June 25- 1 Corinthians 12
Dear Father, we come before You in praise and with thanksgiving for You give us our ‘But God’ moments. You orchestrate our lives for Your glory. May we in our quiet time recognize You for who You are: our Lord God, the God of Israel.
First, do your own quiet time and 4R journaling. When you are completed, come back here for the lesson.
Request God’s help
Read 1 Corinthians 12
Record a verse that stands out to you
Respond to God
But God composed the body
So often our studies touch on these verses and its more than just because they are packed verses. It’s because we all need to be reminded we have a place in God’s family. Each of us makes up the body of Christ, and no not the physical building, but the people themselves. Where society practices division we should practice unity. Where society tell us we alone aren’t enough, God tell us we are enough in Him. When society tells us we are alone, God tells us we are not. The body of Christ should be the “But God”, it is to be our refuge, our place of acceptance, strength, the place we fit.
A writer for Ligonier wrote in May 2012, “But when the Lord snatched us from the flames of hell, He did not do so merely to rescue us but also to put us toward in His body.” He called His flock by name because He had a job for us to do that was specific to each of us. Whether it is to be at the pulpit preaching or in the bathroom cleaning, each of us is equally as important and valuable as the next person.
We are to care for each other and treat each other as God treats us. In verse 26 we are told to suffer together if one suffers. And if one is honored we are to rejoice together. We are to have empathy for each other. This hails back to Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” And again in Philippians 2:1-4 we are taught how to love one another. In your own time read those verses too! This is the kind of unity that brings glory to God, that honors Him. It’s not enough to just be the body He composed, but we are to live and work as He calls us to do.
But God
Where once we were divided, but God unites us. When once we had no purpose, but God gifted us with one. Where once we had no place, but God created one just for us. May we work together in unison, in harmony and in great love, tied together with the Holy Spirit. May we move as one body while serving the God who made that body. And may we find joy in Him who brings us together in His name.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
(Further Reading: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:1-11)
Dear Lord, our Lord, You have declared the plans You have for us, Your authority over our lives is evident! We praise You for You are infinitely wise.
What’s next?
As the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, share what He has laid on your heart.
Then join us again tomorrow for the next commentary.
My Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:24, “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,”
1 Comment. Leave new
1 Corinthians 12:26 ” If one part suffers all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”
So happy to be reminded this morning that we’re all on the same team, Lord, with You as are our head and leader and Shepherd. And each member matters. Help me never to become calloused and indifferent to the suffering of others, and help me remember that anything anyone does that furthers Your kingdom is a victory for us all. Unite us, Lord, under Your headship and help us to expect and celebrate the differences and variations in how we are all wired. You made us unique on purpose for a purpose – each one of us beautifully designed and necessary to all. I loved this so much.