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/>.

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/>.

Advantage for Your Day

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

In the post “Advice for Life”, highlighted is that being on God’s side gives a tremendous advantage. The scripture above and other memorized scriptures can be very useful when faced with pressure moments in life.

I once heard about a field goal kicker in football that repeated over and over in his mind scriptures like the one above before kicking a field goal. This gave him poise as he got set to perform the winning kick in the last seconds of the game. 

One thing about sports that is related in life is how we all compete against time. We all set priorities in the use of our time. As we plan out each day, two questions must be answered: What is it that needs to be done? What is most important?

The amazing thing to me is that efficiency is thought of highly in sports but not so much these days in government, organizations, and businesses. Each sports team competes and the coach puts players in a position where they can do the best for their team. In government and in some businesses, people seem to be put out of position. They are put in a position to fail and organizations are run in such a dysfunctional way.

We all win some and loose some but the most important thing is you give it your best. If God is with you through all of it, then you’ll end up victorious. Here’s a song to inspire us toward a winning day: Through All of It by Colton Dixon.

Index of devotionals

Wise Choice

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised Him to life. - Philippians 3:10

The post “Desire the Ways of Wisdom” tells us to accept wisdom’s call because wisdom helps to meet our challenges in life. The wisest choice is to accept Jesus because this choice is more valuable than silver and brings knowledge worth more than gold.

In this life, knowing Christ brings victory. No other choice can match up so accept the ONE who is much more valuable than the ace picture in the World Series, the great quarterback on the final drive of the game, or the great basketball player that brings victory on the last shot of the game. 

We have a lot of challenges in this world but fortunately, we have the ONE who brings the advantage. Our Savior was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end as the song 10, 000 Reasons by Matt Redman points out. In between the beginning and the end, there are so many reasons to worship His Holy name.

Index of devotionals

Getting Along with Each Other

Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. - Romans 14:10

Getting along with each other is one of the toughest things. Every person thinks a little differently and has their own way of going forward but as in the post “One Common Thread that Binds”, we gain victory by being one in Christ

Christ is the one common thread that binds us. Be inspired by today’s song Losing by Tenth Avenue North and remember that it is the power of Christ that unifies us in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.

Index of devotionals

Game Plan

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

Written about in the post “Obligations and Duties” are some thoughts about conforming to the authority of those in leadership positions. Many of the ideas written in the U. S. constitution came from the principles found in the Bible and are an extension of God’s authority in a free society.

Players on sports teams have certain duties and obligations to their coach. A quarterback runs the play the coach wants even when pride tells them to run their own team. They must face up to the issue of obedience and accept that a coach high above in the press box can see things the quarterback does not see and has detailed information that the quarterback cannot possibly have access to at that moment in time. Instead, the quarterback is obedient and works together as a team to bring victory.

It’s not that much different in our Christian faith. Just as brought out in the song Solid As The Rock by Avalon, our Christian faith is built on a firm foundation with a game plan that can guide the way to a victorious finish in life.

Index of devotionals

Victory in Life

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4

Brought out in the post Overcome Evil with Good, were some main ideas expressed and emphasized within Romans 12:9-21. Imagine a society that obeyed these ideas. There would be much less crime, greater health, and much more productivity in the economy.

The game plan to obeying these ideas is to overcome evil with good by being faithful in prayer, being joyful in hope, and devoted to one another in brotherly love. If wronged, understand that God will take care of the injustice.

The key then is to focus on being on God’s side. My pastor Steve Ramsdell brought out in a sermon one time that our plans do not always work out but God’s plan for us always brings victory in life.

So this day with God, let Him in your life and allow for His power to bring hope to your future. Many of us hate losing. We may watch our favorite sports team and at some point they lose. We can be down for several days but with God, we never lose. There is always victory.

Just as brought out in the song My Victory by Crowder, we gain victory through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was hell’s defeat. A cross meant to kill became the secret weapon to victory.

Index of devotionals

Forgiven and Given

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

In the post “The Door is Opened with Grace”, pointed out is that there is a way to be forgiven and given the key to the kingdom. One of God’s qualities is that the door is open to all with eyes ready to see Him. The door is open to anyone with ears that listen to the Gospel message and receive the gift of God’s mercy.

So accept, appreciate, and affirm all who are willing to receive grace. Remember … the cross meant to kill brings the victory and as pointed out in the song Forgiven by Crowder, there is freedom in His amazing grace. His arms are open to receive those who believe.

Index of devotionals

Desire and Power

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. - Philippians 2:13

As pointed out in the post “We Call Upon Your Name”, All who call upon the name of the Lord receive the way to freedom and even victory over death.

This day with God, let us call upon His name and just like in the song One Desire by Hillsong have one request and that is to be devoted to His Way.

To obtain the power the Spirit offers, let us have one desire; to call upon the name of the Lord for all of our days. To desire to hear His Word, see Christ at work, and bring the Good News to others.

Index of devotionals

Momentum for a Victorious Day

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. - Ephesians 3:12

As written about in the post “Way to Freedom and Confidence”, victory in life is about taking that first step toward Jesus. Like the song One Step Away by Casting Crowns, it only takes one step so just go for it!

Take the opportunity to gain momentum with one step that leads to other steps. Before long you are gaining momentum for a victorious life; you are living with passion, loving completely, learning humbly, and living boldly.

Index of devotionals

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, lots of food, and football games. Our favorite teams don’t always win but being a part of God’s team always brings the final victory.   

All winning teams have a game plan. Let us be thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this Thanksgiving Day with Him amazing!

Image Source

Steadily Towards the Victory

In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:37

There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met and people start to panic. When people get in panic mode, don’t follow or listen … just keep heading steadily towards triumph just as pointed out in the post Ultimate Victory.

Have the attitude that you’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. Then non-believers will start to notice and want to make the changes in order to be conquerors too!  

This day with God will be amazing because we have the play book to victory. The Bible gives us great advice and victory is assured through Christ. To begin our victorious day, here is a song to get us going: My Victory by Crowder.

Index of devotionals

Will is More Important than Skill

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

The post “Instrument of Righteousness” was about yielding to God and using this as the catalyst to ultimate victory in life.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself in yielding to God’s will and being used as an instrument of righteousness?

You have a role to play because you have will and will is more important than skill. Choose to be on God’s side for He is always right.

In the song My Victory by Crowder, one point made is how the Cross which was meant to kill was used to bring victory for you and me. To step ahead, let us think about what the enemy uses to attack us with. Let us think about ways to turn it against the enemy and use as a means to bring victory to many lives today.

Index of devotionals

The Presence of the Lord is Our Great Reward

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

Shared in the post “Immanuel” was the purpose of the tent of meeting which was to have a place where people could meet with God. The Lord’s presence back then and today is our great reward.

In present times, believers can meet with God at any time or any place because of Christ’s atonement of sins on the Cross. This day with God, rejoice in this great gift of God that has been given to us. 

The thoughts shared above can turn a bad day into a good one. Suddenly, our attitude changes because we realize that God is with us at any time or any place. We can watch videos and listen to inspiring music like this: Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli.

Each day we can build memories. We can take pictures of His Creation like an amazing rainbow stretching from one end of the sky to the next. We can use technology to take virtual vacations by using the Internet. We can share with others around the world that God is with us today. 

Index of devotionals

The Place of Grace

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. - Hebrews 4:16

The main point as written in the post “The Greatest Sacrifice Ever” is that God’s Plan for us makes it much easier today because of what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for our eternal victory.

We can be a great person but without Christ, the victory is out of reach. I remember watching the NFL induction ceremony when Brett Favre was inducted into the Hall of Fame. With all his greatness, few people know that he is leader in one negative stat. As a quarterback, he had the most interceptions.

We all make mistakes but we can turn mistakes into a victory if we take in the lessons learned. Because of the grace of God, blessings can be received even from our past mistakes. Take inspiration from today’s video: Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher and believe you have all you need to build for an amazing future.

Index of devotionals

Clear Way To Our Victory

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

In the post “Discover the Freedom In Christ”, Paul reemphasized the importance of Christ in our heart for there is great power in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His death on the Cross and resurrection became the clear way to our victory. 

This day with God, take in the Word to fortify. Remain optimistic because with God, we are highly favored and as pointed out in the song My Victory by Crowder, the Cross which was meant to kill became our victory and makes us live again.

Index of devotionals

Christ Lives Inside

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Written about in the post “Connection to the Vine” are two ways of thinking about salvation. Paul’s way of thinking is that faith in Christ as the Son of God is how we are justified and not by observing the Old Testament law.

We face difficulties on a daily basis … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school work. When we face these difficult days, accepting Christ and being connected to the Vine is how we receive the power to make it through.

As emphasized in the song I will Trust in You by Lauren Daigle, the power received through Jesus can move the mountains, part the waters, and provide a victorious future.

Index of devotionals