Foundations November 1, 2012

Read Galatians 1-2

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.).

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is addressed to a group of churches in the region of Galatia (modern-day Turkey). His authority as an apostle of Christ had been questioned and his teaching challenged. The Galatian churches were under pressure from the Judaizers – Jewish Christians who believed that Christians were required to observe Old Testament laws, such as circumcision, to be saved. Paul saw that people were under pressure to abandon the freedom of the Gospel for the chains of legalism. However, before he could address the problems of false teaching, Paul first had to re-assert his authority as one sent by God. He did so by reminding the readers of his personal transformation (1:13-24) and demonstrating that he is not acting out of fear of man, but submission to God (1:10, 2:11-14). This displays a stark contrast to the Judaizers who acted out of fear of persecution (see 6:12).

Prayer and Meditation

1.     Paul had to make unpopular decisions in order to serve God. He risked his comfort and reputation for the sake of Christ. Ask God how you’re doing in this area. Let Him encourage you where you’ve already made sacrifices and challenge you in areas where you need to surrender more for Him.

2.     Galatians 2:21 declares, “if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Ask God for greater insight into what this means for your life. Thank Him for anything He reveals to you.

3.     Leading the church is a difficult calling. Leaders often come up against opposition and false doctrine, as we will continue to see in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Ask God how you can pray for our leaders at Southland, and spend some time doing so. 

Foundations October 31, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 31

READ 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 & RE-READ a chapter that really gripped your heart out of either 1^st or 2^nd Corinthians.

REFLECTION

1.     Notice what Paul tells the believers in these final words. In light of what you know of the church at Corinth, why do you think he specifically chooses theses urges in his conclusion?

2.     You have just finished Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians in sequence and in context. In order to seal what you have learned so that you will not forget it, take a few minutes to write out an overview of what this book of the Bible is about. What were some of the verses and themes that really stuck out to you?

3.     Take some time to reflect upon your journey through Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian believers. What did you learn that you did not know before?

4.     Ancient Corinth and North America have many similarities. How can what you learned over this month empower you to be a Spirit-filled believer in a materialistic culture? What will this look like?

5.     Spend some time thanking God for how He grew you this month. Ask Him how you can impact others through this.

Foundations October 30, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 30

READ 2 Corinthians 12:11 – 13:10

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Paul ends his letter speaking like a father to his children. He is so different from his opponents – those false teachers who have seized his congregation. He says to the believers, “I seek not what is yours but you.” He doesn’t want their belongings; he wants their hearts committed to the Lord Jesus. The purpose of Paul’s defending himself in this letter was not to puff himself up or to save his reputation for his sake; even his defense was for the sake of the Corinthians, that they would be built up and return to the true faith. Paul grieves thinking that he may return to Corinth and find that some in the congregation have slipped back into old sins.

Paul’s words of his impending visit should strike healthy fear in the hearts of the rebellious minority. Though he comes, a human, to discipline them, the Lord Jesus Christ will be there in power.

Paul implores the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, for there are some who are deceived. His desire is to see all come to true repentance and restoration.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Who would you classify as your enemies? Take time to pray for them today. Ask that God would give you a desire for their good, like Paul, who longed for the restoration of those who were against him.

2.     Ask God if you care too much about what others think of you and too little about what God thinks of you. This is called a fear of man. Ask the Lord to deliver you from this and to give you a great desire to please Him and live for Him no matter the cost.

3.     Paul said that though Jesus was crucified in weakness, He lives by the power of God. What is an area where you would like to see Christ’s power displayed in your life? Ask for it!

Foundations October 29, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 29

READ 2 Corinthians 11:1 – 12:10

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

After 15 verses of justifying a few moments of boasting, Paul begins to “boast” in his accomplishments in order to make a point. In contrast to his opponents, Paul boasts in his weaknesses! The second half of chapter 11 describe the intense persecutions and sufferings Paul has endured, making his life of little envy to anyone. He describes these so as to point again to Christ’s exaltation in man’s weakness.

In chapter 12, Paul continues with a bit of sarcasm, speaking of himself in the third person. His opponents have been known to boast in their spiritual experiences and so Paul does the same in order to make a point; but again, he brings it back to his weaknesses, through which Christ is glorified. He openly shares from his own experiences of wrestling through suffering. He doesn’t love suffering because he loves pain or because he would want people to feel sorry for him; he is content in suffering because through his weakness, God’s power and strength is made perfect. In a time of great need, the Lord spoke powerfully to Paul with the excellent promise of verse 9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     How might God want to encourage you through today’s reading? To which experience in your life does God want to say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness”?

2.     Make a list of your strengths – the things that you are good at. Ask God to help you if this exercise is difficult for you; you do not need to feel guilty about having strengths – these are gifts from God! Now look over your list and think about how God is greater and has more than each of these things. Thank Him that He exceeds all human strength.

3.     Now do the same, but list your weaknesses, and only your top five. Now ask God to reveal His strength in the midst of each weakness. Thank Him that He exceeds your weaknesses and that He can work through them. Spend some time humbly committing yourself to God today and asking Him to use you as He sees fit. 

Foundations October 28, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 28

READ 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Paul reflects on his first encounter of the Corinthians and how, through the message of the gospel, he betrothed them to one husband, that is Christ, in great expectation that one day the church at Corinth would be a pure virgin before the Lord. In other words, he desired to see them grow in love and devotion and holiness. But the divisions among them had weakened the church and when enemies of the true gospel came, the believers were unprepared and there was great upheaval.

False teachers with false doctrine were in their midst and the church was putting up with it! They were not standing firm in the truth. It was likely that Paul’s opponents were preaching the false “health and wealth” doctrine of abundant life in the present without any suffering. Surely that sort of message would put the apostle Paul in an ungodly light, as suffering seemed to be his lot in life as a missionary.

False teachers were in the habit of requiring payment for “ministry” which is why Paul refused to accept support from the Corinthian church. It was imperative that he differentiate between his ministry and theirs. And this was all because of his love for Christ and his love for the church.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Many people had negative feelings towards Paul, when in reality he was doing only the will of God. Allow God to bring to mind people whom you have bad thoughts and feelings towards. For each one, ask Him to point out what is legitimate and illegitimate about how you feel. Can you forgive that which is legitimate? What are you supposed to do with your illegitimate ideas of the person?

2.     There are many false teachers in our day too! The best way to steer clear of latching onto false doctrine is to stay connected to Jesus through regularly reading the word building a relationship with Him. In your journal, write out what God has been teaching you from His word lately. Thank Him for that. Who can you share this with today?

Foundations October 27, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 27

READ 2 Corinthians 10

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Finally, Paul begins to directly confront those who have risen up against him. He wants them to come to repentance before he comes in person to judge them. Paul mentions two things that his adversaries have accused him of: 1) that he walks according to the flesh, and 2) that his physical presence and speaking abilities are weak. Paul declares that he walks in the flesh but does not wage war according to the flesh. He has the spiritual weapons to bring down every lofty and untrue opinion about his apostleship, making each thought obedient to Christ. He makes it clear that the opposition towards him is opposition to the knowledge of God. Paul is ready to punish disobedience in the Corinthian church if need be, though he earnestly desires to see repentance.

Paul returns to a key theme throughout his letters: “let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Paul reminds the church that he and his companions were the first to bring the gospel to the Corinthians – it was not as though he has no track record there! His hope is that their faith might increase and that his area of influence may be enlarged to reach people and places beyond Corinth. It is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but only he whom the Lord commends.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Take note of how Paul has defended himself in this and previous chapters. Notice his motives behind defending himself. How is this different than times when you have defended yourself against slander?

2.     What is one weakness (not a sin) you have that you feel hinders your ability to be an effective minister. Give this weakness to God

3.     It was unfortunate that Paul had to deal with this rebellion issue in the Corinthian church. What he really wanted was to see the gospel spread even further beyond the borders of Corinth. Is there anything in your life that is hindering God from using you to be a light in a certain person or place? If so, make a point to deal with this issue.

Foundations October 26, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 26

READ 2 Corinthians 8-9

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Having given clearly enough evidence that he is indeed a genuine apostle of the gospel of Christ, Paul moves on to a present matter of a collection that is being taken for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthians had begun collecting money before rebellion had broken out and now Paul urges them to resume the collection, encouraging them to give generously. He inspires them to excel in giving as they excel in so many other things.

Verses 10-11 give us insight into the Corinthians’ journey towards generosity. It would seem that most had to set their mind to start giving and only then did they begin to develop a desire to give. Isn’t this so often how it works? God asks us to trump our feelings in faith and obedience and eventually our feelings fall in line.

We can expect to be challenged, tested, disciplined and blessed in the area of our finances. How we spend our money and how we give our money is quite telling as to how much we love and trust God. Paul gives us all the encouragement we need in the final ten verses of chapter 9: keeping in mind an eternal perspective, we can be sure that we will reap what we sow; God loves a cheerful giver; and God who is sovereign over all the earth and owns the cattle on a thousand hills will supply all that we need. What a blessing!

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Evaluate your giving: What is your attitude towards giving? Do you enjoy giving your money? Do you inwardly despise it? Are you consistent with giving to the church and helping those in need, or do you do it only when you feel guilty, or when you want to do it?

2.     Spend some time inviting God into your finances. If you are scared to do this, be honest and tell him so! Ask God to speak to you about your spending and your giving. Is there anything He would like you to change? Are you giving all He asks of you? Meditate on 9:6-15.

3.     Try a spending fast for one week (or longer). Ask God what that will look like for you and make a commitment to Him that you will obey. As you go about your fast, notice what God teaches you.

Foundations October 25, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 25

READ 2 Corinthians 6:1 – 7:1

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Paul urges the people not to receive the grace of God in vain (v 1). A person can receive the grace of God, but if they refuse to walk in obedience to God, they trample His grace. Paul warns the Corinthians: “do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” In other words, do not be allied inappropriately with unbelievers, for light and darkness have nothing in common. In context, Paul is referring to those in the church who have rebelled against them, boldly calling them out as “unbelievers” though he hopes they will turn in repentance as many in the church already have.

Paul reminds the believers yet again that they are the temple of the living God. He reminds them of God’s words to Israel in Leviticus 26. When God intends to dwell among His people, He asks that they first separate themselves from wickedness. “[T]hen”, He says, “I will welcome you, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me”. We receive God’s grace in vain if we assume He is our father and has made His dwelling in us when we have refused to repent of things He has called us out of. The words of verses 16-18 are a great promise! We should not be upset at their severity; rather we should joyfully cleanse ourselves from things that defile us so that God’s holiness might be perfected in us.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     When have you experienced God’s discipline? How did it bring you to life and reconciliation in the end? Ask God to keep your heart soft, that you would respond quickly to discipline.

2.     God disciplines us when we refuse to repent. Is there something God has warned you about that you have refused to repent of? Ask God to show you the danger of this refusal. Are you ready to repent of it?

3.     Thank God that He intends to dwell among His people. Thank Him for the privilege of being called the temple of the Living God. Thank Him that He is gentle and patient in our failings and just in dealing with us. Thank Him for calling you one step at a time on this journey of obedience and for allowing you to get back up again when you fall.

Foundations October 24, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 24

RE-READ 2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6:13

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Jesus said that we would have trouble in this world but to take heart because He had overcome the world (John 16:33). This is what Paul is reminding the Corinthians and us in chapters 4-6. When Jesus spoke these words the disciples did not fully understand them, but Paul now sheds wonderful light for us. Following the two truths discussed yesterday, Paul presents three more: 1) Knowing that we will all stand before God’s judgement one day should evoke in us a fear of the Lord and an aim to please Him (5:9-10); 2) A fear of the Lord should produce in us hearts for evangelism and a willingness to die to ourselves and live entirely for Christ (5:10-15); and 3) All people are eternal and believers must represent God’s offer of reconciliation to a broken world. Now is the time for salvation (5:16-6:13).

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Do you think that you have a fear of the Lord? How can you tell? This is an important question because without the fear of the Lord it is easy to live in rebellion and ignore His discipline. Ask God whether or not you fear Him. If you do not understand the fear of the Lord, make it a point to study this in your devotions.

