Do we believe that we have everything in Christ? Do we look to man or do we look to God in all things?
Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, basically calling them worldly, not spiritual. He says, “I gave you milk not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready, “You are still worldly.” (1 Corinthians 3: 1-3)
Here’s the difference between milk and solid food. “For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5: 13-14)
What qualities are they exhibiting that are worldly? He lists them. Jealousy and quarreling are among you. You quarrel about who you follow. “One says, I follow Paul, another says, “I follow Apollos.” (1 Corinthians 3: 4)
- It’s not about who you follow, but how you follow.
- It’s the same letters, just a different order.
Paul is wanting them to see that they are mere men, showing them that we are God’s field, God’s building. He says, “So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the present or the future–all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God.” (1 Corinthians 3: 21-23)
- No group can call its very leader their own.
- Identify yourself as Christ’s. (Shared from 1 Corinthians 3, Modified)
Joel sees the nations being judged. He says, “The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the Lord will be a judge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” (Joel 2: 16)
- God judges and God restores.
He prophesies blessings to come. “In that day the mountains will drip new wine and the hills will flow with milk, all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house and will water the valley of acacias.” (Joel 3: 18)
Blessings from God’s presence, streams of blessings refresh His people and make their place fruitful, endlessly fruitful. When God blesses, He is like a well-watered garden in the middle of the desert.
The book finishes with this, “The Lord dwells in Zion!” (Joel 3: 21) Those who trust in God will live with Him for all things are yours!
(Shared from Joel 3, Modified)
The divisions are still in the land. Asa is now the King of Judah. Baasha, son of Ahijah, becomes king of all Israel. He reigns twenty-four years.
King after king is raised up within Israel. Kings are killed, and the entire family of a king is wiped out. More division is occurring between the nations. Will there ever be peace? We still ask that same question today.
Israel keeps provoking God’s anger as they continue to worship their worthless idols. Altars are set up to Baal. Ahab, son of Omri, becomes King of Israel. “Ahab, son of Omri, did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria.” (1 Kings 16: 30, 32)
- The war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan was intense. Yes, it still exists. (Shared from 1 Kings 15: 33-16: 34, Modified)
As a New Testament believer in Yeshua, we haven’t fully understood that in Christ, all things are ours. Scripture says, “As He is so are we…” (1 John 4: 17) But it doesn’t stop there. The full verse says, “As He is so are we in this world.” (1 John 4: 17) This is the consummation (completion) of love.
Jesus is truly our gift from the Father to walk into all that God has called us to. I look and see the goodness of God and see His plan of salvation, and His plan of restoration.
God has always desired for His people to not only be His but to be restored, completely and fully. That can only happen in Christ.
Yes, my friends, all things are ours; all things in heaven and in the earth. Receiving Him is receiving it all.
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
Comments are closed.