Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
The future return of Christ impacts everything. Paul continues to let it govern our perspective. It means that those God gifts with the ability to control their sexual passions do well not to marry so they can be undivided in their devotion to Christ. Yet Paul repeatedly stresses that it is nevertheless right and good for people to marry, and that Christians should choose a spouse who is "in the Lord" (7v39). Those who do marry should then honour God in their marriage. They should give themselves sexually to one-another as an expression of their belonging to one-another and to guard against temptation. They should not divorce, and if they do seperate, remain unmarried or be reconciled. The only exception seems to be when one of a couple is converted and their unbelieving spouse deserts them (to my mind we might also consider instances of unrepentant abuse or unfaithfulness that are effectively desertion by an unbeliever). The wider point is that in the light of Christ's coming we can gain a contentment with the imperfection of our present situation because of what we have through the gospel (7v17-24). Chapter 8 also mentions the importance of considering the conciences of fellow Christians in matters we are free on. As you read note the principles being taught.
1 Corinthians 7-8
1 Corinthians 7-8
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.