Focus before you read. . .
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians primarily to respond to divisions in the church at Corinth, a church located in what is now southern Greece, which he founded on his second missionary journey. For the most part, the church did not heed his advice, and the apostle visited the church a second time, a visit which was painful for both the church and for Paul (2:1). While he had originally planned to visit the church a third time, he instead felt led to write a letter—2 Corinthians—of further instruction. In the first three chapters of this letter, Paul emphasizes the theme of comfort—both our dependence on the comfort God provides and the comfort we are to provide others. He also preaches on the superiority of the “new covenant,” which is a fulfillment of the law, or “old covenant,” which condemned us but also pointed us to Christ. As you read today, pay close attention to the role that the “Spirit of the Lord” provides in providing us with freedom.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
- Note all the times Paul uses the word “comfort” in the first chapter. In what way does God provide “comfort” for us? What responsibility do we have to “comfort” others?
- What is Paul’s attitude towards the church? What message of hope does he provide them?
- Why is forgiveness so important?
- How does the “letter” kill and the “Spirit” give life?
Application to make after you read. . .
Even though Paul loved the church, he was not afraid to discipline the church he founded. In fact, it is because of this love that he continues to do all that he can to motivate the church to be all that it can be for Christ. Although Paul struggled with the Corinthian church, he was quick to emphasize comfort and forgiveness. Jesus Christ himself is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (1:4). Who in your life are you discipling or mentoring? To whom are you providing comfort? Paul’s experience with the Corinthian church should remind us that “Involvement,” or loving each other, can be painful. But he also reminds us that is “God who makes us stand firm in Christ.” For “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (1:22).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the comfort that you provide us. May your grace and strength continue to sustain us as we grow closer together as a body of believers and closer to You, the author and perfecter of our faith.
