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| 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; |
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| 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; |
Were all baptized – Greek: baptizo, to dip, immerse or cover. R1541:1
Buried. R2299:2
The walls of the sea being on either hand and the clouds of water overhead. R1541:6, 2299:1
As a nation. HG600:2
Unto Moses – Into Moses. R5046:5, 2825:6, 2417:3, 1725:4; PD56/69; HG732:5, 254:3
As all the world were actually in Adam and could be redeemed by one sacrifice, so all Israel was represented in one man Moses, the Mediator of their Law Covenant. R1984:3
So thoroughly was the one man Moses, the typical father of Israel, that God proposed its destruction, and fulfillment of all his engagements with Moses' family instead. (Exod. 32:10, 31, 32) R5046:4,6, 1725:4
They all recognized Moses as the leader upon whom depended their deliverance from Egypt and their finding of the promised land. R2299:2
Paul teaches that baptism is an emblem of both death and resurrection. R1322:2, 1450:1*
This transaction is a striking figure of the deliverance to be effected by Christ from the bondage and power of death, hades, and the devil. R1322:1*
Every Jew was counted as a member of the house of Moses, bound to him even unto death, and merely needing repentance to be transferred to Christ whom Moses typified. F432
When Jesus took the place of Moses, this baptism was counted as baptism into Christ to all who accepted him. R5963:3,5, 3712:4, 2417:4; PD56/69
John's baptism was for the Jews, not for the Gentiles. R2825:6, 2417:4; HG732:5
As the consecrated are now baptized into Christ, so this was typified in the immersion of all the Israelites, when they passed through the Red Sea. R2299:1
In the sea – Gives of the form that they were covered with water, (though not wet), the sea being on either hand and the clouds overhead. R1541:6
At the crossing of the Red Sea. HG732:5
When they left Egypt. R3712:4
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| 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; |
Same spiritual meat – Which had a spiritual significance. R2299:2
The manna, a symbol of our Lord--the Truth. R3036:6, 2299:2
As we require the spiritual food continually to give us strength for the journey toward the heavenly kingdom, so fleshly Israel had need of the manna for their strengthening in their way to the typical kingdom. R2299:2
As the truth must be sought daily, is found in small particles, and requires searching for to gather our heavenly food and experience in spiritual things so this was typified in natural Israel's experiences. R2299:2
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| 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. |
Spiritual drink – Had a spiritual significance. R2299:3
As we may come to the Lord for refreshment; and when needing purification, may come to the washing of the water through the Word of him who died for us, so this spiritual truth was typified to fleshly Israel. R2299:3, 4012:6
"If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink." (John 7:37) R3509:6
For they drank – As the grace which flows to us through Christ comes as a result of his being smitten for us, his death on our behalf, so the waters flowed to Israel as a result of the smiting of the typical rock. R2299:3, 334:4
When in due time the faithful ones of Israel accepted Messiah by faith, they came into vital relationship to him. R5963:5
Typical Israel drank of the typical water from the typical rock; but the substance is of Christ and the whole world--whosoever is athirst may yet come to the river of life and drink freely. R334:4
That followed them – As the waters of that rock followed the Israelites, so the stream of God's favor, through the sacrifice of Christ, refreshes Christ's disciples throughout their wilderness journey. R5285:1, 2299:3
That Rock – The source of life, the foundation of all faith and hope is the smitten Rock, Christ as our ransom. R1228:3, 1922:4
It was by the Lord's arrangement that this "Rock of Ages" was smitten, that the water of life should flow from Jesus for all of Adam's race who would become Israelites indeed. R5957:3, 5315:3; PD34/45
Those who are rooted and grounded in Christ and built up in him--in his doctrine, his love, and his character--shall never be moved. R1922:5
Was Christ – Represented Christ. R5285:1, 5315:3
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| 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. |
Not well pleased – Israel's conduct with respect to God's favors was typical of the conduct of many in nominal spiritual Israel in respect to the realities, the antitypes. R2299:3
Implies that God will not be well pleased with many in the nominal spiritual Israel. R2299:4
The smiting of the rock represented the putting of Christ to a shameful death. R5285:1
In the wilderness – Implying that many of nominal spiritual Israel will be overthrown in the wilderness and fail to reach the antitypical Canaan. R2299:4
