Paul wraps up his letter with final instructions.
This ending is typical of a letter- end on a positive note.
God is building his church and typically uses people to do that.
Every Christ-follower needs coaching from spiritual mentors. They encourage us in what we are doing well and point out weaknesses that need to be improved.
Be coachable.
The phrase “what is rewarded is repeated” comes to mind. Good advice to practice!
Father, enable me to be an encourager to your church for your glory.
Paul reminds the church that the resurrection is essential.
There were Jewish sects (Sadducees) as well as pagan Roman and Greek religions who denied the resurrection and had likely been a bad influence on this church.
Resurrection is an essential part of God’s Kingdom plans. God specializes in bringing dead things to life.
We like to minimize what we don’t understand…what doesn’t fit into our pre-conceived boxes.
Do not shy away from teaching the resurrection and living in anticipation of it.
When speaking of the resurrection it sounds so shocking because it is. But that is the point. God does what we cannot.
Father, thank you for your resurrection power!
Paul speaks to the importance of prophecy as an essential gift for the church.
Several sections of chapter 14 seem to be addressing particular issues in this particular church; namely overemphasis of the gift of tongues and chaos in worship gatherings.
Prophecy is “truth telling”- revealing the character of God. And God desires for people to accurately know him.
There is a temptation to try to bend spiritual gifts to exalt self.
Boldly communicate the truths of God.
Prophecy is important because God’s very nature is being communicated.
Lord, thank you for being knowable. Help your truth tellers be faithful to you.
This is “the love chapter”, truly the ultimate definition of love.
In the context of this letter chapter 13 underlines the essential nature of love no matter what other gifts or talents a person expresses.
While this chapter describes love, it also describes God himself.
Our own sin natures are the polar opposite of all of these “love is” statements.
Love like this!
This chapter is a literary masterpiece- so much greatness to think and talk about here.
God, you are love! I want to soak you in so I can love like you.
Paul emphasizes unity in the body.
This idea of every person/part being important to making up the whole was far different than the hierarchy of Roman and Jewish religions of the day.
God orchestrated details according to his own good pleasure. God knows best what the body needs.
In our own pride or insecurity we elevate or demean spiritual gifts according to what we deem important. God sees a bigger picture than that short sightedness.
Enjoy being who God made you to be for his purposes; no more, no less.
This section is great conversation. All parts of the body are important because God arranged them.
Father, thank you for being all wise and building your church just as you please.
God gifts his people for his Kingdom purposes.
Verse 2 points out the fact that most of the church of Corinth came from pagan roots.
God gives good gifts because he is good.
All Christ-followers are gifted by God but many need help discerning these gifts and how to use them.
The Holy Spirit indwells Christ-followers and gifts them in a variety of ways.
Spiritual gifts exist for the good of the body more than individuals.
Holy Spirit, you are the gift. Empower me to serve the body for the glory of God.
Paul give instruction for the Lord’s Supper.
This passage is definitely dealing with specific problems in the Corinthian church.
God gave us the Lord’s Supper as a way to remember Jesus deeply.
Sinful motives can corrupt anything.
Make the most of the Lord’s Supper. Remember Jesus.
The Lord’s Supper is a rich illustration of the Gospel and a call to respond appropriately.
Lord Jesus, help me appreciate and remember you often.
Paul addresses a tradition of head coverings to speak of submission to God.
While this illustration is difficult for us to follow, for the people of ancient Corinth it made sense.
Jesus is the head.
We have a way of bucking authority and making God in our own image.
Freely and totally submit to God.
The purpose of this passage is to illustrate headship between man and Christ as well as leadership in the home and Church.
Father, may I be quick to joyfully submit.
Paul warns the church to learn from Israel’s past.
No doubt every Jewish reader was familiar with all of these Old Testament themes. And anyone living in Corinth was immersed in a culture of idol worship.
God does not share his glory.
Time after time man falls into the same trap of idolatry. A different day, a different idol- same heart problem…discontent with God.
In all things give God the glory he deserves.
This passage is good advice for Christ-followers living in an idol ridden culture.
God, to you alone do I give myself, my worship, my all.
Paul puts his track record out there on being an Apostle.
It appears to me that this quick turn of topics is an answer to a question posed to Paul.
God requires accountability.
People do enjoy assuming the worst about those in authority.
God’s servants are accountable to God & their congregations. Wise leaders welcome this. If they are serving faithfully let them do what God has called them to do.
No doubt, some leaders/pastors/ministers abuse power and authority- and no one should be immune to accountability. But don’t assume that is the norm.
God help me be faithful to you and to love and serve those you have given me influence with as if I were serving Jesus himself.
