July 29, 2020

Over the next 16 days we will be reading through the book of 1 Corinthians together. The church in Corinth was an absolute mess! They were plagued by serious issues of arrogance, division, sexual immorality, and confusion concerning doctrine as well as the particulars of their moral living under the gospel. This church needed a wake-up call, a call to repentance and purity, to renewed devotion to Christ, to love and unity, and to zeal for the gospel. The church has changed little over the last 2,000 years, but praise God that there is abundant grace for the mess! Each of us needs this same call to humility faithfulness, unity, and fervor today as much as they needed it then. Let’s heed this call which God gave the church at Corinth through the apostle Paul and let it shape the way we live as Christ’s body!

In this last chapter of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses a few final issues before giving them some closing instructions. He reminds them to be collecting funds to send to the needy brothers and sisters back in Judea and tells them that he plans on coming to them soon and spending some time with them. He also tells them that the evangelist Apollos plans to come to them at some point in the future, before launching into his final instructions for them.

Paul urges them to “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,” and “Let all that you do be done in love” (v.13-14). He instructs them to submit themselves to the authority of the church elders and cries out for Jesus to return soon! 

As we await the return of our Lord and Savior, Paul urges us to do the same. As he points out throughout the letter, all that we do should be done in love, in selfless consideration of the needs of others, and to the glory of God. We must maintain a steady watchfulness so that we do not drift towards false doctrine or into complacency concerning sin, as the Corinthians did. We must stand firm in our faith in spite of opposition and be strong and courageous in the Lord!

When we live this way as the body of Christ, God uses us to put His glory, His wisdom, His power, and His love on display through us. May we each do our part in letting Him use us to this end!

1 Corinthians 16

The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Plans for Travel

5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Final Instructions

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Greetings

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • Which of these final commands of Paul to the Corinthians do you need to apply most right now? How can you take steps today to live it out?

16 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-July 29”

  1. Dear Heavenly Father,
    With everything that is going on in my life and around the world right now, I feel I need to be strong and have faith now more than ever. Satan is really having a hey day as he is reaping havoc everywhere. It is so depressing if one looks with earthly vision. But thanks to You LORD, I can see through Your eyes and know that all these things will have no importance and will fade away one-day. Until then, as Paul says, I will be of good courage, remain strong and have love for my fellow man. Please shine Your grace around us as we wait for Your return. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

  2. Praise the LORD JESUS! My we stand for truth and love during this unbelievable time in America. We must fight for victory, as Patrick Henry stayed to give me liberty or give me death.

  3. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

    Heavenly Father, may we advance through adversity and love people with the same love You have lavished on us. In Jesus’ Name

    2. AMEN and HALLELUJAh!! I want to stay steadfast in your love. I want to show people the same love and respect to others. You are the resurrection and the light. You are my Lord and Savior. I pray in the name Of Jesus Christ Amen

  4. Father, God in heaven. I am truly thankful that my husband seemed better yesterday afternoon…a little stronger…maybe tolerating being off his CPAP a little longer each time. I pray that he will continue to improve today. I ask You to provide the strength he needs to conquer this enemy called Covid. Show me the right things to do and say to his nurses to help them help him. I can not be with him to encourage him and to help him be comfortable. Help him feel our prayers and our concern for him. Let him know how much we care about him. There are myriad saints lifting him to You in prayer — help Ernest know that. These things I ask in Jesus’ holy and precious name. Amen.

    1. Thank you Lord for for this encouraging report on Ernest Hill, as we, the body of Christ, continue to lift him & Pat to your throne for comfort, strength & healing. You are truly a way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the the darkness, that is who You are and we praise you & thank you in Jesus name. Amen!

      1. Praise you dear Lord for hearing our cries and prayers for healing of Ernest and others in our body struggling in battle against Covid. Comfort Pat as well putting saints on her path to encourage her. Please comfort and heal Ernest. I also ask healing for Luis Sauceda and his wife Angela. You are the Great I AM – Glory forever and ever AMEN!

  5. Dear heavenly Father. I thank you for
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

  7. I will be watchful. I will stand firm in the faith. I will be strong. I will let all that I do and say be done in love.

  9. Empower me father, so that all that I do today be in love, because of your spirit that fills me.

  10. Let love have the final say in my life. Help me to love You, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and my neighbor (everyone else) as my self. Thank You, Lord, for Your life changing, unconditional love.

  11. Lord, I want to continue to lift up Ernest and Pat. Thank You for the encouragement You are giving them. Bless them during this difficult time!

  12. 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

    Guidance to the church and leaders, which is as relevant now as it was then.

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