2.     Paul saw people through the eyes of eternity, understanding that everyone has an eternal destination, be it eternally reconciled or eternally condemned. Ask God to place a burden of eternity on your heart, that you also would see people through the lens of eternity.

3.     Paul calls all believers – all who have been made new by the Spirit of God! – to be ambassadors for reconciliation. Through Jesus, we who were far from God because of sin have been reconciled to God. Now we are able to come with confidence before His throne. We are to work together with Christ to appeal others to receive His grace and be transformed by Him. Ask God how He wants to use you as an ambassador. Ask Him for boldness to speak out about your faith.

Foundations October 23, 2012

Reading Plan: If you would like to continue on a Bible reading plan, click here.

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 23

READ 2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6:13

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

God has shone His light into the darkness of human hearts in order to give us the knowledge of His glory, as seen in the face of Jesus. This is a treasure, but it is a treasure contained in the weakness of our temporary human bodies. Paul begins by stressing two major themes: 1) This life is temporary, and thus our sufferings are temporary also (ch 4); and 2) Our suffering allows us to share in the death of Christ so that we can bring life to others, just as Christ did (4:7-12 and 5:14-15).

We must live by faith and not by sight, setting our hearts and minds on our eternal dwelling. Imagine how things would be different if we actually did this! Imagine how differently we would respond in times of trial and suffering if we lived with Paul’s perspective and truly believed verses 16 -18! Imagine how much less we would fear people and their opinions of us if we truly kept our hearts fixed on heaven and made it our aim to please God.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     It was very easy in ancient Corinth, and it is very easy in present day North America, to live without a thought of eternity. There is so much around us to see and do and have that we can go weeks and months without giving a thought to the truth that this life is temporary and mediocre compared to what God is preparing for us! Spend some time thinking about this, and imagining how life would be different for you if you took this to heart.

2.     Meditate on 4:16-18. What struggles are you dealing with that God wants to call “light and momentary” next to the “eternal weight of glory” He is preparing for you. How will you journey through this trial differently because of what God says?

3.     Paul understood that if he wanted to share in Christ’s glory he would also have to share in His suffering. He understood that his trials were not in vain because as he suffered, he died along with Christ and thus he could bring life to others just as Jesus death opened the door to abundant life. Ask God to speak to you personally through this truth.

Foundations October 22, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 26-28

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 22

READ 2 Corinthians 3

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

In defending his apostleship, Paul is not boasting in himself. The Corinthian church itself is a visual message from God showing Paul to be an effective apostle. They are a testament to the new covenant – the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, making us more and more like Christ Jesus until the day of His return.

The old covenant – the Law given to Moses – was wonderful, but it did not empower the Israelites for obedience. It was glorious, but the glory was not permanent. God’s plan was always to usher in the new covenant under which man could receive forgiveness and right standing with God. The glory of the new covenant does not fade, so Paul could be bold in his ministry.

Many of the Jews read the Scriptures with a veil over their heart, unable to see that Jesus is the fulfillment of those Scriptures. But trusting in Jesus and receiving the Spirit brings freedom –as we recognize that we are unable to save ourselves. It is so freeing to realize that it is the Spirit that transforms us into the likeness of Christ through degrees of glory.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     The Corinthians were a testament to the power of God through Paul’s leadership. Like a letter of recommendation, they showed Paul a true apostle. What kind of letter are you? Does your life speak of God’s grace and power? If Jesus would “read” you, would your life be a letter recommending people to follow Christ, or would your life be a letter with a different message?

2.     Mediate on what you have received as a result of the new covenant and praise God for these things.

3.     Spend some time interceding for the lost. Ask God to bring someone to mind, and then ask Him to reveal to you what “veil” is over their heart that is keeping them from coming to Him. Pray for that thing to be removed.

Foundations October 21, 2012

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 21

READ 2 Corinthians 1:12 – 2:17

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Originally Paul’s plan was to go first to Corinth and then to Macedonia. He struggled with the decision and finally decided to go first to Macedonia and to send Titus with this letter to the Corinthians instead of coming in person. In these verses he explains his decision process, because his opponents have accused him of being indecisive – saying first one thing, then the other. In these verses he affirms that he was not indecisive; rather he was listening to the will of God which is always perfect. The change of plan not to visit Corinth was a “Yes” because it was in accordance with God’s will (v 12-20).

Paul goes on to urge the faithful majority to offer forgiveness to the ones who initiated the rebellion against him. Again, Paul’s heart for the Corinthians is shown so pure and honourable; he longs to forgive even those who sought to destroy him. Paul is fully aware that the enemy would love to destroy the church at Corinth, first through division and now through unforgiveness.

In verses 12-17 he moves away from speaking of the past and transitions into the present goal of this letter: to defend his sincere and blameless leadership as an apostle of Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     What does 1:19-22 teach you about God’s character and His ways?

2.     What does 2:5-11 tell us about Paul’s character? How might God want you to specifically imitate Paul?

3.     Meditate on 2:14-17. What truths are being told in this passage? Ask God how you can bring life into people’s lives today? Ask Him to grow depth of sincerity and love in your heart so that you will become more and more in Christ-like. 

Foundations October 20, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 23-25

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 20

READ 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 and if your Bible has an Introduction to the letter of 2 Corinthians, read that as well.

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

A tumultuous year had passed between the writing of 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians. Paul had sent Timothy Corinth on his behalf, but when Timothy got there, he saw a church in chaos and rebellion against Paul, as Paul’s opponents from the east had arrived and evoked resistance against him. Paul journeyed to Corinth immediately to assess the situation, but was met with much rebellion as the people had turned against him. Showing mercy, he chose not to respond at the time and left Corinth. Soon after he sent Titus back with a heavy letter (now lost) inciting the people to repent or suffer God’s judgement. Most of the church accepted the rebuke and repented, but a minority continued to reject Paul.

2 Corinthians is Paul’s response to the rejection of the minority. He spends most of the letter defending his legitimacy as an apostle in order to strengthen the faithful believers in the church and to offer the rebellious few a final chance to repent before he comes in judgement.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Don’t Paul’s classic words, “Grace and peace to you from God…” take on so much greater depth when you know the context in which they are spoken? What does this greeting reveal about Paul’s heart and attitude towards the church?

2.     Paul is able to praise God for the suffering he has experienced at the hand of his opponents and the rebels at Corinth. Through suffering he experiences comfort and is better equipped to give Christ-like comfort to others. In what current suffering do you need the comfort of God? Ask Him for it.

3.     In prayer, ask God to use your afflictions and troubles for His glory. Ask Him to pour His love and comfort over you so that you can pour it out onto others. Ask God who He would have you comfort today.

4.     Verse 9 is a great encouragement. God allows our sufferings so that we will stop relying on ourselves and turn to Him who raised Christ from the dead! Wow. Meditate on this.

Foundations October 19, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 21-22

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 19

READ 1 Corinthians 16

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Now Paul brings his letter to a close with some final instructions. Paul was a true defender of the faith and understood what it meant to live by the Spirit. In his conclusion he mentions his desire to personally visit the church at Corinth for an extended time, though even this is a desire to be surrendered to the Lord. His purpose is to go and do only where and what the Lord wills. Paul does not live controlled by his feelings or personal preferences; in everything he does, he works for the Lord. A humble leader, he has no trouble sharing the load of the churches, raising up disciples and exalting the efforts of fellow workers. His love for the Lord and for the believers is made clear in his final words. Paul’s life is not his own; he is a joyful slave to the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     In light of all that you’ve read in this letter, why do think Paul chooses to give the specific exhortations that he does in verses 13 and 14?

2.     Paul did not live by feelings. Ask God to show you an area of your life where you are letting your feelings take control, rather than letting Him guide you. Take some time to surrender control over to Him and ask Him what He wants of you in the situation.

3.     You have just finished Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in sequence and in context. In order to seal what you have learned so that you will not forget it, take a few minutes to write out an overview of what this book of the Bible is about. What were some of the verses and themes that really stuck out to you?

4.     If you serve in the church in any capacity, spend some time asking God to give you a deep love for those you serve.

Foundations October 18, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 19-20

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 18

READ 1 Corinthians 15

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Lastly, Paul addresses a very important point that is vital to the survival of the church and to the spread of the gospel: the truthfulness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many in the Greco-Roman world believed that life ceased entirely after death, and if there was any sort of afterlife, it was an unsubstantial, ethereal thing. The church was confused about life after death and the bodily resurrection of Christ.

This is such an important chapter for us in the 21^st century as the Bible’s claims are being questioned on all fronts. We must not forget the basis of historical Christianity, as Paul outlines in verses 3-8. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are all times in literal human history; we’re not talking fantasy or make-believe here! This is why Paul makes a point to mention in detail the numbers and some specific names of those who had seen the risen Christ – so that the truthfulness of this claim could be affirmed by many!

Paul points out the implications that exist if Jesus did not rise from the dead: “your faith is futile and you are still in your sins”! (v 17) And then: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people the most to be pitied.” (v 19). If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He did not conquer death and we will perish in our sinfulness, never to receive our resurrected bodies. Praise God that He is risen! Yes! He is risen indeed!

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Ask God how He wants to use this chapter to grow your faith. Ask Him how He wants to use this chapter to make you a bolder witness.

2.     Consider what the truthfulness of the resurrection means for you personally. Meditate on verses 54-57. Thank Jesus for His power over death.

3.     Finally, meditate on verse 58. Do you ever feel that your service or obedience to the Lord is in vain? Ask the Lord to encourage you through what you have learned today.

Foundations October 17, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 17-18

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 17

READ 1 Corinthians 12:27 – 13:13

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

1 Corinthians 13 is not an unfamiliar chapter, but reading it in context puts it in a bit of a different light than hearing it exclusively at a marriage ceremony, as is often done. Paul has just explained the importance of unity as the Spirit gives different gifts to different people and has also urged the Corinthians to earnestly desire the higher gifts (those that do more to build up the church). But then he says something wonderful and mysterious: “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (v 31) If we couldn’t be blessed enough by the creative and wonderful gifts given by the Spirit, there is something that is even greater still! It is into this context that Paul writes the renowned “Love Chapter”. In and of themselves the gifts have no good; they must be accompanied by love. Verses 4-7 take on a fresh view when read with the knowledge of the church’s struggle with pride and comparison in relation to their giftings.

When Christ returns, many of the gifts will no longer be necessary, such as prophesy and healing. The Healer and the One to which prophesy points will be with us. But faith, hope and love will continue eternally as we will continue eternally, and the greatest of these is love.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Let the Lord speak to you through this chapter. Ask Him what He wants to reveal to you from it.

2.     Ask God to show you things you have done without love as your motive even though they seem like good things on the outside. What has your true motive been?

3.     How can you work on love today? In yesterday’s devotional you were asking God how to combat the disunity in your heart (comparison, jealousy or arrogance). Ask Him how love can help you in the battle.

4.     Take some time to ask God for a revelation of His love for you. Don’t just get up and leave your devotions, but sit and wait to see what He may have to show you.

Foundations October 16, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 15-16

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 16

READ 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

These verses were so necessary for the Corinthian church because pride was an obvious struggle among them. They needed to be reminded that comparison, jealousy and arrogance had no place among the gifts, and in fact, such thinking would greatly hinder the effectiveness of the gifts and could cause much damage. Through the brilliant analogy of the physical body, Paul pointed out the ridiculousness of comparison and arrogance. To say, “Why does he have the gift of prophesy while all I’m good at is helping out at events” is like a hand saying, “Oh how I wish I were a mouth”! To take pride in one’s area of gifting is no different than your eye saying to your hand, “Hey hand! I don’t need you!” If such behaviour could and did happen, we would be nothing but body parts strewn across the lawn! Likewise the church is a body and we must function as a healthy body or there will be much damage and death to ministry and effectiveness.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you from what you have read today. Ask Him to reveal areas of comparison and arrogance in your heart and repent of these things.

2.     How have you caused disunity among the body through the words that you have said whether it is what you have said about your own church or other churches in the community? This, too, requires repentance. Ask God to show you the damage that your words have done or could do.

3.     Ask the Lord to give you a new way of thinking so that unity becomes your heart’s desire. Whether comparison, jealousy or arrogance is your tendency, ask God how you can fight against this and start protecting the unity of the church.

Foundations October 15, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 13-14

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 15

READ 1 Corinthians 12-14

These chapters are all about spiritual gifts, so read them together in context. In your journal, write down what sticks out to you.

There was much disorder and confusion among the Corinthian church regarding worship services. God has poured out His Spirit and many spiritual gifts had been given to the believers, but they lacked the humility and maturity to utilize them for the unity of the church. Some of the believers were wary of some of the gifts because of their backgrounds in pagan worship. Others, in pride, were seeking their own glory rather than using their gifts to build up the church. And so Paul dedicates a chunk of his letter to setting things straight.

Paul begins his address with an affirmation of the unity that is found in Christ. So many of the believers had come out of the chaos and disorder of pagan religions, and so Paul reminded them that in their new faith, everything was to be done for the unity of the church. They did not need to fear the gifts because the Giver of each gift was one and the same – the Spirit of God – thus all the gifts were meant to complement each other and build up the body of believers.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     How did reading these three chapters in sequence and in context change or enlighten your understanding of some things? Thank God for making His word come alive to you!

2.     Make a list of all the spiritual gifts that are listed in the chapters. Look over the list:

a.     Which of the gifts do you think you have experienced?

b.     Which, if any, of the gifts cause you to feel nervous or uncomfortable?

c.     Which of the gifts do you desire to know more about?

3.     Ask God to open your heart to receive whatever He wants to give you. Keeping in mind the gifts that make you feel nervous/uncomfortable, re-read 12:4-11 and thank God that He knows what He is doing. Thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember a time when the God has moved powerfully in your life and thank God that this is the same God who gives these good gifts.

Foundations October 14, 2012

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 14

READ 1 Corinthians 11:2-34

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

The first portion of chapter 11 has much cultural context that is not shared by our culture today. Some Roman men would cover their heads while worshiping pagan gods, and so the heart behind Paul’s point in verse 4 is that the Christian men steer clear of this practice. As for verses 5-6: in Corinthian culture, if a woman’s head was uncovered, it was likely a sign of being unmarried; thus, if a married woman worshiped publically with her head uncovered, it was a disgrace to her husband. Paul’s further words in this section should not lead anyone to believe that women are unimportant or beneath men. He does not deny the explicit truth in Genesis that man and women are both created in God’s image; rather, he exalts women, pointing that through the excellence of her being she also shows how excellent man is, since she was created out of man in the beginning. (v 7-8)

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     The topic of women in the Bible has caused much resentment, especially among unbelievers, but the issue also troubles many Christians. Too often we skim over the passages and verses that do not make sense to us, and we take on a biased opinion because of our unwillingness to study the Scriptures. Are you guilty of this? Are there some passages you ignore because they seem to confusing? How can you change the way that you read the Bible so that you can gain greater understanding?

2.     Meditate on verses 23-29, which talk of the Lord’s Supper and the proper way to go about taking it. Think about the practice of Communion – what it represents and why we do it. Is it something you think about often or occasionally, or is it just a routine you go through at Prayer Summits or Easter? Ask God to speak to you through these verses. Ask Him to bring you to a place of worship through them.

Foundations October 13, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 11-12

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 13

READ 1 Corinthians 10:1 – 11:1

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

There is probably a list of sins that most of us think we would never fall into, however it is dangerous to live casually believing, “it could never happen to me.” Paul makes this clear in his warning against idolatry. He points out how, though Israel had seen the mighty power of God time and again, she continued to fall into disobedience and idolatry. The Israelites weren’t idiots; they were human. And so Paul warns, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (v 12). And this followed by one of the great promises of Scripture: that God will never give us more than we can handle, and he will always provide a way out of temptation.

Paul ends his address to this issue by again opposing that common Corinthian saying, “all things are lawful”, with God’s truth that this life is not about us; we are to see the good of others and the glory of God in all that we do.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     What are some of the sins that you would be tempted to say you would never fall into? Write them down and present this list to the Lord. Ask for His grace to stay away from these things and to remain sensitive to His voice. Ask Him if you are heading towards any of these failings and if He shows you something, repent of it and turn away from that thing.

2.     When have you experienced the truth of verse 13 in your own life? Thank God that everything He says in His Word is entirely true.

