“… so that in us, you may learn not to exceed what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6b)
The early church was created out of a menagerie of people. Jewish converts who were steeped in their rabbinical traditions and Pharisaical additions to God’s commands combined with Gentile converts who had a history of idolatry, emotionalism, and habit of diving into whatever the newest contemporary religious practice was. Whether in Pharisaic traditionalism or pagan modernism, Paul’s warning was clear – shun all but what is written. Go no further than the text takes you.
The goal for us should be the same. To seek to neither restrict ourselves beyond what the text does or to travel beyond its sacred boundaries. The debate should not be whether we should be more “conservative” or “progressive” but how we can become more biblical.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-10
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision