Templum Dei | The temple of God

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

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God is not a distant God. He is with us, from the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). As the Israelites roamed in the desert, God wanted to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8). His presence was the guide that instructed the Israelites when to stop and when to continue on their desert journey (Exodus 40:34–38).

During Israel's Old Testament history times, the temple in Jerusalem was the dwelling place of God's presence. But in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes (167 BC), an idol was set up in the holy place. It was no longer a holy place of God's presence. When the Maccabees reclaimed the temple, removed the idol, and cleansed it, it could be restored to God's purposes and presence.

In the New Testament, God’s presence was revealed in a new way: through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. God lived among His people, His name is Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus Christ became the new earthly temple of God (John 2:19-21). The complete image of the invisible God is revealed in Jesus our Saviour (Colossians 1:15).

Today, the believers who gather in the name of Jesus Christ, make up the temple of God. As the apostle Paul says to the Corinthians: "know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" – 1 Corinthians 3:16. Also, our Saviour Jesus Christ said: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Hence, it does not matter in what type of building we gather. It is the believers making up the temple of God. The Spirit of God dwell in the believers. However, we should be very careful what we let into our lives. For example, if we let idols into our life, the presence of God will be absent (1 John 2:15-26; 1 John 5:21).

Let’s remind each other that we are the temple of God and that we should be ready for the return of our Saviour Jesus Christ!

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 3:11-17 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)

Quid habes | All you want

"Already you have all you want" (1 Corinthians 4:8).

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, challenges a way of thinking that focuses on getting everything you want in this world. He says, "You already have everything you want" (1 Corinthians 4:8). This verse is like a mirror, showing us our own lives. We truly have so much: good memories, supportive friends and family, active communities, and the everyday comforts we use. But even with more and more stuff, we often don't feel truly happy. We always want more money, not seeing how much we already have. Many of us, in our jobs or positions, might feel like kings and queens, able to lead and control.

But, as Christians, we're called to a different path: to be like an apostle. This means spending our lives helping others in the world, a way of life often misunderstood by those who care more about honor and status. To the world, Christian values might seem silly and weak. Paul himself wrote, "The message of the cross seems foolish to those who are lost, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). He also highlighted this difference, saying, "We are fools for Christ's sake" (1 Corinthians 4:10).

A true follower of Christ always wants to learn more from God's Word. Their time on Earth isn't their real home, because they know that "our home is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). Their work isn't about getting rich in this world, but about doing what God wants. As Paul encouraged, "Whatever you do, work with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord, not for people" (Colossians 3:23). These followers of Christ try to help others, even when they're treated badly; they respond with kindness, even when hurt. They live out Paul's teaching: "Bless those who cause you trouble; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14).

Even when things are hard, these apostles of Christ don't give up. They gather in church, praying for "the worst people on earth and the garbage of the world," which shows how Paul humbly saw himself when he said, "We have become a show for the world, for angels, and for people" (1 Corinthians 4:9). They actively help lonely and poor people, finding strength and hope in God's Word. Also, God's Spirit lives in their minds, souls, and hearts, giving them power. As Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Because God lives in them, they truly rule as God's children, not by worldly power, but by the life-changing power of faith and helping others.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 4:7-13 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Hanya pelayan

"Jadi, siapakah Apolos? Dan siapakah Paulus? Hanya hamba-hamba, yang melaluinya kamu menjadi percaya, sebagaimana Tuhan telah memberikan tugasnya kepada masing-masing." (1 Kor 3:5 - NIV).

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Sungguh menyedihkan melihat dan menyadari bahwa masih ada konflik yang mengarah pada perpecahan di beberapa gereja. Biasanya berawal dari pilih kasih terhadap seorang pemimpin. Beberapa jemaat cenderung memilih pemimpin tertentu dan menolak yang lain karena berbagai alasan.

Bacaan Alkitab hari ini mengajarkan kita bahwa jika kita menjadi bagian dari perselisihan semacam itu, kita dianggap sebagai bayi di dalam Kristus. Orang duniawi yang hanya dapat mencerna susu, bukan makanan padat. Orang dewasa yang hidup oleh Roh tidak bertindak demikian.

Jemaat di Korintus terbagi berdasarkan pemimpin yang mereka pilih. Beberapa lebih menyukai Paulus, yang lain mengatakan bahwa mereka adalah pengikut Apolos. Paulus mengkritik hal ini dan berkata, baik Apolos maupun dia hanyalah hamba Allah.  "Aku menanam, Apolos menyiram, tetapi Allah yang menumbuhkannya" (1 Korintus 3:6).

