1 Corinthians 1-4 daily devotionals by Kevin E. Jesmer 2009

1 Corinthians was written by Paul at the end of his three year stay in Ephesus in A.D. 56. Paul arrived in Corinth from Athens. He met Priscilla and Aquila, Jews who had recently left Rome. (Acts 18:3). Soon Paul devoted himself exclusively to testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:5). When his own countrymen opposed Paul and expelled the church from the synagogue, God’s people met in a large house next door. Paul ministered in Corinth for 18 months, probably in A.D. 51 and 52, making that city his base of operations for almost three years (A.D. 53-56). God began a great work. Most of the new believers were from the lower class. (1 Cor 1:26). Some had lived very wicked lives. (1 Cor 6:11) But they were washed by the blood of Jesus, sanctified by the Holy Spirit and became members of the body of Christ. After Paul left, Apollos came and ministered there. (Acts 18:24, 27, 28) In this way the church in Corinth was born.

However, many problems arose in the new church. There was a problem of division (1:12; 11:18); sexual immortality (5:1); bad influences (8:1; 11:21); and showing off (Chp 12). Paul addresses their problems, trying to heal their divisions and answer their questions. He was convinced that God’s love and resurrection faith was the balm to heal their many wounds and help them live victorious lives of faith.

This book deals with problems within the church of any generation. We need to heed the advice of Apostle Paul to rise above spiritual pitfalls and live godly lives that brings honor to Jesus.

Tuesday, June 22                     1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Our God Is Faithful

Key Verse 1:9

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”

1.  God Who Called Us Is Faithful (1-9)

The church is built on the apostles and Jesus as the cornerstone. It is a holy church. We are holy simply because we are cleansed of our sins though faith in Jesus’ blood. It is not easy to live in this world permeated by sin. But it is possible when we call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—placing all of our hope and trust in him. How can we have such faith? God is our faithful God and he will keep us in Christ to the end.

2.  Paul’s Appeal For Perfect Unity (10-17)

The Corinthian believers were divided because of how they viewed their leaders. Paul, Apollos and Cephas were servants of God whose single goal was to lead people to Christ. We can overcome our human differences when we accept Jesus’ cross and preach his gospel. Then God will dwell in us and we can love, respect and forgive one another. We can be united as part of God’s family.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me to be one of your holy people by your grace. Help me to live by faith in fellowship with you and your people.

One Word: I am weak but God is strong.

Wednesday, June 23              1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Christ: The Power And The Wisdom Of God

Key Verse 1:24

“but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

1.  The power and the wisdom of God (18-25)

The message of Christ’s death for sins sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. But God’s way of thinking is not like the world’s way. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his kingdom to those who have faith. Christ is our power, the only way we can be saved. Knowing Christ personally is the greatest wisdom anyone could have.

2.   Boast only of the grace of God (26-31)

When the Gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit works. People are saved. Their lives are changed.  They find a solution to their sin problems. Salvation is totally from God through Jesus’ death. We need to accept what Jesus has already done for us. We must only boast of the power of God at work among us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to depend on the power and wisdom of Jesus alone. Work in my heart through your word and spirit.

One Word: Saved by the grace of Jesus.

Thursday, June 24                    1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The Spirit’s Power And Wisdom

Key Verse 2:4,5

^“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

1. Resolved to preach only Jesus crucified (1-2)

Public speakers depended on eloquence. But Paul’s message was simple and straight forward, proclaiming the testimony about God. Paul forced himself to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. He believed the gospel contained the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

2. The message of the power of the cross (3-5)

Paul was overwhelmed by all the moral corruption. He did not know what to do, so he prayed and preached the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit moved the hearts of people, and they put their trust in Jesus. Our faith must rest on God who works in us with resurrection power.

Prayer: Lord help me to know only Jesus and him crucified. May your Spirit work in peoples’ hearts.

One Word:  The Gospel has life-changing power

Friday, June 25                      1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Paul Teaches About The Spirit’s Wisdom

Key Verse 2:16

“’For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”

1. God’s secret wisdom (6-10)

God is the source and the cause of all godly wisdom. God’s ‘secret wisdom became crystal clear when Jesus rose from the dead. God gave his One and Only Son as a ransom sacrifice for our sins. Jesus has power over sin and death. God is love. God’s wisdom is the gospel. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived the wisdom of the gospel, yet to those who love God, it is our glory (9).

2.  Those who have the spirit (11-16)

Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (Jn 14:26). We, who believe, have received the Spirit. God gives the Holy Spirit so we may understand the deep grace he has freely given us in the gospel. When the Spirit is with us, we can understand the Bible and live by it. (Dt 29:29).

Prayer: Lord, on my own I can not know your heart or your ways. Please grant me your Holy Spirit so that I may know you and follow you.

One Word: To know the secret things of God.

Saturday, June 26                     1 Corinthians 3:1-9

God Makes It Grow

Key Verse 3:6

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”

1.  It’s time to grow up! (1-3)

The Corinthian Christians were suffering from extended adolescence. They were not yet spiritually healthy and mature. They quarreled like children, allowing divisions to distract them.We must grow and also help others to grow spiritually by studying the Bible and leading the way.

2.  Humble co-working in Christ (4-7)

God worked through Apollos and Paul to bring the churches to Jesus. They did their assigned task. They taught others to be faithful to the Lord. Ultimately God is the important one who helps the seed of the word of God grow in peoples’ hearts. We want to do everything, plant and water, but we must find our role and work as a team. We are all co-working in the field to bear fruit for God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to mature as a Christian and humbly co-work with others to make Jesus known.

One Word: Lead the way in spiritual growth.

Sunday, June 27                   1 Corinthians 3:10-23

Build On Jesus, The True Foundation

Key Verse 3:11

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1.  The only true foundation (10-15)

There are steps in building a building. You lay a foundation; drive beams down to bedrock; lay the bricks; place the roof. If you follow these principles, then they can build a beautiful building which is very hard to tear down.  The best way to lay a good foundation is to study the Bible carefully and learn of Jesus Christ, who was crucified, buried and raised from death. Only those with such a foundation will bear fruit pleasing to God.

2.  We are God’s temple (16-23)

The Christian community is God’s temple. God is very serious about building his temple. (17) Why? Because he wants to dwell among his people and be their God. Each Christian has a responsibility to build God’s holy temple. It begins with seeing God’s temple as holy and respecting each other. The God’s spirit will remain in us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making part of your temple. Work through me to build your temple.

One Word: Make Jesus your solid foundation.

Monday, June 28                       1 Corinthians 4:1-5

A Genuine Servant Of Christ

Key Verse 4:1

“So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.”

1.  Entrusted with the secret things of God (1-3)

We need attitudes as servants of Christ. As servants of Christ we are entrusted with the secret things of God…the Gospel. It is a holy trust that we must treat it with awesome respect and honor. One of the greatest characteristics of a servant of Christ is faithfulness. Such a servant is steadfast, and constant. Such a person is faithful to God and obedient to God. Jesus is looking for faithful and wise managers, servants who can take stewardship of his work.

2.  Live before God; not man (4-5)

While carrying out his ministry, Paul was frequently criticized. Of course he evaluated himself to improve the quality of his work, but he never let peoples’ criticism dissuade him. He lived before God.

Prayer: Lord, who am I that I should be entrusted with your precious Gospel? Help me to be your faithful servant who can bear that holy trust.

One Word: Live before God.

Tuesday, June 29                   1 Corinthians 4:6-13

“Do Not Go Beyond What Is Written.”

Key Verse 4:6b-7

“”… so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.”

1.  Watch out for spiritual pride (6-7)

Paul warns against having pride in our favorite leaders, so much so that divisions are caused in the church. Paul was one of the greatest servants of God but he did not judge Apollos or any other leader. He respected them and humbly co-worked. He humbly applied Biblical teachings to his own life, first.

2.  Fools for Christ (8-13)

There were some who thought that they were already reigning with Christ and didn’t have to pick up their own cross. Paul’s lifestyle seemed foolish to them. But Paul did not avoid the cross. He offered up his life. He walked in the way of the cross and became “a fool” for Christ.

Prayer: Lord, there are those who don’t understand my submission to Christ and your word. Strengthen my heart to live for you.

One Word: A fool for Christ

Wednesday, June 30             1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Live As A Spiritual Parent

Key Verse 4:15,16

“Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”

1. Be a spiritual parent (14-16)

In Roman society, guardians were mentors, training children in basic issues of life. They did this to receive a salary. There were thousands of mentors, but only a few fathers. A father has a willingness to sacrifice, a sense of responsibility and expectations that their children will grow. Paul was such a father to the Corinthians. We should imitate him.

2.  Our way of life in Christ  (17-21)

Timothy had traveled with Paul. (Acts 16:1-3) Paul showed a good example to Timothy and he sent Timothy as an example to others. They needed to live what they believed. As a good father, Paul was going to help the leaders to make their faith practical and bear good fruit.

Prayer: Lord, you are my heavenly Father. Help me to live like a spiritual father to others

.

One Word: Reflect the father-heart of God.