Jehovah's Witnesses Straight Talk - Forum/Blog

The book of 1 Corinthians

Chapter 9

1Cor.9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Aren't you my work in the Lord?
9:2 If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 9:3 My defense to those who examine me is this. 9:4 Have we no right to eat and to drink? 9:5 Have we no right to take along a wife who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 9:6 Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work? 9:7 What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk?

Sadly children of good parents often take what they have for granted because of the uncomplaining parents. Good parents are in hopes their children they will come to appreciation for their tireless efforts in their behalf. Here the apostle Paul was dealing with just such a fleshly mentality among those born again of God's Spirit. They took Paul's labors as expected, deserved, owed too them, as nothing, but why can we say this?

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.

Simply, put the entire book of first Corinthian's is about fleshly minded Christian's happily setting up teachers over themselves. Perhaps, contributing money to these prominent teachers whom personality they admired. It is no different today religious people contribute too preachers or teachers who present themselves in the flesh the best. If a minister has a really good personality and looks good, he will rake in more money than a person just teaching spiritual truth's who does all the hard lifting.

1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?

Spiritual people do not demand or beg for money because it deems the God whom their serve as weak and begging for money, good parent don't want their kids money they want a good life for them. But all adults should appreciated the efforts of others in strengthening our lives, particular our spiritual lives. Paul was the father to these Christian's it was his labor and hard work that they had the seal of God's Holy Spirit written into their hearts, Paul wanted nothing, but love in return, love should not have to ask for help, it should be something we do because we see a need. But these Christian's hadn't gotten it yet, they allowed Paul to defend himself, shaming what they as Christian's should have done willingly for Paul's hard work in their behalf of their faith.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.

Rom.13:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet,"{TR adds "You shall not give false testimony,"}{Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21} and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."{Leviticus 19:18}

1Cor.9:8 Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn't the law also say the same thing? 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."{Deuteronomy 25:4} Is it for the oxen that God cares, 9:10 or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. 9:11 If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?

Flesh enslaves flesh, the Spirit enslave no one, the two are opposed, and are the exact opposite in nature. Here the apostle Paul must reminded these fleshly minded Christian's in Corinthian's that the mundane is not the superior. The law is a mere shadow of the reality of being indwell with life, yes, the life of Christ Jesus. Paul had labor with spiritual things not the law, fulfilled in Christ, but with Christ working through him for their eternal lives.

John 6:63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.

However, they had become dull steep in mundane fleshly thinking so Paul reaches back into the physical sight seen things they could at least grasp law saying: “Even the law allows some compensation for hard labor!” But why? Simply put, loves owes no one anything, but love. These brothers and sister would not respond in kind, like those walking in Spirit, that is, love.

Romans 3:20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

Romans 6:19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.

They wanted to be enslaved to guilt by laws creating guilt by there judgments of sin. In other words, if someone did not constantly ride them with obligation of sinning, they would not give freely from love. Here than is why so many modern day Christian's find themselves dead in spirit if not associated with an organized religion pounding them with guilt of obligation.

Romans 8:3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh;

Romans 8:4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Subsequently, those leading such religions believe that at least they are getting some good done, where if people were left on their own without constantly guilt put upon them nothing would get done for the Kingdom of God. However, such thinking is erroneous fleshly thinking planting with a view to this life only, reaping the evil fruit of all man made organizations from religion to politics.

Romans 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be.

James. 3:8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 3:9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 3:11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

One cannot mix leavened bread, that is, yeast into the Christ and not created a yeast kingdom of weed Christian's. God, nor Christ would allows such false obligation by laws of our flesh too fill his kingdom even if it meant allowing the field of God's planting to be over-sown with weed Christian's.

Matthew 13:33 He spoke another parable to them. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures{literally, three sata. 3 sata is about 39 litres or a bit more than a bushel} of meal, until it was all leavened."

