Paul is writing to a church filled with spiritual adolescents — people with a growing awareness of their rights but little awareness of their responsibilities. And what kind of advice would you give to adolescents? Paul starts by warning them to be discerning about whose judgments they trust. The world is filled with enticing ideas and invitations, but few of those voices are truly wise. Similarly, we need to be spiritually wise about which voices we listen to. Whose perspective and judgments do you trust?

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For Reflection:

- How would you explain the difference between human wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God?

- Why is the Holy Spirit essential for understanding spiritual truth?

- How might God be inviting you to lean more on what God says and less on the many voices of the world?

- Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me listen to your voice and to embrace the mind of Christ in all I do.

For our opening of 1st Corinthians, we return to a previous devo from January 3, 2022. The apostle Paul had spent more time in the city of Corinth than just about anywhere else in his travels. It should be no surprise that he had much to say to them, writing one of the longest of his many letters. Corinth shares a number of surprising similarities with places like Boston, and so we should expect that Paul's message to them will have relevance for us as well. Right from the start, Paul emphasizes their shared mission and ours -- to step into Jesus' invitation to full partnership.

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As Paul concludes his letter, he warns believers to watch out for those who create divisions and lead people away from the true teaching of the gospel. Instead, we should remain wise about what is good and innocent regarding evil. We each have to ask ourselves if we are working to build up ourselves or to build up the unity of Christ's body, the Church. After all, we are serving the God of peace (v20). It is the God of peace who will ultimately silence those who seek to harm rather than heal.

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For Reflection:

- The first 16 verses are filled with people who have helped Paul and others in bringing honor to God. Who are some of the people who you would commend or thank in your life?

- How might God want to use you to build bridges and unity rather than cause divisions (vv17-20)?

- What do you think it means to be "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" (v19)?

- Prayer: Lord, help me grow in wisdom, love, and faithfulness, bringing glory to you through the way I live each day.

Paul's closing reveals his deep dependence, not only on God, but on fellow believers as well. Christian ministry is never a solo endeavor. God often works through the encouragement, generosity, and partnership that we offer one another, starting with the call to lift one another up in prayer. Paul also reminds us that we can face uncertainty with confidence in God's faithfulness, including the people God will use to help, support, and encourage us along the way.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

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For Reflection:

- What can we learn from Paul's willingness to make decisions and serve despite uncertainty and risk?

- How might God be inviting you to more intentionally support others through prayer, encouragement, or generosity? Does anyone specifically come to mind?

- Is there an area of your life where you are called to trust God in a time or place of uncertainty?

- Prayer: Lord, help me serve you and others, and with others, faithfully and generously!

What if something you’re convinced is “God’s way” is actually just your way?

Our culture shapes what feels right, normal, and even biblical to us, often without us realizing it.

So how can we tell the difference between the Gospel and the culture we’ve wrapped around it?

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In this flashback to May 27, 2025, we consider a passage that has historically been used to demand submission to all kinds of abuses and inequalities coming from governing authorities. Is Paul complicit in supporting such corrupt governments? By basing the authority of government in God, Paul appears to give legitimacy to such authorities but only within limits. Those authorities are also under authority (God's) and must submit to authority as well. What is the purpose of government and what are those limits?

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For Reflection:

Christians have had great differences in understanding how to apply Paul's instructions from this passage.

- Given Paul's word about the legitimacy of government, its purpose (to promote good and restrain evil), and its limitations (its authority comes from God), when and how do you think it is appropriate to resist authority?

- Paul was not living under a democratic government in which authority comes from the people. How might that context affect how we apply Paul's instructions, if at all?

After eleven chapters explaining what God has done for us, Paul turns to how we should respond. He urges Christians to offer their whole lives to God as living sacrifices of woship. Rather than conforming to the patterns and values of the world, believers are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so they can discern and follow God's will. The life God wants for us is more than just believing the right things. The goal is not simply moral improvement but becoming people through whom God's love and grace are made visible.

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For Reflection:

- What do you think it means to offer your life to God as a "living sacrifice"?

- How might God want you to resist being shaped by the world and instead allow God to renew your mind (v2)?

- What spiritual gifts or abilities has God given you to serve others?

- What would it look like for you to overcome evil with good in a current situation?

- Prayer: Lord, transform my mind and heart so I might join you in overcoming evil with your goodness.

Paul continues his discussion of God's dealings with Israel by warning the Gentile believers not to become proud. Just as some branches were broken off because of their hard hearts, we are just as accountable for the condition of our hearts. Paul then reveals a mystery: Israel's present hardening is partial and temporary, and God's plan ultimately includes showing mercy to all. If we comprehend nothing else, we must understand that God's ways are often beyond our understanding and should move us to humility, gratitude, and ultimately, worship.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

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For Reflection:

- What can we learn from Paul's confidence in God's larger plan and character, even when God's present actions are difficult to understand?

- Why do you think Paul ends this section with worship (vv.33-36) rather than explanation?

- Are there areas of your life where you need to trust God's wisdom even when you cannot see the full picture?

- Prayer: Lord, your ways are above and beyond our ways! Help us to walk in humility and gratitude, always trusting your purposes and character.

Did God reject Israel because so many in Israel rejected the good news of Jesus? Paul answers with an emphatic, "No!" Paul points to his own faith as evidence that God has not abandoned his people and reminds his readers of Elijah's day, when God preserved a faithful remnant during a time when most people betrayed God. In the same way, God continues to save people by grace, not because of their works or achievements. No one earns a place in God's family, therefore our attitude should never be pride or judgmentalism but always humility and gratitude!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

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For Reflection:

- How would you summarize God's continued faithfulness to Israel in light of what Paul says?

- Why might some of the Roman Christians have felt unwarranted pride? What attitude should they have had instead, and why?

- In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness even when people have been unfaithful?

- Prayer: Lord, help me to live with humility, gratitude, and confidence in your unchanging promises.

Paul here reminds us that salvation is not earned through religious effort or moral excellence. It is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile or any people in this regard, as we all come to God through the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the gospel: those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead will be saved.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why is zeal for God alone not enough according to Paul?

- How does the promise that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v13) encourage you?

- Who has helped you hear and understand the good news of Jesus? Whose life has made you jealous (v19) for what Jesus offers?

- Is there someone in your life with whom God may be calling you to share your faith?

- Prayer: Lord, help me trust in your grace and boldly and lovingly share the good news with others.