Jump Start # 3311

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

The layout of the Corinthian letter is very fascinating. In the first six chapters Paul addresses the pertinent things first. He has been told things by Chloe’s people. That’s the first chapter. Chapter five continues, “It is actually reported,” which continues Paul’s dealings with things that are on the front burner.

But, by the time we reach chapter seven, Paul begins answering the questions that the Corinthians had written to him. “Now concerning the things about which you wrote,” is how the seventh chapter begins. They had questions. They went to the right source to find their answers. There were more questions. Chapter eight begins, “now concerning the things sacrificed to idols.” More questions. Chapter twelve begins, “now concerning spiritual gifts.” Still more questions. Chapter sixteen begins, “Now concerning the collection fo the saints.”

One by one, the apostle answers their questions. We are not told if these are addressed in the same order that they wrote them, or, if Paul is arranging them in an order that he feels is most important. Our verse today, begins the first of these questions and the apostle’s answer. The seventh chapter addresses the subject of marriage, sexuality and what happens if an unbeliever leaves.

Now, some thoughts for us:

First, it is interesting that they would ask Paul about sexuality in marriage now that one is a Christian. I do not see that these were private or independent questions submitted to Paul. It seems that this was a letter sent from the church to Paul. The fact that they talked about this and even formed questions about this would be uncomfortable for many of us today.

This shows us that they were taking their faith very practically, personally and taking it home. Was a mixed marriage, one being a Christian and one not a Christian, now void? Do the relations within a marriage change when one becomes a Christian? This shows that they were not leaving their faith in worship. What happened at home was a concern to them. Does becoming a Christian change things?

Second, rather than just making assumptions, they sought answers from an apostle. If anyone ought to know, an apostle would. I wonder if we would be brave enough to even ask such a question? Do we think about what our faith does to our marriage? Or, what does our faith do to our jobs? What does our faith do to our finances? This practical, everyday application is what the Corinthians were seeking. That is refreshing. They wanted to know, so they asked an apostle. When we want to know, we need to open the Bible.

Third, Paul takes a long time in answering that question. The seventh chapter is devoted to just one question. But it allows Paul to spin off and talk about singles. He talks about what is expected from God’s people. The running thought through these answers is that the Christian is not to send the unbelieving mate away. Three times in a row he states, “not send” away (vs. 11, 12, 13).

There is a great lesson for us here. Giving a quick, easy and safe answer often doesn’t answer the question at all. There are layers of concerns, other thoughts that lead to other questions. Paul is thorough in looking at each of these. As the chapter ends, so ought their question. He has explained it well and completely.

We ought never be ashamed to ask hard questions. We need to seek those who will be kind in their response, Biblical in their answer and who will treat us with gentleness. Every generation will need to ask questions that we have answered before. Every generation needs to learn.

Now concerning…they asked and the apostle answered. There is something good about that.

Roger

Jump Start # 2292

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

A study of Corinthians shows two major structures to the book. The first section are the words and admonition from Paul to a divided church. He addresses the problems immediately. The second structure is made up of Paul answering questions that the Corinthians submitted to him. The questions are easy to find because they begin with the expression, “Now concerning.” They ask about the contribution. They ask about spiritual gifts. They ask about eating meat that has been sacrificed to an idol. And, starting the list of questions, our verse today, they ask about sexual relationships. I believe implied is the thought, now that we are Christians and now that we are to be holy and pure, does this mean sexual intimacy in marriage is out.

We don’t know if Paul is answering their questions in order, or if he answers them by importance. I do find it interesting that this was asked. I expect before this question went to paper and then was sent to Paul, that they had discussed this among themselves. And, because this was sent to Paul, they wanted an apostolic answer. Either they couldn’t come to an agreement, or they wanted to make sure that their conclusions were right. Now, we probably would be a bit delicate to discuss this openly, there are some great lessons to be learned here.

First, the Corinthians understood that the application of God’s word is taken home. Spirituality doesn’t end with the setting sun on Sunday. What we do outside of worship, and even at home, involves our faith and our commitment to the Lord.