So why did Paul seemingly use guilt here? He did not if you read in context this part of his letter to the Corinthian's. What Paul did, and in fact, what he always did was put to death the fleshly thought of false teachers trying by their very nature to bring in works of law into the freedom of Christ. The Corinthian's were enslaved to fleshly teachers using the laws for sins extracting payment for their labor, but the question is? Why were Paul's spiritual labors under the law of freedom Christ of no value too these brothers and sister, why were they treated as less? Yet, they were giving honor and monetary support to teachers enslaving them again to the flesh?

John 5:41 I don't receive glory from men.

Romans 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

Matt.6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

1Cor.9:12 If others partake of this right over you, don't we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ.

God/YHWH makes it rain upon the righteous and the unrighteous, He does not become bitter when ones do not acknowledge Him as a good and generous God, but why? Each one of us professing Christianity need to consider that question? We have a most profound simply answer, do you know what it is? Love, love does not seek its own interest, love does not make someone have appreciation for them, it can't, why? Because perfect love, that is, God's own love is freely given.

Matthew 5:45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

1 Corinthians 2:12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.

Now we know false religion in its best attempts to bottle and package God's love, who would have us believe God makes us feel guilty for His love, but that is a lie! This very thinking was permeating the Corinthian's congregation Paul was speaking to here. They had not passed beyond the primary doctrines of Christ, out of works of laws, repentance from dead works into perfection, into what perfection? The love of God, and for brother and sisters, instead they were being enslaved to guilt to gain love, just like the world uses on all levels.

Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" He who hears, let him say, "Come!" He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
1 John 4:20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?

1 John 3:18 My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

The apostle Paul used none of these means to get them too give, God uses none of these underhanded tactics to enslave our conscience too guilt so we serve him, no! That is the works of men, unrighteous men enslaving other for what purpose? Power, control, position, and wealth. Unfortunately, these fleshly minded Christian's were happily being enslaved to teachers in Corinthian's to curry favor with them, be recognized by them, drop names, and so on. . . just like the world.

John 10:10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

Hebrews 13:5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."{Deuteronomy 31:6}

So why did Paul bring it up, simply put, false teaching must be corrected, but what Paul did not do was toss these men out as wicked, nor did he slander their names or created a new law forbidding such conduct, but why? Because love gives freely, and if we love God, will give to other freely, guilt is an obligation that falls for short of perfect love. Paul hoped each person within the Corinthian congregation would come to perfect love and show appreciation for God's work that he was doing among them.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

1Cor.9:13 Don't you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? 9:14 Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News. 9:15 But I have used none of these things, and I don't write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.

Once again Paul is put into a unobtainable circumstance having those of the fleshly mind enslave members of the congregation obligating them for payment for their position of teaching, for favors and so on . . .

Such giving is not wrong, but enslaving is! God had made a provision under the law for the priestly class having no employment or land in Israel. Hence, should be supported by non-priestly members of Israel for their services for Israel. Here Paul alludes to that provision, but he does not mandate the Christian's congregation to pay for priestly services, as though they are still under the law.

One must remember here, each member of the body of Christ is part of the Royal priesthood because they are a part of the high priest Christ Jesus. All are taught by God's Spirit needing no one to teach them. In other words, God is their Father, Christ is the head of the congregation, the teacher who speak to the body members if they walk in Spirit.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Corinthians 12:26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Teachers of the body of Christ are slaves as are all body members, teachers are given a gift for the bodies needs, they are not lords of the body setting themselves up as superior to be waited upon, and be taken care of by other body members. They are not better, or in a better position, as the world see position, they are as a hands are too our own bodies, extended members that care for the needs of the rest of the body parts.

1Cor.1:28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are: 1:29 that no flesh should boast before God.

This concept was lost among these fleshly worldly minded Christian's, they wanted what the nations sought, and longed for, great men of power with dynamic personality enslaving them to idol worship. Making men gods over them, walking essentially by sight, and not by faith in Christ their invisible head, and teacher of the body. Rather these teachers stole Christ position glorifying themselves by a gift given to minister for the needs of the body of Christ. Paul would later write about the restraint being taken away. which started at the apostles times, ending up in a world wide field of weeds, false religion, no different than the world, when it comes to position of power, where clergy members making their living off of the laity class, as paid Shepard.

