Day 323

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1 Corinthians Introduction

Famous as a great commercial center, Corinth was also infamous for its immorality and paganism. But in spite of great obstacles, Paul planted a Christian church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-17). Though gifted and growing, the church was plagued with problems: moral and ethical, doctrinal and practical, corporate and private. Paul writes this letter to deal with some of the disorders, and to answer questions which the Christians at Corinth had raised.

Scripture

November 18—1 Corinthians 1-6: Divisions in the Church

Observation

While Paul is ministering in Ephesus, he receives disturbing news from the house of Chloe. The Corinthian church is experiencing problems so severe that its testimony is being undermined. In the first six chapters of his letter to the Corinthians. Paul addresses the major problems of division, immorality, and legal abuses. Then he exhorts the Corinthian believers to go on to maturity in the faith, "that you will be counted free from all sin and guilt on that day when Christ returns" (1:8).

Application

The book of 1 Corinthians is an eloquent reminder that the Christian life is not a parade but a battle in which the enemy (Satan) is seeking to discredit the gospel in any way possible. If he can get the "soldiers of the cross" to shoot at one another, so much the better! Divisions, pride, immorality, and anger are just a few of his many devices for derailing the church. How can you hope to handle his clever and persistent attacks?

Answer: By appropriating the resources of your salvation! In the first nine verses of his letter, Paul lists at least ten assets of the Corinthian believers to help them cope with the disorders in their assembly. How many can you find?

Now pick one and use it to complete this sentence: "Knowing that Satan would like to sow the seeds of discord in my local church, this week I will seek to be an influence for peace and unity in the fellowship [how?]" It's always easier to be a peacebreaker than a peacemaker, but God has promised a special blessing if you make peace one of the passions of you life (Matthew 5:9). Will you follow in his steps?

Prayer

Thank you, Almighty God, that you call missionaries to the harvest field in answer to the prayers of your church. We know that your plan for securing workers in the missionary field is the same as your plan for obtaining preachers which is through the process of praying. The prayer plan is distinguished from all man-made plans making mission workers sent by you. You have divinely moved us to this great works and we thank you for your mighty power to sustain us in spreading the Good News according to your Word. We glorify you in Jesus' name! Amen! 






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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