Influencers - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, September, 8
Read 1 Corinthians 16
Highlight
Chapter 16 includes two sections that are worth giving a quick highlight to. First, the historical context for the money collection referred to right at the start of the chapter: Paul was collecting funds for the poor (and extremely persecuted) believers in Jerusalem. This was not only because of real need in the body of Christ, but also because Paul was intentionally trying to foster unity between Gentile and Jewish believers.
The second thing worth pointing out is the way the letter closes. Paul commonly ends his letters with a final greeting. The significance of this is simple - we often read Scripture and forget that Paul was a real man writing to real people. People that he shared meals with, that he cared for, that he missed. Paul is not a professor writing theological treatises from his office for people that he will never meet. Paul is a pastor first and foremost, desiring to guide and help people that he knows and loves. Many of the names we see in sections like this refer to people that we don’t know much about, so the main thing we should take away from sections like this is that these letters are written for a pastoral rather than an academic purpose.
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 16
Highlight
Chapter 16 includes two sections that are worth giving a quick highlight to. First, the historical context for the money collection referred to right at the start of the chapter: Paul was collecting funds for the poor (and extremely persecuted) believers in Jerusalem. This was not only because of real need in the body of Christ, but also because Paul was intentionally trying to foster unity between Gentile and Jewish believers.
The second thing worth pointing out is the way the letter closes. Paul commonly ends his letters with a final greeting. The significance of this is simple - we often read Scripture and forget that Paul was a real man writing to real people. People that he shared meals with, that he cared for, that he missed. Paul is not a professor writing theological treatises from his office for people that he will never meet. Paul is a pastor first and foremost, desiring to guide and help people that he knows and loves. Many of the names we see in sections like this refer to people that we don’t know much about, so the main thing we should take away from sections like this is that these letters are written for a pastoral rather than an academic purpose.
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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