1 & 2 Corinthians – Page 9

1 Corinthians 5:1-13 – Tough Love

black and white hands holding a red rose with the words LOVE being projected

This was a hard text to read. It was confrontational and appears to be unloving. Where is the grace, mercy, and love? This is one of those texts we often disregard, believing it’s not relevant anymore. For me, because it is in the Bible, it’s important and eternally applicable. As far as I know, God hasn’t made any “amendments” to his word. So, let’s unpack it a bit.

When we read the Bible, it serves us well to always take things in context and understand what was happening in the world at the time the words were written. That does NOT give us liberty to disregard the parts that make us feel “uncomfortable.”

1 Corinthians 4:14-21 – Who Do You Imitate?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

outline of Jesus in bright orange circle of light

Did you like to play dress up when you were a kid? I always figured out a way to get my brother involved in the make-believe, and we made all sorts of great memories. Who did you pretend to be? I was usually a teacher or a mother.

As grown-ups, we often look to other people who we admire and want to be like them. Amy Grant is one of those people I dreamed of being. What a beautiful voice she has! Some people idolize athletes and movie stars. Often, the underlying character of those celebrities is flawed. If we could only see the “real” person we might not be so enamored.

1 Corinthians 4:1-13 – How Are You Treated?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Are you vocal about your faith or do you keep it quiet? Many people feel it’s “safer” to keep their faith under wraps when it comes to their public life. Our private lives are a different story. What happens behind closed doors is just that–unseen by others. In essence, we are keeping the best “secret” of all hidden. How does that make sense?

Jesus’ saving grace is available for all. Why aren’t we shouting it from the rooftops? Why? Because somebody would probably call the cops or admissions at the “funny farm.” Sadly, we’ve all seen people who are overly enthusiastic about their faith and their actions are anything but “attractive.” Even to us as fellow believers!

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 – Who Do You Belong To?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

This was a wake-up call! “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” What did you think when you read that? That verse, taken alone, could really rock your world if you’re a book worm and like to consume knowledge. However, I think the vast knowledge available to us in books is different than what’s referred to here as “wisdom of the world.” Yet still, it’s “foolishness” to God who is the creator of all things.

Our reading today brings together all that that Paul has shared in his letter so far. We note a huge distinction between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world. Worldly wisdom seems to be more focused on self and motivations that don’t include God. I can see where that would be foolish to God. Why would people want to rely on themselves when they can rely on God? But there seems to be an epidemic of people trying to “be God” when they should know there is only ONE God!

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 – What Does Your Foundation Look Like?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

construction worker building a structure

I remember when David and I first started dating. A building project was just underway for our church. We would “rendezvous” at the building site to catch up, make googly eyes at each other, and let the kids play on the big (I mean big) piles of dirt. When I think of foundations, that’s one of the happy memories that comes to mind.

But the foundation Paul is speaking of is life changing. It’s wonderful we can all share the same foundation, Jesus. He is our base, our reason for living. Paul even gives us a warning. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” We can look around and see plenty of people building on a foundation of wealth, success, and fame. What does your foundation look like?