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| 6 Now these things were types for us, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. |
Examples – Figures. R2299:4
Greek: tupos, types--a type is a very exact pattern of the antitype, which is on a larger scale. R5267:2
We should not lust – In their experiences God gave us a lesson of what results would come to us if we received his mercies and favors in an improper manner. R2299:4
After evil things – The things we left behind when we quit the world, typified by Egypt; to follow Christ, typified by Moses. R2299:5
They – Typical Israel. R5267:2
Also lusted – For flesh--worldly doctrines for religious food. R5267:3*
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| 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. |
Neither be ye – Paul urges spiritual Israel to overcome the temptations which are along the same lines, only on a higher plane. R2299:5, 2086:4
Idolaters – Of wealth, pride, ambition, self-esteem, boastfulness, love of show, tyranny, unreasonable self-will, self-ease regardless of others, gratification of passions, gluttony, drunkenness or denominationalism. R2299:5
Religious leaders setting forth products of their own intellect as objects of worship. R5267:3*
The worship of money incidental to the decline of the worship of the true God. R5267:5*
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| 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. |
Fornication – Fellowship in spirit with those who have not the spirit of the Lord, but the spirit of the world. R2300:1
The tendency to mix religion, and pleasure and money-getting; religion and politics. R5267:5*
Fell in one day – Improper combinations have caused considerable destruction of spirituality in Christendom. R5267:5*
Three and twenty thousand – 24,000 is recorded in Num. 25:1-9. R2300:1
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| 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. |
Tempt Christ – By losing appreciation for spiritual things and hungering after pleasures, ambitions, etc., of the world; rebellion against the providential leadings of the Lord. R2300:2
Pictured by a rebellion against Moses, who typified Christ; when the people desired to take a short-cut through the land of Edom. R5267:5*
Official removal of restrictions upon Christian conduct. R5267:5*
Tempted – Their leader Moses. Evidently refers to Num. 21:4-9. R2300:2
Of serpents – A yielding to worldly appetites and desires will surely expose such a one to the bite of the great serpent sin, whose poison will effectually destroy in them the spiritual life. R2300:2
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| 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. |
Neither murmur ye – Against the plan of God by which "He hath set the members in the body as it hath pleased him," (1 Cor. 12:18) as 250 of the elders murm R2300:4
By murmuring against the narrow way. R5267:6*
Murmurings against the divine arrangement are really murmurings against the Lord himself. R4502:4
Wide murmurings against the Watchtower publications--as mouthpieces of God; the suggestion of the Vow. R5267:6*, 5268:3
Do without murmuring, without complaining, without fault-finding. R4502:4
Also murmured – The children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron over the destruction of Dathan, Abiram, and Korah; instead of recognizing the justice of the Lord. (See Num. 16) R5268:4*, 2300:4
Destroyed of the destroyer – (1) The conspirators were destroyed; (2) Many of Israel in sympathy with the them blamed Moses for having caused their death, in consequence of which the Lord visited upon them the plague. R2300:4
The murmurers and complainers in typical Israel were not permitted to enter into Canaan's blessings. R4502:4
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| 11 Now all these things happened unto them as types: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. |
All these things – Typical experiences of the past. R5351:2
Intimating that the whole matter of Israel's history was typical of the experience of Christians. R5732:1; Q47:2
Happened unto them – The servants of the Lord in past dispensations. R5490:1
The Israelites. R5967:4*; Q722:3*
God delivered the nation of Israel, but subsequently, because of their lack of loyalty, he permitted them to die, some for one offence and some for another. R4006:3
For ensamples – Greek: tupos, types. A type is a very exact pattern of the antitype, which is on a larger scale. R5267:5, 5401:5, 2299:1; Q722:2*
An example. R5351:2
The experiences of Israel were overruled to make of them types and symbols illustrative of the divine plan as it will be finally outworked on a higher plane. R5335:6
The things were allegorical. The chief object and purpose was to illustrate certain great truths for spiritual Israel. R5598:2
The various evidences of divine favor toward Israel were types of greater favor of God bestowed upon his Church in the Gospel age. R2299:1
The whole nation of Israel was this type, with their experiences, testings, etc. Q722:3; R5967:4*, 4782:3, 2299:1, 1850:2, 1842:1, 1450:1*, 722:6
The prophets' experiences furnish us good lessons. R5333:1, 5401:3, 3650:5
For our – God's children, the new creation. F123
The Gospel Church. R1418:6
Paul urges respecting this same time that God's people should have on the whole armor of God. (Eph. 6:13) R5267:2
Including also those who shall become God's children in the Millennial age. R2611:5
Admonition – Instruction. B188; R5490:1, 5333:1, 5239:2, 1418:6; OV407:4
Learning. R4782:3
The promises and exhortations spoken directly to fleshly Israel apply in a wider and fuller sense to spiritual Israel. R1850:2
The prophecies had been there for centuries, but the revelation or understanding of them was reserved. R919:4, 658:2, 414:2
Written in the Bible--so that we might know God, and be prepared for our glorious inheritance. OV424:1; R5800:1, 5598:1, 5402:3
It was in the lapping of the Jewish and Gospel ages that the Way, the Truth, and the Life first were manifested; now in the lapping of the Gospel and Millennial ages the light shines as never before. F206
Suggests that in this harvest time some of us may feel too self-confident and hence not sufficiently watchful, careful. R5267:2
Ends – Harvests. R5267:2, 4782:3
The opening and closing of the Gospel age. R1419:1, 1146:4
Implying special light upon the beginning and the ending of the Church's earthly career. F206; R2942:1, 1418:6, 919:3, 658:2, 414:2
Implies special pressure or testing connected with the harvests of the Jewish and Gospel ages. R5267:2
World – Ages. B188; R5401:2, 5267:2, 5055:4, 4782:3, 4057:3, 3650:5, 2942:1, 919:4, 658:2, 414:2; OV424:1, 407:4; NS112:6
Age. R2300:4
The present evil world. R1850:2
Are come – Literally; "upon whom the ends of the ages press down." R5267:2
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| 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. |
Wherefore – This word connects the danger of falling with those stumblings and fallings of Israel which are our types. R5267:2, 2300:5
Thinketh he standeth – The moment when we feel self-confident is the dangerous one. R3667:5,4, 2300:5; CR280:5*
We stand not in our own strength but in the strength that God supplies through his promises and holy Spirit. R3667:5
Only those who can stand siftings, trials and tests are fit for places in the Kingdom. R5563:6
Take heed – Lest we feel over-confident in respect to our own strength, our own standing on these questions of liberty, rights, privileges and self-denials for the good of others. R3667:5
Those who feel that they are standing, who feel strong and that they are in no danger, should take special heed to the examples herein before presented. R2300:6
Sudden and sharp will be many of the tests applied to prove our continued faithfulness. R3103:6
Meekness and humility is the most favorable condition for those who would keep faithfully on the pilgrim way and reach the Canaan of promise. R2300:6
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Pet. 5:6) R5268:6, 4364:2
Lest he fall – Stumble by not letting his light shine. E295
We learn from the lesson of Solomon's fall that it is not only important to begin life wisely in harmony with God, but equally necessary to continue it, and to end it so. R2069:4
The followers of the Master today, beset by weaknesses, frailties and temptations, have the lesson of Peter's experience as a warning to look to the Lord for assistance, rather than to be self-confident. R4712:5
"Let us fear lest the promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should seem to come short of it." (Heb. 4:1) R3667:5
This scripture shows the possibility of falling from grace. Our safety is in a vivid realization of our own helplessness and dependence upon God's favor. R1458:2
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| 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. |
God is faithful – Faithfulness on our part is also required. R1211:2*
We glory in tribulation because we realize that the Lord will be near us while we endure faithfully. R3281:4, 4004:6
The Father knows just how much we can stand. R5440:4; Q459:T
Suffer – Permit. R964:6, 962:2; Q459:T
To be tempted – And tested. R962:2
He may suffer us to stumble, but so long as we trust in him he will not suffer us to be utterly cast down--to fall in the second death. F161
That ye are able – Beyond what we are able to bear. R5440:4, 962:2
To resist and overcome. R2568:5, 699:1
Able to withstand. R964:6, 962:2
It is not the Lord's intention that trying experiences shall crush the new creature; but that the putting forth of endeavor to resist the Adversary and every evil shall make us stronger. R5902:6, 5764:1*, 5440:4
The furnace heat will never be permitted to grow so intense that the precious gold of our characters shall be destroyed or even injured. R5802:6, 4386:6
