HUSBANDS, WIVES AND THE “IMPREGNABLE ROCK”
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Bible is featured in front of the Temple of Apollo in ancient Corinth. My son put it there. I think he had the right idea. The ancient temples are in ruins, but as Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away” Matthew 24:35.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:3 responding
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
The first verse of today’s reading tells us that 1st Corinthians is the answer to a letter from believers in the church there. Paul is responding, not dogmatically, not claiming every word is from God, but as a caring counselor. We may want to reread verses 6,12, 25, and 40. Notice statements such as, “I say this as a concession,” and, “But to the rest I, not the Lord say:” “Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord.” “I think I also have the Spirit of God.” This letter is “The Word of God,” not in the sense that God spoke directly here, but in the sense that it is an accurate record of Paul’s best advice as the one who had led many of these very people to Christ in the first place. In a city such as Corinth, there were 800,000 precious souls. Most of them may have messed up in their marriages. Those tabloids at the checkout counter would’ve had big sales there. To all, Jesus says, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:25-30).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Jesus, I come to You, as the old invitation song says, “Without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidst me come to Thee. O Lamb of God, I come.” I’d love to hear those words sung again (click here). Help me to pay attention to Paul’s advice, even if he does not claim it’s directly from You. Help me to listen carefully to my Pastor also. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I must not make the mistake of thinking all Paul writes is in the personal thoughts category. Almost all he writes is distilled from the Word of God Himself in the book that Paul knows so well, the scrolls of his Hebrew Bible. Paul was educated in the most prestigious rabbinical school of his time. 99.9 % of the time he writes with the full apostolic authority of God, Himself. No doubt he had memorized huge portions of God’s Word. Paul’s main teacher was Gamaliel, grandson of Hillel. Hillel is, to this day perhaps, the most respected teacher in all of Judaism.
Some may remember that after I stepped aside as leader of the Crossroads Ministry, I was given the title by the Board, “Minister of Social Concerns.” Paul was obviously carrying the “Social Concerns” portfolio here in chapter 7. In this role, I’ve participated in debates, appeared before government committees, etc. etc. I’ve also sought to encourage the strengthening of Canada’s social safety net. I’ve tried to stay above politics and concentrate on the moral principles that should guide us to a better, more caring society. I’ve tried to avoid stepping into the quick sand of situational ethics, keeping my feet firmly planted on what the former British P.M. Gladstone ( who negotiated with Canadians on our non-violent separation from Great Britain) called, “The impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture.” In fact, Gladstone sponsored 3 tours of his country by the American Evangelist, D.L.Moody. Our current P.M. has just established an Ambassadorial position to those who are being persecuted for their religious faith. Congratulations to Canada’s government.
Yours from someone who aims at 100 words, but rarely succeeds,
David
Ruins and pieces of pillars can be seen at the Temple of Apollo in old Corinth.
Thank you David for your faithfulness and we are praying
for you and your family. What a picture today…God’s Word shall
remain forever. God spoke it, may He help us to live it out
in our lives today. Matt. 4:4. Man shall not live on bread
alone, but on every WORD that proceeds out of the mouth
of God.
Enjoy a blessed day everyone.
Interesting thoughts this morning David. I’ve never thought about the idea of these being Paul’s personal thoughts before. Yet, Paul was such a well trained student of the Word and was so led by the Spirit of the Lord, his thoughts as recorded here were perfectly in-line with the teaching of Scripture. Paul was a representative of our Lord, as we all are when we come to know Him personally; but certain people are gifted to teach and preach. That is why we must pray for those who are out there on the front lines representing God’s Word, that they may be keenly aware of the Spirit’s promptings through careful and thoughtful scripture reading, study and guidance. For it is of immensely important that these Pastors and teachers accurately represent what the Lord would have us know from the teachings of His Word. Let’s take a moment and pray for our Pastor right now.
I should add here David, that I totally agree with your explanation
in the passage we read. I was so taken by Reynold’s picture
today of God’s living Word, in front of the ancient temple in
ruins, and we know God’s word will remain forever. What a
contrast. Your son did have a wonderful idea…and I appreciate
all that he has done to enhance the studies in your blog David.
It is a daily joy and inspiration.
1 Cor 6:32-35 stuck out to me; sorry, don’t have time to type it out right now, as I have to go, but it refers to Paul saying those who are unmarried have their minds on serving the Lord and those who are married have divided concerns in serving their spouses and the Lord. I like this passage, especially because Paul was totally transformed when he turned his life around to serving the Lord. He devoted everything to Him and that is what he expresses here. He was a prime example to follow.
Heard on 100 Huntley Street, yesterday, that you will be on Monday morning, David. So looking forward to watching you! Wishing all a most blessed day!
