1 Corinthians Week 39

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 

⁵⁴ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 

The apostle Paul assured believers in Jesus that when their bodies are transformed death will be swallowed up in victory. Usually death is thought of as the greatest defeat of all but not for the believer. It even removes the sting of death for the believer. 

REFLECT 

As a believer in Jesus, do you think differently about physical death than before you became a believer? 

RESPOND 

Talk with a believer about these verses. No one likes to think about death and leaving loved ones behind. But it is a glorious thought that the last breath on earth is the first one in heaven. Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 in this regard. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 15:56-57 

⁵⁶ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. ⁵⁷ But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Paul told what the sting of death is. It is sin that results in death. This refers to the inherited sin nature, not necessarily acts of sin. Paul praised God in spite of this when he exclaimed, “But thank God!” Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for believers in Him, they have “victory over sin and death.”  

REFLECT 

Does what Paul wrote enable you to praise God for what has been accomplished for you through Jesus Christ?  

RESPOND 

Join with a friend to talk about what has occurred to the human race since Adam disobeyed God. Adam’s sin poisoned all his descendants and caused them to be born in sin. Romans 5:12 tells about death resulting from this inherited sin nature.  

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 15:58 

⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 

What he was writing caused the apostle Paul to urge believers to be “strong and immovable.” Rather than regretting how each day is going, he wanted Christians to always “work enthusiastically for the Lord.” Some consider their tasks to be mundane and unspiritual, but Paul told them “nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” Work with the Lord in view. 

REFLECT 

Think of the things you’ve done over the last few days. Consider them all to have been useful as long as you were doing them to honor the Lord.  

RESPOND  

As you think about honoring Jesus with all you do, read Colossians 3:17. Make this a key verse in your life. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 

¹ Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. ² On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 

Paul dealt with the questions the Corinthians had asked him. He had taken up offerings to help the persecuted Jews in Jerusalem. Apparently the Corinthians wondered how to handle this. Paul gave the principle for New Testament giving in verse 2. Notice he did not refer to a tithe. The tithe is mentioned in the New Testament only in referring to the practice in the Old Testament. Paul’s comment is considered “proportional giving”—as you has been blessed.  

REFLECT 

What do you use as a guide in your giving? 

RESPOND 

See what Paul later wrote to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 8:10-15. Note the various principles he stated in these verses. Discuss them with a friend. 

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:3-4 

³ When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me. 

Notice how careful Paul was about the way money should be handled. It would not be sent with only a single messenger. He would even allow the Corinthians to choose the messengers. Plus, even he might go with them. Too often money is handled by only one person. If he or she is falsely charged about something, how would the person be cleared of any guilt? 

REFLECT 

Do you realize the need to be extra careful in handling money for others? 

RESPOND 

The love of money has caused many to dishonor the Lord by taking what is not theirs. See 1 Timothy 6:9-10 and guard against problems. See also Matthew 6:24.