Jika Anda seorang pemimpin gereja, reaksi Paulus terhadap kasus seperti itu akan menjadi contoh yang sangat baik untuk memperkaya Anda. Ia tidak tersanjung oleh orang-orang yang memilihnya daripada Apolos dan memperdalam konflik. Kedewasaan rohaninya jauh di atas hal-hal itu.

Marilah kita introspeksi diri kita sebagai jemaat. Apakah kita sudah dewasa rohani atau masih bayi? Lebih lanjut Paulus mengatakan bahwa selama ada iri hati dan pertengkaran di antara orang percaya, kita dicap sebagai 'duniawi'.

Kita perlu meninggalkan hal-hal yang biasa-biasa saja dan bersiap untuk fokus pada tugas yang Tuhan berikan kepada kita masing-masing. Jangan teralihkan oleh roh jahat yang ingin menghancurkan dan bukan membangun gereja Tuhan. Semoga Tuhan menolong kita semua.

Renungan dari 1 Korintus 3:1-6 oleh Desire Litaay.

Ministri eius | Only servants

"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task" -1 Cor 3: 5  (NIV).

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It is sad to see and realize that there are still conflicts heading to divisions in some churches. Usually it starts with favoritism towards a leader. Some people of the congregation tend to choose a certain leader and reject another for various reasons.

The scripture today teaches us that if we are part of such discord, we are counted as infants in Christ. Worldly people who can only digest milk not solid food. Mature people who live by the Spirit do not act so. 

The believers in Corinth were divided according to the leader they chose. Some preferred Paul, others said they were followers of Apollos. Paul criticized this and said, both Apollos and him were merely servants of God. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow" (1 Cor 3:6).

If you are a leader in a church, Paul's reaction to such case will be a very good example to enrich you. He was not flattered by the people who chose him over Apollos and made the conflict even deeper. His spiritual maturity was above those things.

Let's asses ourselves as the congregation. Are we mature people or still infants in spiritual matters. Moreover, Paul said that as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among the believers, we are labelled as 'worldly'. 

We need to pass the mediocre things and get ready to focus on the task God has for each of us. Do not get distracted by the evil spirit who wants to destroy and not to build the church of God. May God help us all. 

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 3:1-6 by Desire Litaay.

(Listen to podcast here)

Hamba Kristus yang setia

Demikianlah hendaknya orang memandang kami sebagai hamba-hamba Kristus, yang kepadanya dipercayakan rahasia Allah – 1 Korintus 4: 1

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Rasul Paulus mengingatkan jemaat di Korintus tentang bagaimana seharusnya mereka memandang para pelayan Tuhan, bukan sebagai tokoh yang dipuja atau dipertentangkan, tetapi sebagai hamba Kristus yang dipercayakan untuk mengelola rahasia Allah. Ataupun sebalikny ketika kita menjadi pelayan Tuhan, jangan pernah mengharapkan untuk dipuja atau dinomor satukan. Kita harus mengingat hakikat pelayanan yang sesungguhnya. 

 

Paulus menegaskan bahwa kesetiaan adalah ukuran utama dari seorang pelayan Tuhan. Bukan popularitas, bukan kemampuan retorika, tetapi kesetiaan kepada tugas yang dipercayakan Allah. Bahkan Rasul Paulus sendiri mengatakan bahwa ia tidak menghakimi dirinya sendiri, sebab hanya Tuhan yang benar-benar mengetahui motivasi dan hati manusia. 

 

Pelayan Tuhan ialah melakukan pelayanan kepada jemaat, dan jangan kita sebagai jemaat menilai penampilan luar yaitu bagaimana kemampuan berbicara ataupun status mereka. Kesetiaan dalam pelayanan ialah hal yang utama. Apapun tugas yang Tuhan percayakan untuk kita lakukan, yang dinilai ialah kesetiaan kita dalam melakukan setiap tugas itu. Bukan seberapa pintarnya kita berbicara saat mengajar atau saat berdoa, atau seberapa terkenalnya kita dalam pelayanan. Inti dalam setiap pelayanan ialah Tuhan itu sendiri, bukan pribadi-pribadi tertentu. Kita tidak boleh "melampaui yang ada tertulis" dengan menempatkan manusia lebih tinggi daripada seharusnya. 

 

Marilah kita setia dalam setiap tugas dan pelayanan yang Tuhan percayakan. Jangan berfokus untuk mendapatkan pujian dari manusia, melainkan berfokus untuk menyenangkan hati Tuhan. Amin. 

 

Refleksi dari 1 Korintus 4: 1-6 oleh Meist

Ministri Christi | Servants of Christ

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed – 1 Corinthians 4:1.

