June 26, 2014 (Thursday)
The church at Corinth had many problems so they contacted their founder, the Apostle Paul, for answers to their questions. Some of the problems were divisions in the church, immorality, and questions concerning spiritual gifts. This letter deals with practical matters but it includes some of the greatest chapters in the Bible, such as 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, and 1 Corinthians 15, all about the resurrection.
First Corinthians – Devotional thoughts
What does the book of First Corinthians tell us? Let’s take a look at some of its teachings:
1. Avoid divisions in the church.
“..agree with one another in what you say..no divisions among you..be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1:10 NIV).
2. Live to glorify God.
“..whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God: (10:31 NIV).
3. Members of a church are interdependent, like parts of a human body.
” If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it..” (12:26 NIV)
4. Love is what you do..and don’t do.
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs: (13:5 NIV).
5. Churches’ public services should be dignified.
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (14:40 NIV).
6. The resurrection of Christ is essential to salvation
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (15:7 NIV).
7. Our own resurrection is our hope.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:55-57 NIV).
8. We live by strong principles.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in
love” (16:13 NIV).