3.     Meditate on 10:31. Make this your prayer today. Ask God to reveal to any motives in your heart for self-glorification. Turn that around and ask God how you can bring glory to Him in all you do today.

Foundations October 12, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 9-10

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 12

RE-READ 1 Corinthians 8 & 9

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

It is not a strange jump for Paul to move from addressing sexual immorality to addressing idolatry. These two sins were always closely connected in Israel’s history, in Corinthian society, and in our own culture. The question had come up about whether it was lawful to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols. As believers, they knew that food was food and that idols were mere wood and stone. Many could eat the food without a guilty conscience. But others, who had a background of idol worship, saw this as sinful for themselves. Therefore, Paul urges the believers to refrain from doing things that might hinder the faith of fellow believers. In chapter 9 he describes how he himself has done this – he has willingly set aside his rights for the sake of the gospel. He does whatever necessary to win people to Christ, and he does so with joy, rejoicing in the blessings that come with their salvation.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     It takes self-death to abstain from something we find perfectly ok if it hinders someone else. But such acts of laying down our rights can have great impact on the kingdom. Ask God if there is anything that you need to lay down for the sake of others.

2.     Is there something another believer does that offends you? Why not think of your offense as something that you can die to? Lay down your right to be offended today. Ask the Lord to be the keeper of those feelings as you surrender yourself to Him.

3.     Meditate on 9:14-17. What kinds of “perishable wreaths” do you find yourself striving for sometimes? How can you change your focus to an imperishable prize?

Foundations October 11, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 7-8

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 11

READ 1 Corinthians 7

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

Now Paul moves on to address misconceptions about sexual relations within marriage, as it would seem that some in the church thought that sex was wrong altogether, even within marriage. Paul sets them straight, encouraging spouses to serve one another as they have been made one under the covenant of marriage.

Paul lifts up marriage, but especially advocates for the single life, since it is what he has chosen, and it allows him to focus fully on serving the Lord. In verse 17 he makes it clear that one’s marital status is a calling – “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” So whether a person finds a spouse, remains unmarried or ends up widowed, the Lord is in full control and His plans are good. What we must remember – no matter our lot – is that we were bought with a price and we belong to God (v 23-24).

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Spend some time studying this chapter in light of your present calling (married, single, widowed). Ask God what He wants to reveal to you through the chapter and write down what He shows you.

2.     Are there any steps of obedience you need to take in response to what God revealed to you? What are they?

3.     Meditate on verses 23-24. Ask God to give you a revelation of the price paid for you. Ask Him to show you what it means to say that you belong to God. Ask God to give you great joy in your relationship with Him today.

Foundations October 10, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 5-6

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: DAY 10

READ 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led.

It seems that there were a couple of common phrases used among the people of Corinth that had been adopted by the Corinthian believers: “all things are lawful for me”, and “food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”. In other words, “I am free to do whatever I want. If I crave something, why shouldn’t I have it?”

Paul sought to silence these cultural lies with the truth that as followers of Christ, the Corinthian believers belonged to the Lord. It would seem that they had been using these slogans to justify sexual immorality from which Paul commanded them to flee. This passage reveals much about sexual sin including:

o A believer’s body is part of Christ’s body, so a believer who is sexually immoral sins against Christ. (v 15)

o Sexual activity creates a spiritual bond, so when committed outside of marriage, an unhealthy and dangerous bond is created. (v 16)

o Sexual sin is a sin against one’s own body. (v 18)

o The body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, so sexual sin defiles the Temple (like someone literally engaging in sexual sin at the altar of the Temple where holy sacrifices are meant to be offered) (v 19)

People tend to think that God is a killjoy when it comes to this topic, but it is to our protection and His glory that He sets the parameters as He does.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.     Our culture has much in common with Corinthian society. There are many lies fed to us both through common conversation and especially through media. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you some of the lies that are prevalent in our culture. Ask Him to show you which of these lies you live like you believe, and then ask for His truth in these things.

2.     How have you known these truths about sexual sin through your own experiences? How has God spared you from sexual sin in your life?

3.     Are there areas of sexual sin in your life (past or present) that have not been dealt with? Consider signing up for an Encounter God Retreat or a personal prayer ministry session.