Matt. 5:48

I heard this scripture in my spirit this morning. Who doesn’t want to be perfect? What does this mean? How do we understand this goal?

Let’s look at the context of these words Christ spoke as paraphrased by J.B.Phillips: “For if you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even tax-collectors do that! And if you exchange greetings only with your own circle, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do that much. No, you are to be perfect, like your Heavenly Father.

The Hebrew word shlemim is used here. It means “complete.” Yet, it has the association with how you love people who don’t really even deserve your love. Does God love them? Most assuredly, “YES!” Should we then, like Him, love those who don’t even deserve our love? In the same sense, “YES!”

Are you there yet? Probably not. Just let God’s grace open your eyes to love the unlovely He puts in your path. That’s a start to becoming perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

1 Cor. 16

Paul proposes a systematic approach to giving when he says, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up … (to give to those in need in Jerusalem).” This was a practical admonition and encouragement for the saints to budget a portion for the poor.

Needy people are placed in your path. How you respond to them will affect your giving profile.

A testimony: Luis came into my path recently. He is a homeless Army veteran who has been living in the back seat of an old Lincoln Town Car. I couldn’t get him off my mind. It’s as if God was saying, “Dean, what are YOU going to do about this?” I shared this situation with several other veterans and they said, “We will chip in to buy him a camper to live in.” Saturday I found a suitable camper for Luis. As I was picking him up to go buy the camper, another homeless man approached my truck window. He too was asking for help. We went and picked up the camper. Luis was SO EXCITED. He was calling everyone he knew to share the good news. I put the other man up in a reasonable motel room overnight. It was a cold rainy night. Yesterday, another needy man told me how his trailer roof is leaking. He needs a tarp to cover it.

Giving opportunities are “blossoming.”

1 Cor 15

Now here’s a word we don’t often use – splendor. Defined, it means; great brilliance, richness or glory. We know of the song, “Love is a many splendor-ed thing.” It is used to describe planets or stars in the sky. Other Bible translations use the words glory and beauty in the place of “splendor.”

Humans have splendor. You certainly have more brilliance than a common rock … unless it’s a diamond. Nevertheless, YOU have been given splendor by your Creator. No amount of makeup or costly apparel can increase the value and beauty God has already invested in YOU. These can possibly reveal the beautiful splendor your Creator has placed upon you.

Hold your head high. You are a child of THE KING.

1 Cor. 14

When the Gifts of the Spirit are operating in the church, Paul says the unbeliever will say, “God is among you.” Specifically, he is referring to prophecy … speaking out what God has revealed … speaking the truths of God’s Word and revealing the mind of His Spirit.

Some translations equate prophecy with preaching. No doubt, preachers can come under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit and “forth-tell” the mind of God. Paul implies that many can exercise this gift in a service. When gatherings are large, this is more difficult. In smaller, more intimate gatherings such as home groups, it is more likely to happen. This is yet another reason why home groups are so important.

1 Cor. 13

Paul describes Christian maturity as completeness or perfection. [v. 10] It can only be characterized by Godly love.

Mature saints are examples of God’s love … their spirit and presence are welcoming and accepting rather than edgy and self-absorbed. They love you as you are unconditionally. They encourage. They give. They melt you with their heart. You are at ease with them. They give you a glimpse of the Heavenly Father’s love. They encourage God’s giftings in you rather than try to impress you with theirs. You feel important to them.

God’s goal for you is an inner character ideal rather than an outward performance standard. Love is a more excellent way.

1 Cor. 12

How does God work? He works through His people and the gifts of the Spirit He dispenses. [1 Cor. 12:6]

To deny the Gifts of the Spirit is to contradict the Apostle Paul. Not wise!

God gives Gifts to men to accomplish His Will. He deals them out. We don’t go to God’s Gift Buffet and take what we want. He is the Giver. We are the receivers. Its OK to covet or desire the Gifts [ 1 Cor. 12:31] , but only God can actually legitimatize them and empower them.

Parents are wise to cultivate an awareness of God’s Gifts in their children and nurture them when they appear. This chapter provides a catalog of these Gifts of the Spirit.

1 Cor. 11

The writer of Hebrews declares, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” [Heb. 12:6] God’s correction is not a popular subject but a necessary one. What decent parent does not bring needful correction to their children. Imagine how chaotic our culture would be without any correction or discipline.

In chapter 11 of 1 Cor., Paul links irreverent communion with God’s hand of discipline. The Holy Spirit searches the heart of men to teach them to accurately understand what Christ has done for us on the Cross. This is but one example of how God wants us to take seriously this marvelous salvation He has provided. Most contemporary churches are careful to minister communion in a way that does not abuse this truth, thankfully.

1 Cor. 10

One of the key scriptures for all Christians to employ in their arsenal of spiritual weapons is v. 13 of this chapter … “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also (ALWAYS) provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Temptation is going to happen. What we do with it is key. Just knowing that God has given us tools to overcome it means we can live in total victory.

Realize this! Jesus Himself was tempted in EVERY POINT. [Heb. 4:15] So, when you are tempted, Christ knows exactly how you feel. In fact, He’s right there with you making grace and strength available to you so can resist and escape.

1 Cor. 8, 9

There were those who criticized Paul for his leadership style … that he should not receive any financial support for being in the ministry. So, Paul justified ministers receiving support. Then, he himself worked to support himself so that his accusers could have NO GROUNDS to find fault in him. He took the high road.

Also, more mature saints would eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols … they simply gave God thanks for it and were justified in it. Yet, baby Christians were confused by this. So, Paul again encouraged the saints to take the high road and abstain from any food or activity that would cause less mature Christians to stumble.

The Lord is very loving and caring for infant believers. He wants them to be encouraged and supported in their growth with no stumbling blocks from more mature believers.

1 Cor. 7

This chapter deals with marital relationships like no other. The bottom line is … when you are married, you live to please your mate. When you are unmarried and have self control, you can be totally free to please the Lord. Paul was evidently unmarried and could devote all his energies to pleasing God. God obviously gave him grace to live such. God can give His grace to everyone who asks for it, married or unmarried. Grace in a marriage gives you more ability to please both God and your mate. After all, aren’t Christian men to love their wives AS Christ loves the Church. In the same sense, wives are to submit to their husbands as we all submit to Christ. If you find difficulty in this, ask for more grace.