December 7

2 Corinthians 10-13
It is difficult to rebuke those we love.  There is the fear that we will damage the relationship beyond repair.  However, where one's eternal salvation is involved, the risks outweigh the benefits.  Such was the case as the apostle Paul writes the Corinthian church.  They had serious difficulties!  Salvation for some was at stake.  So, he uses harsh language in order to reach them.  That this is done in a spirit of love was absolutely essential.  That he has the authority to do so is implicit, in that he is an apostle.  Yet, one does not need to be in a position of authority in order to rebuke another.  We simply must need to care enough about their souls.  Love should compel us to help our brother or sister to be restored in their relationship with the Lord, if that relationship has been damaged by sin.

December 6

1 Corinthians 5-9
Paul was constantly promoting grace.  I believe this was because he was so grateful for the grace shown him after he had so vigorously persecuted the church.  However, he offers this response to God’s grace: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  Much of what he writes following these words has to do with the Corinthian brethren giving a financial gift to help those in other places who are in need.  One of my early mentors would say that the contributions of a church are often a good barometer of their spiritual health.  As children of God, we are blessed beyond knowing in everything!  Sharing our wealth is but a small expression of our gratitude.  Unfortunately, for many, it is a very small expression.  What does Christ’s love compel you to do?

December 5

2 Corinthians 1-4
Paul is dealing with grace in this second letter to the church at Corinth. He states that the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. This is in reference to law and commandments. Having spent my life in a church that has a legalistic history, I can really relate to these words. It has my very sad experience to witness the demise of several congregations due to legalism. On a more positive note, it has been my pleasure to be associated with several congregations that have moved away from the legal foundations, embracing the spirit of what has been written, and discovering the life God desires for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.

December 4

1 Corinthians 15-16
As Paul brings this letter to a close, he reminds the Corinthians of the gospel and the importance of the resurrection.  Without the resurrection, there is no gospel.  If Jesus were not raised, He would not be the Messiah.  If we were not raised in a new spiritual body, our resurrection would be meaningless.  The gospel is a simple message.  It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Nothing more, nothing less.  We share in that gospel by faithfully submitting to the watery grave of baptism, so as to be buried with Christ and raised with our sins washed away, so that we might live a new life in the Spirit!  This is the message we need to bring to the world.   This is the message that provides hope in the darkness many find themselves.  This is the message of love, God’s love, that saves for eternity!

December 3

1 Corinthians 12-14
In broaching the subject of spiritual gifts, Paul explains that whatever gift one uses it should be done for the benefit of the church.  However, he offers the most excellent of all with what is commonly called the love chapter.  In this, he says that the three remaining gifts are faith, hope, and love, with the greatest being love.  At any discussion of spiritual gifts I always come back to this.  For I know that I have not fully developed these three gifts.  It is only when I have mastered these that I would give serious consideration to the lesser gifts, such as, healing, prophesying, and speaking in tongues.  Those who have had the greatest positive impact on the church are those who are excelling in faith, hope, and love.  I have yet to find anyone outside of the Bible who has benefitted the church in any meaningful manner with the other spiritual gifts.

December 2

1 Corinthians 9-11
The apostle is giving instructions to a church that has lots of problems.  One can almost feel the tension that exists.  It would seem that there are those who are selfishly concerned about their own lives, placing themselves above one another, and causing dissension in the process.  Division is the word of the day.  Indeed, when we have a lack of concern for others there will be division.  Unity is only accomplished when we are willing to put our own desires behind us so as to demonstrate love and concern for others.

December 1

1 Corinthians 5-8
I sometimes think that God did too good a job in giving us a sex drive so that we might procreate.  It seems that this drive gets us into a lot of trouble.  Paul devotes a lot of words to this subject: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.”  I have seen people sacrifice everything in order to fulfill a sexual desire.  It’s sad when families are broken and relationships destroyed because of sexual immorality.  The apostle makes a distinction between this sin and all others.  I wonder how many Christians consider that when they are engaged in practicing sexual immorality that the Lord is right there!  Our bodies are His temple, His dwelling place!  How do you suppose it makes Him feel when His temple is invaded in such a manner?