The spirit-begotten ones have much advantage by reason of having the Lord Jesus as their helper under the assurance that "All things work together for good to them." (Rom. 8:28) R5681:5, 5878:6, 5239:4, 4628:5, 3865:1; NS122:3, 373:5, 482:1
With the temptation – Every temptation. R4628:5
Or trial. R2005:3, 28:3*; NS565:5
Difficulty. R699:1
Too hard to be borne. R2357:1
The Lord allows the storms to press us more and more so that we will cry unto him. Then he will hear us and give us the necessary deliverance. R5239:4
We are not called upon to endure greater trials than the worthies of the past. R28:3*
Make a way – Provide a way. R4628:5, 5498:2, 699:1
Will open a way at the very moment when strength and endurance would fail--not through lack of desire to do the Lord's will, but through weakness of the flesh. R962:2
God delivers us from those things which would prove too weighty for us. R5119:2
He will supervise our interests. SM392:2
If you are strongly tempted to be overcharged with the cares of life, look out for the way of escape which God indicates. R572:2*
This would apply to our business relationships--to everything. R5498:1, 572:2*
If we are in earnest, and will but do what we can. R699:1
To escape – From the trial. R962:2
Direct the issue. R5498:2
So that the trials of life will not consume us as new creatures, but merely consume the dross. NS671:6
The evil one would indeed utterly destroy the Lord's consecrated ones, but he will not be permitted so to do. Thus far he may go but no farther. R3807:3; SM392:2
He loves us too well to permit any needless sorrow, any needless suffering. R5802:6
Pictured by God's leading the Israelites from the bitter waters to Elim and its rest and shade. (Exod. 16:27) R5278:6
Able to bear – The trials are commensurate with the weakness of the new creature. R4628:5, 4164:6
But we may rely upon it that no real son of God is exempted from the needed trials of patience, faith and love. R3820:1, 3281:5, 3236:6
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| 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. |
Flee from idolatry – In view of the prevalence of idolatry at that time, Paul felt it expedient to urge the Church. R4006:4
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| 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. |
What I say – Paul proceeds to contrast the feast which marks us as Christians--the Memorial of our Lord's death--with the heathen feasts to which many would be invited, and be exposed to misleading influences. R4006:4
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| 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? |
The cup – The sacrificed life of our Lord. R4591:5, 4153:2, 3548:4
We should have a double thought before our minds: The literal cup, the literal fruit of the vine, which represents the blood of Christ; and the privilege of partaking of his sacrificial cup. R5341:2
It is one cup, though it contains the juice of many grapes. The grapes cannot maintain themselves as grapes if they would constitute the life-giving spirit. R5341:3, 2772:6
The Lord's cup signifies bitter experiences and trials in the present time. This is the symbolic cup we share with him. The sweet mingles freely with the bitter. R5654:5, 4331:6, 2272:2, 1898:6
Not only our Lord's blood, but also the blood of the Church. R5342:3,4
Symbolizing the covenant of the Lord's people to share his sorrows and sufferings--death--with their Lord. R2812:2
The full renunciation of earthly life and all claim thereto. R5341:1
The death of our humanity. R2272:2, 5192:6, 1637:2, 1302:5
Also, the joys of the Kingdom which all the faithful in Christ will share with the great King of glory. R4703:6, 5341:2, 5192:6, 2272:6, 1637:2
Of blessing – The blessed privilege of suffering with Christ, and the blessed things which will come as a reward of those sufferings. R5341:1
Which we bless – For which we bless God. (Diaglott) R5192:2, 5341:1, 2272:5, 1943:4, 1898:6, 1800:6, 1637:2, 1290:5, 840:4, 467:1, 346:1, 57:4*
For which we give thanks and praise to the Lord. R5341:2, 4591:5, 3548:5, 2292:2; F467; NS79:2
For an opportunity of sharing with Christ his "cup" of sufferings and shame. R5192:6, 1637:2
The communion – Greek: koinonia, partnership, participation. R4436:1, 5342:5, 5341:2, 5192:6, 4703:6, 4547:1, 4625:4, 4605:3, 4475:2, 2772:5, 2292:2, 2272:2, 1800:6, 346:1, 57:4*; F467; NS79:2
Common union. R4341:2, 5342:5, 4591:5, 4331:6, 4153:2, 3526:5; F467; NS79:2, 298:1
Fellowship-sharing. R4375:2, 4620:2, 4331:6, 3880:6, 3548:4, 2622:6, 2436:5, 2148:1, 1016:5, 740:6, 721:5, 325:5; F466
Emphasizing the thought of the unity, the oneness of the Church with each other and with the Lord. R3880:6
The sharing with Christ as joint-sacrificers with him even unto death. R5871:2, 3194:1
We should be very thankful for the great privilege we have been accorded to share in his cup, to be "baptized into his death." (Rom. 6:3) R4605:3, 5341:4
This fellowship or communion in sufferings is confined to this Gospel age. R2116:4[R2116:4], 4625:4[R4625:4], 4331:6; Q486:2
The blood of Christ – Shed blood--death. R5192:6, 3548:5, 2436:5, 2272:2, 1637:2, 1336:1, 1302:4, 840:4, 467:1, 325:5
The sacrifice of Christ. R4475:2, 4625:4, 3014:1
His sufferings. R4128:5, 3194:1, 2622:6
The entire anointed company. R1016:5, 900:4, 840:4, 466:4, 346:1, 57:4*
Our participation with him in death--not as ransomers, but merely as joint-sacrificers with him. R1302:4; Q486:2
The blood of the New Covenant, in which we participate. R4605:3, 4475:2
The New Covenant cannot be sealed, finished, made operative until all the members of the body shall have died, when the great High Priest's "better sacrifice" shall be finished. R4310:3, 4332:1
The bread – The loaf. R5341:4, 3014:1, 2436:5, 2292:2, 1898:6, 1800:6, 346:1, 94:5, 57:4*
Represents primarily the Lord Jesus' body: in a larger sense it includes all the Body of Christ. R5341:5, 5542:4, 5342:3, 5192:4, 2272:2, 1637:1
We all are, with Christ, members or parts of one loaf--all pledged to be broken, that we may be of life-giving power and influence to others. R2292:2, 3880:6, 3014:1, 2272:1, 1637:1, 1290:4, 840:3, 827:6, 466:6
It is one loaf, though made from many grains. The grains cannot retain their individuality and their life if they would become bread for the world. R5341:3, 2772:6
Food for the world. R5192:5, 3881:1, 3014:1, 2272:1, 1637:1, 840:3, 466:6
Which we break – The breaking of the one loaf was accomplished primarily in our Lord Jesus; is continuing in those who are accepted as members of him, those who keep their hearts with all diligence. R4616:6, 5192:5, 4620:2, 4591:5, 4375:1, 2272:2, 1637:1; F466
The most forceful figure used by Paul to illustrate that the Church, with their Head, is the "one loaf," being broken, during the Gospel age. A striking illustration of our union and fellowship with our Head. R5192:5, 2272:1, 1637:1, 840:4, 466:6
In breaking the loaf, after recognizing it as the sacrifice of our Lord on our behalf, we are to recognize it further, as the sacrificing of the whole Church, consecrated to be dead with him, broken with him. F466; NS78:6
The breaking of the loaf represents our mutual strengthening of one another as members of the Body. R346:1
As the unleavened bread at the Memorial season is passed to each of us, and as each takes a portion of it, he breaks it for himself. R5341:5
The fact that our Lord first broke the bread does not mean that we should not have our individual part. R5341:5
The communion of – A participation with. Q486:2, R5341:1, 4703:6, 1898:6
The participation of. (Diaglott) R5192:5, 5341:1, 4436:1, 2772:5, 2272:5, 1637:1, 346:1
Our participation as. R2292:2
Common union a union in common with Christ, a partnership. R5342:5, 3526:5, 2436:5; F466; NS78:6
Fellowship. R3880:6, 3548:4
In his sufferings. R4620:2, 4375:2, 4153:2
Sharing in the breaking or sacrifice. R740:6
It is necessary that we should see, first of all, our justification through the Lord's sacrifice. Then, that the entire Christ is a composite body of many members, which must be broken, and sacrifice. R2772:6
After we have partaken of him (been justified by appropriating his righteousness), we, by consecration, become associated with him as part of the one broken loaf. R5192:5, 1637:1
Our privilege of justified believers to share now in the sufferings and death of Christ, to be associates in the great work of blessing and giving life to all the families of the earth. R5192:5, 2292:2, 1637:1
A double figure: (1) Christ our Passover slain for us, on account of which we keep the feast, feeding upon his merit. (2) Our union with him and consecration to participation in the sufferings. R2292:2, 1943:4
We who eat and drink--who thus partake of our Savior's merits--are reckoned in with him as "members" of his "Body" being broken; and our lives sacrificed in his service are counted as part of his sacrifice. R3526:5, 2772:5, 2436:3, 2148:1; F468; NS79:2; SM564:2
Heart communion with the Lord, facilitated by the appreciation of the significance of the emblems. R1943:4
Body of Christ – The Anointed one. (Diaglott) R5192:5, 5341:4, 2272:2, 1898:6, 1800:6, 1637:1, 1290:4, 611:6, 466:6, 346:1
The Little Flock, the Church, of which our Lord is the Head. R1016:5, 900:4
"Fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." (Col. 1:24) R3526:5, 5342:3, 5192:5, 4128:5, 3548:5, 2622:6, 2272:2, 1637:2, 840:4, 611:6, 476:6, 467:1; F466; NS78:5, 298:1
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| 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. |
We – The new creation. R4006:4
Many – Persons. R5192:5, 2272:2, 1637:1, 840:4, 466:6
The many. (Diaglott) R5341:1, 1898:6, 1800:6, 1290:5, 346:1, 57:4*
Members of Christ's Body. R2436:5, 2772:5, 1290:5, 1016:5, 900:4; F466; NS78:5
Are one bread – Loaf. (Diaglott) F465; R5871:3, 5341:1, 5192:5, 5050:1, 4591:5, 4128:4, 3880:6, 3526:5, 2622:6, 2292:2, 2272:2, 1637:1, 721:5, 476:6, 325:5
Because there is one loaf we are one body. R1898:6, 1800:6, 346:1, 57:4*
Represents the complete Church which must be broken. R2812:2, 5192:5, 5191:5, 4616:6, 4128:4, 2622:6, 2272:2, 1637:1; PD67/79
Represents our flesh consecrated to death with our Lord, in his service and in the service of his people. R2148:1; F467; NS79:5, 298:1
The grains cannot maintain their individuality and their life if they would become bread for the world. R5341:3
That it may be the bread of restitution to the world of mankind. R4620:2
"Baptized into his death." (Rom. 6:3) F466; NS78:5
Typified by the victuals prepared by Joshua's followers before crossing Jordan. R3080:5
One body – The body anointed. R611:6
Partakers – Sharers. R4375:2, 4620:2, 2292:2
In the same joys, blessings, hopes, promises and sufferings. R4006:4
As members of his Body. R4128:4, 1800:6
That one bread – One loaf. R2292:2, 1800:6, 721:5, 611:6, 346:1
Christ. R3526:5
We are invited to be portions of the one Loaf which ultimately will be the Bread of Life for the world during the Millennial age. R4591:5
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| 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? |
Behold Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
After the flesh – Nominal fleshly Israel, the Jewish church. B204; D22, D23; R1617:2, 637:3
Natural Israel was used of God to make types of spiritual things--the "better things." (Heb. 11:40) R5092:2
Which implies a spiritual Israel, or Israel after the spirit. R2086:4, 1617:2, 637:6
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| 19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? |
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| 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. |
Which the Gentiles – The unbelieving world. R1899:1
Heathen. R3770:2, 3365:5; NS259:6, 262:2
Sacrifice to devils – In the feasts of the heathen, not God but devils were worshipped. R4006:4, 3666:2, 1991:4*; NS262:2
To the demons, as is now done openly in China, India, Africa and among the North American Indians. R2173:4; F621, F624
The heathen have a merciless, angry god, needing to be propitiated. NS495:5
Satan has a large part of the world under ignorance, superstition, etc. R3770:2, 1991:4*
Seeking after mediums of the fallen spirits. R5910:2
Fallen spirits are at the bottom of all the religious delusions of the world. R3068:3, 1991:4*
And not to God – To whom alone the price was paid. E450, R685:4
Many today who think that they worship God really worship doctrines of devils instead. R4006:4, 1991:4*
I would not that ye – Believers, Christians. R1899:1
During the Jewish age God guarded his typical people against these delusions, and lying spirits of devils. R1642:6
Fellowship – What communion could there be? R4006:4
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| 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. |
Ye – These words of warning apply to the entire probationary membership of the Gospel Church down to the end of the age. R1898:3
Implies a turning away of those who have already pledged themselves to drink of the Lord's cup. Partaking of the doctrines of Christ and the doctrines of devils, would be doing despite to the spirit of favor. R1899:1,6, 1900:4
Those who wilfully do so after being once enlightened are of the sinful class typified by rebellious Israel. R1900:4
Drink – Partake. R1899:1
Cup of the Lord – The cup of sacrifice, even unto death. Not only the sacrifice of life, but of reputation and all that humanity holds dear. R1898:3
The spirit of Christ, which is unselfish, humble, self-denying and glad to sacrifice earthly ambitions in his service. R1899:1
Cup of devils – Hopes of earthly prosperity, pride, self-exaltation and "honor one of another;" to which time, talent and influence are sacrificed to the bitter and disappointing end. R1898:6
The spirit of the world, selfishness, ambition, pride. R1899:1
While the Lord's cup is presented to us, the devil, as an angel of light, and with great subtlety, presents his cup also. R1898:3
Paul knew of only two cups. R4547:1
Cannot be partakers – "No man can serve two masters." (Matt. 6:24) R1899:6, 1
While Satan and the children of darkness may stimulate the table of the Lord and the grace of his truth, yet there is no real harmony or fellowship between their table and the Lord's table. R2406:3
Of the Lord's table – With its bread of life, its meat in due season, honey in the honeycomb, its milk and wine, and its water of life, clear as crystal. R1899:2
The heavenly, spiritual things. R4006:4, 1957:6
Now, in the harvest, the richest season of all the year, the table of the Lord fairly groans under its bounty, and the Lord of the harvest comes forth and serves his people. R1899:3,5
Only deeply appreciative ones are desired at this feast--those who will gladly forsake all to enjoy the favor. R1958:1
Pointing out the distinction, separateness, of those who are truly the Lord's people. R3963:3
The table of devils – Those who were more or less identified with the heathendom of the time. R4006:4
Many, while thinking that they worship God, really worship "doctrines of devils," of which they are ashamed and by which they are hindered. R4006:5
