone. He didn’t use persuasive speech but allowed the Holy Spirit to use him to say the right words that God alone provides. Paul knows that the world uses knowledge and wisdom to attract attention to themselves and he would have nothing to with those ways.
In our world today, human knowledge and wisdom becomes like modern day idols. We want to know things so that people can look up to us and we can feel important. This is not the way of the Lord. In God’s economy, we rely on God’s power and wisdom and strength. We present the gospel only in the way that is true and right. This is why we have been given Scriptures so that we won’t get waylaid in our Christian walk towards eternity.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience how your passion to know Christ have led you to truth.
GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH, WEAK AND INSIGNIFICANT ILMA’S VLOG
June 29
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GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH, WEAK AND INSIGNIFICANT
26 For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no human may boast before God. 30 But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written: “LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
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In this letter, Paul summons the believers to examine their calling. This letter encourages those who feel weak, foolish and those who feel insignificant. Paul is clearly addressing the problem of arrogance of those who are powerful and try to manipulate to rule the church. The weaker members of the body of Christ must have been discouraged by this power hungry and arrogant members. In this letter, Paul stresses the preference of God to choose the foolish, weak and insignificant. Why would God choose them instead of the elite, educated, rich and powerful? Remember the parable of the young rich man in Matthew19:16-22? A young rich man approached Jesus and asked what good deed must he do to have eternal life. Jesus corrects this young man because his concept of good by doing something to grant everlasting life is twisted. In verse 17, Jesus says there is only one who is good. Then Jesus told him to follow all the commands and the proud young man says that he has already done that. When Jesus finally told him, to sell all that he has and give it to the poor, the young man was so sad because he owned a lot. This is probably why it is hard for the rich, the powerful and the wise to let go of their attachments. They have too much to lose. Whereas the foolish, the weak and those that are insignificant have nothing more to lose. It is easier for them to receive the invitation of God to enter his kingdom. Paul further confronts the proud members of the church with their boasting because he reminds them that nothing they have comes from their own. Everything they have belongs to God, so what is the point of boasting? God did it all so why would they take credit for something they never did on their own? Once again, we see how Paul challenges the all member to care for one another especially the weak and vulnerable.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it dangerous to aim to be intelligent, strong and powerful, and important?
GOD MOCKS HUMAN WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING ILMA’S VLOG
June 28
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GOD MOCKS HUMAN WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THOSE WHO HAVE UNDERSTANDING, I WILL CONFOUND.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.
– 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
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In this letter, Paul specifies very clearly how human wisdom is not like God’s wisdom. In verse 18, he states those who are unbelievers or who do not know God are going to perish for they do not understand the wisdom of the cross of Christ, but to those who are saved, it is the most powerful thing. In verse 19, Paul clearly reiterates an Old Testament verse in Isaiah 29:14 where God destroys the wisdom of the wise and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. He seems to confront those who loves human wisdom so much such as the scribes and the debaters of his time, whose pre-occupation is to boast about how much they know. In verse 21, Paul mentions how God mocks these people who depends so much on their understanding that he deprived them of knowing God because it only understands the world. In verse 22, Paul exposes the foolishness of the Jew who seeks signs while the Greeks search for worldly wisdom. Isn’t it so ridiculous to watch these people who are blinded to think that they know many things and yet, they do not understand the cross of Christ? They rely so much on what they know that they fail to comprehend what sacrifice Jesus did on the cross for humanity. Paul gives us the reason in verse 24 why this is so. Only those elected by God would know him and all the truth that he reveals only to them. What a privilege and honor it is to be those selected by God himself to have a glimpse of his wisdom by believing Jesus Christ!
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REFLECTION
• Why does God mock those who think they know and understand things?
IMPORTANCE OF AGREEMENT AND UNITY ILMA’S VLOG
IMPORTANCE OF AGREEMENT AND UNITY
10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name! 16 But I did baptize the household of Stephanas also; beyond that, I do not know if I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect. – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
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In this letter, Paul writes to the Corinthian churches the importance of agreement and unity in the body of Christ. Paul rebukes the believers in Corinth because of a report made known to him regarding the quarrels among them. Like a father to his spiritual children, Paul disciplines them and tells them that in the body of Christ, division isn’t tolerated. In verse 10, he says that agreement makes them whole and complete.
He addresses and confronts the trivialities amongst them regarding their individual claims that they are either with Apollos, Cephas, Paul or with Christ. We humans can all be very shallow in our thinking. We like to speak of our preferences rather than our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These concerns of Paul in the church in Corinth is not far away from our own struggles in our churches. When we like a pastor or a preacher, it is so easy to be derailed with how we like them instead of deepening our desire to know Christ and praise him. Our fallen nature caters more to our preferences instead of examining our hearts and making sure we are living for Christ rather than to our flesh. Paul clarifies the confusion brought about by these quarrels in verse 17. He brings up the importance of preaching the cross of Christ rather than talking about who baptized them and who have led them to Christ. Agreement among God’s people is essential because that is what Christ taught. How can we bring light into this corrupt world if the family of believers are actually divided and cannot agree at all?
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REFLECTION
• Why is agreement important in any relationship? What causes division?
ENRICHED IN SPEECH AND KNOWLEDGE ILMA’S VLOG
ENRICHED IN SPEECH AND KNOWLEDGE
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 just as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
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According to the ESV introduction to the letters of Paul to the Corinthians, this letter was written in the spring od A.D. 53, 54 or 55, nearing the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus. The Corinthian church was divided because of the arrogance of its more powerful members. Paul received an oral report and a letter from the Corinthian church. These revealed a church struggling with division, immorality, idolatry, and theological confusion. He wrote them this letter so that they would become a true dwelling place for God’s Spirit, stay faithful to the gospel, and be “guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
In his salutation, he reminds them of his appointment by God’s will and their standing as saints because they have committed their lives to Christ. As in all his letters, he brings grace and peace from God always. In verse 4, we hear Paul’s gratitude to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of their generosity, they were enriched with knowledge and speech to give testimony concerning Jesus. In verse 7, Paul gives them the reason why Christians were equipped with such gifts: so that there is no lack in their lives as they await Christ’s coming. In verse 9, he emphasizes the importance of God’s faithfulness whom He alsoexpects from his own people. When we press on to the promises that Christ gave us, we continue to be blessed with more gifts.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some people misuse the gifts that God has given them?
• Why is the gift of speech and knowledge stressed out by Paul in this letter?
WATCH OUT FOR THE ERRORS OF UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE! ILMA’S VLOG
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June 24
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THE COMING OF THE DAY OF THE LORD
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered.11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwell.
– 2 Peter 3:10-13
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In this letter of Peter, he warns all the believers about how the coming of the day of the Lord is. It will be like a thief when all that we are enjoying will be grabbed from us. The heavens will be gone with a loud sound and the intense heat will destroy the earth. Unlike the first destruction in Noah’s time, this will be a destruction in fire. Peter gives us a vivid picture of what will happen if people continue with their ungodly and wicked ways.
Wikipedia defines “end times” as (also called end times, end of time, end of days, last days, final days, doomsday, or eschaton) is a future described variously in the eschatologies of several world religions (both Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic), which teach that world events will reach a climax. Eschatology is a part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. This concept is commonly referred to as “the end of the world” or “end times”. So many people are into wanting to know the details about the end times. They get so consumed by knowing how they can prepare for it, but they miss out preparing their hearts to be right and to ready themselves to the inevitable event. I know there are some groups who actually physically prepare for this end of days by equipping themselves to live in places where they can survive. How crazy that sounds. They miss out on the spiritual aspect of it all.
Peter calls it the “Lord’s Day” instead of all those terms of the annihilation of the world. He focuses on the hope that evil is going to be destroyed and a new heaven and earth will follow. A place where only righteousness dwells. What a comfort it is to know that we will be rid of all of this world’s systems and darkness! But they are only comforting to those who will choose Christ as their Lord and Savior. The others will be judged and destroyed.
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REFLECTION
• How are you preparing for the coming of the Lord?