1 CORINTHIANS 9-10: DAY 85 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
March 26, 2023
1 CORINTHIANS 9-10
DAY 85 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
We begin our journey today with the Apostle Paul in a dispute with certain elements in the church at Corinth over whether Paul was in fact an Apostle; or, if he was merely a disciple. This conversation redirected itself to whether Paul was entitled to compensation for his ministry. Our journey concludes with a look at the risk of compromise.
Take a few minutes to ask God for His direction and understanding for today’s journey through 1 Corinthians 9-10. Now take out your Bible and read 1 Corinthians 9-10. Time to begin the journey!
1 Corinthians 9-10: As you may recall, from our previous study of the church at Corinth, a power struggle was taking place within the church. The only logical reason to challenge Paul’s apostleship was to diminish his authority in the eyes of those who supported his ministry. Paul defended his apostleship by declaring that he has seen Christ. He then contended that although he had a right to be compensated for his ministry; he chose to exercise his freedom to forgo compensation to not burden those to whom he ministered. Paul chose to use his freedom in Christ to serve others and issues a call to Christians to exercise self-discipline. Paul then moves on to the issue of compromise. Paul pointed out that the people become complacent with the passage of time. Like people today, the members of the church at Corinth viewed dabbling in sinful practices as acceptable behavior for them. Paul made it perfectly clear that it was (is) not possible to mix sin with righteousness and arrive at a blend that is acceptable to the Lord. (1 Corinthians (9:1-10:33)
Our focus verses for today:
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
(1 Corinthians 10:31-33, NIV)
The Apostle Paul, while telling the church at Corinth that the believer has freedom, cautioned them that not all freedom is beneficial to the wellbeing of the believer, or those finding their way in this new religion: the Way. Do we consider the impact of our actions on others as we go about our daily routine? As Christians, are we our brother’s keeper? Do we, believers of the 21st century, accept that our lives are our testimony? As you ponder these questions, consider how those who observe your life are impacted, not limiting your thoughts to those we encounter directly.
Godspeace!
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