Influencers - Day 01
First Things First
Before we look at the Book of 1 Corinthians, we are going to read the account of the founding of the church. This was recorded for us by Luke in the Book of Acts, Chapter 18.
Day 01: Monday, August 14
Read Acts 18
Highlight
Corinth was a city in ancient Greece that was situated at the crossroads of land and sea trading routes. This made it strategically very important and very prosperous in the first century. Along with its wealth and luxury there was immorality of every kind. One source of this immorality was a large temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Her temple housed a thousand ‘sacred prostitutes.’ Because of this context and more, Corinth became famous for sexual debauchery. In fact, the verb “to Corinthianize” (korinthiazesthai) meant to be sexually immoral.
Despite this reputation, Paul not only visited the city to teach about Jesus, he actually settled for more than a year. In addition, he received comfort from Jesus that not only would Jesus be with him, but that he had “many people in this city.” No one would have looked at Corinth and thought “this is a city filled with people ready to commit to a life of purity and self-denial.” But Jesus told us that “It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick.” Mark 2:17 We should never assume someone is too far from God to be saved by His Son.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Before we look at the Book of 1 Corinthians, we are going to read the account of the founding of the church. This was recorded for us by Luke in the Book of Acts, Chapter 18.
Day 01: Monday, August 14
Read Acts 18
Highlight
Corinth was a city in ancient Greece that was situated at the crossroads of land and sea trading routes. This made it strategically very important and very prosperous in the first century. Along with its wealth and luxury there was immorality of every kind. One source of this immorality was a large temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Her temple housed a thousand ‘sacred prostitutes.’ Because of this context and more, Corinth became famous for sexual debauchery. In fact, the verb “to Corinthianize” (korinthiazesthai) meant to be sexually immoral.
Despite this reputation, Paul not only visited the city to teach about Jesus, he actually settled for more than a year. In addition, he received comfort from Jesus that not only would Jesus be with him, but that he had “many people in this city.” No one would have looked at Corinth and thought “this is a city filled with people ready to commit to a life of purity and self-denial.” But Jesus told us that “It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick.” Mark 2:17 We should never assume someone is too far from God to be saved by His Son.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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