[Practical Application Review – Week 29]
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 29:
Please read and/or listen to 1 Corinthians 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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 8
Passage: (vv. 4-9)
Teaching: Eating food offered to idols may be of concern. Even though there is only One True God, we must be considerate of how others will be impacted by our decisions.
Application: Truthfully, I enjoy tasting different foods whenever I have an opportunity to travel. Each meal allows another time to thank God for providing the ingredients and knowledge necessary for preparing each dish.
Text #2: 1 Corinthians 9
Passage: (vv. 24-27)
Teaching: Runners in a race must clear their minds of everything else. It is critical to focus all attention on the immediate task at hand. Also, it is very important to conquer and subdue the body for best results.
Application: I enjoy walking and hiking for exercise and recreation. Though I can have a conversation with my walking buddy, sometimes I prefer to enjoy the beauty of all Creation around me in that moment.
Text #3: 1 Corinthians 10
Passage: (vv. 1-11)
Teaching: The decisions of individuals in the past are for our learning today. Those found in covetousness, idolatry, adultery, etc. paid a very hefty price, often with their own lives.
Application: Honestly, I enjoy learning from the stories found in the Bible. There is no reason for me to make the exact same mistakes and learn the hard way. I believe that it is so much wiser for every generation to learn from those who were here before us.
Text #4: 1 Corinthians 11
Passage: (vv. 23-34)
Teaching: Communion is one way of remembering our Lord Jesus. Let each of us be careful to prepare our mind, heart and body. A lack of preparation or being disrespectful may cause needless sickness, weakness and death.
Application: During the partaking of the elements (bread and wine), I always take a moment to prayerfully search my own heart and mind. Then, all focus remains on my Lord Jesus and His gift of salvation.
Text #5: 1 Corinthians 12
Passage: (vv. 25-27)
Teaching: All members of the body of Christ (the Church) should be treated equally. Together, we care for all members. If one is in pain, we all suffer. If one is honored, we all glory.
Application: I believe my Lord Jesus has placed me as a guide to help my brothers and sisters genuinely discover love and unity. The world really needs to see this now perhaps more than ever. Do you agree?
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo