Good Work - Day 11

Day 11 - Monday, September 30
Read 1 Corinthians 7

Highlight 
The beauty of reading the Bible is remembering the original context of each book and how they relate to the larger theme of their culture. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about many different topics, but here in chapter 7 we see what feels like a random section of life advice between married couples and unmarried people. But actually, this is about the principle Paul is trying to communicate - one’s social status or social situation does not need to change once he or she has accepted Jesus. Please do not read this as you stay the same when you accept Christ, because that is not what is being said. What Paul means is that God has you in a place where He can use you. It will require you to be transformed more into the image of Christ. But as long as your social situation is God honoring, He can use you to influence those around you. Whether the influence is in your home, neighborhood, job, or with friends.

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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