Sponsored by The Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 - PO Box 340004 - Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States for Tuesday, 23 January 2018 "Move Me, Lord"Today’s Reflection:
SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, I live this day in the presence of your truth, by the power of your grace, with thanksgiving for the longing I have for you and the longing you have for me. Drench me, shape me, move me. Amen. (Pamela Hawkins, The Awkward Season: Prayers for Lent)
From p. 81 of The Awkward Season: Prayers for Lent. Copyright © 2009 by Pamela Hawkins. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Pray today’s prayer. SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, I live this day in the presence of your truth, by the power of your grace, with thanksgiving for the longing I have for you and the longing you have for me. Drench me, shape me, move me. Amen.
Today’s Scripture: Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. (Psalm 111:1, NRSV)***
"Wisdom" for Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Today’s Reflection:
MY LIFE IS A LIBRARY filled with books that no one reads anymore – books of adventure and romance, advice and how-tos.
The books gather dust because no one wants to learn from them.
O Lord, once they were popular volumes, tattered from wear, but now no one cares about my life lessons.
As I’ve grown older, people have less interest in what I have to say or what I think.
I have stumbled along my journey, but I can look back across the years with wise eyes.
If they were willing, younger folks could learn from my mistakes, my follies, my successes.
I have gained knowledge with every experience –
knowledge of broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams,
knowledge of surviving financial woes and raising rebellious teens, knowledge of eternal truths and the lies of the world.
If only they would ask, I would tell them.
What older person might you learn lessons from? Spend time with an elderly person today. Call them, or see if you can visit in person. Listen as they share their stories. You might gain some wisdom. (Missy Buchanan, Voices of Aging)
From page 25 of Voices of Aging: Adult Children and Adult Parents Talk with God by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2015 by Missy Buchanan. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: What older person might you learn lessons from? Spend time with an elderly person today. Call them, or see if you can visit in person. Listen as they share their stories. You might gain some wisdom.
Today’s Scripture: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10, NRSV)
***
"A Creed Inspired by the Beatitudes" for Thursday, 25 January 2018
Today’s Reflection:
WE BELIEVE in the One who lifts our poor and broken spirits,
Restores our souls and gives us new life in God’s kingdom on earth.
We believe in the One who puts our hearts and
Gives us peace that overshadows all woes.
We believe in the One who nourishes our bodies and
Keeps our souls healthy with the Bread and Water of life.
We believe in the One who gives s mercy to give as a gift to others
And appoints peacemakers in the midst of war.
We believe in the One who gives us mercy to give as a gift to others
And appoints peacemakers in the midst of war.
We believe in the One who keeps us standing on holy ground
Though surrounded by false gods,
False teachings,
And false doctrines.
We believe in the One who kept
Moses and Miriam,
Jacob and Rebecca,
Martin Luther King Jr. and Dick Gregory,
Bishops Marcus Matthews and Leontine Kelly,
Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou.
We believe in the One whose face we will see
At the end of this journey in the fulfillment of God’s realm.
We believe in the awesom power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe in Jesus.
We believe in God.
Amen. (Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua, The Africana Worship Book, Year A)
Prayer by Carolyn W. Dandridge, revised 2018. From The Africana Worship Book, Year A, edited by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua. Copyright © 2006 by Discipleship Resources. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: Pray today’s prayer. WE BELIEVE in the One who lifts our poor and broken spirits,
Restores our souls and gives us new life in God’s kingdom on earth.
We believe in the One who puts our hearts and
Gives us peace that overshadows all woes.
We believe in the One who nourishes our bodies and
Keeps our souls healthy with the Bread and Water of life.
We believe in the One who gives s mercy to give as a gift to others
And appoints peacemakers in the midst of war.
We believe in the One who gives us mercy to give as a gift to others
And appoints peacemakers in the midst of war.
We believe in the One who keeps us standing on holy ground
Though surrounded by false gods,
False teachings,
And false doctrines.
We believe in the One who kept
Moses and Miriam,
Jacob and Rebecca,
Martin Luther King Jr. and Dick Gregory,
Bishops Marcus Matthews and Leontine Kelly,
Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou.
We believe in the One whose face we will see
At the end of this journey in the fulfillment of God’s realm.
We believe in the awesom power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe in Jesus.
We believe in God.
Amen.
Today’s Scripture: Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3, NRSV)
***
"We Are Enough" for Friday, 26 January 2018
Today’s Reflection:
WE ARE ENOUGH: God knew us before the world was framed (Ephesians 1:4) and knit us together before we were born (Psalm 139:13), creating us in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). God says that we are enough because our worth is found in Christ. To find ourselves, we must lose ourselves in Christ. (Mandy Fender, devozine, Jan/February 2018)
By Mandy Fender [New Braunfels, Texas], page 33 of devozine, the devotional lifestyle magazine for teens, January/February 2018. Copyright © 2018 by The Upper Room. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: What does it mean to find ourselves by losing ourselves in Christ?
Today’s Scripture: But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
(1 Corinthians 8:9, NRSV)
***
"God Calls Us by Name" for Saturday, 27 January 2018
Today’s Reflection:
GOD KNOWS US and calls us by name. We are not strangers or aliens to God. We are each and all God’s beloved. We have as our lover the Creator and Master of all that exists. The One who calls us beloved is also the one who know us so intimately and well that even the number of hairs on our head is known. (Rueben P. Job, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God)
From pages 95-96 of A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek Godby Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job. Copyright © 2003 by Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: Give thanks to God for God’s unconditional love.
Today’s Scripture: Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:13, NRSV)
***
"Cries for Compassion" for Sunday, 28 January 2018
Today’s Reflection:
OUR TIMES CRY OUT for a mass movement of compassion. This urgent need coincides with the goal of the Christ-following life, for unless our faith makes us compassionate, it can hardly be called Christian.
Following Jesus means moving out of our privatized, isolated, and self-enclosed worlds into a compassionate engagement with our suffering neighbor. As we open ourselves to the pilgrimage experience, … we journey from self-centeredness to compassion. May you and I become everyday pilgrims whom God can use to bring healing to our broken world. (Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes)
From page 112 of A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassionby Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2005 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: In what ways can you become more compassionate?
Today’s Scripture: But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. (Mark 1:25-26, NRSV)
***
This Week: Pray for world leaders.
***
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
***
This week we remember: Agnus (January 21).
Agnes
January 21
Agnes was young and beautiful. She was also, more importantly, a Roman Christian during Diocletian's persecution against Jesus' followers. When the girl refused the advances of numerous suitors, charges of being Christian were brought against her. When at her trial she refused to offer worship of pagan gods, the judge threatened her with various forms of torture. Agnes remained true to her faith.
This twelve or thirteen year old girl was then sent to a brothel to be used by any men who wanted her. According to tradition no man could violate her because of her pure spirit. The girl was then beheaded (or burned, or executed by sword, depending on which version of the story). She is buried at the church of Sant'Agnese on the Piazza Navona in Rome.
Since the fourth century, Agnes has been venerated for her chastity and faithfulness. Her emblem is the lamb, symbol of innocence and purity (and also similar to her name in Latin).
Agnes is the patron saint of young girls.
If Agnes had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Lover. Agnes is remembered on January 21.
Image is detail of St. Agnes icon, compliments of St. Isaac of Syria Skete, www.skete.com.
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
***
This week we remember: Agnus (January 21).
Agnes
January 21
Agnes was young and beautiful. She was also, more importantly, a Roman Christian during Diocletian's persecution against Jesus' followers. When the girl refused the advances of numerous suitors, charges of being Christian were brought against her. When at her trial she refused to offer worship of pagan gods, the judge threatened her with various forms of torture. Agnes remained true to her faith.
This twelve or thirteen year old girl was then sent to a brothel to be used by any men who wanted her. According to tradition no man could violate her because of her pure spirit. The girl was then beheaded (or burned, or executed by sword, depending on which version of the story). She is buried at the church of Sant'Agnese on the Piazza Navona in Rome.
Since the fourth century, Agnes has been venerated for her chastity and faithfulness. Her emblem is the lamb, symbol of innocence and purity (and also similar to her name in Latin).
Agnes is the patron saint of young girls.
If Agnes had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Lover. Agnes is remembered on January 21.
