1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13
Paul dove into three issues with the church of Corinth — public
worship, the Lord’s Supper, and spiritual gifts. In regards to public worship,
he addressed the topics of authority and submission (head covering discussion).
“A man is responsible to Christ, a woman is responsible to her husband, and
Christ is responsible to
God” (11:3). Paul is not insinuating inequality or inferiority. Christ, the Son,
is equal to God the Father, but He submitted His will to that of His Father;
Jesus placed Himself under His Father’s authority. Likewise, though men and
women are equals, men have been delegated headship or authority over their wife
in marriage, as well as over the church. These directives have nothing to do
with personal worth or value, but everything to do with obedience to God.
In regards to the Lord’s Supper, Paul confronted the “unworthy manner”
in which the Corinthians were handling this ordinance (11:17-34). This symbolic
meal has tied to it some weighty reminders that cause us to reflect upon the
sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf. To disrespect the meal in any way,
whether it be with its parts or practice, would be to disrespect the body and
blood of our Lord. Therefore, God’s people must “examine themselves” to avoid
ritualism, apathy, unrepented sin, contentions with other believers, or any
other ungodly attitude.
Finally, Paul described the meaning and use of the spiritual gifts.
The illustration that he used is that of the human body; while it is one unit,
it has many parts, each part supplying an important function for the health of
the body. Likewise, “a spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of
helping the entire church” (12:7). Each of us, then, should be a member of a
local church, using our spiritual gift. While God will use us to minister to others, He
will likewise use others to minister to us.
Daily Reflection
What is your spiritual gift? How are you using it in your local
church?
How have you been blessed by someone else using his or her spiritual
gift?
Though each one of us is different in personality, spiritual gifts,
and other strengths, there is one thing that all of us can do — love (12:31 -13:13). Love is the
indispensable element in Christian service. Without love, your strengths and
abilities will add up to nothing. Why?
To love is easier said than done. While you may genuinely love people,
your
love must be expressed. Those people whom who love must know that you care about them, and
you do that by expressing gratitude, showing signs of affection, demonstrating
hospitality, praying with them, and meeting their practical needs. It does no
good to say that you love people if you do not back it up with deeds (1 John 3:18). While
others need you to use your spiritual gift, it will be ineffective without the
motivation and expression of love.
BiAY.org | Day 325 — 40 Days to Go
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