5 Lessons from the Church in Corinth
Steve and I have been in Greece for the last week, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching at Corinth. What a joy it’s been for us to be here.
I have to say, the church at Corinth was a hot mess! If Steve and I had been looking for a church to pastor back then, we would have said, “No thanks!” It was a church filled with division, immorality, and scandals. It was located in a culture filled with idolatry, selfishness, and debauchery. It was not unlike our culture today.
At the end of his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul gave instructions that are still relevant today. Paul wrote, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Tucked within this verse are some instructions that are relevant for you and me today.
5 Lessons From Corinth
Be on Your Guard.
Friend, we need to be deeply rooted in Christ and willing to guard our hearts from the attacks of the enemy. How does the enemy most often attack you? Fear. Jealousy. Doubt. Anger. Proving yourself to be the expert. Fight his attacks with the Word of God.
Stand Firm in the Faith.
Remember why you came to Jesus in the first place. Rehearse how He has been faithful to you and what He has done in your life. Guard your unwavering commitment to Christ. He is the only One worthy of all our praise. Keep your connection to Christ thriving. Stay in a Christ-centered community, and learn to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6).
Be Courageous.
God continues to call His people to be strong and courageous. It takes courage to show up at work with an attitude that honors God. It takes courage to share your faith with your neighbors. It takes courage to keep your integrity when others are pressuring you. Stay calm in the face of opposition and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you.
Be Strong.
This doesn’t mean being strong-willed or locked in on your own position. It means being strong in the power of the Holy Spirit. All authority has been given to you in Jesus’ name. You are seated in Christ at the right hand of God. Exercise your authority with wisdom.
Do Everything in Love.
Finally, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth to do everything in love. Love becomes the governing principle over life. What does love look like? As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not arrogant or rude.” What if you were known at work, in your neighborhood, and in your church for being the most loving person?
This week on The Connected Mom Podcast, we’re talking with Stephanie Rousselle about finding peace when anxiety won’t let go. You can listen on any podcast network.
This is a great season to start a Bible study in your home, and you know what? It’s never been easier. Get a few copies of Our Father, and all the videos are now on RightNow Media. It’s a study of the Lord’s Prayer. I’d love to hear if you’re doing the study with a group.