Daily 1 Corinthians 11
Daily Bread 1 Corinthians
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Observation:
In this simple sentence Paul clarifies the main thing he is trying to say to the church at Corinth. Instead of just telling them what they ought to be doing, he is living it. Anyone who would take the role of a Christian leader would do well if they could honestly say this to those they lead.
In the rest of the chapter, Paul addresses the role of men and women and their relationship based on the order of creation. Sometimes Paul is misread and portrayed as a male chauvinist. One might conclude that if they read only verses 3-10. But when you read verses 11-12, Paul says that men and women are not independent of each other. Though in the Genesis the male was created first, and the woman was created “out of the man”. Every other man since that time has come from a woman. You might say we need each other!!
Then, in the last chapter Paul has some commentary on the way the Corinthians were observing the Lord’s Supper. Since in those days the Lord’s Supper was celebrated with a meal that the whole community enjoyed together (similar to the modern day pot-luck!), Paul was upset that some were enjoying the meal and beverage too, without waiting for the needier among them who apparently couldn’t make it. Ie. Maybe they couldn’t afford to bring any food! Paul warns them that if they participate in the Lord’s supper with such a selfish spirit, that they are dishonoring the purpose of this meal.
Application:
Could you make the statement “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”?
I agree it is a pretty bold statement. But ultimately the basic call we have as Christians is to do just that, follow Christ! Jesus came to earth not only to forgive our sins on the cross, but also show us how to live…really live! Jesus gave us an example to not just admire or exalt, but one to pattern our life after.
A while ago, there was a fad of wearing, “What Would Jesus Do - WWJD” bracelets. I thought it was a great thing, because it was a tangible daily reminder to try and live one’s life like our Lord. It was also a way of going public with your faith, so that if you put the bracelet on, people might be watching to see if you would “walk the talk”. I’m not sure why it died out, maybe it was just too hard.
We also see that some people where a cross. I will often ask people who are wearing one if they are Christian, and what church they go to. Sometimes the person will say I believe, but I don’t go to church. A guy the other day said, “Well I have had some bad experiences at churches.” I pressed him a little further and basically he was saying the leaders didn’t practice what they preached so he doesn’t go anymore. I admit it is kind of a “cop out”, but also a reminder for all of us who are leaders to watch our life and doctrine closely.
I believe everyone is a leader, even if it is in your own family. Your kids will be influenced as much by how you act, as what you preach. As we seek to be followers of Christ, it does not mean we will be perfect for sure, but hopefully we can be like Paul and be bold enough to say what he did, and then more importantly live it out!
Prayer: God help us to be followers of Your Son Jesus. It is certainly not easy, but worth it. You promise to be with us as we seek to lead a life worthy of the calling we have in Jesus. Send Your Spirit to help us live in a way that pleases you and brings more into relationship with you. Amen.
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Observation:
In this simple sentence Paul clarifies the main thing he is trying to say to the church at Corinth. Instead of just telling them what they ought to be doing, he is living it. Anyone who would take the role of a Christian leader would do well if they could honestly say this to those they lead.
In the rest of the chapter, Paul addresses the role of men and women and their relationship based on the order of creation. Sometimes Paul is misread and portrayed as a male chauvinist. One might conclude that if they read only verses 3-10. But when you read verses 11-12, Paul says that men and women are not independent of each other. Though in the Genesis the male was created first, and the woman was created “out of the man”. Every other man since that time has come from a woman. You might say we need each other!!
Then, in the last chapter Paul has some commentary on the way the Corinthians were observing the Lord’s Supper. Since in those days the Lord’s Supper was celebrated with a meal that the whole community enjoyed together (similar to the modern day pot-luck!), Paul was upset that some were enjoying the meal and beverage too, without waiting for the needier among them who apparently couldn’t make it. Ie. Maybe they couldn’t afford to bring any food! Paul warns them that if they participate in the Lord’s supper with such a selfish spirit, that they are dishonoring the purpose of this meal.
Application:
Could you make the statement “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”?
I agree it is a pretty bold statement. But ultimately the basic call we have as Christians is to do just that, follow Christ! Jesus came to earth not only to forgive our sins on the cross, but also show us how to live…really live! Jesus gave us an example to not just admire or exalt, but one to pattern our life after.
A while ago, there was a fad of wearing, “What Would Jesus Do - WWJD” bracelets. I thought it was a great thing, because it was a tangible daily reminder to try and live one’s life like our Lord. It was also a way of going public with your faith, so that if you put the bracelet on, people might be watching to see if you would “walk the talk”. I’m not sure why it died out, maybe it was just too hard.
We also see that some people where a cross. I will often ask people who are wearing one if they are Christian, and what church they go to. Sometimes the person will say I believe, but I don’t go to church. A guy the other day said, “Well I have had some bad experiences at churches.” I pressed him a little further and basically he was saying the leaders didn’t practice what they preached so he doesn’t go anymore. I admit it is kind of a “cop out”, but also a reminder for all of us who are leaders to watch our life and doctrine closely.
I believe everyone is a leader, even if it is in your own family. Your kids will be influenced as much by how you act, as what you preach. As we seek to be followers of Christ, it does not mean we will be perfect for sure, but hopefully we can be like Paul and be bold enough to say what he did, and then more importantly live it out!
Prayer: God help us to be followers of Your Son Jesus. It is certainly not easy, but worth it. You promise to be with us as we seek to lead a life worthy of the calling we have in Jesus. Send Your Spirit to help us live in a way that pleases you and brings more into relationship with you. Amen.
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