Articles

Introduction

The place and purpose of Israel is central to the correct understanding of the Bible. Philosophy is not a Biblical subject but the Bible contains a philosophy of life in the form of a "world view" that has different instantiations dependent on assumptions made. The particular world view adhered to and promoted by various expositors and "defenders of the faith" comes directly or indirectly through an understanding of Israel, its extent, demise or otherwise and future. These conclusions (posteriors) have developed throughout christendom in time and geography and have very informative "priors" which should be investigated carefully.

We seek to challenge many of these posterior conclusive world views by an appeal to the place and position of Israel as exhibited by the prophets in the old testament scriptures and the apostolic ministries presented in the new testament. Understanding Israel and how the present economy differes puts us in a place where we can learn from Israel's mistakes without taking what does not belong to us. The right division of scriptures "frees" us to see in Israel truths that are not unique to any particular age but which are universal in their scope.

It is with this premise that I would like to look at the time of "provocation" where Israel was tested in the wilderness. Lets look at some of her mistakes and find parallels in these three areas:

1. This age where PAul the prisoner is the chosen vessel to bring us enlightenment.
2. The Acts period when Paul was going to the Jew first with a Jewish hope.
3. The National difference that comes to America through its founding generation.
   1. What makes America "different" and "exceptional"? 
   2. What is the federalist and anti federalist issue?
   3. Are states sovereign?
   4. Should we as christians be involved or is this another entanglement to avoid?

Introduction

Last week we examined the remainder of Chapter 4 which ended in Paul addressing some of the Corinthians who were puffed up because they believed that he would not come to them -- he reasuures them that he will - if God wills it.

18  (AV) Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
18  ὡς μὴ ἐρχομένου δέ μου πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐφυσιώθησάν τινες.

19  (AV) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
19  ἐλεύσομαι δὲ ταχέως πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ, καὶ γνώσομαι οὐ τὸν λόγον τῶν πεφυσιωμένων, ἀλλὰ τὴν δύναμιν.

"Shortly" is the adverb ταχέως from whose stem we get tachometer which measures how fast an engine runs. Paul is not interested in "the word" of the puffed up ones but the power. Paul the apostle has power to correct these who are "blown up", he wants action not words and he is prepared to use his apostolic powers to quell the rebellion if needed.

20  (AV) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 
20  οὐ γὰρ ἐν λόγῳ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλ᾽ ἐν δυνάμει.

21  (AV) What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
21  τί θέλετε; ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ πνεύματί τε πρᾳότητος; (1Co 4:15-21 TBT)

The kingdom of God is not in word but in power. The real rulership of the kingdom will be beyond the canniving and artful use of words from the mouths of those who are puffed up. The "rod" (r`a,bdoj, ou, h` rod, staff, stick) will be applied if needed and while not Paul's first choice he allows them to choose -- "what do you wish?", τί θέλετε;

Introduction

Last time we examined the 3rd chapter of 1st Corinthians, this brought to light the unity of what God was seeking to perform during the Acts and reminds us in this age that to form divisions contrary to his word will only result in a work of the flesh.   We need food in season and must leave the milk if we are to grow and be a useful servant of the Lord.

This week we will start on chapter 4 where Paul invokes Irony to deal with the arrogant and fleshly stance of the Corinthians. This brings out the real state of the apostles in contrast to the christians at Corinth and especially the work and ministry of Paul.

Introduction

Last time we looked at the mystery of 1 Cor. 2:7. 

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (1Co 2:7 KJV)
7  ἀλλὰ λαλοῦμεν σοφίαν Θεοῦ ἐν μυστηρίῳ, τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην, ἣν προώρισεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν· (1Co 2:7 TBT)

Before the ages God had pre-marked out the strategy He would use in destroying the enemy and accomplishing the redemption of all that would respond to His call. This was a mixture of prophecy and hidden wisdom.

Today we will look at the the remainder of the chapter.