Read 1 Corinthians 1

Highlights:

Church problems at Corinth.

For we are labourers with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9).

The Bible does not say we are labourers for God, but we are labourers (fellow-workers) with God. He has certain responsibilities for each of us, and He has specifically prepared us to accomplish His purposes. Therefore, no one should feel either indispensable or inadequate. The effectiveness of our work in Christ is entirely dependent upon His blessing. We are incapable of accomplishing anything for the kingdom of God unless He blesses our endeavours.

Many who set out on their own without God wonder why their plan did not work. Why is it they experienced failure? Often God's blessings were never on the plan. Though it might have been a goodly plan, that does not mean it was godly. Sometimes things can be right, but may not be for right now. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Cor. 6:12).

Praise and recognition for all accomplishments should be given to the Lord, who alone has qualified us for His service. This leaves no room for envying another's ability or usefulness. We can rejoice that we are united in His service as labourers together with God. It is God who calls us to His service. It is God who empowers us to serve. Therefore, if there is any praise to be given, He is the one who is deserving of it. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him (Ps. 28:7).

Jealousy displeases God, dishonors Christ, and destroys the spirit of unity. Each of us is necessary for doing the Lord's work, and our one goal and one purpose should be to praise and honor our wonderful Lord. We should always be supportive of those who are working for the upbuilding of God's Kingdom. There is no reason to be jealous. We are all working for the same ending.

I Corinthians is the Apostle Paul's letter to a church in chaos, a church that has gone wrong. It's an instruction manual for how a messed up congregration, full of petty and immature individuals, can get back on track. It is a guide for the believers to live in unity and love so that the world is compelled to see the power and majesty of God. When the people of God live for the glory of God, God's glory shines even brighter in a dark world, drawing others to worship Him. The closer God's children get to Christ, the closer they are drawn to one another.

Thus Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Thought for Today:

Our love for others must exceed that of the world, who only love those that love them.

Cross References:

For I Cor. 1:19: See Is. 29:14. I Cor. 1:31: See Jer. 9:24. I Cor. 2:16: See Is. 40:13. I Cor. 3:19: See Job 5:13. I Cor. 3:20: See Ps. 94:11.

Word Studies:

1:21 the foolishness of preaching, foolishness to unbelievers; 2:6 perfect, spiritually mature; 3:1 carnal, worldly; 4:5 counsels, motives; 4:11 naked, poorly clothed; buffeted, treated with disrespect; 4:16 followers, imitators; 4:18 puffed up, arrogant, proud.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently (Is. 62:6).

Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:13