Daily Devonational

Paul's Teaching about Baptism and Salvation:
1 Corinthians 1:14-17

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Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:17 that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel. So some claim this shows that baptism is not essential to salvation. But if that is what Paul is teaching, it would contradict many other passages of Scriptures (for a study of such Scriptures, please go to www.gospelway.com/instruct and study our free articles about the importance and purpose of baptism).

To understand the passage properly, please read the whole context, including at least verses 10-17.
Note what Paul is discussing. He is talking about people who were exalting preachers and dividing over them. Apparently some were especially dividing over the preachers who taught and/or baptized them. So he says he is glad that he did not baptize any more of them than he did.

If this is saying that baptism is not important, then the conclusion would be that Paul is rejoicing that not many people got baptized. So, it must be good to not be baptized! Such a view clearly contradicts Scripture, and it even contradicts the doctrine of those who argue that baptism is not essential to salvation, since they admit baptism is a command and most of them will not accept anyone into their denomination unless they are baptized!

Paul first raised the subject of baptism in v13 right alongside the subject of the crucifixion. If Paul is saying baptism is not essential to salvation, is he also saying the crucifixion is not essential to salvation? But if the crucifixion is essential, then why would Paul introduce the subject of baptism alongside it?

The fact is that in the context Paul has already explained the reason why he made his statements about baptism. He is not saying baptism does not need to be done or is not necessary to salvation. He is saying that, if he personally had done more baptizing, more people would be naming themselves after him (vv 14,15) and exalting and dividing over him. His "clique" would be even bigger. He is not saying that baptism is unnecessary, but that he wanted as little as possible to do with this problem of division over preachers.

Paul's own teaching and example make clear that he both believed and taught that baptism is essential to salvation. 
He had established the church in Corinth, and the people there were baptized as a result (Acts 18:8). He himself was baptized because he had been told what he must do (Acts 9:6), and what he was told was to be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). He later taught that baptism is essential to come into Christ and into His death (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:27).

Furthermore, he says here in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that he was sent to preach the gospel. What does the gospel say about baptism? It says that baptism is necessary to salvation (Mark 16:15,16; 1 Peter 3:21). When Peter preached the gospel for the first time on Pentecost, he taught that baptism was necessary for the remission of sins -- Acts 2:38. Paul taught the same gospel, not a different gospel (Gal. 1:8,9). Hence, when Paul preached the gospel, he also preached that baptism is necessary to salvation. Nothing here or elsewhere denies that.

The discussion in context makes it clear that Paul is discussing cases in which he personally did the baptizing - i.e., he performed the actual baptism himself. 
The topic under discussion is not whether or not baptism is essential to salvation. That issue was settled clearly in numerous other passages, and the Corinthians would already have understood that teaching even before they themselves were baptized. The topic under discussion is who actually did the physical act of baptizing.

In this context Paul says he was sent, not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. The point is not that baptism is not essential, but that it was not the special calling of Paul to perform the physical act of baptism itself. He was an apostle, inspired of the Holy Spirit to receive and deliver the message of the gospel. Preaching was one of his special responsibilities, and among other things he preached that baptism was essential to salvation. But as to who did the actual baptism, that was not his special work as an apostle, and it did not matter who did that.

Compare this to John 4:1,2 -- Jesus taught people and convinced them to become His disciples, but other disciples actually baptized the people. They were baptized in order to be disciples, but Jesus Himself did not need to be the one who did the physical act of baptism. Likewise, Paul taught the necessity of baptism, but it did not matter who did the act of baptism.

Actually, 1 Corinthians 1:17 is one of the many "not ... but" passages in Scripture. 
This is a common expression. The purpose of such expressions was, not to deny the importance of the first point listed, but simply to emphasize the importance of the second point. For other examples, see John 6:27; 12:44; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 3:3,4; Mark 9:37; Matt. 10:20; Acts 5:4; 1 Thess. 4:8; Genesis 45:8; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9.

If Paul's statement that he was not sent to baptize was an absolute, then he should not have baptized anyone. But in fact he clearly states that he sometimes did so, even in Corinth. So Paul is not even denying that he sometimes did do the physical act of baptizing. The point he is making is that his emphasis was on teaching the gospel. As an apostle, that was his special responsibility. In so teaching, he taught the truth about baptism, including the fact that it is necessary to salvation. But when he had so taught people, it did not matter who actually did the act of immersing them in water. This could have been done by Paul or anyone else. And in this case he was glad that it worked out that he had baptized relatively few, otherwise people might have thought he sought to exalt himself and that in turn might have resulted in greater emphasis on him among those who were causing division.

For more information about salvation and what it requires, please visit our Bible Instruction web site at www.gospelway.com/instruct/ and study our in-depth articles about baptism, faith, and obedience.

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(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 7/3/2006

(permission to use as stated on the gospelway.com webpage)

Daily Devonational

WILL THOSE WHO DIE WITHOUT HEARING THE GOSPEL BE LOST?--Truth for the World

A question often asked is: "Is a person who has never heard the Gospel lost?" Those who believe the one who has never heard the Gospel will be saved argue, "To send an ignorant person to Hell would be unjust and contrary to God's nature of love. Since the alien sinner does not know the law of God, he is therefore not answerable to God." Is this reasoning in harmony with God's Word? Let us consider some important teaching on the subject of ignorance.
Read the rest of the lesson Here: http://www.tftw2.org/Articles/hearingthegospel.htm

Daily Devonational

"There Is One Body"---Gospel Minutes
Excerpt: "Jesus Saves, Not Us
Jesus would lay down His life for the sheep.
The sheep would respond to His sacrifice by
following His voice, His leading. This tells us
that Jesus was the source of salvation for people."

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.wfcoc.org/WFCoC/Minutes_2009_files/gm100909.pdf

Daily Devonational
A Parent Loves The Child He Chastens, and Children Respect a Parent Who Is In Control
by David Powell
This is true of children of any era: they will lack respect because it is not demanded of them. It is the nature of a child to be curious, test the limits, grow evermore to be independent, and yes, even to be rebellious. It is especially true today since modern parents have been convinced that limiting their children in any way is bad. Failing to set limits for children is failing in a parents basic responsibility. Failing to administer punishment when those limits are violated is neglect.
Read the rest of the article here----http://www.thebible.net/study/articles/AParentLovesTheChildHeCh.html

Daily Devonational

When To Not Bid Godspeed
Kevin Cauley ---http://preachersfiles.com/

The passage from which the title of this article originates is found on 2 John 9-11. John writes, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” It is clear from this passage that Christians are not to provide aid and comfort to (nor even greet) those who are not preaching the gospel within the boundaries of the doctrine of Christ. While John was dealing with the specific problem of gnosticism and the denial that Jesus came in the flesh (2 John 7), the principle applies to any who would deliberately pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-9). This means that we need to understand what John is speaking about to not be guilty of supporting false doctrine. Let us examine some of these things that the Bible clearly does not include within John’s prohibition and then focus on what John specifically includes when speaking concerning these individuals.

First, Christians may not withhold fellowship based upon personal disagreements. We find one such personal disagreement mentioned in Acts 15:36-41. Paul and Barnabas had decided to go on another missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul did not. Each was adamant and the Bible says that there was “sharp contention” between them. However, the result of the disagreement was that Paul chose Silas whereas Barnabas took Mark and each went to the work. This matter was simply a personal disagreement. The Bible never indicates that either man sinned. In fact, the efforts of preaching the gospel doubled. Later, we find that Paul changed his opinion regarding Mark. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul tells Timothy to bring Mark because he is profitable for the ministry. Both Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the gospel despite their personal disagreement. While they parted ways physically, there is no hint in the New Testament that breech of spiritual fellowship occurred rather Paul continued to see Barnabas as a fellow worker in Christ (see 1 Corinthians 9:6 and Colossians 4:10). Matters of personal disagreement do not fall under the umbrella of 2 John 9-11.

Second, Christians are not to withhold fellowship in matters of personal conscience. Paul addresses this in Romans 14. There were certain brethren in the early church who disagreed regarding eating meat offered to idols. Paul deals with this as well as the issue of observing religious holy days. These issues, Paul says, are not to be treated in such a way so that 1) we bind upon our brethren things that God has not bound 2) we interrupt the fellowship that exists between brethren and 3) we judge our brother unrighteously. Paul writes in verse three of this chapter, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” Matters of personal conscience are just that. They are personal and conscientious. It would be contrary to the teaching of scripture to apply 2 John 9-11 to such matters. In fact, it would be sinful, because we are not to reject one whom God has received.

Third, Christians are not to withhold fellowship from unknowledgeable brethren who are willing to be taught. One example of such a man is Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). The text makes it clear that he learned about the Lord during his earthly ministry, but evidently had to depart before that ministry was complete (possibly to Alexandria where he was from). As a result, he did not know the baptism of Christ as given in the great commission. He only knew the baptism of John. When Aquila and Priscilla heard about this, they might have said, “Apollos, you are a false teacher and we are going to withdraw fellowship from you” and done so. This, however, was not the approach they took. I want to emphasize that they did NOT allow him to continue teaching incorrectly. They did, however take Apollos aside and teach him the way of God more perfectly. Had Apollos rejected their teaching and continued to preach an incorrect baptism, they then would have been justified in applying the principle of 2 John 9-11. However, Apollos did NOT reject the correction. He accepted it and so they went forward in the work. We learn from this that before we apply the principle of 2 John 9-11 to people with whom we have not had prior contact, we should study with the person involved in the hopes that they will learn of their error.

Finally, we see that the category of those to whom we are not to bid “Godspeed” becomes focused. Christians are to withhold fellowship from deliberate false teachers seeking to cause division within the church (Romans 16:17). By giving such individuals aid and comfort one would be allowing them to sow the seed of discord among the brethren in the local church. It was customary for preachers to stay in the homes of brethren as they passed through these ancient cities. For one to deliberately open one’s house to a false teacher would be to allow that false teacher to gain a foothold in the community. The false teacher would then cause trouble for the local church. By observing John’s warning regarding these false teachers, they would not be able to gain a foothold and sow discord. Obviously the person who provided aid and comfort for the false teacher also provided the means of encouragement for that false teacher to continue sowing discord in the community, hence, they become partakers of (or have fellowship with) the evil that the false teacher is perpetuating. In fact, John says that we should not even greet such a person. What if a person does not know whether someone is a false teacher or not? John deals with this problem in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” All Christians have a responsibility to try or test the one who would come to them preaching in the name of God. If their preaching is not according to the doctrine of Christ and they refuse to accept correction, then they should not be supported.

In conclusion, 2 John 9-11 is definitely applicable to us today. However, we must apply these verses appropriately and scripturally. These principles should never be applied in matters of personal disagreement of opinion, matters of personal conscience, or to unknowledgeable teachers who are willing to accept the truth of God’s word when presented in a clear and loving manner. These principles should be applied to false teachers who deliberately cause division within the brotherhood. We should not accept these false teachers into our house, nor even bid them greeting. To do such would be to personally engage in destroying the church.

With permission to use as stated on the preachersfiles.com webpage.

Now Playing: Daily Devonational

John 3:16 and Salvation:
Faith Only or Obedient Faith?

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "John 3:16 tells us everything we need to know about salvation"? This verse says, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This verse is true in everything it says.

Folks who say that John 3:16 is all you need to be saved, however, are really saying that all you have to do to be saved is to just believe on Jesus. They conclude that obedience, especially baptism, is not necessary to salvation. This is the doctrine of "salvation by faith only." But is this doctrinal really what the Bible teaches?

Acts 3:22,23 refers to Jesus as a prophet saying: "...Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people." Now this says that we must pay attention to everything Jesus says, yet the Bible says much more about salvation than just John 3:16. How then can John 3:16 be "all we need"? If we need just one verse, why did God give the rest of the Bible? To take only part of what God teaches about a subject, while ignoring other inspired teaching, is to endanger our souls.

In Mark 16:15,16 Jesus told His disciples to teach everyone that, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved..." According to Jesus, both faith and baptism are essential in order for one to be saved.

John 3:16 truly teaches us that faith is essential. But when we learn "all things" that Jesus taught, we understand that we have a saving faith only when our faith leads us to be baptized for the purpose of having our sins forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

For more information about salvation and what it requires, please visit our Bible Instruction web site at www.gospelway.com/instruct/ and study our in-depth articles about baptism, faith, and obedience.

 

(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 4/1996

*Permission to use as stated on the gospelway.com webpage.

Daily Devonational

WHY JESUS CAME TO EARTH--Truth for the World

Excerpt: There are two main reasons why Jesus left Heaven to come to earth. It is important we know these reasons. The first reason was to give men an opportunity to have their sins forgiven. Why do men need a Savior? They need a Savior because of sin. The Bible clearly says, "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Every person who can tell right from wrong commits sin (1 John1:6-10).
Read the rest of the lesson here:http://www.tftw2.org/Articles/Jesuscametoearth.htm

Daily Devonational

Boldness by Jesus' Blood--Gospel Minutes

An excerpt: How can one who is made in God's image,
and then departed in sin from Him, have the
boldness to return? The answer is, "by the
blood of Jesus Christ." When Jesus came into
the world, it was to "seek and save the lost" (Lk.
19:10). This was the expression of God's love
for lost man: "For God so loved the world, he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but have
eternal life" (Jno. 3:16). But, as stated in Heb.

(Read the rest here: http://www.wfcoc.org/WFCoC/Minutes_2009_files/gm100209.pdf)
*PDF Format

Daily Devonational
BIBLE STORIES EVERYONE OUGHT TO KNOW BIBLE STORIES EVERYONE OUGHT TO KNOW BIBLE STORIES EVERYONE OUGHT TO KNOW BIBLE STORIES EVERYONE OUGHT TO KNOW                          
 
Adam and Eve, Genesis 1-3
 
Getting Started
“In the beginning God created...”
How do you get your mind around this? One author said, “If you can get past Genesis 1:1, the
rest is not a problem.” If you want to discuss “Creation vs. Evolution” you will be disappointed
in this study. The critics are correct. Believing that God created the heavens, earth and humans
out of nothing is primarily not a matter of science or a myth. It is a matter of faith. The story of
creation assumes rather than proves the existence of God as creator. Our emphasis is upon
God¹s story--a story of love, deceit, rebellion and salvation. Enter Adam and Eve.
 
What’s the Story?
In the desert, somewhere between Egypt and the Promised Land, God reveals the story of
creation to Moses. After six days of creating, God rested and made the seventh day holy.
Afterwards, He makes a garden where man, and later woman, can live, worship their Creator, in
a relationship with God that many desire.
God gave Adam one commandment: "…you may not eat from the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil" (2:17). This commandment carried a consequence; disobedience brings death.
Otherwise, Adam could live in the garden, care for it, eat from the tree of life, and be close with
God. Yet, God saw that Adam was alone. His creation needed something more. To help Adam,
God made Eve from Adam's side.
The crafty serpent needs just two statements to deceive Eve. She sees the fruit on the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil just as pleasing and desirable as the other fruits in the garden.
After they eat the fruit, things in the garden are not so nice any more. God finds out about the
disobedience and banishes both outside of the garden, away from the relationship with God
and their lives will be difficult. Lest we forget, death comes too. Physical death will come in
time to Adam and Eve, but spiritual separation from God is immediate. Yet, in God's closing
speech, he leaves room for hope: the offspring of Eve will crush the serpent's head (3:15).
 
What does this Story say about God?
Rather than focus on details such as streams watering the earth without rain, God making
a woman from Adam's rib, or where Adam got the name platypus, let us stick to the story. To
people living in the desert, trying to follow God in cloud and fire, the Israelites want to know
what is going on and why. They need better stories than the myths of Egypt and Canaan. This
story tells them that the God that parted the Red Sea also created the Red Sea and everything around them. As they struggle to follow God's law, they hear that although the first couple had
a relationship with God closer than Moses, these two people still disobeyed God's commands.
Yet, despite disobedience, God's love means hope of a restored relationship. They hear that
their journey through the desert is a continuation of God's plan to restore relationship with His
creation, and listening to and learning God's story gives them comfort and hope.
 
Now, what about our faith?
This story tells many things about God, but it is only the beginning. He made a place that was
perfect just so that he could have a relationship with Adam. In the garden, Adam and Eve had
purpose, companionship, and an intimate relationship with God. Yet, God set limits on Adam
and Eve for their own good. Could you resist the arguments of the serpent? Considering all the
sin over the ages, probably not. The serpent would not have had to work nearly as hard to
persuade us into disobedience.
In this story, God is neither distant nor uninvolved. He is an active part, creating, leading,
relating, loving, and providing hope. The story tells us of the consequences of disobeying God
and hope in a future. Hope that the relationship would be regained. Hope that shows how
much God loves His creation.
I think that when we get up on Monday morning, we need to remember this story. We need to
remember that God is real and that He cares for all of us. Not just a little, but so much that He
spoke the world into existence, to give us purpose and meaning in Him, and to provide hope
that we can have a relationship just like Adam and Eve's was at the beginning. Yes, sin spoils
that relationship, but all it takes to overcome it is Jesus' blood. Just keep reading the story.
 
Monday ~ Review Genesis and read Getting Started.
1. Is this a story that you can believe? Why or why not?
2. How do you think 21st Century Christians should view stories from the Bible like these?
Tuesday ~ Read Genesis 2-3 and What’s the Story?
1. List the parts of the story that make it a story (actors, plot, conflict, etc.)
2. List the details of the story that you believe are important and discuss these with your class.
3. Which details can the story not do without? Which are not as important to the story?
Wednesday ~ Read Job 1-2.
1. Compare the actions of God and Satan in this story. How are they similar or different than in
Genesis 2 and 3?
2. How is Job’s relationship with God different or similar to Adam’s relationship with God?
Thursday ~ Read Exodus 19:1-20:21 and What does this story say about God?
1. How is this story related to Genesis 2 and 3?
2. What are the similarities of God’s actions here and in Genesis 2 and 3? How are His actions
different?
Friday ~ Read Romans 5 and Now, what about our faith?
1. What can you tell of Gods’ feelings or intentions toward His creation from this passage?
2. List some ways or times that the story of Adam and Eve will affect your life?
 
Permission to use as stated on the bobyyoungresources.com page.
Ref. http://www.bobyoungresources.com/adult-educ/1-adam-eve.pdf, http://www.bobyoungresources.com/adult-education.php

daily devonational
A Monumental Issue
by Joe Slater--thebible.net
    At this writing the fate of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama is uncertain. How ironic, that displaying this monument in a public building is "unconstitutional" (and therefore illegal), yet only a few weeks ago we learned, courtesy of the Supreme Court, that sodomy is perfectly legal. God is out, Gay is in!
see full story here: http://www.thebible.net/study/articles/AMonumentalIssue-js.html