Highrock Church

In answering the many questions raised by the Corinthian church, Paul next turns to questions of marriage and singleness. He first begins by admitting that he has no clear instruction from God but he can offer some godly advice as people make their own decisions. What principles would Paul want us to consider as we choose whom we marry, or if we marry at all? In the end, Paul affirms that we have considerable freedom in the choices we make, but these choices also have considerable consequences and we bear incredible responsibility in the freedom that God has given to us.

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For Reflection:

- How would you summarize Paul's advice on marriage and singleness?

- What decisions do you face in which Paul might encourage you to have an eternal, Jesus-centered perspective?

- Paul also asks people to consider their "present crisis". What crises do we face today that we should consider in our life decisions?

- Prayer: Lord, help me seek to please you rather than myself or others, and help me to have an eternal perspective in the decisions you give me to make.

We return to a previous devotional on today's passage where Paul is writing on the subject of marriage and so much more! Sometimes it's easy to believe that our lives would be so much better, so much more fulfilling, if only this or that thing were to change. If only I could earn more money, if only I could get this person to love me, if only I could gain entrance into that school, if only, if only. Against this notion, Paul instructs us that in Christ, we can access fullness of life right now, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. What we need more than a change in our external circumstances is a change of heart!

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

What does Jesus have to do with issues like settling disputes or sexual expression? According to Paul, Jesus has everything to do with such issues because Jesus is Lord of all and our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Again, like adolescents, the Corinthians were very focused on their own rights while remaining largely unaware of their responsibility to love and serve. Freedom can be used to please and protect one's self, but mature believers can use their freedom to serve God, to serve their sisters and brothers in the faith, and to serve a world that needs the hope of Jesus Christ.

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

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

For Reflection:

- What principles can you take away from this text about handling conflict among Christians?

- What do you think it means to say that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit? What implications does that belief have for how we live and love?

- In what area of your life might God be calling you to live more fully?

- Prayer: Lord, thank you for redeeming me through the sacrifice of Christ — help me honor you in all my relationships and choices.

Your closest friends may know your politics, your career plans, your family stories, and what you had for dinner.

But do they know why Jesus matters to you?

If our faith has changed our lives, what would it look like to share it with courage, humility, and love?

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In this flashback to January 12, 2022, we return to Paul addressing an immature group of believers who have lost their direction. What if our goal and mission is something outside of our power to accomplish? Like a gardener, we can create good conditions for growth but we cannot make anything actually grow -- only God can do that. As a builder, we can build only on the foundation of Jesus. Even Apollos and Paul were not essential, only Christ. God invites us to play a limited but important role.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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:

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

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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👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons

👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals