CONTROLLED BY YOUR DESIRES? Devotion for Monday October 5, 2015

CONTROLLED BY YOUR DESIRES?            Monday October 5, 2015

                      

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:3                 Memory verse: v 3

Paul was obviously worried about the spiritual state of the Corinthian church. He did not mince words in saying they were carnal. His reasons are the issues of envy, strife, divisions among themselves. Though they were Christians, yet their divisions and strife show that they are yet, in some degree, under the influence of worldliness. Men who are governed solely by the principles of this world evince a spirit of strife, emulation, and contention. One would ask, where is the love for one another that Jesus gave as new commandment (see John 13:34)?

Envy, as the root, bears strife, and strife breeds divisions and factions. Envy is a pestilent lust; it makes another's good our grief. The devil rejoices at the destruction of sinners and sows seed of discord amongst Christians. Again, strife and contention, differences and divisions, are often found in the churches of Christ, and among particular Christians and that so far as these prevail in and among any, it evidences that they are carnal. Are these evidences in you? See Romans 6:21; 8:7, 13 and Galatians 6:8.

Food for Thought: A carnal man cannot please God nor get His blessings.

Prayer: Lord God, deliver me from every form of carnality in Jesus name. 

TAKE HEED

TAKE HEED                   Sunday July 12, 2015

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:6 – 14       Memory verse: v 12

Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. The Israelites sinned and died. They worshiped Baal, committed harlotry (Numbers 25:1 – 3) and complained about food. For these, Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that if they take their salvation for granted, if they thought they were standing strong, that was the time to be most careful not to fall. They were very sure of themselves, full of pride. Paul said that if the Israelites fell into idolatry, so they could. No human being is ever beyond temptation. Paul warns they shouldn’t let down their guard.

All these are warning for us today (10:6). We will not be spared because these were written for our warning. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. All of us are in danger of falling into sin, and of dishonouring our profession. Therefore we should rely on God’s grace and not our spiritual strength.

Action: Take note of things that can make you fail and avoid them.

Prayer: God, make me cautious that I am frail and grant me the grace I need.