Excel Still More

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I Corinthians 12

The Christians in Corinth possess a wide variety of spiritual gifts, such as miraculous wisdom, healing abilities, and speaking in tongues. All gifts originate from the same Spirit and serve a common purpose: to build up the body of Christ. Paul describes believers as parts of a body, each with a distinct function, yet all working together to promote unity. No gift or role holds more significance than another, and no one should feel either insignificant or superior. Christians are encouraged to value and respect every member's contribution, as each gift is bestowed for the common good. God arranges each part of the body intentionally and for His glory. Ultimately, Paul urges the church to use their gifts with love, unity, and a commitment to strengthening the community of believers. 

The Holy Spirit will use those who confess Jesus as the Lord of their lives. He will give each of us gifts to exercise for the kingdom's good. While we no longer possess supernatural gifts like healing or tongue speaking, Christians today do have wonderful abilities from God to understand things, teach truths, serve others, extend mercy, and give to help those in need. Every person matters in the body of Christ, and we should not neglect our connection to the church. We are baptized into Christ’s body of believers to help that body remain healthy and grow. A primary function of every member is to assist God’s people in avoiding division and to exercise great care for one another.

Generous God, we praise You for the gifts You have given us through Your Son and by Your Holy Spirit. Help us to understand “the common good” among Your people and how each of our gifts should be used for the betterment of others. Show us how to honor everyone in the church, as we have all been baptized into one body. Train us to be humble and active while also recognizing the important contributions of those who often get overlooked. Use us as vocal encouragers, devoted unifiers, and voices of peace and love within our fellowship of believers.  

Thought Questions:

-       Why has the Spirit given Christians a wide variety of abilities? How does this help us develop a deeper need for one another?

-       In a time where supernatural spiritual gifts no longer exist, what are some abilities God has given you to use for the good of Christ’s body?

-       Is it unifying to acknowledge workers in the kingdom, and especially those less recognized? Who will you offer appreciation for today?

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I Corinthians 11

The Corinthian church needs guidance regarding aspects of its worship. Paul starts by addressing head coverings, teaching that men and women should honor God’s design by reflecting submission to Christ in their respective roles. This cultural practice symbolizes reverence for authority in worship. However, it is not God’s will for members to become contentious over the matter of head coverings. Paul then rebukes the Corinthians for the divisions present during the Lord’s Supper, where selfishness and inequality undermine the sacred act. He reminds them that communion is a proclamation of Christ’s sacrifice, accomplished together while challenging each participant to evaluate themselves. Christians are to partake in a worthy manner, with attention on Jesus, in a spirit of humility. This is achieved by waiting for one another in the collective memorial.   

Just as Paul emphasizes order and unity in worship, we must approach our gatherings with reverence and humility. In worship, we honor God’s design and reflect submission to Christ. Like the Corinthians, we must examine our attitudes and actions, ensuring that selfishness or division does not disrupt worship or the act of communion. The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and a call to unity within the body of believers. As we partake, we should reflect on our relationship with Christ, repent of sin, and seek to build up one another in love. Worship is not about individual preferences but about honoring God and fostering unity in faith, demonstrating Christ’s selfless love in our words and actions.

Glorious Father, we acknowledge You as head over Christ and Christ as our master and Lord. Teach us how to honor this in worship, with women embracing their proper roles and men honoring the roles assigned to them. Lead us to eliminate all self-centered demands among God’s people and to come together in worship and the Lord’s Supper to glorify Your Son and help others commune with Him. Challenge each of us to examine our intentions and find value in contributing to the well-being of the body of Christ. Please forgive any mistakes from the past and save us from judgment. 

Thought Questions:

-       What was the purpose of the head covering for women in worship? In what ways do women show respect for authority in worship today?

-       All throughout the letter, the warning is against being contentious or divisive. How patient does God expect us to be in all issues with brethren?

-       Division shows up in worship as brethren fail to wait on one another during the Lord’s Supper. How do you consider others when partaking?

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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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I Corinthians 10

Israel’s history serves as a cautionary tale for Christians. Despite experiencing God’s blessings and deliverance, many Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality, leading to judgment. Paul urges the Corinthians to avoid similar pitfalls, warning against overconfidence and reminding them that no temptation is beyond God’s help. He promises that God will provide a way of escape in every trial. Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their choices, particularly concerning eating food sacrificed to idols, and prioritizing the spiritual needs of others. Convictions of conscience hold great importance to God, and Christians must honor their own while also being considerate of others. Ultimately, Paul calls on them to do everything for God’s glory, avoiding offense and seeking to build up others in faith through the demonstration of Christ’s selfless love.

Just as Israel crossed the Red Sea, we have been freed from bondage through the waters of baptism. Our leader is Jesus, who is greater than Moses. He is our source of spiritual nourishment and sustenance. However, like Israel, we can lose our deep relationship with God if we succumb to idolatry, immorality, or a lack of trust in the Lord. We must remain humble, reliant on God, and confident that He will strengthen us during times of temptation. God’s people must move forward in faith together. Sharing in the Lord means we are all on this journey as one body. We must be patient, considerate of each other’s conscience and needs, and devoted to helping one another stay saved. 

Eternal God, we know You led Israel out of slavery and toward the land of promise. We have read how many lost focus and succumbed to the impulses of the flesh, failing to receive the reward. Help us resist those temptations, support one another, and humbly rely on Your faithfulness to keep us strong. We vow to flee idolatry and dedicate our lives to You and Your people. Please help us cultivate the humility needed to deny ourselves and serve fellow believers. Guide us to do all things to glorify You and assist others in finding salvation in You. 

Thought Questions:

-       Why did so many Israelites fall in the wilderness after being saved by God? What do you learn from their tragic example?

-       “Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” Why is pride so dangerous when it comes to facing the temptation to sin?

-       In consideration of their neighbor, some did not eat certain meats. What liberties would you be willing to forfeit for the sake of Christians?

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I Corinthians 9

Some Corinthians have questions about Paul’s rights as an apostle. Paul affirms his authority by explaining that he has the right to receive financial support for his ministry, just as workers in other fields earn from their labor. However, Paul willingly relinquishes this right to prevent hindering the gospel or causing others to stumble. He emphasizes that his ultimate goal is to win as many people as possible to Christ. To achieve this, he adapts to various audiences, becoming “all things to all people” while remaining true to God’s law. Paul likens the Christian life to a race, urging believers to exercise self-discipline and strive for an eternal crown. Ultimately, he encourages the Corinthians to concentrate on spreading the gospel and living with purpose, self-control, and commitment to Christ’s mission.

Discipline in Christ requires focus and intentionality in our choices and relationships. While we have the freedom to live as redeemed believers, we are called to concentrate on positively influencing others and advancing the gospel. Paul willingly surrendered his rights, adapting his approach to meet people where they were so he might draw people closer to Christ. Not everyone shares the same level of spiritual maturity, whether in the church or outside of it. This means we must be willing to adjust our own approach, words, and methods to have the greatest influence on others for Christ. This will take discipline, like that of an athlete, as we pursue the eternal wreath for ourselves and as many others as possible.   

Compassionate Lord, thank You for the example of Paul’s humility and dedication. Help us live with a spirit of perspective, recognizing the weight of our impact on others within the church and the world. Teach us to be willing to set aside our desires for the sake of others so that we may demonstrate Christ-like love. Show us how adjustments on our part can make the gospel more shareable with the people in our lives. We will run this race with endurance, exhibiting self-control, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the gospel.  Lead us to others we can help along the way.  

Thought Questions:

-       “Am I not free?” What is wrong with this question? Why must you move past yourself and consider others when making decisions?

-       What adjustments have you made recently “so that [you] may win the more”? How might your changes need to come first for others to change?

-       Are you running the race of faith with discipline and devotion? What are specific decisions you are making that would defend your answer?

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Will just one sin cost the Christian their soul? If you sin just before you die, and do not repent, are you lost? If you are sinning now, and forget you did it, or don't even yet understand you are doing it, and refuse to repent, is it over?  These are dominant questions across the religious landscape recently. Let's dive in on this, but with our full attention first on Jesus and the cross. From there, all good things can happen, even with flawed people like you and me. 

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I Corinthians 8

The church has questions for Paul about eating food sacrificed to idols. Paul acknowledges that while idols are nothing and there is only one true God, not all believers have developed this knowledge. Some, with weaker consciences, may view eating such food as sinful and stumble in their faith. He emphasizes that knowledge alone can lead to pride, but love builds up and considers the well-being of others over oneself. Paul reminds the church that their freedom in Christ must not become a stumbling block for others. If eating such food causes a fellow believer to fall, Paul would rather abstain than harm their faith. Ultimately, he calls for a balance of knowledge and love, urging believers to act in ways that strengthen and protect one another’s spiritual growth.

