Daily Devotion in I Corinthians 16

Daily Nugget:
In concluding his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul included a fearful warning. His advice was the root of why Paul tolerated all he did to give the Gospel to whomever he could. His alert should be why we try to reach as many as possible with the Gospel truths that can save people from an eternal Hell. The preacher’s warning was, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” (I Corinthians 16:22)

Anathema is Greek for “banned, excommunicated, or cursed.” The Chaldean-rooted “Maranatha” has to do with when “our Lord comes.”

Ignoring confusing commentaries and their disagreements among each other over tenses and meanings of these words, the preserved English (KJV) gets across a clear message. The warning boils down to, “If you don’t love Jesus, you’re in deep trouble when Jesus returns and judges.”

Throughout the Bible, a principle is taught. It is “… love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut. 6:5) Since Jesus is equal with God (John 5:18, Philippians 2:6), we must love Jesus also. Jesus died on the cross to pay for all our sins. How could you not love a Saviour that bought you out of Hell and bondage to sin? We must love Jesus.

If we reject Jesus, we do not love Him. One day all those that take Jesus lightly, mock His name, and what He has done, will answer for their not loving the Saviour at their judgment time. Excuses, proud remarks, and a lifetime of ignoring the One that came to rescue them will be seen as foolishness as the one they mocked will be their judge.

No one can make anyone love Jesus. We can, however, be messengers with the Good News that “Jesus saves.” It is up to the hearer to choose Jesus as Saviour, rather than to be cursed when Jesus comes.

Today’s Thought: 
“Jesus, your Saviour now or your Judge then. The choice is up to you.” — Author Unknown

Words to Understdoneand:
Effectual: Successful achieving the desired effect

Today’s Reading:
I Corinthians 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5 ¶ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
10 ¶ Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
13 ¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be done with charity.
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19 ¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Daily Devotion in Psalm 150

Daily View Devotion in Psalm 148

Daily Devotion in Psalm 149