Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 14-16

I’ve shared over the past few weeks some thoughts and ideas in ways to apply what we learn in the Bible from 1 Corinthians 10-13. 

Index of devotionals

Paying attention to what God has done long-ago, taking note of what He is doing in the present, and what He is revealing for the yet to come is very important.

Whatever we do, we should follow the example of Christ who passionately carried out daily activities for the glory of the Father. We’ve been given free will but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is best for us. We should seek to take actions that benefit ourselves and those around us.

Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted and there is a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about the gospel message that sets us free and never lets us down. As the song O Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship points out, forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Christ. Let us tell the world of the treasure we’ve found.

As we grow in faith, there is a purpose God has for each of us so prepare for each day by taking in the Word, praying, and planning for the tasks of each day. Obstacles may be placed in our way but continue to daily receive the Lord’s instructions, be inspired by Christ, and verified with Biblical principles. Have faith that things will fall into place and you will get a lot more things done than you ever imagined you could.

This Day with the Lord will be amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children. Each person has a spiritual gift and the same Spirit distributes them. The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts and through the Spirit, we can discover our gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

The post “The Most Excellent Way” discusses how Paul relates the parts of the human body to the church body. Each member has God given abilities and should carry out their individual role so that the whole body is functioning at the most excellent level.

There are three higher spiritual gifts revealed to us during the last few weeks. They are faith, hope, and love. These three spiritual gifts are considered more superior than the other gifts because without them, the other gifts are useless. Love is the greatest God given gift. More superior to the skills given to accumulate vast riches as a famous person, a celebrity, or great athlete.

Think of ways to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love; producing fruit for not only yourself, but for others. God loves people everywhere. No matter where they come from or what they look like, God loves them and God loves you! You will be made aware that you are loved beyond measure and you will return this love unconditionally to others.

Thoughts and ideas for how to apply our faith is the main purpose for the “This Day with God” devotional. A daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. My hope is that you will seek the Lord’s will in prayer, balance career, family, and love of neighbor.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

Questions for Reflection

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

What is the purpose of the spiritual gift of prophecy? How does this gift benefit? How does Paul substantiate his statements to the Corinthians?

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

What are the rules Paul gives concerning conduct in the church? In what ways are tongues and prophecy controllable? How can you keep a balance between respect for Christian heritage and innovations relating to the contemporary generation?

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

What is the gospel Paul summarizes? What are the facts? How does Paul substantiate Christ’s resurrection? How is God’s grace shown in your life?

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

What logical conclusions follow if there is no resurrection of the dead? What kind of attitude and behavior would result in those who believe in resurrection? How does the defeat of death fit into God’s overall plan?

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

How does Paul use parallels in nature to help the Corinthians grasp truths of the resurrection? How will death be defeated ultimately? In what ways will you demonstrate the defeat of death?

1 Corinthians 16

What does Paul say are reasons for giving? What does Paul desire to see accomplished in other Christians as he works for and with them? Are there ideas you have for helping and encouraging other people?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

"Sermons." Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

"Bible." The Bible - The Word of God - ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. "Recent Commentaries." Family-Times.net - Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

"BibleGateway." BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 10-13

The last few weeks has been spent going through and sharing some thoughts about the study of 1 Corinthians 6-9. Paul continues to discuss some issues within the early church. Ethics and love of neighbor is already in the agreement of Christianity. If disputes occur, try to handle them within the believer community rather than putting them into our legal system that is bogged down with trivial matters.

Paul goes from legal matters into the areas of family and health. He points out that the purpose of our body is a holy place for the Spirit. We should therefor honor God with healthy habits. Then he gives advice about marriage. If a decision is made to get married, we should search for a spouse that has a good influence on us. Things will not always be peaches and cream but desire to live in peace, find contentment, and work as a team.

  

Marriage brings on responsibilities like mortgages, raising children, chores around the house, and other concerns in life. We worry about paying our bills, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or passing a test when we need to be thinking more about God and how He is big enough to handle our challenges.

Even though being married has its challenges, there are great opportunities to do the Lord’s work. For example: we can lead in giving the blessing at dinner time or we can lead in a devotional time. This blog was started because I wanted a way to document thoughts for my family about God’s principles and how to apply them in life.

Paul then goes into loving our neighbor. There is no need to flaunt our knowledge to the detriment of someone else. Instead build up others. Be interested in finding their strengths and thinking of ways for them to have success.

For Paul, the reward was giving time and resources to others. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love. Paul’s attitude was to be all things to all people in order to win them to Christ.

Paul used the principles taught by Christ to train spiritually and we can do the same. Each day, we can be excited like a team running onto a field before a football game. We can go into training to change lives, win people to Christ, and receive the everlasting reward that is beyond what we could ever imagine.

These are the same reasons for the “This Day with God” devotional. A daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. In order to balance career, family, and devotion to the Lord, one must daily study His Word and seek the Lord’s will in prayer.

Questions for Reflection

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

"Sermons." Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

"Bible." The Bible - The Word of God - ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. "Recent Commentaries." Family-Times.net - Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

"BibleGateway." BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Getting the Forever Prize

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24

One thought shared in the post “Enthusiastically Going After Our Treasured Reward” was that Paul was adaptable for others so he had the opportunity to inspire others towards accepting the Gospel message. He wanted people to feel empowered and ready to be deployed to change the world.

Paul followed the Word and was disciplined like a runner in a race enthusiastically going for first place. The difference for Paul is that the reward that He was after is a crown that last forever.

Like in the song Live with Abandon by Newsboys, desire that your life matters, accept the power God gives through the Holy Spirit, and give God all you have so His purpose can be fulfilled through you.  

Index of devotionals

Interests of Others

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

Written in the post “Best Motive for Serving” is that Paul didn’t get compensated for preaching the gospel. He didn’t say it was wrong and claimed that those who preach the gospel should be able to receive their living from the gospel. He made the comparison of a farmer who makes his living from what he produces on the farm.

For Paul, the reward was not for himself but for the interests of others and serving the Lord out of love. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love.

In the same way, the path built by our generosity is the best way for it is in giving that we find true joy and meaning. Giving not only our time or money but as pointed out in the song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell, giving our testimony or life story and how we became a Christ follower.

Those that give their story to others are blessed. The story of struggles, of pain, of shame, and that Jesus came to give us a new story for the future. A story of joy, of peace, and even fame because those who follow Christ have their name written in the book of life.

Index of devotionals

Free to Run with Grace

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. - 2 Corinthians 6:3

A thought made in the post “Build Each Other Up” is that there is no need to flaunt our knowledge to the detriment of someone else. Instead build up others. Be interested in finding their strengths and thinking of ways for them to receive the power God wants them to have.

Jesus came to earth and made the complex simple. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.  The complexities in life are made more user friendly so we can find greater efficiency in our daily walk.

Take inspiration from the song Control by Tenth Avenue North. God has the power to lift the weight that holds us down so we are free to run with grace.

Index of devotionals

Love From Above

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

The post “Undivided Devotion” was about Paul’s warnings to the Corinthian church about being separated from full devotion to God.  Marriage can cause this to happen because the things of this world become much more important when we are trying to pay the bills, raise children, do chores around the house, or put time into other concerns of life.

At the same time though, marriage and family relationships can give us opportunities to make an impact on our world in amazing ways. But it takes putting our attention on God and His presence. By putting Him first, the rest of our challenges in life work out.

Our Creator has unlimited resources and can handle our yesterdays and our tomorrows so we can simply concentrate on today. When we worship, we are giving God the one thing He can’t give us; our time.

During worship, we are expressing how valuable He is in our life. So give Him four minutes of your time today. Take in the information given in the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country. Keep your eyes on the ONE who can make all things possible. Be focused today on the main thing … what matters most and realize how you’ve been blessed with the gift of love from above.

Index of devotionals

Growing in Grace

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The post “Married or Single” has some thoughts and reasons for marriage. Either single or married, God thinks you are AWESOME! You can use the skills you have, be happy with who you are, and continue to grow in grace for His glory. 

In life, we have to be able to make adjustments because things change. A person can go from being single to being married to being single again. We need a life plan that allows for adjustments along the journey. It’s important to have a cushion that softens change so we can go towards new ideas and strategies that may be hard at first but provides possibilities for a better future.

The Good News is that the principles taught in the Bible provide us with the life plan we need. Take inspiration from the song The Way by Jeremy Camp and continue to grow in grace today.

Index of devotionals

Purpose of Your Body

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

A main point brought out in the post “Honor God with Your Body” is that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth should govern how we treat ourselves. We should eat healthy foods, have good sleeping habits, and exercise to honor God. We should not misuse our body by smoking, drinking, overeating, or being immoral.

We know much about our physical bodies as we have eyes to see, ears to hear, a mind to think, and a heart to pump blood to feed our body the oxygen it needs but do we know much about the human soul?

The physical body at some point no longer grows and eventually does not even work. Take inspiration from the song Oh My Soul by Casting Crowns. God has provided a way to lay down our burdens like worry and anger. A way to receive peace and joy. A way to make sure our soul continues to grow and last forever. 

Index of devotionals

Guided in Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Ethics and love of neighbor is already in the agreement of Christianity. If disputes occur, the idea of trying to handle them within the believer community rather than putting them into our legal system would free up resources.

In the post “Set Apart”, we were given an idea for reforming our legal system. Many frivolous lawsuits bog down our system but to make the system function efficiently, the believer community could play a part by handling minor disputes before they go through the extremely expensive and inefficient legal system.

As pointed out in today’s song If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli, mercy is waiting on the other side if we bring our brokenness to the Cross.

Index of devotionals

Cut it Out

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Within the post “One Bad Apple Can Spoil the Whole Bunch” discussed is how Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a leader within the church because of sexual misconduct.

One thought brought out in the post is that many problems within our society today were initiated from the lax attitude of sexual immorality in the 1990’s. It took 20 years to manifest itself as a cancer in society with all the sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, the media, and in government leadership.

Like cancer, we must cut it out.  We must step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our society that keep us down; instead desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides. Take inspiration from today’s song

Stronger by Hillsong.

Index of devotionals

Build Up and Encourage

If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. - Mark 11:25-26

A few thoughts listed in the post “Power in Life” is that there is power in our life when we let God be the final judge. There is power in our life when we give God credit for what we are blessed with. There is power in our life when we strive to be good examples for others to follow.

We should approach each day with patience, gentleness, love, and humility. Never judge but build up and encourage others. As the song Forgiven by Crowder points out, we all have done things we wish we would not have done.

We all have sinned and should forgive others because we all need forgiveness. To gain worthiness, all we need is grace which is available when we accept that the debt has been paid by our Savior on the Cross.

Index of devotionals

You are God’s Temple

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

As the post “Healthy Living” points out, we should take care of ourselves because we are God’s temple. We should plant the seeds of Christ’s principles into our soul.  By adding the clear water of the Spirit, God will make these seeds grow into the fruits of the Spirit.

One idea to growing the fruits of the Spirit that can be shared with others is to build great memories that last forever to help in times of worry or anger. We can reminisce about good times or a song like “Oh My Soul by Casting Crowns” to fill our thoughts with peace and joy.

Index of devotionals

Bringing Glory to the Father

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

Within the post “Spirit of GodWorks in our Life” the thought is that the Spirit of God is at work searching for ways to counsel, inspire, and instruct us on a daily basis. As we live out our life, bad things happen but by accepting what Christ did for us on the cross, we are able to speak to the ONE who already has the answer to our problems. We have available to us what is needed to bring glory to the Father.

In our prayers, the Holy Spirit can direct our thoughts so they are absorbed into our heart and poured out in our actions at work, home, or wherever we are. Like the song Speak Life by Toby Mac inspires, let us speak hope, speak love, and let the Holy Spirit direct our thoughts. Then our light will shine and others will see our good works so that we bring glory to our Father in heaven.

Index of devotionals

Show Me the Way

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

   For I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

   For to you I entrust my life. - Psalm 143:8

The things of this world can be impressive. There are new apps coming out each day to choose from but as pointed out in the post “Receive the Big Picture”, the love of Christ given to us on the Cross is the most amazing choice we can make. There is no need for an upgrade because the work of Christ on the Cross is perfect.

So this day with God, use the navigation tool known as the Word of God as you journey through life. Be inspired by this song I Choose Jesus by Moriah Peters and daily download the Gospel message in your heart so you are led to a place beyond what you could ever imagine!

Index of devotionals

Power of the Cross

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

One point written about in the post “Pulling Together with Christ” is that unity comes from having a common purpose and all Christians should agree about the purpose of the Cross. Around this agreement, there is great power to organize and be victorious against anything that goes against this great purpose.

The church is a community of people working together with Christ as their leader. We are stronger together and God’s Plan for Us not only changes our individual life for the better but also the world is changed for the better.

Let us be inspired by the song How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin and know that everything is possible because of the power of the Cross. 

Index of devotionals

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 1-5

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. I’ve found this blog to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing.

So far this year, the journey through God’s Word has taken us through the book of Romans and Proverbs. As the journey continues, I will turn to the book of 1 Corinthians. Paul writes this letter in response to questions the Christians at Corinth have asked and to the news he has received about their problems (divisions in the church, moral faults, etc).

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of 1 Corinthians 1-5 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey. 

The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

Photo taken 06/04/2018 - Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs Arkansas.

Questions for Reflection

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

With what authority does Paul write to the Corinthian church? What spiritual character and resources of this church is Paul thankful for? What steps do you need to take to promote unity among Christians in your school, business, community, and church?

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

What are the two viewpoints which today’s passage produces? What is true wisdom? Its goal? Its relation to the Cross? Its endurance?

1 Corinthians 2

What do you learn in this passage about the work of the Holy Spirit? What is the content of Paul’s message? What is Paul’s purpose? How does what the Holy Spirit teach you affect your understanding of your purpose in life?

1 Corinthians 3

What do you learn here about adapting your message to the capacity of your listeners? What indicates the Corinthians’ lack of progress? What is your responsibility in building on the foundation?

1 Corinthians 4

How does Paul describe the apostles? What scriptural principles should you apply before you judge another person? How does Paul describe the kingdom of God? In what ways does your life manifest power?

1 Corinthians 5

How does Paul instruct the Corinthian church to the problem of sexual immorality? What should you do with any corrupting influence in your life? What needs to happen when a leader sins?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

"Sermons." Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

"Bible." The Bible - The Word of God - ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. "Recent Commentaries." Family-Times.net - Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

"BibleGateway." BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Blessed with a Home

What no eye has seen,

   What no ear has heard,

And what no human mind has conceived

   The things God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1 Cor 2:9

Within the post “Warnings from Mom”, good advice is given by the mother of a future king. Wives and mothers are so important in a society because children are blessed, husbands are blessed, and all who are around them are blessed.

Wonderful memories come from a great home. It is unfortunate that all homes are not perfect but there is one home that is perfect. Be inspired each day that heaven is our ultimate home and reward. 

As the song Home by Chris Tomlin highlights, heaven is a place where every tear is wiped away and all fear is gone. There is always something to look forward to when our forever home is a place where the streets are golden and all chains are broken.

Index of devotionals