March 5 -- "Already, But Not Yet"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 15:21-34

Let’s delve into one of Scripture’s captivating mysteries—the paradox of “already but not yet!” This biblical theme suggests that certain future realities are described as if they have already occurred, even though they aren’t fully visible to us yet. It is a mystery to us that God's plan and promises are both present and future. This intriguing tension reveals a profound truth about God's operation beyond the confines of time. Here are a few key examples that highlight this concept:

Salvation and Sanctification—Already: We’re told that God has already “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Not Yet: However, Paul admits, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on...” (Philippians 3:12).

The Kingdom of God—Already: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). Not Yet: But, “Then comes the end when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Victory Over Death—Already: Jesus “has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). Not Yet: We still await the day when “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).

Eternal Life—Already: “Whoever believes in the Son [already] has eternal life” (John 3:36). Not Yet: “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Romans 2:7).

God speaks in this way because He exists outside of time. Romans 4:17 tells us, “He calls things that are not as though they are.” He sees the end from the beginning, and when He declares something, it’s as good as done. Embracing the already-but-not-yet perspective teaches us to trust God’s promises with unwavering faith, even when they aren’t yet visible.

We live in the space between the cross and the crown. The ultimate victory has been secured, but the daily battles continue. This paradox should ignite within us a deeper faith, a longing for Christ’s return, and a fervent commitment to live as citizens of the coming kingdom.

So, what are we to do in the meantime? We walk in faith, assured that what God has spoken will come to pass. The promises are sealed, the victory is assured, and we are called to live as though it’s already a done deal—because in God’s reality, it is!

March 4 -- "In Accordance With The Scriptures"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-20

Who, or what, is steering your life? If our faith and actions are not shaped by the Bible, they will be shaped by something else—culture, feelings, tradition, convenience, or compromise.  

Paul proclaims that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected "in accordance with the Scriptures." This phrase signifies not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also a call to align our lives with God's Word. Jesus lived, suffered, and triumphed exactly as God had foretold. His life was not steered by human traditions, fleeting emotions, or societal expectations—He walked in perfect obedience to the written Word. Similarly, our beliefs and daily conduct must also be "in accordance with the Scriptures." The Bible is not merely a book we affirm; it is the divine blueprint for how we are to live.

God's Word stands as the ultimate authority, the measure of all truth. In a world where truth is constantly being redefined, many profess faith in Christ yet live outside of Biblical alignment. The call of Scripture is not just to believe in Jesus but to follow Him, ordering every aspect of our lives according to what God has revealed.

We are not called to live by what seems right in our own eyes, nor by what the world around us promotes; we are called to live by the unchanging truth of God's Word. The Scriptures dictate our morality, our priorities, our belief system, our worldview, and our hope. Just as Christ fully submitted to the Father's will, we too must surrender our own ways, bringing our thoughts, choices, and convictions under the authority of God's Word.

Reflect on your life: Are your beliefs truly grounded in the Bible, or have they been shaped by popular opinion? Do your decisions reflect a life in harmony with God's truth, or do they cater to personal comfort or worldly pressures? Merely claiming faith is insufficient—we must walk in alignment. Let Scripture be your lens, your compass, and your foundation. Align your heart, your mind, and your actions with God's revealed truth.

May the Lord grant you wisdom to discern His truth, strength to walk in obedience, and joy in knowing that your life is firmly rooted in accordance with the secure and unchanging Word of God. May His Word be the light guiding your steps and the rock upon which you stand.

March 3 -- "Beyond Childish Ways"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 14:20-40

Even as grown-ups, we sometimes catch ourselves thinking and behaving like children. The believers in Corinth were acting childish about spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues. The Corinthian believers were acting immaturely about spiritual gifts by misusing them for personal gain, causing division, lacking love, creating chaos in worship, and neglecting the need for orderly and edifying practices. Here, he urges them to get beyond their childish ways and start thinking and acting like adults.

Paul’s message is clear and profound: we are to mature in our thinking. The Greek term for "mature" here signifies being fully grown, perfect, and complete. This means we should aim to deepen our understanding and wisdom in our spiritual journey. On the other hand, we are to be like infants regarding evil, preserving a pure and untainted nature. This echoes Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:16 to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

Our minds are constantly shaped by the world around us. We encounter moral choices and cultural trends that can either strengthen our spiritual growth or lead us astray. It is vital to discern what aligns with God's truth and what doesn't. By engaging deeply with Scripture, seeking advice from wise believers, and maintaining an active prayer life, we develop the maturity Paul describes. At the same time, we protect our hearts from the infiltration of evil, striving to live in purity.

Worldly influences affect children and mature adults differently. Children are highly impressionable, easily absorbing messages from their surroundings and mimicking behaviors they observe. Mature adults, however, possess developed critical thinking skills and established values that help them evaluate and filter influences. Paul’s exhortation is for us to move beyond childish ways and use our adult minds.

Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and influences. Are they drawing you closer to God's wisdom, or leading you into immature thinking? Are you like a child, chasing the next “new doctrine” or “flashy thing?” Pursue spiritual activities that foster growth, such as daily Bible reading and prayer. Surround yourself with mature believers who can guide and challenge you. And put away your childish ways!

May the Lord grant you the wisdom to grow in spiritual maturity and the purity to remain untouched by evil. May your mind be renewed daily by His Word, and your heart protected by His love.

March 2 -- "God's Gifts. Our Calling."

 

Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Every believer possesses unique spiritual abilities, gifted by God. These can range from teaching and serving to giving, leading, prophesying, encouraging, and more. The pivotal question is: how are we utilizing these spiritual gifts? Are we harnessing them as God intended?

Consider the church in Corinth. They were passionate about spiritual manifestations but had lost sight of their purpose. Instead of edifying others, they often misused their gifts, drawing attention to themselves and creating disorder. In today’s Scripture, Paul emphasizes that the goal of spiritual gifts is not self-glorification, but the edification of the body of Christ. If a gift isn’t strengthening others, it’s being misused.

This prompts us to examine our motives. Are we utilizing our gifts with humility and a focus on others? Or are we seeking attention or a spiritual experience? Spiritual gifts aren’t badges of honor; they are tools for ministry. Whether we teach, serve, give, speak in tongues, prophesy, or lead, our gifts should foster order, encouragement, and growth.

Envision a church where every believer faithfully operates in their gifting. What a powerful and thriving community that would be! The church flourishes when every member actively participates. A dormant gift loses its potency, but a gift exercised in faith amplifies its impact.

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle where each piece is uniquely shaped and colored. When all the pieces are scattered or misplaced, the image remains incomplete and unclear. However, when each piece is positioned correctly, connected to the other pieces, and displaying its unique portion of the whole, it reveals a beautiful and coherent picture.

In the same way, when believers neglect or misuse their spiritual gifts, the church remains fragmented and its purpose obscured. But when each believer is positioned correctly within the body and each gift is utilized as intended, the result is a vibrant and unified community that reflects the glory of our Creator. What a beautiful and powerful church that would be!

May the Lord awaken the gifts within you and instill in you a heart eager to serve. May you use your gifts boldly, humbly, and faithfully, bringing strength to His church and joy to His heart. And may you find profound fulfillment in walking in His divine calling.

March 1 -- "The Melody of Love"

Read 1 Corinthians 13

Love is more than a virtue; it is the melody that gives meaning to life’s song. Without love, all our achievements are like a musician playing a beautiful instrument with no strings. The motions may be grand, the effort sincere, but the sound—hollow, lifeless.

There’s a story about a master violinist who once performed a beautiful solo concert on a priceless Stradivarius, considered the finest violins ever crafted with an unmatched richness of tone and resonance. The audience was enthralled and he received a standing ovation. Then, with a loud cry, he brought the instrument crashing down, slamming it into the floor and splintering it into pieces. The shards that remained revealed the shocking truth: it was a cheap replica.

The audience assumed that the beauty of the music came from the instrument—the violin itself. But in reality, it was the masterful hands of the musician that made the melody breathtaking. When he revealed that the violin was just a cheap replica, the audience realized that the true power of the music was never in the instrument, but in the one playing it.

Likewise, we often believe that our value comes from our own abilities, achievements, or status. We may think that if we have the right talents, knowledge, or spiritual gifts, then we are truly impactful. But 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that without love—without God’s agapē love moving through us—we are just making noise. Our gifts, efforts, and even sacrifices mean nothing unless God’s love is the melody flowing through them.

We are like that ordinary violin. On our own, we are incapable of producing anything truly beautiful. But when placed in the hands of the Master, God’s love flows through us, transforming our words and actions into something that resonates with eternal impact. It’s not about how impressive we seem—it’s about who is playing the song of our lives.