Correction: 1:Cor 7:32-35
Today’s picture of the bible clearly focussed in the foreground, reveals how God’s holy word stands the test of time and will remain the same for an eternity. It is quite a contrast to see the ruins in the background and how temporal all is, if it were not for our Creator and His inspired Word.
Loved – “Just as I am” AND “I Must Tell Jesus”. (2nd selection on that web page) You really do a great job of searching the internet as God brings these to your mind. Thank you.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” so beautifully illustrated by Reynold’s picture of the Word of God our/my solid rock in front of the Temple of Apollo
Great blog, David and illustrative photo, Reynold. A church in Burlington gave me a plaque some time ago that says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8). Thank you folks, if you read and remember that. I have thought of that verse, Beverlee many times. Some believe that the Apostle Paul was married to be a member of the Sanhedrin, although Chaper 7 states that he wasn”t. What do you think? God bless you all today.
Hi Ger, now that I am back, I would like to reply to your comment. Personally, I have never heard of Paul being married. It could be the same type of rumor people started about Jesus, saying he was married to Mary Magdalene–all falsified to take away from the importance of Jesus’ purpose on earth. There were similar rumors about Jesus smoking marijuana and being a hippie to try and falsify the doctrine and make money for the movie industry. It would be something I would prefer to investigate further about Paul because he had a very sinful life before he turned his leaf and fully served God in comparison to Jesus who was without sin. I do like Paul’s attitude and perspective he puts forward in 1 Corinthians that it is better to serve God wholeheartedly as a single person and dedicate one’s life totally to Him, than to marry and be divided in one’s needs and time to serve. ~Beverlee~
I am so blessed by your wonderful blog and the amazing pictures that your son takes! It is such an honor to be able to read this ,and I appreciate so much the sacrifice of your time and strength to do this service for others, especially at a time when you have such health issues. As ever , you are Gods’ Faithful Servant and a Great Gift to this Country! I remember you and Norma Jean singing the song “Others” and you certainly have always lived that way. Praying for you. God Bless You!
We are children of the Lord and you are our teacher as Paul was and is!!!!!!!!
Thanks everyone for your kinds words. I count it a huge privilege to photograph all these biblical locations and every once in a while I take my bible out of my backpack and place it in the shot – God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Thank you, Reynold. I was in a rush this morning and didn’t have time to comment on the photo. This one with the bible in front of the Temple is so meaningful. It’s so wonderful to have your photos included with the blog.
How do we go about including a photo image of ourselves when we make a post, as you have?
A bible in the foreground could run quite a theme … ghetto’s, mountains, aged, pregnancy etc … you’ve got it. All the best!
Amen!!! Praise God for sharing your perspective!
Reynold used such a beautiful illustration today!!!
Indeed God’s Word will stand forever, thank you, thank you!
David, I began watching and later supporting 100 Huntley Street 20 years ago. I was a new believer but had no one to disciple me. That is until I stumbled upon you. Those were difficult times for me but you always encouraged me with your comments, your guests, and your heartfelt prayers. You became my spiritual father. I had been betrayed by the men in my life. Men whose job it was to protect me. God has healed me from the hurt of all that, but I wanted you to know how much it has meant to me that you are a man who has remained faithful. I’ve watched you over the years and you have never wavered in your honesty and integrity. What a gift to someone like me. I went to Israel with you and Norma Jean this past November. What a blessing to meet you finally and to be assured that you are in person who you appear to be on television. You and your family are the real deal. When I pray for you I selfishly ask that God will let you linger here instead of taking you home. We need you. I need you.
We are studying this Chapter in our Bible study right now! What are the chances of that???
David…for those of us thirsty for God’s word and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we don’t mind those extra words you write every morning! God Bless those extra 30 words, or what ever the number might be!
I wish more believers would study the word themselves instead of depending on others to preach to them on Sunday mornings! Yes, we need leaders and teachers to help guide us, and we need the fellowship of other believers, but that can be found at bible study classes too!
I can say this because for most of my life I was one of those that sat in the pew and waited to be inspired by the pastor’s sermon that morning. I did not realize that this was not enough until years later. I wish I knew long ago, but I was lazy, I repent of my laziness and now I thank the Lord for putting the fire in me to learn!
I prayed for more faith and He sent this burning desire to learn more about Him!
Thank you David for helping us all learn more about the heart of our Father!
I have not been on my computer for a few days as it went on the blitz and
I got fustrated but now it works. Everything Elizabeth wrote is what I agree
as well. I’m praying for you David
Lianne Hogg
Dear David
Never be concerned by the length of your 100 Daily Words. We truly are uplifted spiritually every time.
As for you dear Reynolds you have outdone yourself once more bringing me literally to tears seing God’s Words coming alive yes truly heaven and earth will fall but his Word will stand in Jesus’name amen and amen.
God bless you all my fellow bloggers.
iam so thankfull for any extra words you care to share. i truly am enjoying this journey of learning with you david and fellow bloggers!