[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our reading of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians continues to give us many points of guidance. Paul set the highest principles of living for himself so that he would be a true example. He refused to accept any "material things" from them, although it was his "right." He said "we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ." [9 v.12]
Although it was a principle under the Law of Moses for those serving in the Tabernacle (we are also reading about) to have all their needs provided – and, says Paul, "the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel" [v.14],he says, "I have made no use of any of these rights" [v.15].
Then comes a most significant comment, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward ..." [v.16,17] Our aim has always been to follow Paul's example; the so called 'christian' world has far too many examples of those who have become wealthy through preaching work! Furthermore, so many embellish some areas of the original message – our daily reading is a ‘cure’ for any inclination we have to do this.
Paul asks, "What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge ... I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them." [v.18,19] He appeals to the example (especially in Greece) of those whose ambition is to be top athletes and who train to "receive the prize" [v.24], but Paul is seeking the wonder of the 'prize' that God alone can give!
As a spiritual athlete he "exercisesself-control in all things." He is the outstanding example for us - and notice the powerful point he makes in comparing himself with athletes! "They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" - an eternal reward. Therefore we should be inspired to exercise, as Paul was inspired, specially noting how this chapter concludes. He states his determination to "discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Paul warned in the last chapter of the final letter he wrote, “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" [2 Tim 4 v.3]. John said the same in his 2nd letter, "Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God" [v.9]
So let us exercise "self-control in all things" so that we are in no danger of being "disqualified."
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As his ministry was reaching its climax, our Lord most bluntly confronted the religious leaders in Jerusalem. In today’s reading [Matt.23] he calls them “hypocrites” “blind guides” and “children of hell”. He says they concentrate on outward appearances “but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” [23 v.25] His words stirred up their hatred of him, which had increased when they saw the adulation he received as he entered Jerusalem on the donkey. As a result they are now even more determined to destroy him. What is most interesting is that seven times in this chapter Jesus says “Woe to you” [v.13,15,16,23,25,27,29] The hidden sevens in the Bible are interesting, as we have noted in Revelation. It seems especially significant when he says, “Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape … all these things shall come on this generation.” [v.32,33,36] 
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The world today puts a great lot of effort and money into marketing goods and services. The internet, radio, TV, newspapers magazines and sign boards are full of promotions of one kind of thing or another. A fundamental aim of the majority of this promotion is to make us envious of what other people have or experience – the aim is to make us want it ourselves!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why did people follow Jesus? We know his disciples did, because he called them to do so, but others? We had an example in today’s chapter 20 in Matthew, “there were two blind men sitting by the roadside” [v.30] who cried out when they were told Jesus was passing by, “Lord, have mercy on us, ‘Son of David’” To call him ‘Son of David’ meant they acknowledged him as the Messiah.
“Jesus called them and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ With what sense of potential wonder would they have replied, “Let our eyes be opened.”[v.33] 
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The last 2 verses of today’s chapter (19) in Matthew can be puzzling if we do not realize the chapter break is wrongly placed and the context includes the next chapter. The end of chapter 19 records Jesus as saying, “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”