Freedom in Christ comes with responsibility. While we may have the knowledge and freedom to engage in actions that are not contrary to God’s will, we must consider how our actions affect others. Not all believers share the same backgrounds, influences, or understandings. As a result, there will be differing opinions on various topics. Each individual may be able to honor their conscience without conflict. However, if one’s actions directly undermine another’s convictions, it would be wiser to forgo that liberty to prevent causing a brother to sin. Paul would rather never eat meat from an idol’s temple again than hurt his brother. We must embody that same spirit of sacrificial love and willing patience for the good of one another. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the liberty we enjoy as members of the body of Christ. Teach us to use this freedom wisely, enjoying what does not defy You while always considering how our actions affect others. Help us to act with love and humility, prioritizing other’s needs above our own desires. Protect us from pride and guide us to patiently assist others in their growth in knowledge while making choices that encourage them. May our actions reflect Christ’s selflessness and promote unity and trust within the church. Provide us opportunities to make sacrifices for the good of Your family. 

Thought Questions:

-       Knowledge concerning what is lawful is a good thing. But when can it become a bad thing? Why is love even more valuable than knowledge?

-       Due to different backgrounds and influences, we will not see all issues the same. Is that okay? How do we keep working together in such cases? 

-       What is an example of something lawful you chose to avoid because your fellow believers considered it sinful? Did it benefit the relationship?

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I Corinthians 7

The church poses questions to Paul about marriage and singleness. He offers guidance based on God’s law while also considering their current circumstances. He emphasizes that marriage is good and serves as a way to avoid sexual immorality. They must recognize that the marriage commitment is crucial, as he advises them to reject divorce and, if they do divorce, to either remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. Even if married to an unbeliever, commitment and faithfulness can lead to the spouse’s salvation. Furthermore, there is value in singleness, as it promotes an undivided focus on God. He advises believers to remain in their current situations, as persecution is approaching for God’s people. In every situation, “undistracted devotion to the Lord” is the goal and necessary for both married and single Christians. 

Christians face various seasons of life, including singleness, marriage, or widowhood. Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 7 that each of these situations is an opportunity to serve God faithfully. Whether married or single, we should focus on honoring God with undivided devotion. In marriage, this means a loving commitment to our spouse, reflecting Christ’s faithfulness. For singles, it means embracing the freedom to serve God without distraction. Paul also encourages us to trust God’s plan and remain content in the situations He has called us to, knowing He works for our good. This mindset should be evident to the world as we live in purity, faithfulness, and commitment to God’s purposes, reflecting His glory in all relationships and circumstances.

Giving God, who provides all that we need for life and godliness, thank You for the benefits of marriage. For the married, we commit to faithfulness and patience, living out Your purposes and uplifting souls in our home and everywhere our family has influence. For the unmarried, we pray for their strength to have hope in You, and to use this stage in life to accomplish incredible things in Your kingdom. In whatever circumstance, prepare us to be devoted to You regardless of persecution or trial. Give us contentment where we are and wisdom in whatever may come next. 

 Thought Questions:

-       Describe the commitment God designed for marriage. What level of trust should exist? How strongly should we work to avoid divorce?

-       Is it possible for an unbelieving spouse to be “sanctified through” their spouse? How should this encourage believers married to unbelievers?

-       Singleness is not discussed enough among God’s people. In this chapter, what are the advantages for someone who is not currently married?

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I Corinthians 6

Paul addresses disputes among the Corinthians, criticizing that some take legal matters to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church. He emphasizes that believers, who will one day judge the world and angels, should handle such disputes among themselves. Paul also warns against unrighteous behavior, listing sins that exclude people from God’s kingdom, including sexual immorality, idolatry, and greed. He reminds the Corinthians that they have been cleansed of such iniquities and are sanctified and justified in Christ. They must honor God with their bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. There is no excuse for sinning in the body. He reminds them that they were bought at a price and must glorify God in their actions by living in purity and obedience to His will.

Christians will inevitably face disagreements and disputes, as happens in any family, even among those we care about deeply. However, how we address these conflicts should be marked by grace and reflect the character of Christ. Before coming to faith, we lived in sin, embracing behaviors such as sexual immorality and self-serving actions, often at the expense of others. Now, through Christ, we are freed from sin’s destruction and called to use our bodies and lives to glorify God. This transformation should be evident in how we peacefully resolve conflicts within the church. It should also be visible to the world through our disciplined, holy, moral choices, demonstrating our commitment to God’s purposes and reflecting His righteousness in our bodies. 

