1 Corinthians 10:16-17
In this study, we will look at a few points of doctrine, which are presented for your edification to build you up, to feed your soul, in the love, in the body of Christ.
FELLOWSHIP – SHARING
1 Corinthians 10:16 “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing of the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Our fellowship here is with Christ by communion.”
The New Testament word for fellowship is koinonia (koin o nia), translated sharing in verse 16 above, and so sharing or giving is the key idea. The Father gave the Son. The Son gave His life. We are to give to the Church and one another as Christ’s followers. We are to be imitators of the Father and the Son until Christ returns to take us Home.
In II Corinthians 10:24, Paul tells us “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” So giving to our Church, supporting other believers, and our neighbor, is an expression of love (no strings attached), and love is a fulfillment of the first fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Giving to the Lord’s work, joint participation with another, and the fellowship of giving, is a measure of our love-motivation, and spiritual maturity — our wisdom. (Read this a second time).
The teaching on giving in Scripture demands that we give serious and systematic consideration to creating a plan for giving. Our giving should not be hit-or-miss, nor should it be based merely on an emotional response to an appeal.
It is important for us to know with assurance, the will of God. Our assurance should be the result of a confirmation from God. We must, like the great apostle Paul, wait on the Lord for revelation of God’s will in the details of our lives. Emergencies, being the exception, of course.
EDIFICATION
The word edify in the writings of Paul means to advance spiritually. Therefore, the primary purpose of teaching God’s Word in depth, is to expedite the spiritual advance of believers in the body of Christ.
Bible Doctrine erects a fortress around the soul — an edification complex of the soul, for the soul (Ephesians 4:11-12; Colossians 2:7). The foundation of the advancing believers soul structure is Christ our Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-8).
Human knowledge puffs up, but divine knowledge (epignosis), humbles. The word of God literally ‘lives in us’ as it erects a structure for the soul. (See also I Corinthians 8:1-2.) In this same context, verse 6, is a beautiful expression of our relationship with the Father and the Son:
“Yet for us (believers) there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”
Wow! As believers we exist for God! As believers we exist Through Christ! Galatians 2:20, expresses the same idea.
Some of the most powerful verses in all of Scripture are found in the first three chapters of Ephesians. Read these powerful words often, especially whenever you need assurance. There is so much LIGHT in these three chapters. They are full of Truth for living and reasons for giving.
God’s Word is full of beautiful colors designed to light up the world. We need to share God’s Words of Truth. The world needs truth. The world needs Christ. Watch for opportunities to share the message of the Cross.
As I was meditating during this study, on all the above and the Scripture references in this study, the following thoughts came to me:
LOVE REJOICES WITH TRUTH
Love rejoices with truth. What a beautiful thought. Thank you, Lord.
Love is a many-splendored Person … Christ. What a splendid thought. Thank you, Lord.
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE
The character manifestations of love may be found in I Corinthians 13:4-7. Please make time to read these characteristics of Love. As you read them, compare them to your own love outlook.
In closing, these inspirations are inspiring! Let us bow our soul knees before the Father and thank Him for His Perfect Plan through His Perfect Son. Amen.
Happy Studying in Fields of Grace.
(As a reminder, Word of Truth Ministries never solicits or accepts donations or funds of any kind. Give to your local church instead.)