1 Corinthians 10:23 – “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial.  “Everything is lawful,” but not everything builds others up.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word and God’s guidance, I observed a theme in 1 Corinthians.  The apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was taking them from fleshly thinking and living to the throne room and spiritual maturity.

• 1 Corinthians 8 addresses the carnal mind and faux knowledge. 
• 1 Corinthians 9 addresses the reality that running the race was not the objective, but reaching the ultimate goal was. 
• 1 Corinthians 10 addresses the need to make everything we do glorify God.
• 1 Corinthians 11 reveals the mystery of the Church as One Body, Christ’s body.  

We are informed that improper relationships and failure to understand the unity and necessity of the body opened the door for the enemy to steal health and life.

• 1 Corinthians 12 addresses spiritual gifts and ministries.  

Paul addressed the reason for the gifts and from whom they are derived.  In verse 14, we read, “The body is not one member, but many.”  Every member is as vital as any other.  There is an order of function but no hierarchy.

• 1 Corinthians 13 addresses everything functions – AGAPE!

In verse 12, he packages the message and unveils how we reach that goal.   “For Now, we see through a mirror, darkly; But then face to face.  Now I know in part; But then shall I know even as I am known.”

The flesh, hindered by the carnal mind and fleshly desires, is unable to see the unclouded image of Christ.   In the flesh, we see Him, but we see the world and feel its tug at our hearts.   The nearer we draw to Him Who is Light, the more the darkness is driven away, and the more clearly we see who we are, who He is, and who we can and should be.

But what about the declaration that “we know as we are known.”   Known by whom?   By Jesus!  What does He say about us?  We will finally see that, and as we see, we become!

The key to victory is to seek God above everything and press into His presence.  We are urged to be like the Olympic athlete and have a singular but determined focus.   It is our heritage, so let us become who we are in God’s eyes.    We are victorious mountain movers, conquerors, and manifestations of Jesus.   We desire that “Thy kingdom come, and Thy will be done On Earth in us, just like it is in heaven.

Declare it, believe it, and receive it!

Have a victorious day manifesting the gifts of God and being who He has declared us to be!