Day 266 – 1 Corinthians: Paul answers church questions
“Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 NLT
Read 1 Corinthians 7:1 to 1 Corinthians 16:24
The Corinthians had sent Paul a list of questions, and he answered them in a way meant to correct abuses in the church and to show the importance of living what they believe. Paul gives a Christian approach to problem-solving. He analysed the problem thoroughly to uncover the underlying issue and then highlighted the biblical values that should guide our action. The subjects ranged from marriage, singleness, eating meat offered to idols, propriety in worship, orderliness in the Lord’s supper, spiritual gifts, to the resurrection.
Questions that plague churches today are remarkably similar to these, so we can receive specific guidance in these areas from this letter. The most important thing I’ve learned from Paul’s “problem-solving techniques” is that his answers and guidance are based on the foundation of scripture and not in any way dogmatic or opinionated. He does not judge – he loves with the love of Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the problems and questions of the early churches, so we can learn from them too. Thank You for the wisdom You gave Paul to handle these problems with Your love and answer the questions with Your wisdom. Guide us to follow these letters as if they were written to us. Amen.
