Victory in Christ

Paul warns the Corinthians to not get conceited and think that they are above committing sin,  “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)  But right after the warning he explains to them where they can look for help in staying away from sin.  “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)  That promise continues to be true for us today.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

Paul reminds the Corinthians that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. (1 Corinthians 6:9)  He then starts to name off many types of sinful people.  All this negative talk begins to turn positive.  “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)  We know that each one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but we also have the opportunity Paul is talking about here.  We can all be washed, sanctified, and justified, but we have to turn from sin, obey His word completely and follow Him every day.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

The book we know as 1st Corinthians is a letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to “water” the seed he had previously planted there.  Word had gotten back to him that there were contentions among the brethren there.  He knew that they needed correction and he rebuked them for having divisions in the church.  “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)  Paul did not have a big ego that got him puffed up when he heard that people were following him.  He had the humble heart that wanted everyone to be followers of Christ and Christ only.  Following any man or man-made creed will never keep us on the right path.  Following our Lord and His word will keep us on the one and only right path.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4

Paul explained his example of working hard, not to benefit himself but to use what he gained to help those less fortunate.  “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)  If our giving is with the proper motives, we please God and show our trust in His continued care for our needs.  “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Today’s reading: Acts 18-19

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he complimented them for being magnificent Christian examples to others.  “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.  For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)  No matter what we say, our actions will speak louder than our words.  Jesus told us to be that Christian light to others, but not to glorify ourselves.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Today’s reading: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Study of God’s Word takes diligence, like the Bereans had.  “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)  Paul also encouraged us thru his second letter to Timothy that we should make sure we understand and are living by the Word.  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Today’s reading: Acts 17

Paul used another farming analogy to explain to the Galatians that whatever they spent their time and energy on would determine how their life would turn out.  “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)  He then reminded them to keep on doing good even when they were not getting instant gratification.  “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)  Paul’s words here are still fitting for us today just as much as they were for the Galatians.

Today’s reading: Galatians 4-6

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote to them about equality of all people when it comes to our Savior.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)  In the verse just prior to that statement he reminded them what it takes to get in Christ.  “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)  Just like Paul told the Galatians, we can put on Christ and have a new life in Him.  “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3)

Today’s reading: Galatians 1-3

Paul and Barnabas did a lot of work together, but their relationship was not without issue.  “And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:39-40)  Notice they did not let their disagreement stop them from doing good.  They both continued to do God’s work and actually turned what would have been one missonary trip into two.

Today’s reading: Acts 15-16

Have you ever wished you were a little bit wiser?  James tells us there is a way to take care of that.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)  He does put a condition on these requests.  “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” (James 1:6-7)

Today’s reading: James 1-5