Skip to main content

TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

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.

(291) 18 October : Proverbs 17v19 / 1 Corinthians 11v2-12v31 / Psalm 68v30-35

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
Local churches are subsets of the worldwide family of God. And reflecting family life there will always be a degree of informailty to them. But in being "of God" there is also to be order and reverence. That is Paul's concern here. Scholars say that it is extremely hard to properly grasp and apply what is being said in 11v1-16. The point is probably that men and women should signal their gender by following whatever cultural norms of dress go with it. This is to uphold the order of creation. In our day when gender is being so confused we can see its wisdom. What follows is an affirmation of receiving the Lord's Supper with a reverent acknowledgment of Christ's presence and a concern for the church family. Not to, we are told, can lead to judgment. The reading ends with instruction to accept whatever spiritual gift God has given you, rather than resent it or despise those others have. What exactly the more miraculous gifts refer to is debated. But, again, the point is about reverence to God and the order he has given to his church. As you read note how these things should look in your own church.
1 Corinthians 11:2-12:31

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.