Emmaus

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21 NKJV). Here in our verse is a very clear and concise statement about the work of Christ our Savior for our salvation. There is a great deal of theology expressed in this verse. In it we have the sinlessness of Christ, the substitution of Christ, and the sanctification in Christ.   Sinlessness of Christ  – “ Who knew no sin .” The Lord Jesus Christ never sinne

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17 NKJV). Nothing gives us better perspective and understanding of our trials and afflictions than the Bible. And here in this verse we find great help. It speaks of the difficulty, duration, and dividends of our afflictions.   Difficulty  - “ Our light affliction .” Here the apostle Paul describes the difficulties of our “ afflictions ” in term

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1 NKJV). In our verse, the apostle Paul gives us a good lesson about our calling from the Lord. It speaks about the awareness of our calling, the awarding of our calling, and the attitude in our calling.   Awareness of our calling  – “ Since we have this ministry .” While the apostle Paul knew that he was called to be an apostle, he is not the only one who should know his call

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13 NKJV). In this verse, the Apostle Paul gives four short, pungent, exhortations or commands to the church in Corinth. They concerned being watchful, faithful, manful, and powerful.   Watchful  – “ Watch .” Christians are to be alert, careful, and cautious regarding life. A careless Christian will soon be a defeated Christian. There are many subtle temptations in life to ensnare the believer regarding evil phi

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58 NKJV). This verse gives us an exhortation for service and an encouragement for service. It is great counsel about serving the Lord which we all need.   Exhortation for service  – “ Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord .” The exhortation here is twofold: we are to be faithful in servi

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40 NKJV). While this verse was written primarily about conduct in church services, the principle is applicable for every area of our lives. Here, the apostle Paul gives two rules for desirable conduct: propriety and priorities.   Propriety  – “ Let all things be done decently .” The word translated “ decently ” means to be honorable, marked by propriety, and it involves honesty. The word also carries the idea of good

“Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5 NKJV). 1 Corinthians 13 has been called the great love chapter in the Bible. What we hear about love today is not true love, for it lacks the character of true love. Our verse gives four important characteristics of true love which contrast to much of what society say about love. It says love is not shameful in conduct, not selfish in conduct, not sensitive in conduct, and not spite

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13 NKJV). This verse is one of the best texts on temptation in the Bible. It speaks of the commonness of temptation, the control of temptation, and the conquering of temptation.   Commonness of temptation  – “ No temptation has

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Cor. 9:24 NKJV). Here, the apostle Paul is comparing the Christian life to running. With running being a popular form of recreation these days, the comparison will be readily understood especially by runners. This verse reminds us that running requires persistency, perspiration, purpose, and precepts.   Running requires persistency  – The idea here

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Luke 2:25 NKJV). Simeon is a great example of how to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.   Simeon was righteous and devout which led him to wait for the Consolation of Israel - the Messiah (Luke 2:25-26) Many folks in Israel were experiencing great injustice, and so they were praying for the Mes