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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.

(288) 15 October : Proverbs 17v16 / 1 Corinthians 4-6 / Psalm 68v11-18

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
Every church has issues that need addressing. There were many in Corinth, and Paul addresses each with the eternal perspective. First, some are putting down Paul's ministry. In response, he affirms that his concience is clear in the light of the final judgment, urging his hearers to imitate his example of suffering for Christ. Second, the church is tolerating sexual immorality by a member. Paul speaks of Christ being specially present when the church gathers, and commands that at that time they are to put the man out of the fellowship in order to keep the church from being corrupted by him and bring him to repentance so that he is saved at Christ's return. Third, the Christians are taking each other to court which looks bad to unbelievers. Reminding them that they will somehow share in the final judgment, Paul appeals to them to judge their own disputes. Finally, addressing a general acceptance of other sin including sex with prostitutes, he emphasizes that the unrepentant will not inherit the kingdom of God and that, in being destined for resurrection, their bodies are to be regarded as members of Christ and so as temples. In short, we are to live in the light of what is to come. As you read note the various motivations.
1 Corinthians 4-6

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.