Day 2: Holiness for Your Family

As Paul continues writing about the wonders of marriage, he addresses another concern for the people of Corinth – how ought we respond to situations in which one spouse is a believer, and the other is not? The Corinthians worshiped all kinds of Greek/Roman gods, so this type of scenario likely unfolded more and more as the Christian church began to spread. 

Paul responds well, and says that the believing spouse brings sanctity to the whole marriage, and even the children of this marriage are to be seen as holy. It may not be easy to comprehend, but Paul says if just one person in a marriage is a Christian, and everybody else in the family is OK with that, then it’s good for that one individual to continue practicing their faith as it has a positive impact on the whole of the family unit.

This is yet another way Paul encouraged the people of Corinth to live holy and pure lives. Many people of Corinth would divorce their spouse with little or no notice. This had lasting consequences for the individuals, the families, and even the society as a whole. So Paul encouraged the Christians to put this kind of practice to a stop, and to remember just how much of an impact one individual within a family could make. As you read today, consider this: In what ways can one person positively impact their whole family?

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:10-16, MATTHEW 19:1-6

In what ways can one person positively impact their whole family?

Who do you know that is both a Christian and married, but is married to somebody who is not a believer? What can you share with them to encourage them this week? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Daniel 9, 10, & 12

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, our culture today is full of step families and blended families, as well as those who are mixed in their faith beliefs. Today, I’m gratefully reminded that if only one person in a marriage is trusting and following You, this will have tremendous benefits for their spouse and their children. So today, I pray for all I know (and even those I don’t know) who are wrestling with this in their marriage. Provide them with strength, courage, and peace. May they know that their marriage to You is the relationship that matters most, and may their trust in You ever increase. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 1: Holiness for Your Marriage

If you read through all of the Apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament, you’ll come across lists of unhealthy, even unholy decisions or behaviors people were making. Sexual immorality was something he brought up quite frequently. 

As such, there were some other teachers at the time who preached sexual abstinence, even for those married. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul refutes this teaching. He writes, “…each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

This was Paul’s way of saying, “Yes, there’s sexual immorality, and it’s in your best interest to remove that from your lives. But sex itself isn’t immoral. In fact, it’s a good thing! And couples who are married have tremendous freedom to enjoy it.”

What Paul doesn’t address here, however, is how an individual or couple can best respond if one of them has experienced sexual abuse or other trauma earlier in life. That’s a completely different topic. Instead, he’s simply acknowledging that sex itself is not immoral, but is holy and pure and good within marriage. As you read today, consider this: Do you struggle to think of sex as holy, bringing glory to a marriage and to God? 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1-9, PROVERBS 5:19

Do you struggle to think of sex as holy, bringing glory to a marriage and to God? 

Fill in the blank: Sex is ________. What are the first 3 words that come to your mind? Are these based more on your own life experiences, or what the Scriptures teach? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Daniel 5 & 6

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I thank You for those in my life who provide me a safe place to talk about subjects such as sex and marriage. I confess that my thoughts about what sex is are not always based on Your Word. Help me to see this area of life in the way You created it to be. Healthy. Pure. And holy. I also pray that my thoughts and actions about sex will lead to more knowledge of who You are, and that this knowledge of You will be evident to all I interact with on a regular basis. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 5: Reflection

READING: COLOSSIANS 3:1-3

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about the grace and love of God?         

What did you learn about yourself this week?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Daniel 3 & 4

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Write out your own prayer to God today.

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 4: It’s All About the Kingdom

While it may be difficult for us to think about what it would be like to live in the Roman Empire, it’s easy for us to forget (or at least to not regularly think about) just how much we’re loved by God. 

Recently, I (Pastor Justin) read through a series of books in which the three main characters, all siblings, were attending school in a country that was not their own. As such, they had a really hard time making friends and fitting in. But every day when their mother dropped them off, her final words to them were, “Remember who you are.”

The author is a Christian musician and writer, and these words are an excellent reflection of what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:11. Having noted who will not inherit the Kingdom of God, Paul writes, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” It’s another of way of saying, “Remember who you are. In the eyes of God, you are clean. You are holy. You are innocent. Don’t ever forget who you are.” 