Gracious Lord, thank You for calling us to live lives that glorify You. Help us handle disputes among us with humility, grace, and unity, reflecting Christ’s love in all we do. Remind us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by the precious blood of Jesus, and that we are not our own. Teach us to honor You with our actions, living morally and holy in obedience to Your Word. We will strive to resist temptation and commit ourselves only to You. When we fail, we will always return to You, the God of our salvation.

Thought Questions:

-       Brethren suing brethren seems inconceivable, but it happens. How should Christians approach one another to prevent such an outcome?

-       The Corinthians had committed grave sins yet were fully sanctified. What does that imply for you and others, regardless of what you have done?

-       Your body is not your own. Why not? And how does it reshape your life and how you live it daily if you believe this simple statement?

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I Corinthians 5

Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church: the acceptance of blatant sexual immorality. A man is involved in a sinful relationship with his stepmother, and the church’s prideful attitude toward this sin is deeply concerning. Paul reminds the Corinthians that such behavior is unacceptable and must be confronted. He instructs them to remove the unrepentant individual from their fellowship, not out of malice, but to encourage repentance and protect the church’s purity. Paul compares sin to leaven, warning that it spreads and corrupts the entire body. He urges the church to live as unleavened bread, pure and holy in Christ. Furthermore, Paul clarifies that he is not addressing unbelievers but instructs the church to hold fellow Christians accountable, emphasizing the importance of upholding God’s standards within the church.

Arrogance among God’s people can take many forms. In today’s reading, it manifests as unaddressed immorality, as if God would not hold the group accountable. Paul emphasizes that the church must confront sin for the good of the sinners and the purity of the congregation. This should be our attitude toward ungodliness among us. We must humbly accept that we will answer to God for inaction. However, our motives must always be to save and protect, whether it be the sinner or the members of our church family. This may require extreme actions, such as breaking off associations with someone or removing them from the local church fellowship. All must be done with the hope of restoration and peace.  

Holy God, we hear Your call to morality and holiness in Jesus’ name. Help us confront violations of Your will within ourselves and among Your people with humility, love, and courage. Teach us to address sin with the desire for restoration and fellowship, being mindful to protect the integrity of Your little ones among us. Grant us wisdom to discern how to approach those in sin, balancing mercy and resolve as we stand for Your will. Strengthen our commitment to live as unleavened bread, set apart for You, and determined to abandon arrogance and purge sin from our midst. 

Thought Questions:

-       What might lead a local church to overlook sin among them? How can you help your local fellowship overcome this and address souls?

-       How important is it for local churches to keep sin from among their midst? Why is it dangerous to allow ungodliness to be common among us?

-       Why are Christians told “not to associate” with brethren caught in sin? Why is this important, and what does it look like in your life?

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I Corinthians 4

The apostles of Christ should not be viewed as exalted leaders, but rather as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries. They are subject to God’s examination, just like everyone else. Paul reminds the Corinthians that faithfulness to God is what truly matters, not the judgments or opinions of others. Genuine evaluation belongs to the Lord, who will illuminate hidden things and unveil the intentions of the heart. Paul cautions against pride and boasting in human leaders, urging humility by reminding them that everything they possess is a gift from God. Apostles are examples of suffering and perseverance, often regarded as “fools for Christ” while demonstrating God’s power. Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow his example, living humbly and faithfully under God’s authority, for they are ultimately accountable to Him alone.

Judgment and approval belong to the Lord in every situation. This absolute truth carries two important implications. First, we do not have the right to determine our own righteousness. God examines each of us, and His conclusions supersede our own. Second, and hopefully obviously, we do not pass judgment upon other believers. They will answer to God, and His praise is all that matters in the end. Unfortunately, some Corinthians have become prideful and even judge the apostles as less than themselves, despite Paul and others having done so much for God and for them. There is no room for such arrogance in the kingdom. We should emulate the faithfulness of the apostles and the humble, active servants among us. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us through Your Word that we are stewards of Your mysteries. Help us remain faithful to You in all things, seeking Your approval above the opinions of others. Teach us humility, reminding us that everything we have is a gift from You. Strengthen us to endure challenges and reflect Christ’s love, even when faced with opposition or ridicule. May we follow the example of faithful servants like Paul, living for Your glory and not our own. Reveal to us the intentions of our hearts and guide us to walk in humble obedience to You. 

Thought Questions:

-       If God’s judgment about you is more important than how you see yourself, how do you determine what God desires from You as His servant?

-       Why is it so tempting to demean others and elevate yourself? What do you usually miss about yourself and the other person when you do this?

-       What would happen if we spent less time in pride or jealousy toward others and more time emulating the godliness we see in them?