Tag Archives: the book of 1 Corinthians

September 12
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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”  (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)

In 17 words, Paul provides the Christian disciple with a challenge for every day, and a charge for each life.

“Do everything in love”: Act for others as one would act for self.  Live to please our heavenly Father.

“Be strong”: If the Holy Spirit of God is your strength, you are strong indeed.  His strength never flags.  His power never fails.

“Be courageous”: Going against “conventional wisdom” with God’s wisdom; swimming upstream; standing alone in one’s convictions; or choosing the narrow gate requires moral, physical, and spiritual courage.  Choose — then be!

“Stand firm in the faith”: Conventional wisdom, enlightened self-interest, and fashion are “currents and tides.”  Faith is the disciple’s anchor, and the word of God is the anchor’s chain.

“Be on your guard”: Thieves do not steal things that have no value.  As a person of inestimable worth and value, there is a bounty on your life.  Guard your heart, your thoughts, your motives, and your affections against theft and/or misuse by unworthy agents.  – Luther

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July 5
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

“Temptation” is any invitation to abandon God’s will.  In this world, temptation is a common experience.  However, escaping temptation is expected to be the Christian disciple’s common response.

The bible tells us that God will not allow a temptation greater than we can bear.  In every temptation — whether we are facing it for the first time or for the 50th time — God has provided us an exit.

When you are tempted, look for the exit — then take it!  – Luther

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April 7
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“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  (1Corinthians 11:1, NASB)
All of us serve as an example for others — like it or not.  
As a disciple of Jesus, when people look to us what is it they see? 
Writing to the disciples in Corinth, Paul recognized the fact that while it might be difficult for others to see Jesus directly; it was easier to see Jesus through Paul.  Our challenge each day is to follow Jesus faithfully in all that we say and do. 
The great 19th century preacher Dwight L. Moody said: “Out of 100 men. one will read the Bible; the other 99 will read the Christian.”  
The world is watching you and me.  Do they see Jesus?  – Luther 
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