As you read today, consider this: Do you struggle to remember who you are in the eyes of God? If so, what steps can you take to regularly remind yourself who you are? 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-11, 1 John 3:1-2

Do you struggle to remember who you are in the eyes of God? If so, what steps can you take to regularly remind yourself who you are?

Is there somebody else you struggle to see through the eyes of God? Take the opportunity today to thank God for them. 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Daniel 1 & 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, there are times when I wake up and look in the mirror and completely forget who You say I am. For reasons I may not always understand, I remember who others say I am, often in the most negative ways possible. But today I am reminded that I am not who others say or think that I am. Instead, I am who You say I am. I am clean. I am holy. I am innocent. May these truths continue to be with me in all of my thoughts and actions today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 3: It’s All About the Kingdom

It’s difficult for us to think about what life would have been like for those living within the Roman Empire. At this point in history, God’s chosen people had been given the land of Israel, only to later be conquered by the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Empires. Now they’ve been absorbed into the Roman Empire, and God’s people believed that He would be providing them with a new Kingdom. They believed this new Kingdom would be one ruled by God, so they would no longer be subject to other nations. 

In his wisdom, Paul brings up the Kingdom of God. Earlier in the letter, he noted that, “the kingdom is not a matter of talk, but of power (4:20).” He wanted to remind the Corinthians that the kingdom of God wasn’t just something to think or talk about, but it was something real, and was very much something to be excited about. 

All in all, there’s a lot to think about in 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, but much of it comes down to (1) setting a good example, (2) keeping our eyes on the future kingdom, and finally (3) the importance of remembering who we are. As you read today, consider this: Do you take intentional opportunities to think about the kingdom of God? Why do you think that is?  

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-11, 4:20

Do you take intentional opportunities to think about the Kingdom of God? Why do you think that is? 

In what ways could thinking more about God as your King help you to be a good example in your thoughts and actions?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Ezekiel 1:1-3, 36:16-38, & 37

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t regularly think about the Kingdom of God I will inherit in the future. I think about some of my past experiences, my day to day to do list, and dozens of other things throughout the day. But Your Kingdom isn’t something that regularly comes to mind. Today, may Your Kingdom be present on my mind. May I remember You as my King, as a warrior who fights for me, a judge who sees me innocently, and a friend who sees me lovingly and will never leave my side. May I remember these truths not only today, but every day. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 2: Being a Good Example

Many philosophers throughout the Roman Empire argued that property didn’t matter much, therefore, people were encouraged to forego lawsuits over property. But Paul recognized that this way of thinking wasn’t popular with the majority of people, and knew that the Old Testament had much to say to the Jewish population about this as well. 

As noted in yesterday’s reading, one of Paul’s greatest concerns was that the Christians in Corinth would set a good example. Legal matters could be settled internally, including disputes about property. Paul also noted that some disputes didn’t even need to be settled internally. In fact, it’s quite possible Paul had Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:29-30 in mind as his wrote to the Corinthians.

Again, all of this falls back on the importance of setting a good example, which was a common theme throughout Paul’s letters. For example, Paul wrote in Ephesians, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” As you read today, consider this: In what ways are Christians today setting a good example locally? Nationally? 

READING: LUKE 6:29-30, EPHESIANS 4:31-5:2

In what ways are Christians today setting a good example locally? Nationally? 

In what areas are Christians today not setting a good example? 

How can Christians respond to concerns such as these in a positive way? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jeremiah 52, 2 Kings 24 & 25

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it’s far too easy for me to think about how I and/or other Christians are not setting a good example for others. As this week continues, I pray that You would use me in ways far greater than I have ever imagined, and that the work You will continue to do within me will mold and shape me into the person You have made me to be. Indeed, may I get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, being compassionate to others and forgiving them as You have forgiven me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 1: Managing Conflict

For decades, research has been pretty clear: The number one area of needed growth for any organization or personal relationship falls into the areas of communication and/or conflict resolution. As such, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians about their need to manage conflict well. Not only was Paul concerned about relational tensions amongst Christians, he was also concerned for how they would handle legal cases against one another.

As an example, lawsuits in Corinth were quite common and decisions were swift and often unfair. If evidence was lacking or non-existent, people of a higher status usually won the case. Additionally, those in minority groups within the city were expected to handle their own cases. Groups who dismissed this cultural norm were heavily criticized by the public. As such, Paul wanted to ensure that the Christians in Corinth followed the cultural standards so they would not be seen as troublemakers by the social elite. 

The wisdom Paul provided about handling legal cases well would not have been missed by the Corinthians. As you read today, consider this: What is the most important truth you’ve learned about communication and conflict resolution? 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-11

What is the most important truth you’ve learned about communication and conflict resolution?

Is there anything in today’s reading that affirms this truth? Is there another Scripture passage that affirms it? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jeremiah 31:31-40, 32, & 33

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I confess that while I’ve learned some valuable lessons in the areas of communication and conflict resolution, I have room for continual growth. Beginning a new week, I pray that You will reveal to me some specific growth areas for me, not only in how I communicate with others, but also in how I think about communicating with others. May the words I speak, share, and think be words of encouragement. May You provide me wisdom to think well of myself and of others, and to respond to conflict in a way that is godly and pure. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Message Outline:

How can I set a good example by managing conflict well…

• …personally?
• …in my community?
• …in the whole of society?

1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (NIV)

If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!

Principle #1: Ask, “What’s my part in this?”

Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

“A very important but difficult piece of renewing relationships is accepting our part in any conflict. If we have a relationship in need of repair, we must remember that the wrong is not usually all on one side, and we are more easily able to restore relations when we look at our contribution to a conflict.” ~ Desmond Tutu, “The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World”

Principle #2: Ask, “Am I thinking through this in a healthy way?”

• What happened?
• What’s the story I’m telling myself about what happened?

Principle #3: Ask, “Am I willing to listen and receive from the other persons involved?”

James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

• Do I fully understand their perspective? (For example, have I repeated what they’ve said in my own words to be sure I understand their point of view?)
• Are there any questions I can ask to receive more clarity?
• I’d like to take some time to think about what you’ve said. Can we circle back to this conversation next week?

Principle #4: Ask, “Am I ready to speak about this in a healthy way?”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

• Do I need to share a differing perspective? For example, does the topic being discussed overlap with any of my deepest values?
• What is my true motivation for responding?
• Remember: The motivation for what I’m sharing is more important than the information I’m sharing.

     Day 5: Reflection

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-24

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about the grace and love of God?         

What did you learn about yourself this week? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jeremiah 25 & 29

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Write out your own prayer to God today.

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 4: Glorify God With Your Body

Having successfully refuted the foolishness of the Corinthians, Paul concludes this section of his letter by saying, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

The first people who heard this letter being read in public would have quickly recognized three key points Paul makes here.

First, God lives within you! The Corinthians would’ve grown up in a culture in which many gods were worshiped and the myths and legends about them would’ve been well known. But Christianity didn’t just believe in one all powerful God. Christianity acknowledged that the Spirit of God lives within all who follow Jesus. 

Second, you were bought at a price! Paul was sure to note that the God who chose to live within His people did so at a huge cost to Himself: Jesus’ death on the cross.

Finally, honor God with your bodies! God is within you, and paid a huge cost to do so. As such, honor Him with your actions. As you read today, consider this: What are 3 steps you will take to honor God with your body over the next week? Month? Year?

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1-13, & 6:12-20

How would you explain what it means to honor God with your body to a friend? 

What are 3 steps you will take to honor God with your body over the next week? Month? Year?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-3:5

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as this week is nearly at a close, I simply want to use this opportunity to thank You for the truths communicated in these Scripture passages. These passages are as challenging to be lived out now as they were to those who first read them. Nevertheless, they are full of irrefutable wisdom, and I am very grateful that I live in a country in which I can read, study, meditate on, and pray about the wisdom You have provided. May the joy I have about Your Word continue to become apparent to all I interact with on a regular basis. I thank You for all You are, all You’ve done, and all You’ll continue to do in and through me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.