Daily Notes & Observations is a 365-part series that follows a chronological daily Bible reading schedule and contains a short article based on something found in the text for each day. This material is also available in paperback.

December 4, 2012

“Peddling the Word of God” (12/4)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Corinthians 1-4.

When one has a product to sell, he will highlight its impressive features and keep silent about any real or perceived problems it may have. It is common for one to exaggerate and even lie in order to sell his product. If sales are not as good as he hopes, he may even decide to change the product altogether to make it more appealing to his target audience. When one is selling a regular product or service, there is nothing wrong with making changes in order to improve sales, as long as he continues to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17, KJV).

However, too many people view the gospel as a product to be sold and will, therefore, change it in order to make it appealing to a larger group of people. Yet the gospel is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16), not a common product to be marketed and sold. Therefore, we must not treat it as common or changeable. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:

“For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17).

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December 3, 2012

“Stop Sinning” (12/3)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 15-16.

Many in the religious world believe that sin, though not necessarily desirable, is acceptable. They may not use the term acceptable, but when they affirm that God accepts one in sin before meeting His terms of forgiveness, or that Christians should accept one in sin without regard to what God’s word teaches about the bounds of fellowship, their point is essentially the same. To them, sin is acceptable, tolerable, or of no consequence. Yet this is not what the Scriptures teach.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

Paul warned the saints in Corinth not to allow evil influences to corrupt their “good morals.” These evil influences would entice them to sin, trying to persuade them that there were no consequences for sinful behavior. Paul did not say that such corrupting of good morals was tolerable because God’s grace will unconditionally cover all sins. This is the deception that threatened the Corinthians and that threatens people of faith today.
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December 2, 2012

“Do Not Be Children in Your Thinking” (12/2)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 12-14.

When the disciples tried to prevent children from being brought to Jesus, the Lord said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). There are certain characteristics common in children that disciples must have (innocence, trust, etc.). Yet Jesus did not teach that His followers must be like children in all things. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:

“Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

While there are certain characteristics of children that are to be emulated, there are others that are not. In this passage, Paul said that in the realm of thinking, Christians are not to be like children, but are to be mature.
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December 1, 2012

“Woe Is Me if I Do Not Preach the Gospel” (12/1)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 9-11.

While Paul preached in Corinth, he received no financial support from the church there. He either worked to support himself or received “wages” from other churches for his work (Acts 18:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Yet in the first part of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul argued that he had “a right to refrain from working” as he preached the gospel among them (1 Corinthians 9:6). He pointed out the fact that it was God’s intention for preachers to be supported.

“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).

Yet because of circumstances in Corinth, Paul chose not to take advantage of what should have been expected – support from those among whom he labored (1 Corinthians 9:15). But why would Paul forgo support? And without adequate support, why would he keep preaching? Notice what he told them:

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

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November 30, 2012

“You Have Become Arrogant and Have Not Mourned Instead” (11/30)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 5-8.

The popularity of the “grace-unity” movement has led many to tolerate sin within their congregations. This was happening in Corinth when Paul wrote to them. He rebuked them for it.

“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).

The Corinthians were being more tolerant than God allows within the bounds of fellowship. They accepted one with whom they had been told not to associate (1 Corinthians 5:11). Yet Paul did not just rebuke them for being too tolerant. He rebuked them for arrogance.
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November 29, 2012

“Everywhere in Every Church” (11/29)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 1-4.

When one looks at the religious world, it is easy to see the great diversity in doctrines and practices among the various churches. These doctrines are often conflicting with one another. The practices are sometimes very different from one church to another. Yet most people accept this as though it is to be expected. But it is not supposed to be this way. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:

“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

Paul’s message was consistent as he went from one church to another. He did not tailor the gospel to fit with the desires, traditions, or opinions of those he met. He preached the same gospel “everywhere in every church.”
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November 28, 2012

“All Who Lived in Asia Heard the Word of the Lord” (11/28)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 18:19-19:41.

Paul had a very productive time in Ephesus preaching the gospel. Even with opposition that forced him to leave the synagogue, he was able to reach far beyond just the city limits of Ephesus.

“And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10).

How was Paul able to have such great success in spreading the gospel that “all who lived in Asia heard the word”? First, notice what was not involved in Paul’s work:
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