Image is detail of St. Agnes icon, compliments of St. Isaac of Syria Skete, www.skete.com.
***
Lectionary Readings for Sunday 28 January 2018
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Scripture Texts: Deuteronomy 18:15 “Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among yourselves, from your own kinsmen. You are to pay attention to him, 16 just as when you were assembled at Horev and requested Adonai your God, ‘Don’t let me hear the voice of Adonai my God any more, or let me see this great fire ever again; if I do, I will die!’ 17 On that occasion Adonai said to me, ‘They are right in what they are saying. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kinsmen. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I order him. 19 Whoever doesn’t listen to my words, which he will speak in my name, will have to account for himself to me.
1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: we know that, as you say, “We all have knowledge.” Yes, that is so, but “knowledge” puffs a person up with pride; whereas love builds up. 2 The person who thinks he “knows” something doesn’t yet know in the way he ought to know. 3 However, if someone loves God, God knows him.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Verse 15
[15] The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Will raise up — Will produce and send into the world in due time.
A prophet like unto me — Christ was truly, and in all commendable parts like him, in being both a prophet and a king and a priest and mediator, in the excellency of his ministry and work, in the glory of his miracles, in his familiar and intimate converse with God.
Verse 19
[19] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
I will require it — I will punish him severely for it. The sad effect of this threatning the Jews have felt for above sixteen hundred years together.
Psalm 111
Verse 2
[2] The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Sought — Diligently meditated upon.
Verse 3
[3] His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Work — Either all his works, or that eminent branch of those works, his providence towards his people.
Righteousness — His justice or faithfulness in performing his word.
Verse 4
[4] He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Remembered — By their own nature, and the lasting benefits flowing from them, which are such as cannot easily be forgotten.
Verse 5
[5] He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
Meat — All necessary provisions for their being and well-being.
Verse 7
[7] The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
The works — All that he doth on the behalf of his people, or against their enemies.
Truth — Are exactly agreeable to his promises, and to justice.
Commandments — His laws given to the Israelites, especially the moral law.
Sure — Constant and unchangeable.
Verse 8
[8] They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
Done — Constituted or ordered.
Verse 9
[9] He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
Redemption — The deliverance out of Egypt, which was a type of that higher redemption by Christ.
Commanded — Appointed, or established firmly by his power and authority.
For ever — Through all successive generations of his people to the end of the world
Reverend — Terrible to his enemies, venerable in his peoples eyes, and holy in all his dealings with all men.
Verse 10
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
The fear — True religion.
Beginning — Is the only foundation of, and introduction to, true wisdom.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Verse 1
[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Now concerning the next question you proposed.
All of us have knowledge — A gentle reproof of their self-conceit. Knowledge without love always puffeth up. Love alone edifies - Builds us up in holiness.
Verse 2
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
If any man think he knoweth any thing — Aright, unless so far he is taught by God.
He knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know — Seeing there is no true knowledge without divine love.
Verse 3
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
He is known — That is, approved, by him. Psalms 1:6.
Verse 4
[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
We know that an idol is nothing — A mere nominal god, having no divinity, virtue, or power.
Verse 5
[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
For though there be that are called gods — By the heathens both celestial, (as they style them,) terrestrial, and infernal deities.
Verse 6
[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Yet to us — Christians.
There is but one God — This is exclusive, not of the One Lord, as if he were an inferior deity; but only of the idols to which the One God is opposed.
From whom are all things — By creation, providence, and grace.
And we for him — The end of all we are, have, and do.
And one Lord — Equally the object of divine worship.
By whom are all things — Created, sustained, and governed.
And we by him — Have access to the Father, and all spiritual blessings.
Verse 7
[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
Some eat, with consciousness of the idol — That is, fancying it is something, and that it makes the meat unlawful to be eaten.
And their conscience, being weak — Not rightly informed.
Is defiled — contracts guilt by doing it.
Verse 8
[8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But meat commendeth us not to God — Neither by eating, nor by refraining from it. Eating and not eating are in themselves things merely indifferent.
Verse 10
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
For if any one see thee who hast knowledge — Whom he believes to have more knowledge than himself, and who really hast this knowledge, that an idol is nothing-sitting down to an entertainment in an idol temple. The heathens frequently made entertainments in their temples, on what hath been sacrificed to their idols.