Second, even the most private of matters, one which we do not share with others, is something that must honor God and be right with Him. How easy it is to say, “It’s nobodies business,” but it is, especially God’s. The problem in the fifth chapter of someone being immoral with his father’s wife, was the concern of God and righteous brethren. We don’t and we can’t put up barriers around us that says, Keep Out. How we conduct our business, what we post on social media, how we behave at ballgames, on vacation, in our backyards, is always God’s business. There is no part of your life that is off limits to God. What you think, what you say, what you do, your motives, your attitude—they are all choices that either reflect faith and honor God or they do not.

Paul was leading the Corinthians, in chapter five, to remove themselves from the immoral man. Keeping this a secret wasn’t going to change the man’s dishonoring God in his behavior. He was out of fellowship with God and the brethren needed to follow. This was the business of the church. Our conduct is the same. “What I have to do to get ahead in business is no one’s business,” simply isn’t true.

Third, questions need to be answered, and they need to be answered Biblically. Just assuming, guessing or letting things alone as they are, can be the wrong choices. They didn’t know, so they asked. Today, we still have questions, both individually and as a church. Leaders need to find the answers through a study of God’s word.

I’ve often wondered, if a congregation today were able to send a letter to an apostle, what questions would we ask? Would our questions reflect faith and a concern for all, or, would they be superficial questions about which songs to sing in worship? Somehow, the questions about sexual relations came to the forefront and was included in a letter from the church to Paul. This was on their minds and they wanted to know.

Today, I could just hear some saying, “Don’t ask THAT question.” Some might even reason, “How would Paul know, he’s single.” Or, “He doesn’t care about those kind of things, he’s only interested in faith based issues.” However, the Corinthians asked. They would never know the Biblical answer had they not asked.

Do we know what questions folks struggle with today? What about cremation? What about bankruptcy? What about working on Sunday? What about a church going in debt? How about a church having one service on Sunday? How does a church part ways with a preacher? Now, most of us have a pretty good opinion on all of those. I expect many of the Corinthians may have had a pretty good idea on their questions. Yet, they still asked. What we must do is not rest upon our opinions, but to be sure what the Scriptures teach. We might think that it would be easier just to fax some questions and then get the answers faxed back. But the task before us is to be transparent with one another, and to open our Bibles and using the principles that we have learned, find answers that fit with the rest of the Scriptures.

Our walk must be Biblically based. We walk by faith, not opinions, nor by sight. The Corinthian questions mattered. God included them in His inspired word. He wanted us to know about these questions. It’s not wrong to have questions. Where do you find your answers and what do you do once you find the Biblical answer?

We still have much to learn…and that learning must come from God’s word.

Roger

Jump Start # 2257

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

Those who have looked deeply into 1 Corinthians, understand that much of this letter is answers to questions that the Corinthians had asked Paul. Those questions are marked by the expression, “now concerning.” Our verse is the first of a series. It begins, “Now concerning the things about which you wrote”. But others followed:

• Now concerning virgins (7:25)
• Now concerning things sacrificed to idols (8:1)
• Now concerning spiritual gifts (12:1)
• Now concerning the collection for the saints (16:1)

It is great that these brethren felt comfortable asking Paul these questions. There are some lessons we learn from this:

First, people will always have questions. Often fitting the Scriptures into our lives isn’t a smooth or easy fit. There are conflicts, questions and situations. I have found that kids will ask anything in a Bible class, but often adults are reserved. Some will wait until the class is over and then ask the teacher in private. We all come to the Scriptures with a background, past, issues and baggage. Working through all of those things to fully understand what God says often presents challenges and questions. There’s nothing wrong with asking questions.

Second, we ought to create an atmosphere and a trust where people can freely ask questions. Some, like to be silly. They use every opportunity they can to show off, be cute and bring laugher to a room. It doesn’t take too much of that to then conclude that person just isn’t serious. People in fear do not ask questions. Far too many do not know what is going on within the congregation that they belong to. Communication is limited and asking questions is not allowed. Silence is soon replaced with suspicion.

