Flush the Flesh

​Paul addressed some major Issues throughout his letter to the Corinthians in the final chapter he doesn't have one major theme but rather some reminders and final instructions.

Taking Collections  (vs. 1-4)
-  Come together on the first day of the week to take collections. 
-  It is best to have people set some money aside week by week rather than trying to 
   take a huge collection all at once.
-  Giving towards the needs of Jews is a way to bridge the gap for Gentiles.

Travel Plans  (vs. 5-12)
-  It is unwise to travel when it is dangerous unless the Lord says likewise.
-  We can make our plans but God orders our steps.
-  We will not always get to do what we would prefer.
-  Expect wide doors to open with the opportunity for effective ministry.
-  We are to assure that those we send out are treated in a respectful manner no 
   matter their age, cultural background, or ministerial experience.
-  When there are issues such as jealousy and strife it may be best to say no to an 
   invitation.

Final Exhortations (vs. 13-18)
-  Be alert (Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour).
-  Stand firm in the faith (Put on the full armor of God).
-  Be courageous (do not fear or be afraid).
-  Be Strong (in the Lord and the power of His might).
-  Your action must be done in love (1 Cor. 13).

First impressions are very important but our final words of a conversation or letter are usually what is remembered the most.  So we must take our time, pray, receive wisdom from the Lord and therefore make choice words that leave an impact.  Great leadership is not the ability to draw a crowd but the enablement to move people to do the right thing.

The Corinthians were very carnal and Paul's mission was to help them turn from their stinking thinking, replacing it with truth, marked with the beauty of the nature of His love.  

When one of our kids smells we tell them to hit the bathroom.  When a Christian is carnal we need to tell them to hit the prayer room.  The flesh is to be flushed by the power of the Holy Spirit, as it says in Romans 8:13.  We have no excuses for our behavior, for Romans 8:9 says we are not controlled by the flesh but by the Spirit.  What we feed is what will lead.  We are what we eat!  So if we want to live godly we must feed our spirit.  The Spirit grows in us through the Truth that is why John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him, must do so in Spirit and in Truth.  We can be saved but live like we are unsaved by neglecting our spiritual hunger for Truth.  Let us not be Carnal Christians like the Corinthians but Spiritual Beings bearing the image of Christ.

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