Of these are the tables of Papacy, Theosophy, Spiritism, Christian Science, all of which teach man how to climb up some others way to eternal life except through our Lord's vicarious sacrifice. R1899:5, 3665:5
"All tables are full of vomit and filthiness so that there is no place clean." (Isa. 28:8) R3963:1, 1899:4
While the Lord spreads his table, the devil spreads his also. R1898:3
The Lord has permitted the Adversary to prepare a table for those who are not of the spirit of the truth. R3963:3
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| 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? |
Stronger than he – Let us away with every evil thing, and find our delight in God, and be satisfied with the consolations of his abundant grace. R1900:5
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| 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. |
All things – Permitted by the loose rein of Christ's commands. R1628:6
Are lawful – It is a trick of the condemned flesh to appeal to the new creature that there is no law restraining its liberty, therefore, it should grant to the flesh larger concessions than the world would enjoy. R4005:6
Not used unlimitedly. It would not be lawful to murder or steal. The Christians one law is supreme love for God and consequently a love for all mankind. R3666:1
Are not expedient – Inadvisable, because of the mental and moral condition of those about us, who might misunderstand our course. R3666:2
While nothing is forbidden the new creature under direct divine law, there are many things that would be ill-advised, contrary to its best interests. R4006:1
Love must govern our conduct automatically on every occasion. The Lord wishes us to learn, not as children, certain fixed rules, but as philosophers the fixed principles which can be applied. R4006:6
Edify not – Not all things profit, strengthen, build up, encourage; and are not to be entertained or practised regardless of law on the subject. R4006:1
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| 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
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No man seek his own – His own welfare merely. R3666:3, 4006:2
But control your liberty by the law of love. R4478:6*, 3666:2
We who are truly consecrated to the Lord, have given up our own wills and preferences in every matter with a view to honoring the Lord and doing all the good we can in the world in his name. R3666:3
Another's – Think not only of what would be harmless to himself but what would be helpful or injurious to his neighbor. The new creature is his brother's keeper. R4006:1,3
Wealth – Welfare. R4006:2
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| 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: |
In the shambles – Butchers' stalls. R4006:2
It was the general custom to offer to their gods certain parts of the animal; the remainder might be taken home to eat, or given to the priest, or sold in the market place. R4478:2
Asking no questions – Stand by your personal liberty. R4478:6*
For conscience sake – Whoever would violate his conscience would injure his spiritual welfare and interests. R4478:3
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| 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. |
Earth is the Lord's – Does not belong to the strong and avaricious. D310
Mankind is one family and all are therefore beneficiaries of the divine provision. D310
The fulness – Accepting the food as of the Lord's bounty, they may give thanks for it and eat it, regardless of whether offered to an idol or not. R3666:3, 4006:6
Everything that we receive is a gift from the Lord, and anything that we can render him thanks for would be proper for us to use in a becoming manner. R3667:2
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| 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. |
A feast – If invited to a feast by some of their unbelieving friends or relatives, as for instance a marriage supper, they would in all probability sit down to meat which had been offered to idols. R3666:2
Eat – A Christian was not bound to suppose that the meat had been offered to idols, and therefore not bound to refuse it. R4006:6
Paul was thus in some degree stepping beyond the decree of the council at Jerusalem, which urged upon the Gentiles who had accepted Christ, that they abstain from meat offered to idols. R3666:4, 2
Asking no question – So that no one's else conscience may be involved. R3666:4
Those advanced in the truth to appreciate the fact that an idol is nothing, and that the offering of meat to that idol would in no degree affect it, might properly enough use their liberties and eat the meat. R3666:3
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| 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: |
Unto idols – The offering of the food to it being nothing, the personal liberty question alone would be in dispute, for there was no law given on this matter except the law of love. R4006:3, 3666:4