Third, the questions that the Corinthians asked were of a practical manner. They were wanting to know how to live as God directed. Theories, ideas and principles are important, but of a greater importance is how to I live the message that God has revealed. How does one parent the way that God wants? This concern brings questions. We want to get it right and when we are not sure, we want to learn better.

Fourth, although we have no living apostles today, we have their words to help us. But sometimes, we want someone to tell us details. Just tell me what to do, is what many expect. Could this be why older women were to teach younger women? There may have been questions and who better to ask than someone who has already traveled ahead of you.

Fifth, some practical answers fall into the realm of judgment and there isn’t a specific answer or a specific right or wrong. For instance, someone asks you, how much should I give on Sunday? We show them guidelines. We talk about principles of faith. We explain the importance of money in the kingdom. We remind them of the great things being done with the money. We take them to Bible classes and sermons about giving. But, that’s not what they are looking for. They want you to tell them a specific dollar amount to give. Should I give $100 or $300? What you and I might do, given the exact circumstances, may not be what this person would do. And, who ever has the exact same circumstances? So, guidelines are given. But in doing this, we must be careful that we are not putting ourselves in the place of making that decision for them. We are not the standard. We are not the bottom line.

Sixth, some answers are complicated. Have you noticed that in Corinthians? The question about idols, chapter eight, is answered in 13 verses. The spiritual gift question consumes three chapters. Paul does more than give a simple answer. He explains. It’s the idea of giving someone a fish or teaching them how to fish for themselves. Explaining things will help in the long run. They help us. So, this tells us that with some questions, we must not be in a hurry. Walking out the front door of the church building, in a hurry to get to a place to eat, probably isn’t the best setting to answer questions. Understand this and find the proper setting to give the question a real explanation.

Seventh, some questions are not going to be answered directly by the Bible. When I was a kid, we had this black magic 8 ball. You’d ask some question and turn it over and there was the answer. It wasn’t really answering that question. A series of the same answers kept coming up over and over. As kids, we didn’t know that. So, should you move? There are principles that need to be considered, but trying to find a definite Yes or No, isn’t going to be found in the Bible. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Sight walking has definite answers for every step. No faith is necessary. It’s all there. Faith walking means making decisions, trusting God and walking with the principles He has given us.

Eighth, the Corinthians took their questions to an inspired apostle. They didn’t ask pagan neighbors. They didn’t Google answers. They knew who would know. They asked Paul. Do you know who to ask? Do you know who would know what the Bible says? Could you ask that person?

Finally, how we live is not up in the air and everyone and anyone has their own thoughts. God has designed righteous living. This is where He wants us to be. It doesn’t change with time. Culture doesn’t reshape it. Popular opinion doesn’t affect it. Our lives are to glorify God and our lives are to reflect righteousness. From that standpoint, and with Scriptures in hand, we are able to map out a life that pleases the Lord.

Questions…what do you do with them?

Roger

Jump Start # 1847

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

Our verse today opens a long chapter about marriage, marriage to an unbeliever and what all are the responsibilities of a Christian. What prompted these words was a question that the Corinthians had. Now that the Gospel had been introduced into that city and some had become Christians, practical questions about home, sexuality needed to be answered. If one became a Christian and their spouse didn’t, what would that do to the marriage? Was the marriage now “unholy?” What if the unbeliever wanted to leave because the other was now a Christian? What should be done?

There are several interesting thoughts beyond these specific Corinthian questions that we need to see.

First, these questions show that the Corinthians were thinking about the application of their faith. They were looking at what was expected of them. They were considering what was the right thing to do. This is a great quality. They were applying their faith to their every day life. This is something that all Christians should do. If our faith is not practical, how can we live it?