Will not the conscience of him that is weak — Scrupulous.
Be encouraged — By thy example.
To eat — Though with a doubting conscience.
Verse 11
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?— And for whom thou wilt not lose a meal's meat, so far from dying for him! We see, Christ died even for them that perish.
Verse 12
[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Ye sin against Christ — Whose members they are.
Verse 13
[13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
If meat — Of any kind. Who will follow this example? What preacher or private Christian will abstain from any thing lawful in itself, when it offends a weak brother?
Mark 1:21-28
Verse 21
[21] And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Luke 4:31.
Verse 26
[26] And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
A loud noise — For he was forbidden to speak. Christ would neither suffer those evil spirits to speak in opposition, nor yet in favour of him. He needed not their testimony, nor would encourage it, lest any should infer that he acted in concert with them.
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Scripture Texts: Deuteronomy 18:15 “Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among yourselves, from your own kinsmen. You are to pay attention to him, 16 just as when you were assembled at Horev and requested Adonai your God, ‘Don’t let me hear the voice of Adonai my God any more, or let me see this great fire ever again; if I do, I will die!’ 17 On that occasion Adonai said to me, ‘They are right in what they are saying. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kinsmen. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I order him. 19 Whoever doesn’t listen to my words, which he will speak in my name, will have to account for himself to me.
20 “‘But if a prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name which I didn’t order him to say, or if he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet must die.’
Psalm 111:1
Halleluyah!
I will wholeheartedly give thanks to Adonai
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 The deeds of Adonai are great,
greatly desired by all who enjoy them.
3 His work is full of majesty and splendor,
and his righteousness continues forever.
4 He has gained renown for his wonders.
Adonai is merciful and compassionate.
5 He gives food to those who fear him.
He remembers his covenant forever.
6 He shows his people how powerfully he works
by giving them the nations as their heritage.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice;
all his precepts can be trusted.
8 They have been established forever and ever,
to be carried out truly and honestly.
9 He sent redemption to his people
and decreed that his covenant should last forever.
His name is holy and fearsome —
10 the first and foremost point of wisdom is the fear ofAdonai;
all those living by it gain good common sense.
His praise stands forever.
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 The deeds of Adonai are great,
greatly desired by all who enjoy them.
3 His work is full of majesty and splendor,
and his righteousness continues forever.
4 He has gained renown for his wonders.
Adonai is merciful and compassionate.
5 He gives food to those who fear him.
He remembers his covenant forever.
6 He shows his people how powerfully he works
by giving them the nations as their heritage.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice;
all his precepts can be trusted.
8 They have been established forever and ever,
to be carried out truly and honestly.
9 He sent redemption to his people
and decreed that his covenant should last forever.
His name is holy and fearsome —
10 the first and foremost point of wisdom is the fear ofAdonai;
all those living by it gain good common sense.
His praise stands forever.
4 So, as for eating food sacrificed to idols, we “know” that, as you say, “An idol has no real existence in the world, and there is only one God.” 5 For even if there are so-called “gods,” either in heaven or on earth — as in fact there are “gods” and “lords” galore — 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, through whom were created all things and through whom we have our being.
7 But not everyone has this knowledge. Moreover, some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat food which has been sacrificed to them, they think of it as really affected by the idol; and their consciences, being weak, are thus defiled. 8 Now food will not improve our relationship with God — we will be neither poorer if we abstain nor richer if we eat. 9 However watch out that your mastery of the situation does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 You have this “knowledge”; but suppose someone with a weak conscience sees you sitting, eating a meal in the temple of an idol. Won’t he be built up wrongly to eat this food which has been sacrificed to idols? 11 Thus by your “knowledge” this weak person is destroyed, this brother for whom the Messiah died; 12 and so, when you sin against the brothers by wounding their conscience when it is weak, you are sinning against the Messiah!
13 To sum up, if food will be a snare for my brother, I will never eat meat again, lest I cause my brother to sin.
Mark 1:21 They entered K’far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. 22 They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.
23 In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, 24 “What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” 25 But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, “Be quiet and come out of him!” 26 Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. 27 They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, “What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” 28 And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil.
