Influencers - Day 17
Day 17, Tuesday, September 5
Read 1 Corinthians 13
Highlight
1 Corinthians 13, the Bible’s “love chapter,” is a beautiful description of Christianity’s highest calling. We ought to remember that this chapter was written within the context of conflict and disunity over spiritual gifting. That helps us apply this passage particularly to the context of Christian community.
The simplicity and familiarity of verses 4-8 provide an opportunity for us to allow the Word to “read us.” This is a practice of holding ourselves up against Scripture and allowing it to reveal areas within us that we ought to submit to God. There are two steps to this process. First, using verse 4-8, replace the word “love” with “Jesus.” As you do so, praise Jesus for these qualities in prayer. Then the second step is to replace the word “love” with your own name. God will use this to help you see what areas of your life ought to be submitted to the Father so that he can sanctify you (i.e. make you more like Jesus).
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 13
Highlight
1 Corinthians 13, the Bible’s “love chapter,” is a beautiful description of Christianity’s highest calling. We ought to remember that this chapter was written within the context of conflict and disunity over spiritual gifting. That helps us apply this passage particularly to the context of Christian community.
The simplicity and familiarity of verses 4-8 provide an opportunity for us to allow the Word to “read us.” This is a practice of holding ourselves up against Scripture and allowing it to reveal areas within us that we ought to submit to God. There are two steps to this process. First, using verse 4-8, replace the word “love” with “Jesus.” As you do so, praise Jesus for these qualities in prayer. Then the second step is to replace the word “love” with your own name. God will use this to help you see what areas of your life ought to be submitted to the Father so that he can sanctify you (i.e. make you more like Jesus).
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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