First Comes Love - Day 11
Day 11 - Monday, April, 22
Read 1 Corinthians 7
Highlight
In the American Church today marriage is often the assumed and perhaps even elevated status of relationship for believers. However, it’s clear in this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church that this was not his view. In his article, Single in a Church of Families, writer Ryan Griffith explains “The church’s countercultural commitment to building healthy marriages and families can sometimes reinforce an inaccurate picture of the nuclear family as the ultimate goal and final state for faithful Christians. Singleness can also be perceived as inferior and unenviable — or worse, disobedient or disqualifying. It is striking, then, that John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Paul — all unmarried themselves — view singleness as a legitimate and positive vocation. Jesus and Paul argue that singleness, while uncommon (1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Timothy 4:1–3), is a gift bestowed by God (Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:7). While marriage remains the norm for most, the New Testament, in contrast with the Old, has an overwhelmingly positive view of singleness”.
Paul reminds us in this passage that our relationship status in this life is temporary. What God cares about is our obedience to Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves and how our faithfulness in every season of relationship can demonstrate the hope of the Gospel to those around us.
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 7
Highlight
In the American Church today marriage is often the assumed and perhaps even elevated status of relationship for believers. However, it’s clear in this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church that this was not his view. In his article, Single in a Church of Families, writer Ryan Griffith explains “The church’s countercultural commitment to building healthy marriages and families can sometimes reinforce an inaccurate picture of the nuclear family as the ultimate goal and final state for faithful Christians. Singleness can also be perceived as inferior and unenviable — or worse, disobedient or disqualifying. It is striking, then, that John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Paul — all unmarried themselves — view singleness as a legitimate and positive vocation. Jesus and Paul argue that singleness, while uncommon (1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Timothy 4:1–3), is a gift bestowed by God (Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:7). While marriage remains the norm for most, the New Testament, in contrast with the Old, has an overwhelmingly positive view of singleness”.
Paul reminds us in this passage that our relationship status in this life is temporary. What God cares about is our obedience to Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves and how our faithfulness in every season of relationship can demonstrate the hope of the Gospel to those around us.
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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