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.
