Twice yesterday, I heard people talk about the idea that what we bring to others in conversations and spiritual insight is like loaves and fishes. God can multiply it, when we ask him too. When we study the Bible for the purpose of sharing it with others - in other words have people around us in mind as we read - we gain a new perspective. This morning reading was 1 Corinthians 1-4, talking about spiritual re-birth and maturity.
The wisdom of God is Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Cor 1:21,23,25)
But to those whom God has called, both Jew and Greek, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24)
We are a pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved (2 Cor 2:15)
- I love that tense, "are being saved"
Yet to those perishing we are a stench of death
Our message is wise among mature, God's wisdom, a mystery hidden that God's revealed to us by his Spirit (1 cor 2:6-10)
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God...we received him so that we may understand what God has freely given us. Words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 cor 2:10-16).
Our work in helping others receive Christ (1 Cor 3:6-9) by God's grace the quality of our work will be tested on the Day by God (1 Cor 3:10-15), We are God's temple and given all thing in Christ by his Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-23). So regard us as servants of Christ, entrusted with mysteries God revealed, trust his timing, his gift (1 Cor 4:1-7), always being grace-filled and kind in the face of hardship and suffering (1 Cor 4:8-13). Let's not be arrogant in our own wise words but trust in the power of God (1 Cor 4:14-21).
1 Cor 1-4
God help me to be the kind of friend you have been to me. Patient, loving, kind, attractive, hopeful, and encouraging. Give me grace to follow where you lead. To finish the work you've given to me in the power and strength you provide. Let my words be true, honoring, with gentleness and respect. Thank you for the cross, for the hope of eternal life and the Spirit of Truth, that guides me. In Jesus name, help us to be united by your loving power working in us. Amen
The wisdom of God is Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Cor 1:21,23,25)
But to those whom God has called, both Jew and Greek, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24)
We are a pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved (2 Cor 2:15)
- I love that tense, "are being saved"
Yet to those perishing we are a stench of death
Our message is wise among mature, God's wisdom, a mystery hidden that God's revealed to us by his Spirit (1 cor 2:6-10)
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God...we received him so that we may understand what God has freely given us. Words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 cor 2:10-16).
Our work in helping others receive Christ (1 Cor 3:6-9) by God's grace the quality of our work will be tested on the Day by God (1 Cor 3:10-15), We are God's temple and given all thing in Christ by his Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-23). So regard us as servants of Christ, entrusted with mysteries God revealed, trust his timing, his gift (1 Cor 4:1-7), always being grace-filled and kind in the face of hardship and suffering (1 Cor 4:8-13). Let's not be arrogant in our own wise words but trust in the power of God (1 Cor 4:14-21).
1 Cor 1-4
God help me to be the kind of friend you have been to me. Patient, loving, kind, attractive, hopeful, and encouraging. Give me grace to follow where you lead. To finish the work you've given to me in the power and strength you provide. Let my words be true, honoring, with gentleness and respect. Thank you for the cross, for the hope of eternal life and the Spirit of Truth, that guides me. In Jesus name, help us to be united by your loving power working in us. Amen