***John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Verse 15
[15] The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Will raise up — Will produce and send into the world in due time.
A prophet like unto me — Christ was truly, and in all commendable parts like him, in being both a prophet and a king and a priest and mediator, in the excellency of his ministry and work, in the glory of his miracles, in his familiar and intimate converse with God.
Verse 19
[19] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
I will require it — I will punish him severely for it. The sad effect of this threatning the Jews have felt for above sixteen hundred years together.
Psalm 111
Verse 2
[2] The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Sought — Diligently meditated upon.
Verse 3
[3] His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Work — Either all his works, or that eminent branch of those works, his providence towards his people.
Righteousness — His justice or faithfulness in performing his word.
Verse 4
[4] He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Remembered — By their own nature, and the lasting benefits flowing from them, which are such as cannot easily be forgotten.
Verse 5
[5] He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
Meat — All necessary provisions for their being and well-being.
Verse 7
[7] The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
The works — All that he doth on the behalf of his people, or against their enemies.
Truth — Are exactly agreeable to his promises, and to justice.
Commandments — His laws given to the Israelites, especially the moral law.
Sure — Constant and unchangeable.
Verse 8
[8] They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
Done — Constituted or ordered.
Verse 9
[9] He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
Redemption — The deliverance out of Egypt, which was a type of that higher redemption by Christ.
Commanded — Appointed, or established firmly by his power and authority.
For ever — Through all successive generations of his people to the end of the world
Reverend — Terrible to his enemies, venerable in his peoples eyes, and holy in all his dealings with all men.
Verse 10
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
The fear — True religion.
Beginning — Is the only foundation of, and introduction to, true wisdom.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Verse 1
[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Now concerning the next question you proposed.
All of us have knowledge — A gentle reproof of their self-conceit. Knowledge without love always puffeth up. Love alone edifies - Builds us up in holiness.
Verse 2
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
If any man think he knoweth any thing — Aright, unless so far he is taught by God.
He knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know — Seeing there is no true knowledge without divine love.
Verse 3
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
He is known — That is, approved, by him. Psalms 1:6.
Verse 4
[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
We know that an idol is nothing — A mere nominal god, having no divinity, virtue, or power.
Verse 5
[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
For though there be that are called gods — By the heathens both celestial, (as they style them,) terrestrial, and infernal deities.
Verse 6
[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Yet to us — Christians.
There is but one God — This is exclusive, not of the One Lord, as if he were an inferior deity; but only of the idols to which the One God is opposed.
From whom are all things — By creation, providence, and grace.
And we for him — The end of all we are, have, and do.
And one Lord — Equally the object of divine worship.
By whom are all things — Created, sustained, and governed.
And we by him — Have access to the Father, and all spiritual blessings.
Verse 7
[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
Some eat, with consciousness of the idol — That is, fancying it is something, and that it makes the meat unlawful to be eaten.
And their conscience, being weak — Not rightly informed.
Is defiled — contracts guilt by doing it.
Verse 8
[8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But meat commendeth us not to God — Neither by eating, nor by refraining from it. Eating and not eating are in themselves things merely indifferent.
Verse 10
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
For if any one see thee who hast knowledge — Whom he believes to have more knowledge than himself, and who really hast this knowledge, that an idol is nothing-sitting down to an entertainment in an idol temple. The heathens frequently made entertainments in their temples, on what hath been sacrificed to their idols.
Will not the conscience of him that is weak — Scrupulous.
Be encouraged — By thy example.
To eat — Though with a doubting conscience.
Verse 11
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?— And for whom thou wilt not lose a meal's meat, so far from dying for him! We see, Christ died even for them that perish.
Verse 12
[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Ye sin against Christ — Whose members they are.
Verse 13
[13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
If meat — Of any kind. Who will follow this example? What preacher or private Christian will abstain from any thing lawful in itself, when it offends a weak brother?
Mark 1:21-28
Verse 21
[21] And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Luke 4:31.
Verse 26
[26] And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
A loud noise — For he was forbidden to speak. Christ would neither suffer those evil spirits to speak in opposition, nor yet in favour of him. He needed not their testimony, nor would encourage it, lest any should infer that he acted in concert with them.
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