327 - “Not Everything Is Beneficial” 1 Corinthians 5-6

 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 

I Cor 4:20

So what's the point?
It's not our well-spoken, high-sounding speech.
It's about the power that stirs within each of us.
Is it the power of God! 

Corinth is like the U.S.
They valued the gift of gab.
They held, like us, "a love for power of discourse."
God loves godliness

Matthew Henry commentary says:
"The power of the Spirit of God attests to the presence of the Kingdom of God in a church or in an individual."

I will not be mastered by anything.  

I Cor 6:12
May we all be controlled this day by the power of God.

May we all hear the stirrings of your Spirit and be used to bring in the Kingdom.  In our own lives first.  In our churches.  In our world.  It's all about power not words.  May we find Your strength, Your power, this day and always.

These Corinthians.
So ready to say:  All things are lawful for me.
But that does not mean that we can put ourselves in situations where the power of our own desires---things here on earth consume us---whatever it is that brings dishonor to God's Name.  May we and our children and friends not be brought under their power.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." I Corinthians 6:19-20

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. I Cor. 6: 12"Make it our business, to the latest day and hour of our lives, to glorify God with our bodies, and with our spirits which are His."  Matthew Henry

PHOTO:  Colorado. Black Mountain surrounding me. What surrounds my thoughts?