Daily Reading Week 6
Sunday
Discovering Community in Christ
1 Corinthians 1:2-4 12:13
Discover:
In his letters to the Corinthians, Paul writes to a group of people who were often divided. He reminds them, and us, that the church is not a place of division, but of unity. In 1 Corinthians 1:2-4, Paul says that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord is made holy and called to be holy. This calling doesn’t matter if you come from a different background, culture, or past. It’s a universal invitation to holiness and grace.
Paul continues this theme in 1 Corinthians 12:13. He says that the body of Christ is like a body. No matter who we are, whether we’re Jew or Gentile, slave or free, we’re all baptized into one body by one Spirit. This is a really important truth. It reminds us that in Christ, we’re all one. Our differences don’t make us separate; they make our church more beautiful.
So, how can we live this unity in our daily lives? Are there ways we can reach out to people who feel left out? How can we celebrate the different ways people come together while still being united in Christ?
Let’s pray for the grace to see each person as a special part of the body of Christ, worthy of love and respect. Let’s try to make a church where everyone feels like they belong, no matter what.
Respond
1. How does understanding that all believers are part of one body in Christ change your perspective on community?
2. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded. How can the church better embody the inclusivity described in these passages?
3. What steps can you take to ensure that others feel they belong in your church community?
Monday
The Importance of Connection
Discover:
Acts 18 (focus on verses1-3, 24-28)
In Acts 18, we see how important connections were for the early church. Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth, and they became his friends and helped him spread the gospel. They were both tentmakers, so they had a lot in common and could work together easily.
Later in the chapter, we see Apollos, a smart and good speaker, become even better at his job after meeting Priscilla and Aquila. They invited him to their home and taught him more about God. This helped Apollos become a strong leader and defender of the faith.
These connections were really important for the early church to grow and be strong. They show us how important relationships and community are in our spiritual lives. Just like Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos, we can grow and be stronger through our relationships with others in the church.
Think about the connections you have in your life. How have they helped you grow spiritually and serve others? Are there people you can reach out to, learn from, or mentor? In school and the church, building and taking care of relationships is important for keeping people and things going.
Think about how you can make meaningful relationships in your community. Whether it’s through small groups, mentoring, or just spending time with others, these connections can make your church stronger and more vibrant.
Respond:
1. Why do you think connection is so important for personal and spiritual growth?
2. How can you actively seek out meaningful connections within your church or community?
3. What role can you play in helping others feel connected?
Tuesday
Rallying Around a Cause
Matthew 28 focus on 18-20
Discover:
A church that neglects the truth is essentially abandoning its mission. When we dismiss doctrine or theology, we miss out on truly hearing the voice of Jesus. To be a genuine church, we must submit to our King and embrace the mission He has given us. While making a positive impact on the world and promoting good morals are important, our primary mission is to spread the truth.
Doctrine matters because it helps us understand the truth. Without a firm grasp of doctrine, we cannot achieve true godliness. The truth sets us free, transforms our behavior, and shapes us into disciples of Christ. However, the world often fails to understand this. The kingdom of God is like a hidden city, obscured by lies and those who seek to conceal the truth.
Yet, we must remember that Jesus is the King of kings, and this world is under His rule. As citizens of His kingdom, we must stand firm in our beliefs and follow His commands. The kingdom of God is comprised of those who believe in His word and live according to His teachings.
Reflect on how you can prioritize the truth in your life and within your church community. Are there areas where you have neglected doctrine or theology? How can you deepen your understanding of the truth and share it with others?
Respond:
1. How does the Great Commission influence your understanding of the church’s mission?
2. In what ways can you contribute to the mission of making disciples in your community?
3. What specific gifts or talents do you have that can support this cause?
Wednesday
Unity in Diversity
Ephesians 4 focus on verses 1-6
Discover:
Understanding what it means to “walk in a manner worthy” of our calling can be tricky. Our sinful nature still affects our hearts and minds. But Paul gives us more details in the rest of Ephesians about our responsibilities as those who have been saved by God’s grace alone.
In today’s passage, the apostle lists humility, gentleness, and patience as qualities of those who follow the Lord’s calling. These are all important for keeping the church united, just like Christ established and strengthened it with His Spirit. Without humility, for example, our pride will turn people off, making it hard to build honest and loving relationships, which are crucial for Christian unity. Humility isn’t about feeling worthless or ignoring your talents; it’s about having a realistic view of yourself and knowing what you can do to help the kingdom grow.
