Good Morning! My name is Dana Sorrels and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of 1 Corinthians chapters 2-4.
KEY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 4:6 - And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against the other.
REFLECTIONS: There is one part of this verse that stuck out to me: That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written. My study Bible simply says, learn to live by the Book, and stop following men. We are blessed with this awesome book that tells us exactly how to live. The trick is to not get drawn into what the world thinks is right, and to stay focused on Him.
APPLICATION: As we go through today let's try to forget what men might think, and rely completely on God and HIS Word.
Thank you for being part of the 40-Day Challenge. Thanks for reading, and have a blessed day!
In Christ, Dana Sorrels.
NAME: Dana Sorrels
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: ISAIAH 41:10- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
FAVORITE BOOKS IN THE BIBLE: Ephesians and Phillipians
HOBBIES: Reading
OCCUPATION: Mom, and babysitter for 3 kids.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: ISAIAH 41:10- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
FAVORITE BOOKS IN THE BIBLE: Ephesians and Phillipians
HOBBIES: Reading
OCCUPATION: Mom, and babysitter for 3 kids.
INTRODUCTION TO I CORINTHIANS
The Corinthian church was composed of multicultural peoples as the city was a crossroads between Italy and Asia. The young Corinthian church had become infiltrated by sexual immorality, had split into factions taking each other to secular court, and had other problems. She was unfortunately being influenced by the pagan culture around her. Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians was in response to two letters written to him, one expounding on these problems that were infecting the church, and another dealing with questions from the Corinthian believers. The church was full of pride and lacked true love. The church would have been about four years old at the time of the writing of this epistle.
AUTHOR – Paul
DATE – Probably written during Paul’s third missionary journey while he was in Ephesus, about 56 A.D.
PURPOSE – As mentioned above, this letter was written in response to two letters received by Paul. One letter detailed the divisions among the people as well as immoral behavior. A second letter expressed questions among the Corinthian believers about marriage and Christian liberty. Paul’s letter – First Corinthians – not only answered the two letters, but also gave further instruction on topics such as worship services, the solemnity of the Lord’s Supper, and spiritual gifts. This epistle is one of the most detailed explanations in the Bible regarding the resurrection of Christ and believers.
OUTLINE:
Introduction – 1:1-9
Paul’s answer to the report from Chloe – 1:10 - 6:20
A. Divisions in the church
B. Incest in the church
C. Lawsuits between church members
D. Sexual immorality in the church
Paul’s answer to the Corinthians’ questions – 7:1 - 14:40
A. Marriage obligations
B. Christian liberties
1. Meat sacrificed to idols
2. Apostolic liberty
3. Pagan sacrifices
4. Limitation to liberty
C. Proper worship
1. The veiling of women
2. The Lord’s Supper
D. Spiritual gifts
1. The source of spiritual gifts
2. Unity and diversity in gifts
3. Love and gifts
4. Guidelines for gifts
5. Orderly use of gifts
The resurrection of Christ and Christians – 15:1- 58
A. The resurrection of Christ
B. The necessity of the Resurrection
C. The resurrection of Christians
Conclusion – 16:1- 24
A. The collection for the saints
B. Personal requests
C. Closing greetings
Even though the Corinthian church had many problems and was desperately in need of Paul’s counsel, there was still a definite place for hope, “But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:57) (Resource – Nelson’s Study Bible)