In the book of Acts, we read about Paul’s time in Corinth. We were given a glimpse of the relationship Paul had with that community of believers. Paul then wrote two letters to strengthen the church there after his departure, and we are privileged to receive the same wisdom. What do you think of the opening verses?
Right off the bat, I recognized in the greeting the name Sosthenes. Did you remember him as the leader of the synagogue who took a beating in the courtroom back in Acts 19? Paul calls him a “brother.” I’m glad he is okay. Interesting that he is with Paul now and not still serving the synagogue in Corinth. God can use all his people in surprising, unexpected ways.
I am also impressed by Paul’s characterization of the people, calling them “holy.” He says they have been “called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” That means we are made holy, too, when we call on the name of Jesus. How can we not have a grateful heart?
The gifts keep coming. The Holy Spirit pours out gifts for us as needed. The Holy Spirit’s power is always available to us when we call, but the gifts given are not our choice. We can ask for certain gifts, but the Spirit decides. I love how Paul reminds us that “Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We need to trust that and lean into it, being grateful for the gifts we have, knowing that they are especially designed for us to keep us strong while we wait for Jesus.
Did any verses speak to your heart, as if Paul was writing just for you? For the world as it is crumbling today, verse 10 is extremely appropriate. “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” If you’ve ever attended a church where disagreements tended to emerge, then you may be able to truly feel for what was happening to the Corinthians, too. It’s not pleasant, I can assure you. But even aside from church, wouldn’t harmony be the better option?
Perhaps your heart is really concerned for the lost, knowing that Jesus could come soon. Paul preached with urgency just years after Jesus left. We should be even more determined to be and stay ready. Verse 18 is Paul’s attempt to encourage. “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” Paul even quotes Isaiah to perfectly support this statement. Paul often used Scripture to bring home his message.
I’m sure you’ve encountered someone who thinks you’re crazy for believing in Jesus and wanting him to be Lord of your life. Paul tells us what those people are called: “foolish” and “heading for destruction.” It’s true, and it’s scary. But for the fools, they think we are the ones with a screw loose. We need to be praying for those lost souls. Jesus wants to make them holy, too. What does it mean to you to be made holy? Reflect on that.
Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for wanting me to come to you and share my life with you. I want the way I live my life to be pleasing to you, and I am so grateful that you will make me holy. Help me each day to be more like Jesus. Help me to see the people who are fooling themselves and keeping their distance from you. I want to be ready for your return. Strengthen me for service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