Matthew 20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be{TR reads "let him be" instead of "shall be"} your servant.

But Paul himself, made no provision for his flesh dead in Christ, he did not unitize his position for gain, gain monetarily, for gain in prestige, and/or gain in power. He was overlooked by these fleshly minded Christian's because Paul was under the law of love, which does not obligate, or demand payment for services. Love, instead leaves it up to our heart condition too give freely and to receive freely. Paul worked hard with his two hands giving of himself too others freely. But unfortunately, as fleshly minded Christian's do, enslaving themselves too men, always, in some manner, they were unequivocally shaming Paul love, and kindness shown by his labors in Christ, like unappreciative children.

Matt.25:44 "Then they will also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?' 25:45 "Then he will answer them, saying, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.'

Luke.17:11 It happened as he was on his way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. 17:12 As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance. 17:13 They lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 17:14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." It happened that as they went, they were cleansed. 17:15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 17:16 He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. 17:17 Jesus answered, "Weren't the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 17:18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?"

1Cor.9:16 For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don't preach the Good News. 9:17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.

These words of Paul have been used by unrighteous men to make a rules or laws to force, and/or coercer members of their religion into preaching the Good News, what a contradiction in terms! However, such mundane fleshly obligation of working for a religion is not what Paul was referring to here.

Romans 3:20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

In context to all the holy writings, in this case the Christian's Greek scriptures, Christian's no longer have a sinful flesh in Christ Jesus. Subsequently, they don't have a personal will their being in the body of Christ Jesus. Hence, they are doing the will of God through the head of the body directed by spirit, which they are members in. Their personal will is dead in Christ, being a new person in Christ. Now this is the context of Paul's words here, whom enlightened us by his many writings, which writings back what was just stated herein.

Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Romans 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 6:8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Having this context we understand the letter of Corinthian's is written to a fleshly congregation forgetting the point of whom they were anointed to live for? So Paul is shutting the mouth of those whom are teaching that preaching is a work of law, which gain a person a standing with God. If we are dead in Christ being purchased by his blood, than we do not own ourselves, nor our possession, and certainly not our service in the Lord. We are factually created for God's purposes for the service of other body members. We are not the head of the body, we are a slave within the body of Christ righteously following the direction of our head to minister too those Christ directs us too.

2 Corinthians 4:11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

So if these fleshly minded Christian's wanted to preach through the power of their fleshly mind, doing so was no problem, their judgment was paid for by Christ, removed and abolished; than be at preaching! However, if they did not use their will, remaining in Christ under his will this would only proved they have a stewardship entrusted too them as a members of Christ Jesus body.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Subsequently, the problem with religion and its fleshly thinking, which is a legalistic believing in works of law; Paul informed these judgmental Christian's whom was using the preaching as a spring board to judge their brothers and sisters. God had no judgment in the matter because he was not fooled, He created his children for a purpose, and they would do the work he created them for just like a good fruit tree, it has a purpose, rules, and law written in our bibles will not make a good fruit tree produce fruit, because that is it truth, its life, its created purpose, nor will words of our bibles make a corrupt tree produce good fruit!

2 Timothy 2:11 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

1Cor.4:1 So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries. 4:2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful. 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment. Yes, I don't judge my own self. 4:4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

1Cor. 9:18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.

The apostles Paul is not stating a rule of law here, what he is doing is making a suggestion a point about his own personal ministry based upon his conscience. Should one charge for the Good News? Many have for two thousands years since Christ made a prosperous living some have even become wealthy from a position in teaching others the bible. Abuse of the Good News is common, huge corporate religions dictating every facet of a person life, creating powerful position of authority over others where person many not become rich but they want for nothing as an iconic figure of their religion.

Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

Did Christ charge us for the Good News, did his Father YHWH charge us for the gift of life? Were the needs of those preaching Good News as promised by Christ taken care of, yes! So the question is the Good News a job a career away to make a living, no! The Good News as Paul preached it was an labor of love from a heart loving what God has done for us individually in giving us the life of Christ Jesus.