Giving the inference that he believed it would be sin to partake of it. R3666:3
Eat not – It should not be eaten for the sake of the brother who indicated his own knowledge and fear. R4006:6
For his sake – Not because it was a sin, nor that the meat had been injured, but for the conscience of the one telling us, lest he should think we were committing a sin and thus be lead to think lightly of our professions. R3666:4
The strong minded brother might eat with impunity; while his neighbor, less strong in mind, might be influenced by his example to eat, to the injury of his conscience he might be led out of the way altogether. R4478:3
If the conscience of another were involved the Golden Rule would immediately operate and forbid us doing anything which would injure the conscience of a brother and break our good influence over him. R3666:4
The one of broader comprehension should be willing to consider his brother and not to stumble his conscience. R4006:3,6
For conscience sake – For his conscience' sake--lest he should be stumbled. R4006:6, 3666:4
He thinking it to be sinful to eat such meat. R3666:4
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| 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? |
But of the other – Consider the effect upon the consciences of others. R4479:1*
My liberty – If it is not my own conscience which reproves me why need I put myself under bondage in the matter if it in no wise affect the interests or conscience of another? R3666:4
The Christian is at liberty to do anything that does not conflict with this basic law of his new nature--the law of love. R4478:5,3
Of another man's – We should avoid doing what might affect the interests or conscience of another. R3666:4
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| 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? |
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| 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. |
Whatsoever ye do – Paul sums up his argument in favor of loving consideration for our brethren and liberty of conscience for ourselves. It is difficult to imagine a more comprehensive statement of the Christian's liberty and limitations. R4007:3
In his Word the Lord sets the standard of a sound mind, not only in respect to revelry and the use of liquor, but to all manner of conduct. Those who love him will strive to attain that standard. R5099:3, 4919:5, 4007:1, 3667:1
It is applicable not only to food and drink and clothing, but to every interest and affair of life. R3665:6; HG583:1
Our characters are manifested by our habits of life; and each act, even the smallest, tends to form some new habit, or to confirm one already established. R3674:1
Do in moderation; be willing to sacrifice self-gratification in the interest of others. R4919:5, 3667:2
It would not be to God's glory, or to his own profit, for any Christian to use tobacco in any form. R1849:4
To the glory of God – That you may glorify him in spirit and mind which are his. Q614:3
Even in the smallest affairs of life we are to look for the Lord's will. The humblest kind of service is acceptable to the Lord if prompted by love. R5740:3
Service rendered to an earthly master "as unto the Lord" and because of a desire to please the Lord will be accepted of the Lord as though it were done directly in the interest of his cause. R2724:5
When perfection is attained, everything will be done for the glory of the Lord rather than for earthly name or fame. R5183:2
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| 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: |
Give none offence – The Apostle carries this thought of our personal responsibility in seeking God's glory to its legitimate conclusion. R4007:5
Anything that would be a hindrance to the spread of the Lord's cause, a dishonor to the truth in the sight of others, it is for us to sacrifice that thing, and give no occasion of stumbling. R3667:2,4
Nor to the Gentiles – We are not to speak of ourselves as "Gentiles" or as "Jews" but as the Church of God. R5071:3
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| 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. |
Even as I – Paul's own personal course known to the people of God is in full accord with the teachings he has set before them respecting self-denial for the good of others. R3667:2
Please all men – Disregarding his own advantage. R4007:6, 3667:2
He sought, so far as loyalty to the Lord was concerned and loyalty to the principles of righteousness, to do or be everything for the advancement of the Gospel and the blessing of the people. R3667:4
And this should be the rule with all of us, not merely to give precepts but to follow them with example. R4007:6
Does not mean that the Apostle succeeded in pleasing all men, for he was stoned, beaten, and finally suffered death because he did not please all men. R3667:4
"Do good to all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) R4479:4
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