Friday, November 4, 2011: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Paul is repeating himself, here; probably on purpose. He is a skilled communicator who knows his audience. A tool we can use to unpack Scripture involves four concepts: behind, in, around, and in front of. When we consider a passage, we look behind the text to find out what historical situation may have prompted its … Read more
Thursday, November 3, 2011: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Do you know the song Precious Lord, Take My Hand? “Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light.” On the surface it’s a nice hymn, but when we consider that Thomas Dorsey wrote it after his wife and baby died, the way we hear it changes. It means more in that … Read more
Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 2 Corinthians 2:6-16
The Spirit of God has been given to them, evidenced by their faith in Jesus. They can see God’s wisdom because they have eyes of faith, something that those who subscribe to the wisdom of this world cannot see. Following the world’s wisdom cannot bring them to the wisdom of God. The wisdom of God … Read more
Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Corinth believers begin to put their trust in the ancient concept of wisdom. Paul uses this backdrop to make his point about the wisdom of God. Wisdom is a virtue highly respected in the ancient world. Philosophers call it the highest of human virtues and the learned are seen as elevated because they employ wisdom … Read more
Wednesday, September 28, 2011: 2 Corinthians 9:8-15
The Corinthian Christians were rich both in spiritual gifts and financial wealth. They had promised to participate in Paul’s offering for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem, but had not yet delivered. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul addresses the issue of generosity, urging (and sometimes shaming) the Corinthians, not just to secure their generosity, but to … Read more
Tuesday, September 20, 2011: 1 Corinthians 9:11-18
Paul doesn’t like to accept financial support from churches he serves; he doesn’t want to be accused of doing ministry for money. He also wants the Philippians to know that he completely trusted God to provide what he needs. In fact, Paul has learned how to be content with whatever he has. Contentment must be … Read more
Sunday, July 24, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Let Isaiah speak into our circumstances. We, too, struggle with identity. We are captive not only to sin, but to the mindset of the world. We are focused on success and power. We are tempted to buy and accumulate more and more in the attempt to find contentment. Isaiah’s message confronts our lack of trust … Read more