When we surrender to the love of Christ, He composes a melody through us that no one else can play. Our lives become a symphony of grace, kindness, and sacrifice—not because of who we are, but because of the One who holds us in His hands. This agapē love is the essence of the Christian life and the most excellent way to live.

May the love of Christ compose the concert of your life. May your words and deeds resonate with His melody. And may the world hear the sound of His love through you.

February 28 -- "The Body of Christ: A Divine Symphony"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 12

Imagine a symphony orchestra where each musician plays a different instrument.  The beauty and harmony of the music rely on every player performing their part. Similarly, the Body of Christ flourishes when each believer uses their God-given gifts in harmony with others.

Just as a conductor leads an orchestra, the Holy Spirit orchestrates our diverse gifts for the common good. Each believer is endowed with unique gifts and talents from the Holy Spirit, intended to serve and build up the Body of Christ. And that means YOU too! Together, we create a vibrant, interdependent community where each person’s contribution is essential.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ. He emphasizes in verse 7 that "to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." In a city like Corinth, known for its diversity and division, Paul’s message of unity and interdependence was particularly powerful. Every believer is given spiritual gifts, not for personal gain but to benefit the entire community.

For those of us following Christ today, this passage is a reminder that we are not isolated individuals but part of a larger spiritual family. Our gifts and talents, bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit, are meant to serve others and strengthen the church. Recognizing and valuing each person’s unique contribution fosters unity and hinders division within the church.

Take a moment to reflect on the spiritual gifts God has given you.  How can you use them to serve your church and community? Look for opportunities to engage with others, whether through teaching, hospitality, encouragement, wisdom, healing, prophesy, or other forms of service. Embrace the unique mix of gifts in your life and among the believers in your church, celebrating and supporting each person’s role. Remember, the Lord has designed you uniquely with a purpose and has equipped you with special gifts to serve that purpose.

If you’re not sure of your spiritual gifts, make a commitment to seek and discover what God has placed within you. If you already know your gifts, may you find joy in serving others and contributing to the unity and growth of the Body of Christ as you step out in faith and exercise those gifts.

May the Lord bless you as you walk in the gifts He has given you. And may the Holy Spirit guide and empower you to serve with joy, unity, and purpose.

February 27 -- "Introspection: Healthy Self Examination"

 

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul gently instructs us to introspectively examine ourselves before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. This isn't about harsh self-criticism; it's about embracing spiritual honesty. Paul urges us to look inward and ensure our hearts align with God's purpose. When approaching communion, we should do so with the reverence it deserves—coming before God with a clean heart and refocusing on His grace.

The Corinthians were treating the Lord’s Supper flippantly as just another meal, neglecting its sacred significance as an intimate moment with Christ. Some of the Corinthians were creating divisions among themselves, which disrupted the unity that the Lord’s Supper symbolizes. Others were selfishly prioritizing their own needs and indulging excessively, while others were left hungry. By treating the Lord’s Supper as an ordinary meal, they failed to recognize its significance as a sacred commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice.

Too often, we rush through spiritual routines without truly considering the state of our own hearts. We engage in worship, service, or communion without pausing to ask, "God, is there anything in me that grieves You?" Paul addresses this misuse with a firm reminder: "Let a person examine himself." To examine means to inspect carefully, to identify anything that obstructs our intimacy with God. He urges us to take a hard look at our hearts, confess our sin, and come back to the table with reverence.

It's crucial to distinguish between healthy self-examination and unhealthy introspection. If we're not mindful, we might become overly focused on our own failures, sins, and weaknesses, rather than on Christ's grace, power, and sufficiency. Such inward fixation can be unhealthy and can distance us from fellowship with God rather than drawing us closer.

Paul’s teaching here isn't a call to endless self-analysis or self-condemnation. The purpose of examination is not to dwell on our flaws but to remove any barriers hindering our fellowship with God, so we can fixate entirely on Him and His selfless sacrifice for us.

Take a moment before partaking in communion to intentionally reflect. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight areas needing repentance. Even during your daily walk with the Lord, remember to check your heart regularly. This practice cultivates humility and deepens our intimacy with God.

May the Lord bless you with a profound awareness of His presence today. As you engage in a healthy examination of your heart, may you experience His forgiveness, renewal, and peace.