Gifting by God’s appointment
Scripture reading for July 22: 1 Corinthians 12
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
The Corinthian church had a diverse congregation and many were zealous for spiritual gifts. This church had come out of the pagan world of idolatry and their idols did not speak or do anything. As they came into the church of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit and the giftings of those leading them helped them to desire to know their giftings. Some began to cause division and competition. Paul, as a wise leader, wrote to correct their understanding and help the church to function in a healthy way in regards to the spiritual gifts.
Paul explained that the church was like a physical body with many parts. Each part had a purpose and was designed by God and placed in the body to function under control of the head to be a blessing. In the same manner, God provided the various gifts of the Holy Spirit to members of the church body. He gave these ‘gifts’ in the form of offices of leadership in apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. He also give ‘gifts’ in the form of miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation, administration and helps. These are not abilities or offices to be grabbed or earned. It is noble to aspire to them, but God is the only head of authority and giftings. These offices and giftings are to serve the body at Christ’s direction and work best through love for God and others.
As you read about these giftings and offices, have you ever asked God about His plans or designs for your life in serving in His body? Have you observed pride or competition in the church over the offices or giftings? How would the church be better if everyone knew their gifting or office and walked in that?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for placing people in offices of leadership in Your church. Thank You for scattering Your giftings in each member of Your church and causing the church to fulfil Your will. Use me each day to joyfully fulfil the office of pastor and teacher and helping others identify their gifting. Amen.
A prophetic proclamation!
Scripture reading for July 21: 1 Corinthians 11
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
One of the issues in the church at Corinth was in their conduct of Holy Communion. This meal given to the church by Jesus Christ was causing divisions. Some were eating and not considerate of others that came late. Others were getting drunk. The rich and poor were in conflict and some were humiliating and despising one another. This was not Christ Jesus’ intent or instructions.
Paul explained what he understood from the Lord Jesus concerning the elements of Holy Communion. Jesus took the bread and gave thanks. He broke it and gave it to the disciples declaring, “This is My body which is for you.” As they partook of the bread, they were to remember Jesus and the giving of His body for their sins and sicknesses. Jesus willingly was made sin on our behalf. Thankfulness was the simple response to this amazing show of love. When Jesus took the cup, He proclaimed, “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood.” As they partook, they were to remember His blood shed for the payment for sin and give thanks. Paul explained that this eating of the bread and drinking of the cup was a proclamation of Christ’s death until He came again. This was a prophetic act remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection and return again for His people and drinking the cup in the newness of the kingdom. This meal was intended to unite believers (the Bride of Christ) around the death, resurrection and return of Jesus Christ the heavenly Bridegroom.
How have you understood the sacrament of Holy Communion? Have you ever not taken Communion because of your own heart being not right with a brother or sister or spouse? Will you be more aware of the coming of Jesus next time you receive Communion?
Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for this Holy meal designed by You to help me remember Jesus Christ and His work on my behalf. Forgive me when I have partaken of this sacrament with a wrong heart towards another person or You. Remind me each time of the prophetic proclamation of Jesus’ soon return. Amen.
Freedom but restraint
Scripture reading for July 18: 1 Corinthians 10
“”All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. . . .So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10: 23-24, 31-33
When we come humbly to Christ in repentance, we find salvation from sin’s penalty and a new liberty from the rules of religion and culture. The early followers of Christ in Corinth came out of of idolatry or Judaism’s rules and traditions. They no longer had to follow the rules or works of religion. But Christ’s followers also were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and were becoming like Jesus Christ Who loved sinners and called them to repentance. Jesus ate with sinners and broke tradition. Jesus healed and ministered to people on the Sabbath, drawing religious leaders ire. Jesus loved God totally and loved people where they were that they might be led to repentance by an understanding of God’s love and mercy.
Paul, Christ’s Apostle, taught the new believers that although their liberty was real, they should voluntarily limit their liberty for the sake of the weak consciences of the new believers or unbelievers. Our liberty may be ‘lawful’ but not ‘helpful’ to building up new believers. We should consider the needs of others and how their consciences are developed. If eating idol meat was considered sinful, Paul said he would never eat meat again to help those believing this. His goal was God’s glory and salvation for all!
Do you find yourself judging people or arguing with them about their personal choices and beliefs? Does this mean that we should never confront sinful behavior or destructive choices? How does Paul’s attitude of doing all for God’s glory help you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for caring about all people and desiring their salvation. Help me to live in such a way that I bring glory in all I do to Jesus Christ and further the Gospel. Give me wisdom and self-control and help me to consider the good of my neighbor and their salvation. Amen.
Running to win!
Scripture reading for July 17: 1 Corinthians 9
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-27
Paul explained to the believers at Corinth how he viewed ministry in their culture. He had explained how he had a right to receive support from them as he ministered among them. However, he did not take any support, but worked to support himself so that he would not cause any to stumble. He was not preaching for money or as a job that supported him. His reward was seeing souls saved and in heaven for eternity. These eternal blessings would be shared by all. His world-view enlarged his perspective and motivation and daily actions.
Paul also sought to reach the most people. He did this by identifying with those to whom God sent him. He got down where the people were and learned to speak their language and understand how to reach them. He stated that he “became all things to all people that he might win some.” He likened his daily walk as a race in which he was running for the prize. In the world, runners raced for a laurel wreath given to the victor. Paul was looking for the eternal reward of the crown of righteousness and enjoying Jesus with the redeemed saints.
Do you find that each day’s short term needs are a primary subject of your thinking? How does Paul’s world-view challenge you to change your focus? In what ways do you need to bring your body and mind under self-discipline to focus on eternal things?
Prayer: Father God, I am challenged by this passage of Scripture and the example of Paul the Apostle. Help me to develop a world-view that focuses on sharing the Gospel of Jesus to those around me. Help me to discipline my body and mind and live effectively as a witness of Jesus Christ and enjoy eternal life with Jesus. Amen.
One True God
Scripture reading for July 16: 1 Corinthians 8
“For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth–as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”–yet for us there is one God, the Father, from Whom are all things and for Whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:5-9
Although our nation was founded on Christian principles, we are far from trusting in the “One God” and “One Lord” that Paul spoke of to these Corinthians. In their culture there were many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’ that competed for attention. Idolatry was common and people worshiped through bringing sacrifices, keeping rules, eating foods, and sexual contacts. Here Paul was dealing with foods served at the idol temples. These had often been animal sacrifices offered to idols. Corinthian believers had come out of this idolatry and looked upon the meat as tainted and thought they would be defiled if they went back to eat it. Paul told them that these idols and false gods were really nothing and had no influence.
But this knowledge could make a believer proud and the pride could keep them from loving God and those made in His image. To love each person where they were was the example and calling of Jesus and God the Father. Mature believers must always act in love towards those still not understanding accurately the influence of these false idols. Some believers were being hindered by the liberty of those flaunting their ability to eat the meat sacrificed to idols. Paul stated, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:13
Have you ever struggled to limit your freedom in Christ for the sake of a new believer coming out of idolatry? Is it easier to act on knowledge and rules than to show genuine love through restraint? How does Jesus advise us to handle believers who have a weak conscience?
Prayer: Father, thank You for being patient with me when I was lacking knowledge and understanding of truth. Help me to show Your love and patience towards newer believers as they struggle to come out of idolatry and often fail to understand the new liberty given by grace and faith. Amen.
Undivided devotion to the Lord
Scripture reading for July 15: 1 Corinthians 7
“I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Life has lots of issues that call for our attention and cause us to worry. Married life complicates each person’s life because we must continually be seeking the other person’s well being and good. We may be devoted to the Lord, but now in devotion to the Lord we must also give attention to our spouse and their needs and any children that may come. Paul was offering advice but not necessarily strict rules of conduct. He was seeking their highest good and calling. He himself was married and could speak from experience.
What God wants for each person is their highest good. Each person has a calling and gift to either marry or stay single. Paul noted that those who were single could give greater attention to how to please the Lord. Their attention was not divided with care of a spouse. He also was promoting God’s order in the church and world. Faithfulness to marriage was also a calling and blessing. Singleness was not a curse, but an opportunity to fully commit to pleasing God and doing His will. In whatever state of life relationship, we should seek to please God and put Him first.
Have you ever struggled to keep the Lord first as a person with a spouse and family? Do you feel that our culture and even the church looks down on those who live singly? Does this passage help you understand God’s view of your life, either as a single or married?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this insight on marriage and singleness. Help me to live with grace as a married person, pleasing my spouse and our Lord. I want to live with Your divine order and blessing on my life and to fulfil Your calling on my life. I also applaud those who choose to remain single. Amen.
A deceptive world view!
Scripture reading for July 14: 1 Corinthians 6
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, not thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, your were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Many people, even in the church, have bought into the idea of universal salvation. They posit that God is a God of love and mercy and He wants no one to be lost. They love the idea of grace as they see it. To them, God’s love causes Him to overlook sins like idolatry and sexual immorality and drunkenness. They profess to believe that Jesus paid the debt for all sin, and a one-time confession is your ticket to eternal life in God’s kingdom. It was no different in Paul’s day and he wrote to the church to enlarge their world view with the truth of Scripture.
Paul taught them that no unrighteous person would inherit the kingdom. He went on to define ‘unrighteousness’ as sexual immorality of all sorts, greed, drunkenness, thieves and swindlers, and the like. He emphasized that all people were involved in these sins of law-breaking and unrighteousness. The only way anyone could be freed from these sins was through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and the washing of His blood that brought justification. The Holy Spirit brings the conviction of sin and our need of righteousness and the coming judgment. That same Spirit indwells believers and leads them in the ongoing process of sanctification. We respond in humility and faith and are given the gift of righteousness in Jesus our Lord.
Have you ever held the world view of universal salvation? How do you presently view those in our culture involved in gross immorality, drunkenness or greed? How do you think that Jesus might direct you to reach out to those who are under deception and a sinful world view?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You do want all people to be saved and come to the truth in Jesus Christ our Lord. Reveal any deception in my life today and draw me to repentance and faith. Use me to illustrate righteous living for those in darkness deception. May none be lost but all repent. Amen.
Righteous judgment
Scripture reading for July 11th: 1 Corinthians 5
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. For though absent in body, I am present in spirit, and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the Name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
Following Paul’s instructions not to judge church members for their ministry and faithfulness, (1 Corinthians 4:5) Paul gives instruction to those leading the Corinthian church concerning a church member involved in gross sexual sin. This person, if allowed to continue in the church, would cause harm to the church and the cause of the Gospel. The person, if not dealt with, would become comfortable living in sin and could lose his salvation through blasphemy of the Spirit. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for being arrogant instead of mourning over this person and seeking repentance and a return to godly truth.
Paul, who had planted this church, told them what he would do if present. He would have ascertained the truth about the charge that this man was living with his father’s wife and confronted him. (Matthew 18:15-20) If true and he would not repent, he would have put the man out of the church. In doing so, this would deliver him over to Satan. In Satan’s realm, destruction of his flesh would result. The prayer of the mourning church for this man was that in the end, he would be saved before the final ‘Day of the Lord’ when Jesus would judge all by truth. This was Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ teaching on dealing with sin or offense.
Do you think there is a tolerance for gross immorality in our culture today? Are these principles of dealing with sexual sin being applied in the church? How does this teaching change your world view concerning dealing with sexual sin in your life and the church?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for speaking clearly concerning the responsibility of church leadership to confront gross sexual sins. Help Your church today to apply these principles and not compromise with our culture. Give us hearts that mourn over sins and desire all to be saved and included Christ’s kingdom. Amen.
Judging faithfulness
Scripture reading for July 10: 1 Corinthians 4
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord Who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, Who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Judging our effectiveness and faithfulness to Christ is not possible with our natural senses or abilities. In this passage, Paul instructed the church at Corinth as to how they should view him and his team of evangelists and church planters. They were merely servants of Christ Jesus. They had been entrusted with the mysteries of God and the truths of the Gospel so that they might share them as God enabled them and opened hearts to receive. Sometimes these servants were dragged before courts and charged with sedition against Rome or Jewish religious laws. Paul stated that this was a small thing in comparison to standing before Christ one day.
Paul did not even judge himself! Even though he was not aware of any besetting sin, that did not mean he was guiltless. Only God knows the true condition of our heart. When the Lord Jesus comes again, He alone can bring righteous judgment. The Lord will reward each person for their faithfulness, which is the basis of great stewardship.
Have others in the church judged you for your lack of faithfulness and stewardship? Have you judged yourself as either unworthy or doing a good job? Are you ready to stand before Jesus Who will judge all justly and impartially, exposing hidden motives of the heart?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this word reminding me of my role as a servant and a steward of the Good News of Jesus Christ. I so want to be found faithful in going to those You send me to and in proclaiming Your Gospel. Help me to never judge others, but to rely on Your grace for myself. Amen.
Infants in Christ
Scripture reading for July 9: 1 Corinthians 3
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. And even now you ae not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-6
For teaching purposes, Paul divided up people into three groups. First, there were those who were worldly or carnal people. These people were in darkness spiritually and lived by their carnal nature and appetites and senses. Next there were the ‘infants in Christ’ who had received salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. They became believers but still lived by their senses and the appetites of their flesh. They would be considered ‘carnal’ Christians, saved but still in the baby state. The third group were the spiritually mature believers. They had learned God’s Word and through the Holy Spirit had received understanding of all that was theirs in Christ Jesus. They walked in faith and love.
The Corinthian believers had come to Christ, but still held on to their fleshly ways. They began to boast about following certain leaders, some following Paul and some Apollos. This caused jealousy and strife among the believers. Paul wrote this letter to instruct them in the basics of growing up to maturity. Although there were different leaders, each one was given by God to aid the church in their spiritual development. God was the only One worthy of worship and following. We learn from this letter that spiritual development takes time and is often a process of trial and error and correcting course. This is very similar to training a child to become a responsible adult.
Have you ever fallen into the trap of exalting a leader and focusing on that leader above Christ? How does this passage enlarge your spiritual understanding and growth concerning leaders? If you were to evaluate your own spiritual growth and development, in what stage of growth would you place yourself?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing spiritually mature leaders who brought correction and discipline into my life. Thank you for those who provided examples that were not so good that I might grow up. May I provide a good example and sound doctrine lived out for younger disciples. Amen.