Read 1 Corinthians 1
Highlights:
Called by God to be His (I Cor. 1:2). Stay focused on His mission (1:10-31). The "weakest" point and most "foolish" plan of God is far more powerful and wiser than men (1:23-25).This is "too" good to overlook (2:9)! God has revealed His wisdom to His people (2:10-14). Learn this Truth (3:6-7). Responsibilities of leadership (4:1-4,15-16, 20-21).
The church at Corinth was divided over who was the most spiritual leader. Paul wanted them to realize that all ministers were just servants through whom ye believed, and he wrote: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (I Cor. 3:5). Christians are not to be competitors but labourers together with God (3:9).
In writing to the Romans, Paul illustrated this divisive attitude by saying: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind (Rom. 14:5).
We are members of the Body of Christ. Our foremost concern should be that we be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. . . . Is Christ divided? (I Cor. 1:10,13). All of us need each other, so that together we can fulfill the Lord's will in the Body of Christ through our prayers, tithes, gifts, talents, and witness to others. No one should feel either indispensable or inadequate, for all are one (3:8) serving the Lord.
It takes every Christian to make up the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and, without exception, everyone is needed: We being many are . . . one Body: for we are all partakers of that one Bread (10:17), and we are labourers together with God (3:9). This leaves no room for envying another person's ability or usefulness, nor for being puffed up with pride as if we had done anything of ourselves. Both jealousy and pride dishonor Christ and destroy the spirit of unity. The differences between these two are often ignored because the problems they cause are not recognized.
Still more devastating are words that impart suggestions of smut or thoughts of immoral sex. In contrast words can be a powerful healing tool when used with the love of Christ to uplift, inspire, and encourage others to be more like Jesus. Every day you can choose to make a difference and change their course of life.
It is important to recognize that Paul was not expecting uniformity of views but oneness of Spirit in the midst of differences. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace (James 3:17-18).
Thought for Today:
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy, He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing (Zeph. 3:17).
Word Studies:
1:21 the foolishness of preaching foolishness to unbelievers; 2:6 perfect spiritually mature; 3:1 carnal worldly; 4:5 counsels motives; 4:11 naked poorly clothed; buffeted treated with disrespect; 4:16 followers imitators; 4:18 puffed up arrogant, proud.
Cross References:
For I Cor. 1:19: See Is. 29:14. I Cor. 1:31: See Jer. 9:24. I Cor. 2:16: See Is. 40:13. I Cor. 3:19: See Job 5:13. I Cor. 3:20: See Ps. 94:11.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Official: Rep. Chet Edwards (TX) • Country: Japan (126.7 million) off the eastern coast of Asia • Major language: Japanese • Religious freedom • 49% Buddhist; 45% Shintoist; 1% Christian; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 5:7