Dana Hagstrom – Be Still…

1 Corinthians 5:1-13 – Purity of Community

If you’ve never been a ministry leader who had to make the hard call of letting another leader go from serving because of their unrepentant sin, it’s harder than you might imagine. What Paul is asking the church to do here, while Biblical, is not at all easy. Relationships are at stake. But so are salvation and allegiance to the truth. There is a reason that Scripture prescribes this type of purging in our fellowship of believers.

Paul uses the perfect example for his day when he refers to yeast. Bread would have been a huge staple in their diets, and the use of yeast and understanding of how it expands the dough would be clear. You wouldn’t want tainted yeast to infest your batch of bread, so why would you want an unrepentant sinner to be part of your circle of faithful ones? Continue reading “1 Corinthians 5:1-13 – Purity of Community”

1 Corinthians 4:1-21 – Being Real

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

What do you make of this section of Paul’s letter? There are some good nuggets to reflect on, but basically, I feel like I have just read a weary, heartfelt cry with a little sadness thrown in. Paul said he didn’t want them to feel shame for his situation, but he was certainly being real with them.

Do you think that your spiritual leaders are being real with you? For instance, when you hear your pastor preach, is he getting up close and personal, sharing his life experiences and baring his soul like Paul did to the church in Corinth? Continue reading “1 Corinthians 4:1-21 – Being Real”

1 Corinthians 3:1-23 – Who Do You Look Up To?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Did you ever think as a child, “When I grow up, I want to be just like them?” Even as adults, we tend to admire people who emulate characteristics we have or wish we had. I’ve often dreamed of what it would be like to be a famous worship leader and can only imagine what it would be like to be on stage with some of my favorites: Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, or Phil Wickham.

While having a hero on earth seems to be natural, Paul warns us about it here. In his day, as more and more people were believing that salvation comes only from Jesus, they must have been confusing the message with the messenger. Rather than focus our trust on humans, it is good counsel to pay more attention and give our allegiance to Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Continue reading “1 Corinthians 3:1-23 – Who Do You Look Up To?”

1 Corinthians 1:20-2:16 – Wisdom Explained

Read 1 Corinthians 1:20-2:16

When you hear the word wisdom, what comes to mind? Do you picture a wall full of books, a professor in front of a chalkboard, or an owl sitting on a branch with a graduate’s cap on his head? Paul’s words here should have given you an entirely different perspective. Paul speaks of the wisdom of God and how we as mere humans will never be able to truly grasp it. “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to intervene and give us a glimpse into the wisdom of God. We can get to know Jesus by reading our Bibles and spending time in reflection and prayer. God reveals himself to us, bit by bit, as we are ready to understand. How do you respond to that much wisdom? Continue reading “1 Corinthians 1:20-2:16 – Wisdom Explained”

1 Corinthians 1:1-19 – We Are Made Holy

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-19

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. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 1:1-19 – We Are Made Holy”