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The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Corinth how they should view God's servants, not as celebrities to be idolized or figures to be compared, but as servants of Christ entrusted with the mysteries of God. Likewise, when we become servants of the Lord, we should never expect to be glorified or treated as superior. We must always remember the true nature of service.

Paul emphasizes that faithfulness is the primary standard for a servant of God. Not popularity, not rhetorical skill, but faithfulness to the task that God has entrusted. In fact, Paul himself says that he does not even judge himself, because only God truly knows the motivations and hearts of people.

A servant of God is one who serves the congregation. And as members of the church, we should not judge based on outward appearance, such as eloquence or social status. Faithfulness in service is what truly matters. Whatever task God has entrusted to us, what He looks at is our faithfulness in carrying it out. It is not about how eloquently we speak when teaching or praying, or how well-known we are in ministry. The core of every ministry is God Himself, not any particular individual.

We must not "go beyond what is written" by exalting human beings above their proper place.

Let us be faithful in every task and ministry that God entrusts to us. Let us not focus on gaining praise from people, but instead aim to please the heart of God. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 4:1–6 by Meist. 

(Listen to podcast here)

Spiritus ex Deo | The Spirit who is from God

"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." - 1 Cor 2:12

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This passage reminds us of the transformative nature of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The “spirit of the world” represents a mindset shaped by human pride and self-reliance that often resist the truth of God. But we are not left to navigate life alone, with only worldly wisdom. God, in His grace, gives us His Spirit—the very presence of God dwelling within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we gain access to divine insight that goes beyond human understanding. This includes a deeper comprehension of God’s love and grace that He freely gives. 

Without the Spirit, even the most brilliant minds may miss the beauty and truth of the Gospel. But with the Spirit, even the simplest heart can grasp the profound things of God. We also see here God’s generosity: these truths and gifts are “freely given.” We don’t earn them through effort or merit. They are offered to us because of His love. Yet, without the Spirit, we cannot truly understand or appreciate them.

We can ask ourselves: whose voice are we listening to: the spirit of the world or the Spirit of God? Are we trying to make decisions based only on logic, own opinion or pride, and culture, or are we seeking wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

We are called to slow down at times and spend more intentional time with God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning and relevance to our lives. Even if we do not understand everything that is going on in our lives, even if we feel overwhelmed or confused, we are never alone; the Holy Spirit is there to help us understand, strengthen us and lead us. 

Reflection on 1 Cor 2:12 - 16 by Agata Wierzbowska

(Listen to podcast here)

God's Wisdom

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. - 1 Corinthians 2:6-7

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The True Wisdom of God

6 Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. 7 But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him"—10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God."

Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 2:6-11, focus verses 6-7, and on my own conversion experience to Catholicism. When I first joined the Parish community, I possessed a prideful attitude and thought less of my fellow Catholics. My head was prideful with Scripture knowledge through Protestant Scripture devotions and Bible classes that I attended until the day I was fully received into the Catholic church in 2014.  I recall heated debates with my fellow Catholics over the doctrine of salvation. 

It was only through the repeated pruning of my proud heart by the Holy Spirit that knowing God encompasses loving Him and the people He placed in my life, that I began to appreciate what St. James wrote in James 2:26: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". Or as St. Paul pointed in his beautiful writing on Christian love, 1 Cor 13:1-8, 13: 

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

It's because God has loved me, an unworthy sinner so unconditionally that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit to love others in the way He has loved me. 

I'll close with this beautiful worship song by Cody Carnes titled "Nothing Else"

Nothing Else – Cody Carnes

Chorus

I'm caught up in Your presence

I just want to sit here at Your feet

I'm caught up in this holy moment

I never want to leave

Oh, I'm not here for blessings

Jesus, You don't owe me anything

More than anything that You can do

I just want You

Verse 1

I'm sorry when I've just gone through the motions

I'm sorry when I just sang another song

Take me back to where we started

I open up my heart to You

Verse 2

I'm sorry when I've come with my agenda

I'm sorry when I forgot that You're enough

Take me back to where we started

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else

Nothing else will do

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else

Nothing else will do

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else

Nothing else will do

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else, Jesus

Nothing else will do

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else

Nothing else will do

I just want You

Nothing else, nothing else, Jesus

Nothing else will do

Youtube: https://youtu.be/VAZd3EWu8tg?si=RRMbI7WQRBngy_mP

All rights belong to Cody Carnes & Worship Together

Songwriters: Cody Carnes

"Nothing Else" Available Now: https://codycarnes.lnk.to/NothingElseYD

Reflection on 1 Cor 2:6-11 by Chris Tan