Spiritual Gifts I: For God and His People
We, like the Corinthians, often struggle to understand the gifts of the Spirit. In this chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul explains how in Christ, we have the same Spirit but many gifts. The first thing we must remember when talking about spiritual gifts is that they must start with God. Next, through scripture and conversation with others, we must discern what our gifts are and how they work in service. Finally, Paul concludes that though they are many diverse gifts, they all work together for the unification of the body.
Evil Devices Like Communion Sets
Communion. The Lord’s Supper. Eucharist. There are many names for this one sacred meal. The Corinthians abused the body and blood of Christ when they partook in communion. Paul calls them to really consider their consciences before taking part in the meal.
The Design of Men and Women
Paul talks in this text about headship, authority and submission. We see that within the Trinity there are distinct roles of submission. Likewise, by submitting to each other in our relationships we are more fully able to understand the characteristics of God. These roles are not be thought of or carried out in terms of who is greater or less, but rather by mutual respect and concern.
Idolatry, Baptism, Communion
We are idol factories; we make idols out of everything, even the good things that the Lord has given us. The Corinthians were turning baptism and communion into idols. What things or people are you making into idols? Take some time to really investigate the state of your heart, and ask your community to come around you as you struggle against idolatry.
Singleness and Priorities
God created marriage that we would go and be fruitful. With Christ’s coming, we are able to be a fruitful in way that is different from procreating; we are able to make disciples. In this scripture, Paul preaches to the single Corinthians, urging them to secure their undivided devotion in the Lord. Single people tend to have much more time than married people. If single, have you been a waste of space, or a catalyst for the kingdom of God? Use the time which God has given you as a single person.
Stay a Slave
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matter; neither slavery now freedom matter, but only obedience to the Lord. Paul tells us that we should not be so eager to change our position after coming into communion with Christ. Instead, we should recognize that our identity is in Jesus, regardless of our position or status in the world.
Sex Is So Good
In this section of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he addresses their sexual immorality. Often, we can fall into two categories regarding sex; either we become obsessed with it, or we regard it as shameful and useful only for procreation. Paul makes it clear that neither side provides a solid basis for fleeing sexual immorality. At the heart of this huge issue is knowing “you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20).
Jesus Forgave So We Can Forgive
We cannot merely look at the manifestation of sin in our lives. We must dig deeper to get to the root. We are all idolaters, adulterers, thieves and greedy. But in Christ, we have all been washed, sanctified and justified through his blood and through the Spirit.
Christian Discipline and Restoration
In this passage of Scripture, Paul urges the Corinthian church to look harshly at their sin. He encourages not to just focus on the sin of one man, but to look at how an individual’s sin affects the body. We must approach unrepentant sin with a firm but loving hand.