1 Corinthians 13 - 11.5.24

SCRIPTURE:  4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7

OBSERVATION: 

This is probably the most quoted Scripture used in weddings, on signage, and in many sermons. The word “love” in today’s usage can be about how we feel about a person, place, a time of year, a sports team, the food you eat, or anything else in life. Many of those are common topics but God’s love is much deeper. Paul wrote this Scripture to the Corinthian church for many reasons. One topic was the Corinthian church was placing value on certain acts and gifts being superior over others which then elevated certain people above others. Obviously this would create a lot of tension and disagreements. God directed Paul to write this Scripture as a way to put an end to all the bickering, disagreements, and lack of unity.

God’s message to us is based on love. God’s forgiveness is based on love. Jesus’ death and resurrection is based on love. The entire foundation of our Christian faith is love.

This weekend I had the honor of attending a memorial service for a beloved pastor. The running thread of his celebration of life was that “he loved” on everyone. He showed God’s love in a real and tangible way which had an immediate and long lasting impact on everyone he knew. This is God’s message: love one another.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Remember, “We love because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

APPLICATION

The application of this scripture is simple: use God’s love as the basis for everything in life and how to treat others. There isn’t much more that can be said to elaborate on this Scripture because it covers every aspect and says it all in a plain and simple way.

1 Corinthians 13 begins with two action words: 

Love is patient

Love is kind

The Scripture then shows what love isn’t:

Not envy

Does not boast

Is not proud

Does not dishonor others

Not self-seeking

Not easily angered

Keeps no record of wrongs

The Scripture concludes with four actions that show what love “always” is:

Protects

Trusts

Hopes

Perseveres

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for your love which is never ending, doesn’t change, and is the foundation of my faith. Help me to always reflect your love and show your love in everything I do and with everyone I encounter in life. In Jesus name! Amen.

- Mary Oberg

1 Corinthians 12 - 11.4.24

Scripture 

1 Corinthians 12:21-26

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Observation

Paul talks about spiritual gifts and how unity in the Body of Christ is maintained. 

There are many different gifts and as Scripture says, it is the SAME Spirit who distributes them, as HE determines. (Verse 11)

In order for unity to be maintained, we need to have EQUAL concern for one another in the Body. We suffer when one part suffers and rejoice when one part is honored. We also need to honor the parts that are lacking in honor. (Verses 24-26)

Application

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

The month of November is our month of honor. We must honor others above ourselves, instead of seeking our own recognition. Who can we honor from our church body today?

I want to take the time to honor everyone who participates in an off stage and behind the scenes ministry at DSC. The helpers and teachers in kids church; the sound and multimedia crew; the hospitality and usher ministry; those who do clean up and maintenance at the church; the prayer teams; the SJ crew; everyone who serves at our outreach events and those who write encouraging cards and deliver food and prayer to people; and those who take good care of their own family and household. If I forgot anyone, please forgive me. Please be encouraged by this verse though, that God sees ALL things and good deeds that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 

“In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.” -1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that we would all be healthy, functioning members of our church family. Please forgive me for the times that I have not been a healthy, functioning member, due to seeking my own recognition and special treatment.  You’ve distributed gifts to each one of us for Your glory alone. Please help us to not be jealous of any other person’s gift or try to compete for recognition, but rather serve and honor our brothers and sisters above ourselves because of love. May we work together for Your glory alone. May we be a church who is known for having a culture of love and honor. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

1 Corinthians 9 - 11.1.24

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV

”Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.“

Observation:

Paul is comparing our Christian lives to a race.  Everyone runs and undergoes strict training, but only one wins.  Then he contrasts the prize they will get with the one believers receive. After all that hard work, they get one that won’t last; in these times most likely one made of olive branches.  We get a crown that will last forever.  We need to run with purpose, for a great reward awaits. 

Application:

Athletes train very hard to become skillful. Not all receive a reward. Paul is saying that if they work so hard for a moment of glory, why should believers not follow their example. God wants us to work diligently because He has a great reward for us. 

What would this look like?

• Knowing our playbook, the Bible.

• Working out, strengthening our muscles through prayer. 

• Time listening to our coach, the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent Him as our helper. We need to take time to wait and see what His will is. Then, act on it.

• Be a team player-fellowship with God’s people and contribute to the body.  

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for your complete work in our lives. You gave all for us. Please help me remember what you’ve done for me and work hard to give my all for you. May I always seek your will and rely on your strength to accomplish it. Thank you that you send your Holy Spirit to bring remembrance of your Word and to be my guide. Help me be read up and prayed up. 

Amen

- Cindy Howard