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.