Charles Hodge explained that gentleness (or “meekness” as other translations say) is the ability to handle others’ faults without getting angry or upset. Meekness isn’t weakness, because our Lord has this quality and He was strong enough to confront sin when it was necessary. Instead, gentleness means being patient and understanding with others, even if they have minor flaws or annoying habits. We all have different levels of faith, so we should tolerate each other as we learn and grow. Of course, we should address serious sin, but we shouldn’t be confrontational or pick fights over small things.
Let’s be patient, as Paul reminds us in. The unity these qualities bring isn’t just invisible, though the invisible unity we share with other believers in the Spirit is crucial. Paul is also talking about the visible unity based on truth and love that Jesus said we should strive for.
Respond:
1. What challenges do you see in maintaining unity within a diverse community?
2. How can you promote unity in your church or group?
3. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity in diversity. What made it possible?
Thursday
The Power of Belonging
Romans 12 focus on verses 4-5
Discover:
In Romans 12:4-5, Paul paints a picture of the church as a big family with lots of members, each with their own special job to do. This idea shows how all the church members are connected and depend on each other. Just like a human body needs each part to work well, the church needs each member to help it grow and do its mission.
Feeling like you belong is critical for a healthy community. Everyone wants to feel like they’re part of something, valued, and connected. The church should be a place where everyone feels that way. When we realize we’re all part of the same family, we create a welcoming, supportive, and loving environment for everyone.
Think about how you can help make your church community feel more like a family. Are there people who might feel left out or alone? How can you reach out to them and show them that they’re welcome and loved?
Also, think about your special talents and how you can use them to serve the church. Remember, every member has a unique role to play, and your contributions are super important for the church to grow and thrive.
Respond:
1. How does the concept of belonging impact your view of the church?
2. What can you do to help others feel they belong in your community?
3. How does belonging to a community affect your personal faith journey?
Friday
Overcoming Disunity
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Discover:
The Corinthian church faced significant challenges when Paul wrote his letter to them. They were not only arguing about the use of spiritual gifts but also dividing into factions. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 1:11 that followers of Chloe reported these disputes to him. These arguments led to the formation of different groups, each claiming allegiance to a specific leader.
Chloe, likely a Christian businesswoman, had followers who were either her employees or people connected to the Corinthian church through her. The situation in Corinth was so troubling that Chloe's people felt compelled to inform Paul, who was in Ephesus at the time.
The divisions in Corinth were not due to disagreements over core beliefs. Paul did not criticize any group's doctrine, as he would have if they had strayed from the gospel. Instead, it appears that various Christians were using their association with certain teachers to gain influence in the church. Importantly, the teachers themselves did not endorse this behavior.
The factions might have looked like this: Early converts might have claimed, "I follow Paul," to assert their status, having been converted by the church's founder. Others, valuing eloquence, might have said, "I follow Apollos," insisting that only the most skilled speakers should lead. Those who declared, "I follow Cephas [Peter]," might have had personal ties to Peter and believed they deserved authority because of their connection to one of the original disciples. Those saying, "I follow Christ," might have considered themselves above the disputes, similar to those today who reject specific church traditions in favor of a direct allegiance to Christ.
John Calvin wisely noted that true Christian unity requires more than agreement on beliefs; it demands unity in spirit, feelings, and actions. Good beliefs are essential, but they must be accompanied by love and respect for fellow believers. We should not use our church connections for personal gain.
Reflect on how you can promote unity within your church. Are there ways you can bridge divides and foster a spirit of love and respect? Consider how you can contribute to a community where everyone feels valued and connected, regardless of their background or associations.
Respond:
1. What are some common causes of disunity in churches today?
2. How can you work towards resolving conflicts and promoting unity?
3. Why is it important for the church to be of one mind and purpose?
Saturday
The Blessing of Unity
Psalm 133
Discover:
Psalm 133 beautifully describes the amazing blessing and goodness of unity among God’s people. The psalmist compares unity to precious oil and refreshing dew, both symbols of abundance and life. Precious oil, used in anointing, shows that unity makes us holy and sets us apart. When poured on Aaron’s head, it covered him completely, showing how unity can reach everyone. Similarly, the dew of Hermon, known for its refreshing and life-giving qualities, represents the vitality and renewal that unity brings.
Where there’s unity, God’s blessing is there. Unity among believers creates a place where God’s grace and favor can flow freely. It makes us feel like we belong, brings peace, and gives us support, allowing our community to grow spiritually and in our relationships.
So, let’s think about how we can contribute to unity in our community. Are there relationships that need healing or areas where we can promote peace and understanding? Think about how you can be a source of encouragement and support to those around you, creating an environment where God’s blessing can flourish.
Respond:
1. How have you experienced the blessings of unity in your life?
2. What steps can you take to foster unity in your relationships and community?
3. How does unity reflect the character of God to the world?