Chapter 3:
Does it seem to you like Paul is always having to defend his ministry? Well that is what he is doing again in these next few chapters. Specifically in this chapter he defends the ministry of the “new covenant.” Ok, it’s somewhat of a churchy term. “Covenant” is a promise, a contract, a way of doing things. The “old covenant” was the 10 commandments, the law, works. Their intended purpose was to get us to see that we break them all, fall short and that we need God to provide a way to be made right with Him! And He did that in Jesus, the “new covenant” and it’s by God’s GRACE, not works!
After telling the Corinthian people that THEY are his resume, Paul states that God has made him a “minister of the new covenant.” God called Paul to preach Jesus – God’s gracious offer of reconciliation to all who believe! This “new covenant” is greater and Paul compares them:
OLD -------- NEW
On stone ---- On hearts
Fading away ---- Permanent
Condemns ---- Brings Righteousness
Glorious ---- Surpassing Glory
Covers sin ---- Removes sin
The ministry of GRACE is greater because our “veil” can be removed, yet the Spirit is the key! “Veil” is equal to unbelief. The Jewish people refused to believe that Jesus was and is the Messiah. As a result, “…to this day the same veil remains… It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.” There is only one way to be made right with God – through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
SO WHAT?!
*When was the last time that you and I thanked God for His AMAZING Grace?! (the New Covenant) Why not take a moment right now and express that to Him?!
*Do you believe in Jesus personally, or are you still “veiled”? Remember, it’s not knowing “about” God (facts) that matters. It is knowing Him personally that counts. Ha – it truly isn’t WHAT you know but WHO you know that counts when it comes to eternity!
*In what ways does your life and mine reflect God’s glory? Why not list them out and give thanks!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2 Corinthians 2 DEVO: Forgiveness & Relationships
Chapter 2:
Life is about people, not stuff, relationships not accumulations. And where two or three are gathered, there will be conflict! That is why forgiveness is so important. Paul had an intimate relationship with the people of Corinth. As a result, he could share both his incredible joy with them as well as his deep concerns.
In the first 11 verses we see that true forgiveness addresses sin, helps people change, restores relationships, keeps us humble and helps us from sinning even more. Apparently someone had said or done something to Paul and it really upset the Corinthian believers. They confronted that person (vs 6) so that he wouldn’t negatively affect others (Gal 6:1-2). Because the tendency is to hurt people back when they hurt us, Paul writes “instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” In other words, forgive them, and don’t make them jump through hoops, God’s forgiveness has no restrictions! Living like this will help against the schemes of the devil, who wants us to fight with each other and be divided!
Verses 12-17 teach us the priority of relationships over tasks, even ministry. Paul put Titus before a ministry opportunity! Apparently he had planned to meet Titus in Troas and get a report. Even though the Lord opened a great door for him and people were coming to Christ - No Titus = No Peace – so he left. Yet he looked beyond his personal troubles andd thanked God, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” And finally, Paul was in ministry for the people, not for the money: “…we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”
SO WHAT?
*Which is harder for you – to give forgiveness or to ask for it? Whichever one we say, it is pride that makes it difficult. Who do you need to forgive today? Is there someone whom you need to ask forgiveness of? Let me encourage you, the longer you wait, the harder it is and the more damage it does. Make things right today., and “as far as you can, live at peace with all men.”
*How are you doing with balancing family, work, ministry, etc…? There are times we need to say no to “tasks” and spend time with people. Jesus did it, Paul did it, and you & I need to do it now or we probably never will. Where our treasure is, our heart will be also. Lord please help me to treasure relationships above tasks!
Life is about people, not stuff, relationships not accumulations. And where two or three are gathered, there will be conflict! That is why forgiveness is so important. Paul had an intimate relationship with the people of Corinth. As a result, he could share both his incredible joy with them as well as his deep concerns.
In the first 11 verses we see that true forgiveness addresses sin, helps people change, restores relationships, keeps us humble and helps us from sinning even more. Apparently someone had said or done something to Paul and it really upset the Corinthian believers. They confronted that person (vs 6) so that he wouldn’t negatively affect others (Gal 6:1-2). Because the tendency is to hurt people back when they hurt us, Paul writes “instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” In other words, forgive them, and don’t make them jump through hoops, God’s forgiveness has no restrictions! Living like this will help against the schemes of the devil, who wants us to fight with each other and be divided!
Verses 12-17 teach us the priority of relationships over tasks, even ministry. Paul put Titus before a ministry opportunity! Apparently he had planned to meet Titus in Troas and get a report. Even though the Lord opened a great door for him and people were coming to Christ - No Titus = No Peace – so he left. Yet he looked beyond his personal troubles andd thanked God, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” And finally, Paul was in ministry for the people, not for the money: “…we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”
SO WHAT?
*Which is harder for you – to give forgiveness or to ask for it? Whichever one we say, it is pride that makes it difficult. Who do you need to forgive today? Is there someone whom you need to ask forgiveness of? Let me encourage you, the longer you wait, the harder it is and the more damage it does. Make things right today., and “as far as you can, live at peace with all men.”
*How are you doing with balancing family, work, ministry, etc…? There are times we need to say no to “tasks” and spend time with people. Jesus did it, Paul did it, and you & I need to do it now or we probably never will. Where our treasure is, our heart will be also. Lord please help me to treasure relationships above tasks!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
2 Corinthians 1 DEVO: Compassion & Troubles
Introduction:
Paul invested a lot of time and energy into the church people of Corinth:
He first visited there on his 2nd missionary (discipleship) journey (Acts 18:1-18) and spent 18 months there. After leaving, he heard of the immorality and wrote a letter (lost) to confront their sin (1 Cor. 5:9) While ministering in Ephesus, heard more reports about divisions (1 Cor. 1:11) and they wrote him a letter (1 Cor. 7:1) asking for clarifications on certain issues. Paul responded by writing what we call 1 Corinthians (which we just read).
Disturbing news reached Paul about false prophets and an assault on his character/credibility.
Paul left the ministry at Ephesus and went immediately to Corinth. This was his “painful visit” (2 Cor. 2:1) – because they didn’t stand up for Paul. So Paul returned to Ephesus discouraged and instead of making another visit (2 Cor. 1:23) he wrote a “severe” letter (2 Cor. 2:4) and sent it with Titus (2 Cor. 7:5-16). Paul later was encouraged to hear back from Titus that most had taken his “severe” letter well and had repented (7:7). But sin always likes to creep in and so Paul wrote what we call 2 Corinthians (from Macedonia) to: Defend his apostleship (1-7), Exhort them to continue to collect for poor at Jerusalem (8-9) and Confront false apostles (10-13)
This is an intensely personal letter written in the heat of a battle against those attacking his character and credibility! No letter of Paul’s is more personal, bares more of his soul or professes more continuing love to the Corinthians (despite their unfaithful feelings toward him) than this one.
Chapter 1:
I am soooo thankful for the first part of this chapter (not that I’m not thankful for the whole thing….geeeesh). Over and over again I come back to this section when the storms of life come my way. God is the God of “compassion” and literally it means “coming alongside.” Now how cool is that?!~ It is amazing to think that the God of all coming alongside, comes alongside me when I’m going thru stuff. I don’t know about you but there is nothing I want more than to not go thru stuff alone! And that IS the promise! And for a purpose too – so that I can come alongside others when they are going thru stuff and offer them God’s comfort! Combine this passage with Psalm 46:1 and 1 Peter 5:7 and you’ve got my “Trifecta for Peace!” Wow – I should write that one down.
Paul had been thru a lot, “far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” It caused him to rely on God, for that circumstance and for his ultimate future. We need to do the same.
Then Paul defends his actions, his character and his heart. Paul was being accused of acting wrong, of being insincere, and so he calls his first witness – his conscience. It’s the right & wrong warning system of the soul and Paul says he acted appropriately. He was also being accused of being fickle and not keeping his word. Paul’s “plan A” was to visit them after Macedonia. God changed his plans and so they thought Paul’s word was now untrustworthy. Paul assures them it wasn’t for selfish interests or because he didn’t care for them that he was re-routed on a “plan B.” Finally, Paul gives his reason for not coming, “it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.” They were in sin and Paul could have come and confronted them but wanted to give them time to repent!
SO WHAT?!
*If you had a personal tragedy today, to whom would you turn for comfort? Would anyone turn to you? We all need to go to God, but we also need someone here, on this earth, that we can go to. Who’s your “go to” person?
*Maybe you’re facing something right now and feel like you’re gonna’ lose it. That’s how Paul felt too. Why not ask God right now to come alongside and help – He will!
*How is you “walk”? Is the way you are living attractive to others? Or does it cause others to view you as a hypocrite? Do you keep your word? And how’s your attitude? You’ve heard it said that actions speak louder than words. Well I say to you, then attitudes speak louder still!
Paul invested a lot of time and energy into the church people of Corinth:
He first visited there on his 2nd missionary (discipleship) journey (Acts 18:1-18) and spent 18 months there. After leaving, he heard of the immorality and wrote a letter (lost) to confront their sin (1 Cor. 5:9) While ministering in Ephesus, heard more reports about divisions (1 Cor. 1:11) and they wrote him a letter (1 Cor. 7:1) asking for clarifications on certain issues. Paul responded by writing what we call 1 Corinthians (which we just read).
Disturbing news reached Paul about false prophets and an assault on his character/credibility.
Paul left the ministry at Ephesus and went immediately to Corinth. This was his “painful visit” (2 Cor. 2:1) – because they didn’t stand up for Paul. So Paul returned to Ephesus discouraged and instead of making another visit (2 Cor. 1:23) he wrote a “severe” letter (2 Cor. 2:4) and sent it with Titus (2 Cor. 7:5-16). Paul later was encouraged to hear back from Titus that most had taken his “severe” letter well and had repented (7:7). But sin always likes to creep in and so Paul wrote what we call 2 Corinthians (from Macedonia) to: Defend his apostleship (1-7), Exhort them to continue to collect for poor at Jerusalem (8-9) and Confront false apostles (10-13)
This is an intensely personal letter written in the heat of a battle against those attacking his character and credibility! No letter of Paul’s is more personal, bares more of his soul or professes more continuing love to the Corinthians (despite their unfaithful feelings toward him) than this one.
Chapter 1:
I am soooo thankful for the first part of this chapter (not that I’m not thankful for the whole thing….geeeesh). Over and over again I come back to this section when the storms of life come my way. God is the God of “compassion” and literally it means “coming alongside.” Now how cool is that?!~ It is amazing to think that the God of all coming alongside, comes alongside me when I’m going thru stuff. I don’t know about you but there is nothing I want more than to not go thru stuff alone! And that IS the promise! And for a purpose too – so that I can come alongside others when they are going thru stuff and offer them God’s comfort! Combine this passage with Psalm 46:1 and 1 Peter 5:7 and you’ve got my “Trifecta for Peace!” Wow – I should write that one down.
Paul had been thru a lot, “far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” It caused him to rely on God, for that circumstance and for his ultimate future. We need to do the same.
Then Paul defends his actions, his character and his heart. Paul was being accused of acting wrong, of being insincere, and so he calls his first witness – his conscience. It’s the right & wrong warning system of the soul and Paul says he acted appropriately. He was also being accused of being fickle and not keeping his word. Paul’s “plan A” was to visit them after Macedonia. God changed his plans and so they thought Paul’s word was now untrustworthy. Paul assures them it wasn’t for selfish interests or because he didn’t care for them that he was re-routed on a “plan B.” Finally, Paul gives his reason for not coming, “it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.” They were in sin and Paul could have come and confronted them but wanted to give them time to repent!
SO WHAT?!
*If you had a personal tragedy today, to whom would you turn for comfort? Would anyone turn to you? We all need to go to God, but we also need someone here, on this earth, that we can go to. Who’s your “go to” person?
*Maybe you’re facing something right now and feel like you’re gonna’ lose it. That’s how Paul felt too. Why not ask God right now to come alongside and help – He will!
*How is you “walk”? Is the way you are living attractive to others? Or does it cause others to view you as a hypocrite? Do you keep your word? And how’s your attitude? You’ve heard it said that actions speak louder than words. Well I say to you, then attitudes speak louder still!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
1 Corinthians 16: Giving & Serving
Chapter 16:
As we come to the end of this letter, Paul addresses our responsibility & privilege to give, as well as some final commands & reminders.
GIVING: (1-4): From Paul’s statements here, we can learn a lot about giving to the Lord:
1. It should be regular: “On the first day of every week…”
2. It should be planned: “…set aside…”
3. It should be financial: “…a sum of money…”
4. It should be proportional: “…in keeping with his income…”
5. It should be a priority: “…saving it up…”
SERVING: (5-18) Paul’s life was constant ministry. His love for Jesus and for believers motivated him. So much so, that he was willing to face hard times in order to know Jesus and make Him known. He was a constant encourager to Timothy toward boldness. And as he served, he took people along with him who would be devoted and serve as well (discipleship). “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” These final commands must have left a stamp on the reader’s hearts.
SO WHAT?
*How is your giving? Did you notice that there is nothing said about age?! Often times we think this is written to those with regular jobs or those who are finished with college, or those……well…….you fill in the blank. But it is written to all of us who come across any form of finances. Did you know that the second biggest spending group of peeps in the USA is the 14-19 year olds?! (20-25 is largest) So whether we work for it or our parents give it to us, we are making choices of how to spend it. Amazing how a $50 bill looks small at the mall, but to put it in the offering on Sunday – we can think “wow, that’s a lot.” And of course, we all need that 4th pair of jeans. Let’s ask God to help us prioritize our finances so we can invest in “treasures in heaven.”
*How are you & I involved in ministry? Maybe you’re thinking “yeah, you get paid to serve” – which is true. But there are a lot of things I do that are not part of my “job” and it’s a joy to serve. God has great plans to use us (Ephesians 2:10)! If you’re not involved in a regular ministry right now, talk with your parents and pastor and see how you can be! The body of Christ needs you!
As we come to the end of this letter, Paul addresses our responsibility & privilege to give, as well as some final commands & reminders.
GIVING: (1-4): From Paul’s statements here, we can learn a lot about giving to the Lord:
1. It should be regular: “On the first day of every week…”
2. It should be planned: “…set aside…”
3. It should be financial: “…a sum of money…”
4. It should be proportional: “…in keeping with his income…”
5. It should be a priority: “…saving it up…”
SERVING: (5-18) Paul’s life was constant ministry. His love for Jesus and for believers motivated him. So much so, that he was willing to face hard times in order to know Jesus and make Him known. He was a constant encourager to Timothy toward boldness. And as he served, he took people along with him who would be devoted and serve as well (discipleship). “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” These final commands must have left a stamp on the reader’s hearts.
SO WHAT?
*How is your giving? Did you notice that there is nothing said about age?! Often times we think this is written to those with regular jobs or those who are finished with college, or those……well…….you fill in the blank. But it is written to all of us who come across any form of finances. Did you know that the second biggest spending group of peeps in the USA is the 14-19 year olds?! (20-25 is largest) So whether we work for it or our parents give it to us, we are making choices of how to spend it. Amazing how a $50 bill looks small at the mall, but to put it in the offering on Sunday – we can think “wow, that’s a lot.” And of course, we all need that 4th pair of jeans. Let’s ask God to help us prioritize our finances so we can invest in “treasures in heaven.”
*How are you & I involved in ministry? Maybe you’re thinking “yeah, you get paid to serve” – which is true. But there are a lot of things I do that are not part of my “job” and it’s a joy to serve. God has great plans to use us (Ephesians 2:10)! If you’re not involved in a regular ministry right now, talk with your parents and pastor and see how you can be! The body of Christ needs you!
Monday, April 26, 2010
1 Corinthians 15 DEV): The Gospel & The Resurrection!
Chapter 15:
What is the Gospel? The word gospel means “good news”, but what is that good news? Is it that God loves us? Is it that He has a wonderful plan for our lives? Is it that He will help us through our tough times? While all of these are true of God, Paul in this chapter clearly defines what the Gospel is. It is the gospel that he preached to them, that they received and the gospel that they stand by and “By this gospel you are saved…” Paul writes: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” The GOSPEL is the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ as the payment for our sins! It is foundational!
The rest of the chapter is devoted to the truth of the resurrection – which is key to the “good news” of the Gospel! You can go to the graves of every founder of every other religion and, as my Dare 2 Share friends say, “Unless someone dug them up and sold them on E-Bay, they will still be there.” The tomb where Jesus was buried has been empty for nearly 2000 years. No one has ever found His body and no one ever will because HE IS ALIVE!
Paul writes that after Jesus rose from the dead that “He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” Acts 1:3 says “After his suffering, He showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” The Resurrection of Jesus was no flash in the pan, hey did this really happen kind of thing. Tons of peeps literally saw Jesus alive again and they saw Him as He hung out for over a month! It was real – He was dead, and now He’s alive.
Then Paul explains how important the resurrection is to our faith. Some denied the resurrection – the Sadducees (that’s why they’re “sad you see”….he, he). Anyway, Paul then gives some deductions: Ok, if there’s no resurrection, then Jesus is dead. And if Jesus is dead, then what I’m preaching to you is worthless and so is your faith. And we’re false witnesses. AND – Big one here – if Jesus is not alive, “Houston, we still have a sin problem!~” We’d still have a sin issue that somebody needs to pay for! Conclusion: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…” Easter is true! We serve a LIVING God!
Finally, Paul anticipates some questions concerning what our resurrection will be like: Our bodies will be real bodies but with one big difference – no sin. Now, how all of that works out, we have fewer details. But you’ll be you and I’ll be me, only without sin! Paul’s conclusion: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
SO WHAT?!
*After today’s reading, could you explain what the Gospel is to a friend? Have you ever done this? Is there anything that is keeping you from doing this today? Go for it – and I will too!!!
*What close friend or relative do you know who has died recently? IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT that hey are looking over your should as you read this!~ You’d turn around and be totally freaked out that they are alive! That’s how it must have been for those who saw Jesus! AND THEN He hung out with them for a month! How would remembering this each day affect the way you live? The way you witness to others? Lord help us to daily remember Easter, to daily remember YOU ARE ALIVE!
*Verse 58 tells us that living for Jesus is not a waste. Want your life to count? Give up the things of this world for the treasures of heaven. Cool God Stuff!!!
What is the Gospel? The word gospel means “good news”, but what is that good news? Is it that God loves us? Is it that He has a wonderful plan for our lives? Is it that He will help us through our tough times? While all of these are true of God, Paul in this chapter clearly defines what the Gospel is. It is the gospel that he preached to them, that they received and the gospel that they stand by and “By this gospel you are saved…” Paul writes: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” The GOSPEL is the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ as the payment for our sins! It is foundational!
The rest of the chapter is devoted to the truth of the resurrection – which is key to the “good news” of the Gospel! You can go to the graves of every founder of every other religion and, as my Dare 2 Share friends say, “Unless someone dug them up and sold them on E-Bay, they will still be there.” The tomb where Jesus was buried has been empty for nearly 2000 years. No one has ever found His body and no one ever will because HE IS ALIVE!
Paul writes that after Jesus rose from the dead that “He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” Acts 1:3 says “After his suffering, He showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” The Resurrection of Jesus was no flash in the pan, hey did this really happen kind of thing. Tons of peeps literally saw Jesus alive again and they saw Him as He hung out for over a month! It was real – He was dead, and now He’s alive.
Then Paul explains how important the resurrection is to our faith. Some denied the resurrection – the Sadducees (that’s why they’re “sad you see”….he, he). Anyway, Paul then gives some deductions: Ok, if there’s no resurrection, then Jesus is dead. And if Jesus is dead, then what I’m preaching to you is worthless and so is your faith. And we’re false witnesses. AND – Big one here – if Jesus is not alive, “Houston, we still have a sin problem!~” We’d still have a sin issue that somebody needs to pay for! Conclusion: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…” Easter is true! We serve a LIVING God!
Finally, Paul anticipates some questions concerning what our resurrection will be like: Our bodies will be real bodies but with one big difference – no sin. Now, how all of that works out, we have fewer details. But you’ll be you and I’ll be me, only without sin! Paul’s conclusion: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
SO WHAT?!
*After today’s reading, could you explain what the Gospel is to a friend? Have you ever done this? Is there anything that is keeping you from doing this today? Go for it – and I will too!!!
*What close friend or relative do you know who has died recently? IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT that hey are looking over your should as you read this!~ You’d turn around and be totally freaked out that they are alive! That’s how it must have been for those who saw Jesus! AND THEN He hung out with them for a month! How would remembering this each day affect the way you live? The way you witness to others? Lord help us to daily remember Easter, to daily remember YOU ARE ALIVE!
*Verse 58 tells us that living for Jesus is not a waste. Want your life to count? Give up the things of this world for the treasures of heaven. Cool God Stuff!!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
1 Corinthians 14 DEVO: Spiritual Gifts & Order
Chapter 14:
After presenting LOVE as the “most excellent way” above all ministries & gifts, Paul now corrects their misuse and misunderstanding of the gift of tongues. And yeah, if you read thru this chapter and get confused, join the club, it is a much abused and misunderstood chapter. Tongues was a language, not jibberish like was being practiced, so Paul both confronts this wrong practice and explains the correct usage. 2 points:
1) Prophecy is actually of greater benefit: (1-19) – Why? Because it builds up the whole church. In our selfish, independent culture, the tendency is not to be a team player, but an individual. Paul reminds us that we are part of the body of Christ – a team. He illustrates this with musical instruments – which recently I can totally relate to. Jessica’s 4th grade class just started playing the recorder. At first, I had no idea what she was playing (so I just smiled and said good job). But now I can recognize tunes and I am truly encouraged. (side note – the only thing I can play is the mp3). Tongues encourage those speaking, but prophecy encourages everyone!
2) The Purpose of Tongues – A Sign to Unbelievers: (20-28) – Paul tells us to be mature in our thinking. Picture this – an unbeliever comes to a church and “jibberish” is going on, they think we’re freaks. But if they come in and hear the Word of God in their language – a preacher or tongues with an interpreter – he “…will be convinced by all that he is a sinner…” and believe! So, if tongues is to be used, you have to have an interpreter – there needs to be order in worship. So, use your gifts for the Lord, but in a “fitting and orderly way.” And oh, I wouldn’t go around quoting verse 34 guys……out of context and very dangerous!
SO WHAT?!
*In what areas has God gifted you spiritually? Are you using them? If not and you’d like to, talk with your parents or your pastor about ways to make that happen. Remember, we, the body of Christ, NEED you! (12:21-26)
*In what ways are you involved in encouraging the body of Christ? Take some time today to send some encouragement!
*What is one way you could “prophesy” (proclaim the Word of God) this week?
After presenting LOVE as the “most excellent way” above all ministries & gifts, Paul now corrects their misuse and misunderstanding of the gift of tongues. And yeah, if you read thru this chapter and get confused, join the club, it is a much abused and misunderstood chapter. Tongues was a language, not jibberish like was being practiced, so Paul both confronts this wrong practice and explains the correct usage. 2 points:
1) Prophecy is actually of greater benefit: (1-19) – Why? Because it builds up the whole church. In our selfish, independent culture, the tendency is not to be a team player, but an individual. Paul reminds us that we are part of the body of Christ – a team. He illustrates this with musical instruments – which recently I can totally relate to. Jessica’s 4th grade class just started playing the recorder. At first, I had no idea what she was playing (so I just smiled and said good job). But now I can recognize tunes and I am truly encouraged. (side note – the only thing I can play is the mp3). Tongues encourage those speaking, but prophecy encourages everyone!
2) The Purpose of Tongues – A Sign to Unbelievers: (20-28) – Paul tells us to be mature in our thinking. Picture this – an unbeliever comes to a church and “jibberish” is going on, they think we’re freaks. But if they come in and hear the Word of God in their language – a preacher or tongues with an interpreter – he “…will be convinced by all that he is a sinner…” and believe! So, if tongues is to be used, you have to have an interpreter – there needs to be order in worship. So, use your gifts for the Lord, but in a “fitting and orderly way.” And oh, I wouldn’t go around quoting verse 34 guys……out of context and very dangerous!
SO WHAT?!
*In what areas has God gifted you spiritually? Are you using them? If not and you’d like to, talk with your parents or your pastor about ways to make that happen. Remember, we, the body of Christ, NEED you! (12:21-26)
*In what ways are you involved in encouraging the body of Christ? Take some time today to send some encouragement!
*What is one way you could “prophesy” (proclaim the Word of God) this week?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
1 Corinthians 13 DEVO: Love is....
Chapter 13:
Ok, you fill in the blank. How would you define “Love”? It’s a lot of things isn’t it?! And what is this chapter doing in the middle of spiritual gifts? I believe it is because Paul is explaining the realm in which spiritual gifts are to operate – Through Love – “And now I will show you the most excellent way.” (12:31b) This chapter is considered by many Paul’s best literary writings. John MacArthur writes, “…it has been called the hymn of love, a lyrical interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes set to music. Studying it is somewhat like taking apart a flower; part of the beauty is lost when the components are separated. When each part is understood more clearly, the whole can become even more beautiful.” I’ll break it down into three sections:
First, Without Love We’re Nothing (1-3): There was a selfishness of these believers to want the “showy” gift of tongues. Yet right here Paul points implies so what if you speak in tongues, if it’s not done in love, it’s nothing. Or speaking for God or giving to the poor = nothing without love!
Secondly, Paul describes What Love Is and Is Not (4-7): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Ok, maybe we should stop here and pray about this list. Living out these would keep us challenged for the rest of our lives!
Paul’s final point is that Love Never Fails (8-13): Spiritual gifts are temporary and eventually will pass, BUT LOVE will never pass away! We can also know a lot right now, but not like we’re gonna’ fully know when we get to be with Jesus!
SO WHAT?!
*Take a survey of you activities for today – How many of these were truly motivated by love? How many by selfishly looking out for “me”?
*Of the “is” and “is not” descriptions of love, which one do you need God to help you with today?
*Love always hopes, always perseveres. When are you most vulnerable to giving up? What are you facing right now that need God’s strength for? Why not stop right now and ask Him – He wants to mightily work in you and thru you!
*Who do you know who needs to be shown the Love of Jesus today? Go for it!
Ok, you fill in the blank. How would you define “Love”? It’s a lot of things isn’t it?! And what is this chapter doing in the middle of spiritual gifts? I believe it is because Paul is explaining the realm in which spiritual gifts are to operate – Through Love – “And now I will show you the most excellent way.” (12:31b) This chapter is considered by many Paul’s best literary writings. John MacArthur writes, “…it has been called the hymn of love, a lyrical interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes set to music. Studying it is somewhat like taking apart a flower; part of the beauty is lost when the components are separated. When each part is understood more clearly, the whole can become even more beautiful.” I’ll break it down into three sections:
First, Without Love We’re Nothing (1-3): There was a selfishness of these believers to want the “showy” gift of tongues. Yet right here Paul points implies so what if you speak in tongues, if it’s not done in love, it’s nothing. Or speaking for God or giving to the poor = nothing without love!
Secondly, Paul describes What Love Is and Is Not (4-7): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Ok, maybe we should stop here and pray about this list. Living out these would keep us challenged for the rest of our lives!
Paul’s final point is that Love Never Fails (8-13): Spiritual gifts are temporary and eventually will pass, BUT LOVE will never pass away! We can also know a lot right now, but not like we’re gonna’ fully know when we get to be with Jesus!
SO WHAT?!
*Take a survey of you activities for today – How many of these were truly motivated by love? How many by selfishly looking out for “me”?
*Of the “is” and “is not” descriptions of love, which one do you need God to help you with today?
*Love always hopes, always perseveres. When are you most vulnerable to giving up? What are you facing right now that need God’s strength for? Why not stop right now and ask Him – He wants to mightily work in you and thru you!
*Who do you know who needs to be shown the Love of Jesus today? Go for it!
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