Influencers - Day 16
Day 16, Monday, September 4
Read 1 Corinthians 12
Highlight
Paul uses a method in 1 Corinthians 12 that is worth highlighting. Sometimes when we are reading the Bible it can be hard to tell when the author has moved on to a different subject matter. But Paul does something in this chapter that Biblical authors frequently use to help their readers stay focused on the main idea. This method is called “framing” or “book-ending” and it can be seen in verses 12 & 27.
Sometimes a section of Scripture will seem to repeat itself, as with these two verses. When we see that, we should take note. Often what’s happening is the author is starting with the main idea, then elaborating, then concluding with the main idea again. This creates an enclosed or “framed” section that we can be sure is focused on the repeated line, even if it seems to be talking about something else. It also indicates a significant idea in the conversation, which can help us realize what the Bible is trying to tell us is the unifying principle of the overall conversation.
In the case of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is highlighting that the gifts are distributed so that the sum of the parts of the church will be greater than the whole: the church only functions at its full potential when everyone is using their gifts. He elaborates on this point by saying that everyone has been “given the one Spirit to drink.” The Spirit is not a substance, He is a person. We either have the Spirit or we do not, so there is no such thing as having a greater measure of the Spirit than others. To fall into a place of comparison is therefore a worldly, not Godly, perspective.
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)
Read 1 Corinthians 12
Highlight
Paul uses a method in 1 Corinthians 12 that is worth highlighting. Sometimes when we are reading the Bible it can be hard to tell when the author has moved on to a different subject matter. But Paul does something in this chapter that Biblical authors frequently use to help their readers stay focused on the main idea. This method is called “framing” or “book-ending” and it can be seen in verses 12 & 27.
Sometimes a section of Scripture will seem to repeat itself, as with these two verses. When we see that, we should take note. Often what’s happening is the author is starting with the main idea, then elaborating, then concluding with the main idea again. This creates an enclosed or “framed” section that we can be sure is focused on the repeated line, even if it seems to be talking about something else. It also indicates a significant idea in the conversation, which can help us realize what the Bible is trying to tell us is the unifying principle of the overall conversation.
In the case of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is highlighting that the gifts are distributed so that the sum of the parts of the church will be greater than the whole: the church only functions at its full potential when everyone is using their gifts. He elaborates on this point by saying that everyone has been “given the one Spirit to drink.” The Spirit is not a substance, He is a person. We either have the Spirit or we do not, so there is no such thing as having a greater measure of the Spirit than others. To fall into a place of comparison is therefore a worldly, not Godly, perspective.
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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