[Practical Application Review – Week 28]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us continue in the book of 1 Corinthians.
Schedule – Week 28:
Please read and/or listen to 1 Corinthians 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
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: 1 Corinthians 3
Passage: (vv. 16-17)
Teaching: Each Christian must be careful with choices that would defile the temple of
God. You, as the temple, host the Holy Spirit. God expects His temple to be holy and undefiled.
Application: My life choices must be made with purity in mind. The Holy Spirit of God deserves a place where He can feel at home. May God help me to always be my very best (for Him).
Text #2: 1 Corinthians 4
Passage: (vv. 3-5)
Teaching: Paul was not concerned whether he is judged by others or not. Jesus is his judge. Let us be careful not to ever judge prematurely, but wait until all the hidden things are brought to light. Then, God will praise those faithful to Him.
Application: I have heard that you cannot love and judge someone at the same time. So, I focus on love while praying for others. May God’s grace and mercy continue toward me and through me.
Text #3: 1 Corinthians 5
Passage: (vv. 9-11)
Teaching: Do not associate with a Christian believer who is currently living in wickedness (immorality, adultery, etc.) Be careful with whom you decide to spend your time.
Application: Though I am not looking for perfection in any of my friends, I do desire a person of integrity. Not someone openly living a double life. Following God on Sunday, and then living for the devil the rest of the week is unacceptable.
Text #4: 1 Corinthians 6
Passage: (vv. 4-8)
Teaching: Christians should be able to settle disputes between one another, without going to court. Perhaps it would even be better to be defrauded (taken advantage of), rather than to go before unbelievers for settlement.
Application: I truthfully prefer to structure agreements as a win for all parties involved. If and when necessary, I would rather others get a little better deal than me. Settling disputes (creating resolutions) should be possible between Christian believers.
Text #5: 1 Corinthians 7
Passage: (vv. 1-5)
Teaching: There is a time within Christian marriage when physical intimacy and passion are set aside. The focus instead is on fasting and prayer. Remember, both the husband and wife must agree for this to work.
Application: My wife and I have learned that we can plan and prioritize different moments throughout the week. Both of us may have different concerns, but God must always remain the priority. Our prayer times are of highest importance (to us and Him).
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo