Influencers - Day 19
Day 19 - Thursday, September, 7
Read 1 Corinthians 15
Highlight
In this portion of the letter, Paul speaks to an important concept that is found throughout the Bible. The theological concept is called “Federal Headship,” and it can be seen in verses 21-22. Tim Keller explains that, “A federal head is a person who, through a covenant relationship, represents or stands in for someone else.” In this case, and throughout the Bible, the first person that fills this role is Adam, the First Man.
The Bible makes it clear that we are guilty for what Adam did in Genesis 3. This sounds wrong to us because we are a society built on individual freedom. However, having one person represent a family or tribe or even a nation is much more normal in Eastern cultures. Of course there are examples in our own culture, like elected representatives (who have power to put us at war) or a representative in collective negotiation.
Yet with Adam, again as Tim Keller points out, “God did not simply choose Adam, he created Adam to be our representative. He was perfectly created and designed to act exactly as you, personally, as an individual, would have acted in the same situation. You cannot say, I would have done a better job, because that would be to claim that you could have been a better representative or chosen a better representative than God did.”
But ultimately this is good news, not bad news. Because just as the first man’s disobedience is our disobedience, then a perfect second Adam’s victory can be our victory. This is one major reason that Jesus had to become incarnate, had to be fully God and fully man - so that he could be our new representative and succeed where Adam failed.
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 15
Highlight
In this portion of the letter, Paul speaks to an important concept that is found throughout the Bible. The theological concept is called “Federal Headship,” and it can be seen in verses 21-22. Tim Keller explains that, “A federal head is a person who, through a covenant relationship, represents or stands in for someone else.” In this case, and throughout the Bible, the first person that fills this role is Adam, the First Man.
The Bible makes it clear that we are guilty for what Adam did in Genesis 3. This sounds wrong to us because we are a society built on individual freedom. However, having one person represent a family or tribe or even a nation is much more normal in Eastern cultures. Of course there are examples in our own culture, like elected representatives (who have power to put us at war) or a representative in collective negotiation.
Yet with Adam, again as Tim Keller points out, “God did not simply choose Adam, he created Adam to be our representative. He was perfectly created and designed to act exactly as you, personally, as an individual, would have acted in the same situation. You cannot say, I would have done a better job, because that would be to claim that you could have been a better representative or chosen a better representative than God did.”
But ultimately this is good news, not bad news. Because just as the first man’s disobedience is our disobedience, then a perfect second Adam’s victory can be our victory. This is one major reason that Jesus had to become incarnate, had to be fully God and fully man - so that he could be our new representative and succeed where Adam failed.
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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