Luke 10:7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don't go from house to house.

The Good News is an expression of Christ Jesus imperishable life living through us expressing the love of God towards mankind as an ambassador substituting for Christ upon earth. What Spirit does the person uses in preaching the Good News, and is the spirit one of greed, lust, does it seek power and position, or does it greedily fight to hang on to a position given too it by a man made religion?

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.

The Holy Spirit found in those authorized to preach the Good News by Christ is contrary to the spirit of this world, it is defined for us in God's written word:

Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,{or, faithfulness} 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Paul did not want to stumble any one with the appearance of using his authored to gain from the Good News, but he did not say and make a law stating one is not worthy of help for preachings. Many judge and have swung to both extremes on this subject, but neither extreme is correct. Let each us focus on Christ, his spirit, and fruit of Holy Spirit that created and teaches the Good News to us an let us share this Spirit freely with others, trusting our Heavenly Father will look after our needs by faith.

Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" He who hears, let him say, "Come!" He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.

1Cor.9:19 For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. 9:22 To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. 9:23 Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.

Many in false religion have uses the apostle Paul's words here to hide some truth about their religion thinking it OK because the person is not yet strong enough to accept the good and bad of their religion. Did Paul actually let some believe a lie in order to snag them into the truth, the Christ?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.

Christ himself ate with those the teachers of Israel thought were unclean, did Christ play bait and switch to-get followers?

Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

First, in context, Paul did not compromise the Christ by saying it was OK to stay under the law, his entire life course lead by Holy Spirit was a restrain against those teaching the law as an obligation upon Christian's so he certainly was not weak on this subject. However, he was very aware of the weakness of others conscience still under the law. Paul's life, was the Christ life working in him, his ministry was not a self-willed obligation to the Good News. It was in fact a life of a servant in the body of Christ.

Galatians 1:7 and there isn't another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.

Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?

Paul's ministry was the Christ ministry don't be confused here, there were not two heads of the body of Christ, two minds that directed the body, Christ, and Paul's. Christ was not working through Paul to deceive people into loving his Father YHWH, Christ spirit in Paul did not use underhanded tactics to gain people for the truth. Christ is the truth, and no lie exist in him, he is love, as YHWH is love, both are not salesmen of truth. However, both understand our infirmity and weakness of our faith and like a doctor works with strong and the weak in comfort each of us into the fulness of the Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

2 Corinthians 4:2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Would Paul look like a fool to gain someone for the Christ, would Christ be an outcast among the Jew's to gain those loving God, yes, and yes! There is not one point with in the written word that supports a cunning devious ministry in the name of God's love, because love does not work harm toward ones neighbor.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

1Cor.9:24 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.

Did Christ run the race of life? Better yet, did he win the race of life, and for whom? Let us take pause here, one body, one faith, one head of the body, but many member therein. Here we must ask did Christ get eternal life, and if Christian's believe do they received that eternal life as God's gift too them? Moreover, is the apostle Paul now talking about works of law in these verses?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys{The same word can be translated "disobeys" or "disbelieves" in this context.} the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Will, we know he is not here speaking of works of law, that is, earning eternal life with God and Christ because it is a gift. Subsequently, proven through Paul's own writing, so what is the context? The race for life was completed by Christ no man or woman can have life outside Christ righteousness its that simple.

John 5:24 "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Christ is the last Adam and he becomes the father of the new creation by making them sinless, something Adam could not do, from sin. Hence, we must be a member within the body of Christ, the tree of life for us, a branch there upon to have eternal life flowing through Christ too us. The one runner was Christ we benefit by his life winning the race for us. We are part of his body thus, receiving the body righteousness, and the life of the body eternal life by our faith.

John 6:40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

John 6:47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

What are the rules of the body of Christ, that is, in context to help others gain eternal life in Christ? Is it going back to the law, no! Is it gaining it by works of law, will no! Is it proving we are righteous, no again? What are the rules, Christ is the rules, being in Christ by our faith. In other words, even the unrighteous have rules for their games, how can we be in Christ and have no leadership, when we profess to be under Christ headship?

Romans 5:21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.

Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who can't lie, promised before time began;

Titus 3:7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The rules are clear, faith in Christ, walking in love, allowing Christ to lead us as obedient children of God by God's Holy Spirit. Teaching righteousness, what righteousness? The laws righteousness, or the Christ righteousness working in us, as a living eternal Father to the human race, or do we teach others to swing wildly into the air punching as it where into sometimes being good enough while other times not through self-works, or do we teach the truth, nothing good dwells in us that is why we are dead in our sinful flesh in Christ. Christ is good enough all the time, we are not, it is his life we teach and our being apart of it that puts us into eternal life, this is the rules of the game Paul speaks here in context to all his writings.

1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

John 15:4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 15:5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

1Cor.9:25 Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 9:26 I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, 9:27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Is the apostle Paul here contradicting himself? Paul states else where a serve treatment of the body is of no value at all in Christ than he also states those in the flesh cannot please God. Moreover, no one preached any louder and loner than Paul himself when it came to works of law. This is a quandary, Paul in the same letter teaches that if our works are not build upon Christ they would be destroyed as if by fire, but we ourselves would be saved, so what is the context of these verses which seem to contradict Paul himself?

Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

1 Peter 3:21 This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you--not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Specifically, Paul is defending his ministry, but why must he defend his ministry? It is because the Corinthian's are looking at the flesh, what flesh? Teachers flesh, which is bring them under control of laws completed in Christ, into works of law. There is a course each anointed Christian's must follow that course is being lead by the Holy Spirit in Christ, which means being under Christ headship by faith. Faith as will as self-control are fruit of Holy Spirit found in Christ and given to the body as gifts.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,{or, faithfulness} 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

If one does not stay in faith they are not in Christ under the head of the body whom won the race of life for us. However, Paul talks about his personal ministry here, his own conscience in Christ towards his ministry. Who would Paul be rejected by, YHWH, Christ, or man? Paul ministry would be rejected by men as of no value if he did not control his life's minister of the Good News just as the fleshly Corinthian's were doing here, that is, being fleshly and having to be corrected in their flesh by Paul defending his ministry.

1Cor. 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."
1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?

2 Corinthians 11:17 That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.

2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.

What Paul is not saying that a person wins the incorruptible crown of life by works of law, that is, obeying rules of law by men, religion or even the law. Paul is making a fleshly comparison so the Corinthian could understand why Paul conducted his ministry which was being challenge by fleshly teachers. Paul did not judge himself, nor make judgments about eternal life as a member of the body of Christ knowing as he did such fleshly judgments were not in his jurisdiction, for he himself was declared righteous without sin through Christ completing his own judgment.

1Cor. 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment. Yes, I don't judge my own self.
4:4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

Moreover, Paul understood and taught tirelessly that the flesh is dead in Christ, meaning its judgment was dead, the flesh being of no value at all in combating fleshly desires. In other words, works of law do not combat the lust of the flesh making it righteous, what does declare us righteous is the removal of our judgment of our flesh, by its death, accounting it as dead in Christ, so we can be declared righteous by what Christ did for us in winning the race of life as the sinless lamb of God.

Colossians 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Hence, Paul is stating what does my ministry look like to the flesh? If its of any value to the world it must be worth fighting for just as those whom attend in the games at Corinthian's, but he is not teaching a new doctrine, as a false righteous and false religion does from Paul's word here. He not changing up as the flesh does, he is in context explaining his personal ministry, and why he does what he does in the flesh for the sake of gaining others. These brothers and sister needed to move on out of the first doctrine of Christ, and stop looking at the flesh of teachers into knowing no one by the flesh, but rather by the Spirit, which indwells all of the body of Christ making them of real value.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 6:22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.

Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction.

Completed on: November, 14, 2013

Written by: Daniel a Slave of Christ Jesus