[Practical Application Review – Week 27]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish the book of Romans and begin 1 Corinthians.
Schedule – Week 27:
Please read and/or listen to Romans 14, 15, 16 and 1 Corinthians 1, 2
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Romans 14
Passage: (vv. 21-23)
Teaching: Be careful not to do anything which may cause your Christian brother or sister to stumble. Even if you eat meat and/or drink wine, avoid doing so in front of others who refrain. Keep your personal beliefs and preferences between you and God.
Application: Each of us likely have some different ideas and ways of living. I choose to live my own life as decided between God and me. However, I am willing to adjust whenever needed, so as not to offend (or cause someone to stumble).
Text #2: Romans 15
Passage: (vv. 1-7)
Teaching: Let those who are stronger help bear the burdens of those who are weak. Bear one another’s burdens and regard one another equally worthy through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application: In one or more areas I am doing fairly well, I want to help others within my circle of influence who may be doing poorly. Then, areas I am not doing well, perhaps I could find someone to assist me.
Text #3: Romans 16
Passage: (vv. 17-20)
Teaching: Beware of those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the truth. Be wise concerning good things and pure in regard to evil things.
Application: Focusing on Jesus is so important. And so is Bible reading, prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit. I have decided to follow Jesus and help others who desire to do likewise.
Text #4: 1 Corinthians 1
Passage: (vv. 24-31)
Teaching: Christ is the power and wisdom of God. Thankfully, He chooses those who seem foolish and weak to confound other people. Be excited if you come from humble or insignificant beginnings. Let all of our glory be in our Lord, not in ourselves.
Application: I accept my place within the body of Christ, as He has chosen. My life must always point entirely to Jesus. May God’s wisdom and power be evident in and through me always.
Text #5: 1 Corinthians 2
Passage: (vv. 9-12)
Teaching: No human eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. God has revealed things to us by His Spirit. We can truly learn and understand the gifts that God has given to His children.
Application: I am so excited about what my Creator has in store for me (future). For now, I press after Him wanting to learn how to utilize each gift (to glorify Him, while serving others).
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo