12-29-17 Today in the Word

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017
1 Corinthians 3:9–17
A TEMPLE BUILT WITH CARE
We have all heard the expression, “They don’t make them like they used to.” It is usually a commentary upon the poor craftsmanship of some product such as a washing machine, refrigerator, or even an entire house. If built with care using quality supplies, they might last a lifetime. If constructed in haste using cheap materials, they may look attractive but in due time their deficiencies will become obvious.
The same is true with the church. Scripture describes us as “God’s building” (v. 9) and “God’s temple” (v. 16). The Spirit of God dwells with us, and we have been constructed on the foundation of Jesus Christ. How we build upon that foundation, however, matters. If we build with quality materials such as “gold, silver, [and] costly stones,” the church as God’s temple will remain beautiful and strong. If, however, the church is built up with cheap materials such as “wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is” (vv. 12–13).
As Paul reminded the Corinthian church, “each one should build with care” (v. 10). A day of judgment is coming when all that we have invested and built into the life of the church will be tested and the quality revealed (v. 13). A life built rightly on the foundation of Christ will survive the fire of judgment, but a life’s work burned up in the fire of judgment will survive “only as one escaping through the flames” (v. 15).
Paul ended his exhortation about careful building by reminding us of our underlying identity: “God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple” (v. 17)! How we build should reflect the significance of who we are as God’s temple.
APPLY THE WORD
Rather than following the world’s pleas to build your identity with the material things of post-Christmas sales, build with the gold and silver of God’s Word (see Ps. 119:72). Whether it is daily Scripture reading and memorization or a group Bible study, find a way in the coming new year to build up “God’s temple.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more