Second, these questions were addressed to an apostle. It seems that Paul had received a letter from the Corinthians with several questions. Chapter 7 is the first of these questions. More were to follow. Chapter 8, 12 and 16 begin with, “Now concerning…” which reads like the opening of chapter 7. Many questions. Many concerns. Some involved worship. Some involved home. These questions may have been discussed among them and no real solutions or answers were found. So, they turned to Paul. Paul would know. We too will have questions. Practical questions. Questions about worship. Questions about home. We need to turn to God’s word and find the answers.

The Corinthians knew that Paul would tell them the truth. They knew he had their best interests in mind. Instead of taking a vote, or, each person deciding to do what they felt like, they went to an apostle. The words of Paul were the commandments of God (14:37).

Third, these questions involved some very intimate topics such as “can a man touch a woman?” If they didn’t ask, they wouldn’t know. They wanted to do what was right. There was a relationship and an atmosphere between the Corinthians and Paul where they could ask these questions. This is good and healthy. I have known situations in which people were afraid to ask a question. Things bothered them but they didn’t dare ask. If they asked, their faith was questioned and they would be critiqued for even bringing up that question. Not here with Paul and the Corinthians. Welcome questions. Young people have questions. Senior citizens have questions. The times we live in generate questions. Don’t suppress the spirit of asking them.

Fourth, the Corinthian questions were not silly. Some ask things just to show off. These were real concerns. These were things that were on their minds. Asking something silly just to be cute is not serious nor helpful. Paul didn’t rebuke the Corinthians for asking these questions. Later on, when dealing with resurrections, he does. Paul posses a question, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” His next words are, “You fool!” He answers the question but shows that the question wasn’t thought out.

Fifth, each generation will have questions that must be answered again. Those that know the answer must be patient. A new generation is forming their faith, thinking and trying to figure out how all of this works. Not all of us have had the same background as others. Not all of us have been at this as long as others. So, questions will be asked about fundamental things about worship, organization, and how everything fits together. Questions about origins, life after death, and even marriage will be asked with each generation. It is important not to give just a “yes” or “no” answer, but to show them the answer with the word of God. The Corinthian question about spiritual gifts takes three chapters for Paul to answer. Give details. Show. Explain. All of this takes time. All of this is necessary for one to see what God says. The answer must always be found with what God says. Just because you or I say it, doesn’t mean that it is true. The answer is not because we say so, but because God says so. This helps a person to see that the church does not have rules, a creed or by-laws. It is the word of God that we follow.

Sixth, refusing to answer a question generally leads to more questions and suspicion. We need to be open. We need to explain things. A person can tell when someone is dodging a question. A person knows when someone really doesn’t want to talk about a subject. Don’t be that way. As hard hitting as the question may be, or, as delicate as the question may be, give the time to show what the answer is.

Seventh, when you don’t know the answer, say so. Don’t be Mr. Know-it-all, and blow smoke when you really have no idea what the answer is. There are questions like that. Where did Cain get his wife? Logic tells me the most obvious answer, but the Bible doesn’t say. Where did Satan come from? Again, there are some assumptions that make pretty good sense, but there is no specific, clear cut passage that tells us. Be honest.   Don’t be afraid to knock tradition. Don’t be afraid to state what others won’t. Stick with the Bible and let it be the answer.

Eighth, there is a time and a place to ask and answer questions. In our times, the setting often is a public Bible class. That may not always be the best setting. Some can ask a question that takes the class off the topic and is better suited for a one on one discussion. The class teacher must recognize that and openly state that. Some will ask something controversial, not for the sake of knowledge, but just to stir up some conversation. That too often isn’t wise, healthy nor productive. There is a time and a place for questions. Going out the door on Sunday morning, with a line of people behind you, isn’t a great time for a Q & A session. Telling the preacher that you have a question and could the two of you get together soon to discuss it is fine. But asking and expecting a two second answer to your question isn’t fair nor deserving of what you probably want to hear.

You have questions. First, see if you can find the answers in your Bible. When you can’t, then ask someone who you have confidence in their faith, knowledge and attitude. I’m asked questions just about every day. It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m glad to try to help folks out. When reading your Bible, keep a pen and paper near by, so you can write down your questions. Later, return to those questions and find the answers. This is a faith building process.

