1 Corinthians 12 - 11.4.24
Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:21-26
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Observation
Paul talks about spiritual gifts and how unity in the Body of Christ is maintained.
There are many different gifts and as Scripture says, it is the SAME Spirit who distributes them, as HE determines. (Verse 11)
In order for unity to be maintained, we need to have EQUAL concern for one another in the Body. We suffer when one part suffers and rejoice when one part is honored. We also need to honor the parts that are lacking in honor. (Verses 24-26)
Application
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
The month of November is our month of honor. We must honor others above ourselves, instead of seeking our own recognition. Who can we honor from our church body today?
I want to take the time to honor everyone who participates in an off stage and behind the scenes ministry at DSC. The helpers and teachers in kids church; the sound and multimedia crew; the hospitality and usher ministry; those who do clean up and maintenance at the church; the prayer teams; the SJ crew; everyone who serves at our outreach events and those who write encouraging cards and deliver food and prayer to people; and those who take good care of their own family and household. If I forgot anyone, please forgive me. Please be encouraged by this verse though, that God sees ALL things and good deeds that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
“In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.” -1 Timothy 5:25 NIV
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that we would all be healthy, functioning members of our church family. Please forgive me for the times that I have not been a healthy, functioning member, due to seeking my own recognition and special treatment. You’ve distributed gifts to each one of us for Your glory alone. Please help us to not be jealous of any other person’s gift or try to compete for recognition, but rather serve and honor our brothers and sisters above ourselves because of love. May we work together for Your glory alone. May we be a church who is known for having a culture of love and honor. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Corinthians 9 - 11.1.24
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV
”Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.“
Observation:
Paul is comparing our Christian lives to a race. Everyone runs and undergoes strict training, but only one wins. Then he contrasts the prize they will get with the one believers receive. After all that hard work, they get one that won’t last; in these times most likely one made of olive branches. We get a crown that will last forever. We need to run with purpose, for a great reward awaits.
Application:
Athletes train very hard to become skillful. Not all receive a reward. Paul is saying that if they work so hard for a moment of glory, why should believers not follow their example. God wants us to work diligently because He has a great reward for us.
What would this look like?
• Knowing our playbook, the Bible.
• Working out, strengthening our muscles through prayer.
• Time listening to our coach, the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent Him as our helper. We need to take time to wait and see what His will is. Then, act on it.
• Be a team player-fellowship with God’s people and contribute to the body.
Prayer:
Father God, Thank you for your complete work in our lives. You gave all for us. Please help me remember what you’ve done for me and work hard to give my all for you. May I always seek your will and rely on your strength to accomplish it. Thank you that you send your Holy Spirit to bring remembrance of your Word and to be my guide. Help me be read up and prayed up.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
1 Corinthians 8 - 10.31.24
SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 8:6-9
But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created all things and made us to be his own; and one Lord Jesus Christ, who made everything and gives us life.
However, some Christians don’t realize this.
All their lives they have been used to thinking of idols as alive, and have believed that food offered to the idols is really being offered to actual gods.
So when they eat such food it bothers them and hurts their tender consciences.
Just remember that God doesn’t care whether we eat it or not. We are no worse off if we don’t eat it, and no better off if we do.
But be careful not to use your freedom to eat it, lest you cause some Christian brother to sin whose conscience is weaker than yours.
OBSERVATION
While at first glance a chapter that is dealing with the matter of “food offered to idols” wouldn’t seem to have much significance for us today, yet there IS an overall relevant lesson.
For believers in Corinth staying clear of any contact from the food offered to idols was next to impossible for two main reasons.
First, it was an accepted “social practice” for all people to eat meals in the temples associated with idol worship because it was a hub for all social events including weddings and large family celebrations.
Second, any food that was left over from the temple sacrifices were sent to the marketplace and it was sold for discounted prices making it more affordable for the average families.
So even eating in a friend’s home, you could very well be eating food that came from the marketplace—which would most likely would have come from the pagan temples.
This was a great concern to some believers—and other believers weren’t concerned as they didn’t believe that the Food, itself, whether it had been offered to idols or not—could impact them OR their Faith in Jesus.
So, the question came to Paul—should believers eat food that had been sacrificed to idols?
APPLICATION
To get the right ANSWER you need to Ask the Right QUESTION
Paul explains that the question here is not really about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols.
The Correct Question was: How much do you Love your fellow believers?
[Note: to be clear, Paul does acknowledge that there are demonic powers behind these idols-BUT—Food in and of itself is Neutral [1 Corinthians 10:18-22].
““ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Jesus called the crowd to him and said,
“Listen and understand.
What goes INTO someone’s mouth does not defile them,
but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”” (Matthew 15:8, 10-11 NIV)
How much do you Love others?
Paul gives us an overriding important principle —Let LOVE—inform your decision.
Since there is no specific commandment here-and the concern is the division amongst you—
Let your Love for your fellow brother or sister believer inform your decision.
“Now about food sacrificed to idols….knowledge puffs up—while love builds up.” (1 Cor. 8:1b NIV)
Knowledge is important…to guide our decisions. We need to read and study God’s word daily and seek the Holy Spirit for Wisdom and understanding —But it ALL must be knitted together with LOVE.
“I wisdom, live together with Good Judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.” (Proverbs 8:12 NLT)
“If I have the gift of prophecy and if I can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.“ (1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV)
If I have knowledge that it is okay for me to have a drink of wine, or buy a lottery ticket, or go on a shopping spree…or do anything that may be allowable for me BUT might cause someone who has a weakness in that area to sin—and do it anyways claiming my freedom—this is not showing wisdom AND it is not showing Love for the weaker believer.
“Only be careful that this liberty of yours [this power to choose] does not somehow become a stumbling block [that is, a temptation to sin] to the weak [in conscience]. And when you sin against the brothers and sisters in this way and wound their conscience [by confusing them], you sin against Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 8:9, 12 AMP)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
There is only ONE God The Father who Created ALL things and made us to BE His Own for His Glory! AND One Lord Jesus Christ—Who Gives us eternal Life.
Thank You for Your Love and calling me out of darkness to make me Your own.
Help me Lord-to Love others the way You have loved me. Help me to lay down my rights and put others first. This is not something I can do in my flesh, but by Your Holy Spirit-melt me and mold me to be more like You.
Help me to seek Your Wisdom and Your Kingdom first. Give me strength to serve you and glorify You in my life. May others see YOU in me. May they SEE Your LOVE.
In Jesus Name, amen.
Tina L Kudelka