1 Corinthians 1
Moving from unity (focus of recent posts), we find Paul addressing division in the church at Corinth. Paul founded the church in Corinth and spent a considerable amount of time there (see OverviewBible.com and Acts 18), and his first letter to Corinth includes a reprimand of the church over its division, and an encouragement to focus on what matters. Paul starts by admonishing those who over-emphasize church leaders (v10-17) and wisdom of human beings vs that of God. We value wisdom but we must recognize the source and purpose of wisdom - it's not about us as we exist to glorify God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve with Your wisdom and a heart to grow closer to You - yet I am undeserving of such blessings and often sin (worry, gossip, etc.) and this separates me from You. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” v27-31
Moving from unity (focus of recent posts), we find Paul addressing division in the church at Corinth. Paul founded the church in Corinth and spent a considerable amount of time there (see OverviewBible.com and Acts 18), and his first letter to Corinth includes a reprimand of the church over its division, and an encouragement to focus on what matters. Paul starts by admonishing those who over-emphasize church leaders (v10-17) and wisdom of human beings vs that of God. We value wisdom but we must recognize the source and purpose of wisdom - it's not about us as we exist to glorify God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve with Your wisdom and a heart to grow closer to You - yet I am undeserving of such blessings and often sin (worry, gossip, etc.) and this separates me from You. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