Roger

Jump Start # 1373

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

  The letter to the Corinthians is laid out in a very interesting fashion. The book opens with Paul dealing with what he has heard about them. It wasn’t good. There was division. So the first few chapters lay foundations and principles that addresses those things.

Starting with our verse, Chapter 7, Paul answers questions that the Corinthians had asked him. This continues for several chapters.

• Now concerning the things about which you wrote (7:1)
• Now concerning things sacrificed to idols (8:1)
• Now concerning spiritual gifts (12:1)
• Now concerning the collection for the saints (16:1)

What we find by looking at these questions are the things that were on the hearts and minds of those brethren. We see what was troubling them. We see what they didn’t understand. Questions to an apostle. Some time ago, I took a month and preached about those questions and Paul’s answers.

I’ve often wondered what a congregation would ask today? Are there questions that we have today? The Corinthian questions dealt with the practical application of how we are to live and what we are to do. Putting God’s principles into action often are the hardest things.

I pretty much expect if the shepherds from the congregation where I worship were to ask some questions, they’d be rather insightful, deep and not easy to answer. That’s the way my guys are. They are real thinkers. They don’t move along the surface, they are the kind that lower their nets into the deep.

There are a few interesting lessons we see from looking at the Corinthian questions.

  First, none of the questions asked deal with what Paul talked about in the first six chapters. There are no questions about division, church discipline, lawsuits. Those things are not found in the questions. This makes me wonder if sometimes we miss the obvious. We can spend our time thinking about theories and ideas and other things but miss the most important thing—living for Jesus. Our sermons can do that. Our Bible classes can do that. We can talk about all kinds of interesting things but not the most needful thing.

Second, the fact that they asked questions showed that they were thinking and wanting to do what is right. They could have just tried to figure things out for themselves. Instead, they sought an apostle. We do the same when we turn to the Bible. Asking for help is never wrong. Sometimes we might be embarrassed because the answers we need involve personal things. Maybe we need help with staying in our budget. Maybe we need help with our marriage. Maybe we need help in staying focused spiritually. Maybe we don’t know the books of the Bible and we are ashamed of that. Maybe we struggle with a reoccurring sin. Asking for help is never wrong. We ought to present an environment where anyone feels comfortable asking any question.

  Third, the answer the apostle provides may not be the answer that we were looking for nor hoping for. That happens. Then we are faced with what we should do. Will we do what the apostle says or what we wanted all along? It is at this moment that we either are walking with Christ or we are disagreeing with God. God’s word is always right. God’s word defines what is right.

  Fourth, there seems to be a spiritual tone and theme running through all of their questions. The first question about touching a woman involves the sexual relations in a marriage. Now that one was a Christian, did that change? Was that now wrong? What if one in the marriage wasn’t a Christian? Does that change things?

Their question about eating things sacrificed to idols raised the concern about compromising with things that are false. If one eats idol food, does that mean he endorses idols? Is it wrong to do that? Great question.

Their third question, about spiritual gifts, involved worship and what all was involved with these miraculous gifts.

Their final question was about the contribution gathered by the church.

None of these questions were silly. None of them were out of place. Great thoughts. They were thinking spiritually. They wanted to do right. A growing church will have questions. Relationships, fellowship and the best way to worship always brings ideas, thoughts, concerns and questions.

Fifth, they took their questions to Paul, an apostle. They didn’t convene a council. They didn’t vote on what they thought was right. They asked Paul. Paul, who was inspired. Paul, who had the authority of Christ. Paul, who wrote the commandments of Jesus. Sometimes great questions get the wrong answers because they were taken to the wrong source. Asking a friend at work about your sinking marriage, may give you the wrong answer. Looking on the internet for an answer may give you the wrong answer. Take your question to the Bible. Do some homework. Look carefully and do your research. Dr. Phil, Oprah, and those like that, all have an opinion. Their opinion may not be what God says.

Questions? Do you have some? Are you trying to find the right answers in the right places?

Roger