1 Corinthians 12 – We Are All Different But Form One Body

Scripture:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV)

Observation:

This chapter describes the gifts given by the Spirit, different for each person, and how we are all different parts that form the body of Christ.

Application:

A brother and sister were over the other day for dinner and we started to talk about another brother who is very anointed in the Spirit. We talked about he says he’s not special but how he does spend a lot of time with God. This chapter itself talks about seeking “the greater gifts” but we see to one and another person a different gift is given. God does reward those who seek him and his wisdom but I must see we are all different to form the body of Christ. We all have our part.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord that you make us all rely in one another. You alone are God and I praise you for all you are. May we always honor you and respect one another in love. We are all one body, we all are made up in you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 8 – Sensitive To Other Believers

Scripture:

For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. (1 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV)

Observation:

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is encouraging the believers to be sensitive to others that are weak in faith. A more mature Christian may exercise his freedom in Christ at the expense of harming another brother or sister’s conscience. Paul describes if he was in this position, he would no longer participate in that behavior so as to not harm others and sin against Jesus.

Application:

A few years back before I got married I had the opportunity to refrain from an action that potentially could have harmed others in our Bible Study Group. A brother invited me to stay at his home and not to sleep at the same home as my fiancée so as to avoid any temptation. His suggestion was wise but I thought it didn’t harm me or anyone if I remained in another room at my fiancées, I mean, we were getting married soon anyway, right?

Well, heeding that brother served several purposes. First and foremost it protected us from giving into temptation. Second it respected the thoughts of others in our group and influenced future potential behavior for them since they may have thought it would be okay to someday do the same if they were to be engaged. Third and most important it honored our Lord as we obeyed, we’re humbled, and loved our brothers and sisters by following through on their suggestion to remain separate until marriage. Praise God.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for your teaching how to respect and love others. I praise you God that you teach us how not to sin against you also. Help us in these areas so that we may glorify you always. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1 – What Is Wisdom?

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Observation:

This verse points out how Jesus is wisdom for us, which equates to righteousness, holiness, and redemption. I always wonder and seek wisdom from God and he makes it known plainly in his Word what it is.

Righteousness means to be right or following right ways, implying the person is justified, living a life that is pleasing to God.

Holiness is a quality of being set apart or separate to be used for or by God.

Redemption means to be bought back or redeemed. Slaves were redeemed by their masters. We are redeemed by God from death.

Application:

I never knew that wisdom meant righteousness, holiness, and redemption. These are all qualities of Jesus. We are called to seek wisdom and now I see how this all ties in. When we seek wisdom, we are seeking Jesus himself that embodies all this. And when we seek Jesus and follow him, we take on and display these qualities as well. I will seek God and his wisdom. I accept you Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Prayer:

Lord thank you for you and your wisdom. Thank you for your righteousness, your holiness, your redemption. I praise you almighty Father for your love and care for us. May we all continue to grow in the knowledge of you Jesus and spread your gospel. May we continue to seek you and your wisdom.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.