For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

 We as Born Again Christians are called to be the Light of the World and Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) With that being said, we are going to be in the world even though we are not of the world. Remember what Jesus prayed “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but you keep them from evil” (John 17:15)

Many Christians try to isolate themselves from the world, or almost hide away, but is that Biblical? How can we be The Light of the world, if the world doesn’t know we exist? This is a fine line we need to walk, because we also don’t want to be too involved with the world either. This is why whenever you get involved in anything, we should pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment and lead to follow

Notice what Paul says here “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom” First notice we as Christians are not being led by worldly wisdom or motives, we are being led by the Holy Spirit, our conscience which convicts us of right and wrong, and when we are good examples for the world in Christ, we can rejoice that we are representing Christ in honor and respect. 

We have conducted ourselves in holiness and sincerity! When you are a true Born Again Christian you will stick out in the world like a sore thumb. Everyone can tell who you belong to by the fruits you are producing (Matthew 7) If the world can’t tell if you’re even a Christian, then there is an issue. How can you be a child of the light, when you live in the darkness?

As Paul goes on to say “We (Church) are rejoicing , even as you also are in the day of the Lord Jesus” Everytime you go out into the world and be a true disciple of Christ, all of Heaven is rejoicing. There is no better feeling, when you go out into the streets and share the gospel with non-believers, you can just feel the joy coming from God. Remember as Jesus said “All of Heaven rejoices over one sinner repenting” (Luke 15:7)

It’s easy for us to be like Elijah and hide in a cave, but Christ has called you to “Go and share the good news with everyone” (Matthew 28:19) Go into the world , in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit, knowing the Church and the angels are all rejoicing over your life, and serve The Lord in Spirit and Truth, Amen!

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Often people who don’t understand the gospel as “good news”, don’t understand the depravity of their condition and the fate for their sins. When we look at the Ten Commandments, the moral law of God, we see how wretchedly sinful we are, and how far away from God we have strayed. 

When we come to this understanding by the Holy Spirit, we appreciate the love and sacrifice God has made for our souls, even when we didn’t deserve it. Christ has delivered us from our sins, Christ has delivered us from depravity, Christ has delivered us from Hell. Jesus Christ is our great deliverer! Just as God saved the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt, God has saved us from the slavery of sin and death in Christ, Amen

So looking at the Apostle Paul’s words here “Who delivered us from so great a depth” Christ has already rescued us from the pit of Hell, there is nothing to great that Christ can’t deliver you from today! Christ can deliver you from addictions, Christ can deliver you from bad habits, Christ can deliver you from the slavery of sin, in whatever form it may have a hold on you! 

As Paul continues to say “In whom we trust that He (Christ) will yet or continue to deliver us” Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, he will deliver you! God will never leave or forsake you, Christ will never fail you, God can’t fail. You will say How will I ever overcome this addiction? Because Christ will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, God living inside of you, you are the living temple of God as a Born Again Christian

What the Church needs to do also is pray for our brothers and sisters in this spiritual warfare as Paul says “You also helping together by praying for us” Prayer matters, the greatest gift you can give someone is to earnestly pray for them. The world mocks prayer as a cop out or weak, but the intercession of our worship to the Triune God, is more powerful than all the militaries in the world combined

Do you need deliverance? Turn to Jesus Christ, our Lord and great Deliverer, as the Father has called you and the Holy Spirit has sanctified you and the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver you, Amen!

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Jesus said “ In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) As a Christian you will have problems and suffering. There is no doubt about this, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Some will say, “Whats the point of being a Christian then”? Remember as Jesus said “The rain falls on the just and unjust” (Matthew 5:45) We live in a fallen world, there are going to be tribulation for believers and non-believers

However as a Child of God, as a Born Again believer, you can have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) You might ask “Why or how can I obtain this?” Because when your Born Again in Christ, when you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, it’s doesn’t matter what happens to you in this world, going back to Jesus words “Take heart or courage, I (Christ) have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

The Apostle Paul starts with his teaching “The God of All Comfort” God knows your pain and suffering, but God will provide his peace and comfort. As Paul says here also “Who comforts us in all our tribulation” Think about that , no matter what tribulation you will face, Christ will comfort you! 

But not only will God comfort us, but we can be a comfort for others. As Paul says “That we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble” This is why we as the Church need to fellowship together, we are to be a comfort for each other. How do we obtain this comfort? By the Holy Spirit living inside of us, our Lord and Savior , the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ! 

Now remember, just as Christ suffered we will also suffer as his servant. However our consolation, our comfort will abound with Christ! Jesus said “He will never leave or forsake us “ (Hebrews 13:5) Even though we have tribulation, we have the comfort of Christ , Amen!

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:13-23

As we come to the end of 1 Corinthians, Paul ends with a strong benediction and a great reminder for the Church! While the race of Christianity gets long and tiring, we need to remind and renew ourselves , of our higher calling and Gods promises for us! It’s easy to get distracted and feel defeated some days, but we have the greatest power living inside of us, the Holy Spirit, serving the living God, who is our Lord and Savior!

1. Watch and Be On Alert– The Church has fallen asleep during the last day, unBiblical doctrines have crept in, straying away many from the truth. We need to remember, Satan is like a roaring lion looking to devour us! This is not a walk in the park or a game, we are in spiritual warfare, Watch and Be On Alert at all times!
2. Stand Fast and Firm- Preserve– As the modern day Church changes the Bible to accommodate today’s culture, Stand Fast! Don’t stray away from the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, the Bible is the Word of God and your foundation. Many will fall away to false teachings and sugar coated messages. Stand Fast to the truth in Jesus Christ, don’t be conformed to the ways of the world
3. Act Like Men– If only the Church listened to this command today, while many men have abandoned their positions in the Church and at home, Paul reminds us to be the men God has created and called us to be! If you want to know why the Church and society are in the condition they are in today, look at the Men of God in the Church. Many Churches you can’t find any of them, put down your video games and movies, and start taking the responsibility of the Man of God you were called to be in Christ!
4. Be Strong– Christians today believe they have to be weak and passive to be “Christ-like” , we need strong Christians who would hold to the truth of the gospel, that are willing to step up and be a spiritual shepherd, that are willing to fight the good fight of faith. We have too many watered down and spiritually weak Christians who are conforming to whatever the world instructs them too

The Apostle Paul ends with a strong statement “If anyone doesn’t love The Lord Jesus Christ, let them be accursed (v22). We always hear people using the phrase “Jesus loves You” to justify their sin, which Christ does love everybody, he demonstrated that on the cross (Romans 5:8) However the real question is Do you Love The Lord Jesus Christ? If so Jesus said “If you love me, Keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Amen!