Day 3: You Are One With the Lord

While we are able to learn a great deal about the Apostle Paul from his letters, there’s still a lot about his life we don’t know. For example, we don’t know if he was ever married, or even engaged to be married. However, we do know that he had a firm understanding of the oneness of a marriage relationship that is written about all throughout the Old Testament. 

As Paul continues to refute the Corinthians viewpoint of “Everything is permissible,” he gets rather specific. 

In 1 Corinthians 6:16 he writes, “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’” The phrase “unites himself” indicates not only physical connection, but a permanent, lasting union. Paul uses this opportunity to refute the Corinthians belief that sex is only a temporary bond by saying that the oneness of that kind of relationship is permanent. Paul continues, “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”

The intended meaning is impossible to miss. “You’re united with Christ! Permanently! This is significant! Let this be your focus in all things.” As you read today, consider this: Do you struggle to see yourself as permanently united with Christ? 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1-13

Do you struggle to see yourself as permanently united with Christ? Why do you think that is? 

In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul outlines some of the most serious consequences for those who engage in sexual immorality. What thoughts do you have about this passage? 

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

Read: 2 Kings 22 & 23

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

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I don’t recognize the wonderful truth that I am united with You. I sometimes see You as, “The God in the sky,” instead of “The God who lives within me.” Today, may I remember that because of the trust and faith I have placed in Jesus, You live within me. You are with me. You desire the best for me. And You have already given me Your very best. May I rejoice in these truths not only today, but every day. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 2: Not Everything is Beneficial

The Apostle Paul was very familiar with the culture and customs of the Roman Empire. Having grown up as a citizen of the empire, he could recognize the wisdom found in some of the more common teachings. However, he could also recognize foolish teachings. Knowing the people regularly stated, “Everything is permissible!” Paul responds with stronger, irrefutable wisdom.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, he acknowledges their philosophy: “Everything is permissible!” He responds by saying, “Well, perhaps, but not everything is beneficial.” He retorts again, “Everything is permissible!” “Well, perhaps, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 

In other words, Paul doesn’t refute the Corinthians knowledge of free will or their desire to choose, but he is sure to note that there may be negative consequences to their choices and actions.

Basically, the Corinthians had a culture of, “We can do whatever we want, eat whatever we want, and sleep with whomever we want, whenever we want. Everything is permissible!” But Paul refutes their way of thinking, and does so in a way that continues to ring true today. As you read today, consider this: What are the first thoughts that come to mind as you read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20?

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12-20

What are the first thoughts that come to mind as you read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20?

Be honest: What is at least one area in life in which you think something similar to, everything is permissible? In what ways are your thoughts and/or actions in this area not beneficial? 

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

Read: 2 Kings 19, 20, & 21

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

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are some aspects of this Scripture reading that I don’t like. There are times when I think to myself that I should be able to say whatever I want, eat whatever I want, think whatever I want, or even fulfill sexual desires however and whenever I want. Admittedly, this is sometimes a challenging Scripture for me to accept and apply. But I know it comes from You and I acknowledge You are not only wiser than me, but that You also have my best interests at heart. Thank You for always desiring the very best for me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 1: Everything is Permissible

Have you ever had somebody tell you something you couldn’t or shouldn’t do? Of course you have. Whether it was a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a teacher, or an employer, we’ve all had somebody tell us what we couldn’t or shouldn’t do. 

In some of these moments, we immediately recognize the wisdom of the person speaking with us. We know they have our best interests at heart, or at the very least, we recognize their desire to see us succeed. Assuming they have our best interests at heart, we know they truly care for our well-being.

But in other moments, we may think to ourselves, “Who do they think they are? I’m not doing anything ‘wrong’. Who are they to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do?”

Even though the ancient city of Corinth was a very different culture than our own, the people had a similar way of thinking. In fact, a common saying shared on the streets was, “Everything is permissible!” For example, if somebody were to say, “Hey, I’m not sure that’s a very good idea,” you could respond by saying, “Leave me alone! Everything is permissible!” 

As you read today, consider this: Have you ever thought something like, “Everything is permissible?” 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12-20

How do you think most people would respond to this passage today?

Have you ever thought something like, “Everything is permissible?” What was the outcome? 

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

Read: 2 Kings 17 & 18

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

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there have been many times in which I’ve had the thought, “I’m not doing anything wrong!” I’m continuing to recognize the fallacy of this way of thinking. Whether it’s regarding sexual thoughts, finances, marriage, parenting, or race, continue to help me see that this way of thinking does not lead to wisdom, but to ruin. 

As I begin a new week, may I regularly reflect on the truth that not everything is beneficial. I give You permission to help me see when my thoughts and actions are not beneficial for me or for others. Lead and guide me in everything. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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This Reading Guide has been designed for use during “How We Live” Message Series                            South Ridge Church – February — March 2019

A Note from Pastor Justin:

The Bible is not just a book, but is 66 books written by dozens of different authors and copied from one generation to the next, and the next, and the next, so much so that it’s still the most-printed collection of writings in history. Despite such a rich history, it isn’t hard to find others who say or think, “The Bible is old. It’s outdated. It doesn’t have anything of real value.”

But research continues to show that the number one thing people do to grow, is read the Bible. Yes, eating healthy is helpful. Exercise, too. Even prayer and silence is soothing to the soul. But reading the Bible is the foundation upon which wisdom is built. Not because the Bible is God. But because it was given to us by God, to reveal to us who we are, how we live, and provide us a glimpse as to what’s next. 

Over the next six weeks, South Ridge Church will continue our study through Paul’s letter, 1 Corinthians. These messages will focus on some specific points the Apostle Paul mentioned about how the people of Corinth were to live. But it’s important to note that Paul didn’t just wake up one day and decide to write to the Corinthians. Instead, his letter was a response to a letter he first received from them. In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, “Now for the matters you wrote about…” It’s pretty clear that his letter was written to encourage them, to guide them, and when necessary, to reprove them, because they were thinking or behaving in ways that were not setting a good example. 

As we begin this new message series, we encourage you to:

• Commit to joining us every week of this series.
• Commit to reading through this Reading Guide, reflecting well on the questions provided within each daily reading.
• Use a good Study Bible and/or other resources as you read through this Reading Guide. Some recommendations include the NLT Study Bible, the NIV Zondervan Study Bible, the ESV Study Bible, among others. Click here for more information on many excellent Study Bibles available today.
• Write down questions you have about what you’re reading, and take opportunities to seek out answers to those questions.