Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14-15; Psalm 26

Paul had a lot to say to the believers in Corinth. Between 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote 29 chapters to “those who had been called by God to be His own holy people” (1:2). In this first letter, there is an overarching theme of love that weaves beautifully from the first chapter to the last.

• It’s not about a set of rules but a call to holy living born out of our love relationship with Christ.
• “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (2:9)
• Leadership should not look like pride and arrogance, but love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.” (13:4)
• Rather than embracing the sin of those who are lost in order to show them the love of Christ, God is calling us to humbly and gently help them find their way back to God. This includes sexual sin, both within and outside of the marriage relationship.
• If we define love for each other the way God defines it, we will build each other up and make each other better servants of Christ. We will have a missional love for others — a love that is willing to give something up if it causes someone else to stumble.
• Because love and concern for others strengthens the church, we will seek unity and harmony among believers. We will pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to forgive and forget so that only love lasts forever.
• I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. My love for God leads to obedience, and His Spirit produces the love I need to be Jesus to those whom God has called me to serve.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. – 1 Corinthians 14:1

USE YOUR WORDS TO STRENGTHEN OTHERS

Paul takes time in Chapter 14 to address the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying, knowing this would be an opportunity for conflict and disagreement in the church. Paul’s explanation is based on the idea of making love our highest goal (14:1) — that everything done in the church be done to strengthen each and every person (14:26).

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. – 1 Corinthians 14:18-19

Father God, I would never want my words to cause confusion or distract others from the worship taking place in the sanctuary. Lord, let the words of my mouth come only from YOU, building others up and encouraging them as they walk with you. May everything I do be done to strengthen others (14:26). If I receive words of prophecy from you, give me the courage to speak those words of truth over the one for whom your words are intended. Amen.

STAND STRONG AGAINST TEMPTATION

Throughout his letter, Paul warned the church to stand strong against temptation. He urged them to think carefully about what was right and to stop doing what was wrong (15:34) Paul used the example of the people of Israel to encourage the church to not be tempted by sexual immorality (10:8) or be tempted to grumble (10:10). No matter what comes our way, we can stand strong — not of our own strength but on the solid rock of Christ (10:4). YES! I want to drink from the spiritual rock who is Jesus!

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul’s words of advice for the church in Corinth have continued to make an impact on churches around the world for over two thousand years, and we would be wise to take these letters to heart. Here is some more advice from Paul as he closes his first letter to the church in Corinth:

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. – 1 Corinthians 16:2a

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Greet each other with Christian love. – 1 Corinthians 16:20b

May my life be an example of the love Christ has for all of us. May I be strong and immovable in my faith, courageous and prepared for the temptations of the enemy. For my God is faithful and I am blessed to be a recipient of His agape love!