[Practical Application Review – Week 30]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish 1 Corinthians and start 2 Corinthians.
Schedule – Week 30:
Please read and/or listen to 1 Corinthians 13, 14, 15, 16 and 2 Corinthians 1
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 13
Passage: (vv. 1-3)
Teaching: Love is the one thing all Christians must embrace. It is far more valuable than speaking multiple languages, prophecies, knowledge, etc. Be sure not to overlook it.
Application: Though many Christian believers pursue and embrace the gifts of the Spirit, we must never forget love. Without it, we cannot really connect with our Loving God.
Text #2: 1 Corinthians 14
Passage: (vv. 21-25)
Teaching: The gift of tongues (languages) verses prophesy… Prophesy is best when an outsider visits and is convicted of sin and set right. Tongues (unknown languages) may unintentionally drive a person away.
Application: I prefer to hear something in the worship service that can be retained and acted upon. Of course, our personal prayer time can be much more flexible.
Text #3: 1 Corinthians 15
Passage: (vv. 35-44)
Teaching: How are the dead raised up? Once a seed dies, it produces something different. We look forward to things being much better: incorruption, glory, power and spiritual.
Application: Between now and then (death), I focus on living by purpose and meaning. I look forward to what God has for me on the other side. For now, I must live to glorify Him.
Text #4: 1 Corinthians 16
Passage: (vv. 17-18)
Teaching: Paul was glad to see a few friends when they were able to visit. He mentioned they supplied what was lacking and refreshed his spirit.
Application: Like-hearted friends (same faith) can be such a blessing. I do proactively pursue Christian believers as friends. And I like to be of help and encouragement to each one of them.
Text #5: 2 Corinthians 1
Passage: (vv. 3-4)
Teaching: Our Merciful God comforts us in all of our troubles (for our benefit). Then, we get to share that same comfort with others. Let us always be willing to share God’s amazing comfort with those who need it most.
Application: Throughout my life, God has always been near to me. I am eternally grateful for His ongoing comfort during difficult times. It really is too good to just hoard up for myself.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo