Today’s reading comes from 1 Corinthians 13-15 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.
I Corinthians is rightfully known as the love chapter of the bible. The chapter is so poetic and beautiful that it can be easy to forget the reason Paul wrote this chapter. The church at Corinth was facing division and Paul was writing to remind them of their need to be unified. Paul reminds the Corinthians that loving one another and using their gifts together is more important than an individual gift (13:1-3). He is pressing them to maturity, to use their gifting for the benefit of the body.
Paul calls believers to be innocent in evil, but wise in their thinking (14:20). This has everything to do with how we treat each other and Paul insists on an orderliness in worship (14:26-40). He even goes as far as to note that when the Spirit moves in prophecy that the prophet CAN contain themselves and not interrupt (14:32). Paul notes the need for awareness, the use of gifts in worship will be perceived by insiders and outsiders differently (14:22-25).
SIDE NOTE: We know from the historical data that all kinds of rumors were being spread around the Roman empire about Christians. Some would say that they were cannibals because of a misunderstanding about the Lord’s supper. Others would say that they practice incest because they called everyone brother and sister and some of those folks were married. Still others said that Christians had a creepy death ritual as a rite of initiation (baptism = dead to sin, alive in Christ). Christians didn’t need to give their detractors any extra ammunition to use against them.
FATHER, We ask to day for right priorities. We pray that we would be maturing in Christ and be concerned with using the gifts you have given to bring glory and honor to you. We pray that we would love others as described here in your word. We pray for perfect unity. Thank you for the grace to shepherd your people. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
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