Gospel Reading Plan: John 16-18
Paul’s First Letter to
the Corinthians: DAY 5
READ 1 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.
This chapter is full of warning and encouragement. First
off, Paul blatantly tells the Corinthians that they are not as far along in the
faith as they should be because of all the division over who follows who.
Verses 5-9 reveal the true motives of Paul’s heart: he really is in this for
the sake of the gospel and to see people saved; he could care less if people
enjoy Apollos’ preaching more than his, so long as they are being taught what
is true. He gets very serious in verses 10-16 as he reminds the believers that
their works will be tested when they stand before the Lord. All of this
jealousy and strife will not bring any reward, and some are in danger of only
sneaking into heaven by the skin of their teeth. Then in encouragement and
warning he reminds the believers that they are God’s holy temple, that they
have God’s Spirit in them and God’s protection over them; they must remember
this.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1.
Reread verses 1-3. Ask God to show you
if there is any area where your growth is stunted because of sinful behaviours
or attitudes. Ask Him what would happen if you allowed the Holy Spirit to
transform you. Confess the sin that He revealed and ask for that transformation
of the Spirit.
2.
Meditate on verses 10-15, and read also
Matthew 7:24-27. Ask God to speak to
you about what kind of building you are constructing with your life. Think
about where your time, money and energy goes to. In what ways are you building
something eternally successful? In what ways are you building something that
will be burned up?
3.
You are God’s temple. Think about that.
In prayer, ask God for a filling of the Spirit in you today. Ask Him to give
you a word for you as you go about your day.
4.
Practice your memory verse from
yesterday.
