BIBLE READING PLANNER

THE FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

During the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey he visited CORINTH in Greece (Acts 18:1-11).

Later, while he was at Ephesus during his third journey (Acts 19), he wrote to the brethren and sisters at Corinth. Disunity and strife had arisen there and some of the first principles regarding behaviour and of belief were seriously neglected.

Paul emphasizes the unity of the Gospel, based as it is on 'Jesus Christ and him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). The gospel of a Messiah who was crucified was a stumbling block (unthinkable) to the Jews. It was foolishness to the Greeks (Gentiles). But in the wisdom of God it was the only way to bring salvation (1 Corinthians 1:23).

To be 'in Christ' and to remember him as the head of the church, without whom we have no hope, is the theme of this wonderful epistle. Christ is indeed risen and our faith lives and will save us because of him.

DAILY NOTES

SUNDAY - 1 Corinthians 1 - Verses 26-31. Humble faith in Christ is better than all worldly wisdom. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

MONDAY - 1 Corinthians 2 - God has promised much for those whose wisdom is based on the Bible (verses 9-10). By this means we have the mind of Christ and begin to think in the same way as he did (verse 16).

TUESDAY - 1 Corinthians 3 - Verses 18-20. Those whose trust is in God will inherit all things; but beware the wisdom and conduct of the ungodly (verse 17).

WEDNESDAY - 1 Corinthians 10 - Verses 1-12. Humility demands that we recognise that we can fail as Israel did in the wilderness. God is merciful even in temptation (verse 13). He will help us to overcome if only we will ask for his help in prayer.

THURSDAY - 1 Corinthians 11 - Verses 23-26. The regular remembrance of CHRIST (in the Bread and Wine) was ordained by him, "until he come" (verse 26). His disciples are to do this to remember his sacrifice and the way they were delivered from sin.

FRIDAY - 1 Corinthians 13 - This is one of the most loved chapters in the Bible. The word "Charity" in some older translations is translated "love" in modern versions. The abiding quality of Divine Love, demonstrated in Christ, must be seen in us also.