Conquering Fear

Morning Devos, Day 3.

First, I want to apologize for failing to release the session last night, my work schedule changed unexpectedly and I wasn't able to finish it up. Rest assured you will still get the same amount of sessions promised.
_____

1: Quiet your heart. 

Y’all know how to do this, same as last time. 

2: Gratitude. 

-Write down one thing that you are thankful for.

-Write down why it is meaningful to you, and how it makes you feel.

-Thank God for His provision in your life. 

3: Scripture.

Read 1 Corinthians 1. Write down references of verses that stood out to you.

4: Message.

Write down what the passage is saying to you, or any other message you think God is trying to convey.

5: Obedience.

Based on what you read, is there a step God wants you to take today?

6: Repentance.

Ask Jesus if there is any sin you need to confess. Confess as necessary and take the necessary steps towards repentance.

7: Prayer.

Spend some time thanking Jesus for who He is and what He revealed to you. Ask Him if there is anything else He wants to speak to you about. Pray and intercede for anything He lays on your heart.

8: (Optional) Commentary for 1 Corinthians.

Chapter 1:

The letter begins with Paul introducing himself as an apostle, followed by a section on his thankfulness. 

This is quite common in the letters he wrote. In verses 4-9, Paul writes about how he is thankful that they have many spiritual gifts (although they are not using them for the edification of the body-he will correct that later in chapters 12 and 14).

In verses 10-17, he addressed the reports that he had heard that they had divided into groups and were holding various leaders as superior to others. Some followed Paul, others Apollos, some Cephas (Peter), and others laid claim to be followers of Jesus. Paul is pretty annoyed- he wants to know if he was crucified for them? Or if they were baptised in his name? 

This problem introduces one of the themes of the book- using external methods of measurement for spirituality. They were divided because they were putting their faith in the wisdom of man not the wisdom of God, a topic Paul introduces in verses 18-31.

Greek people (who followed Apollos) love human wisdom, intellect, and knowledge- dying on the cross seems foolish to them. Jewish folk (who followed Peter) want all sorts of miracles from their Messiah- dying on the cross doesn’t seem very miraculous to them. 

But God’s message is Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead- God’s wisdom. Letting Jesus die looks weak or foolish- but that was God’s method to save the world. Salvation does not depend on anything in man, so when someone is saved, God gets all the glory. God chose the foolish things, the weak things, the lowly things, the despised things… So that no one can boast before Him (vs 27-28).