Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

Reading from Psalms 21:5

His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

Honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (You the believer)

Not only are you now saved, furthermore:

Honor and majesty are laid upon you. (Through Christ)

Honor speaks of an imposing form and appearance. That all will see. Beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory and a goodly honor. As majesty, re-emphasize the Lord's honor upon you.

Based on the latest painting

The Power of Spiritual Wisdom

One does not teeter on the fence of decision-making when they are called to transcend barriers. Their focus should not be swayed by the external forces compelling them to choose. Instead, serenity and the readiness to respond will manifest when their attention is devoted to the Word.

Check the art gallery for the painting.

Though the past remains unchangeable, your future holds the promise of a blank canvas. It is pristine and unmarked, offering a realm of endless possibilities. By embracing the lessons of the past in the present moment, you chart a course forward, guided by the lantern of wisdom, towards a horizon of new beginnings.

In such newfound wisdom, trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟯:𝟱-𝟲

Exposition on the book of Ephesians

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:1

• Understand your calling, and paths will emerge for you to heed and pursue it. Act in a manner that honors your vocation. Remember, it wasn’t by your will power that you entered this calling; you were summoned to serve the Lord.

• In fulfilling this role, proceed with modesty and without arrogance. Maintain faith even in matters beyond your current understanding, trusting that comprehension will come in time.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

ALL THINGS

The greatness of God is beyond everything and definitely whatsoever you are going through.

Let us look at John chapter 1 verse three. (John 1:3) For an insight to the phrase “all things.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Upon first glance of the passage above, even with our focus on the phrase “all things,” we perceive it as a whole.

However, the word describing the phrase “all things” carries a far insightful meaning. It speaks not of a whole at once, rather all things as in an infinite detail. This is the Greek word, pas – meaning each, every, each part and parts. Every item of creation, one by one.

One thing that is always present with you is your awareness. Where there is awareness, may you use the right discernment. Knowing where I am is not where I want to be in my life. Considering it is our actions, and our will, which at times usually placed us in such a place. Even then, let your desire be, ‘Lord, help me, hear me.’ When we know the danger of our situation, the honest is our prayer.

To this we pray. In like manner we say:

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit fails: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 143:7

Self-help falls short. Embrace self-awareness to understand your situation. Yet, look beyond your condition and will. Trust in the Lord, acknowledging your limitations, and open yourself to divine guidance, support,…

Who are you? Do you truly know yourself? You know your name, but it was given to you by someone else, not of your own choosing. So, who are you really? You have your own thoughts, but can you control them? Are you truly in control?

Pause and look at the time on your wristwatch or device. Do you see the time? Say it out loud. Then, consider your surroundings, whether you’re at home or somewhere else. Look at the time again and pause.

Can you confidently say that you control what will happen around you an hour from now? So, are you really in control as you think you are?

Being aware of the time doesn’t mean you control your destiny. If you’re not in the driver’s seat of life, do you even know where you’re headed? Even now, you can’t hold a perfect thought to ponder this question.…

If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The concept of sin often extends beyond actions to encompass thoughts and attitudes toward others. It’s important to remember that self-examination is a daily process. As we draw closer to the Light of the Lord, we may become more aware of our imperfections. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are becoming more sinful, but rather that our understanding of right and wrong is becoming clearer. This heightened awareness can guide us towards personal growth and spiritual development. It’s a journey of continuous learning and accountability.

But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

Thus, the Greek reads:

If we continue to confess…

Study Guide

Does the three "Woes" from Isaiah chapter 5 a call against the world or the believer?

Isaiah 5:20-22

The answer to the question is given in the 25 verse of the same chapter.

How are these "Woes" relatable to today's day and age?

If there is time, this we will discuss in the new group.

THE TWO PROMISES

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Herein, we have the two promises. One, of a physical protection that no weapon formed against you will prosper. Observe the terminology used. "No weapon that is formed" against you. Meaning there will be obstacles in your path. Even though you are a believer. However, although these things be formed against you. It shall not harm you. This is the promise of the Lord, but with a condition. Of which we shall careful observe in the conclusion of this exposition.

The next promise to the believe from the verse above deals with a state of mental and emotional protection. To this we read:

"Every…

Insight

Genesis 6:11

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

• Violence

The word violence used here, in the Hebrew language חָמָס

In English this is the same word, those who enacted the horror upon Israel, called themselves. (Hamas)

Today, we turn our focus to the 119th Psalm, a passage that many of you may already know. Yet, the unique inspiration and creativity embedded in its composition and presentation often go unnoticed. This exposition aims to shed light on these aspects, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this remarkable Psalm. Let's delve deeper into its profound layers of meaning together.

For an example:

David used the Hebrew Alphabets to layout and introduce the stanza. In the 119th Chapter of Psalms, he started off with the word "ALEPH" This is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is ascribed to God.

In this Psalms, Aleph is used to represent God, the creator and sustainer of all things. It is also used to represent the psalmist's devotion to God and his desire to follow God's law. Consequently, when we are drawn to the Lord, as our Creator He is our…