Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Tuesday, 4 February
2014 “The Power of the Cross Proclaimed” Scripture 1 Corinthians 1: Divisions
in the Church
10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no
divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same
purpose. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are
quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters.[b] 12 What I mean is that each of
you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to
Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified
for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God[c] that I
baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that
you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of
Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For
Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with
eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Gk brothers
b. 1 Corinthians 1:11 Gk my brothers
c. 1 Corinthians 1:14 Other ancient authorities read I am
thankful
“The Power of the Cross Proclaimed” by Richard H. Neiderhiser
A young pastor’s first sermon was based on the narrative of
Matthew 9:18-26. Jesus was on His way to the home of a synagogue leader when a
woman suffering from a 12-year illness touched the hem of His garment. With his
best oratory skills, the young pastor preached a clever sermon on
“Interruptions.” He compared the interruptions we face from day to day to the
interruptions Jesus faced with the woman and the crowds. While it helped most
of us who face interruptions almost daily, it was a secondary focus of the
Scripture passage–the primary focus being the ability of Christ to heal.
Challenge to Holy Living
The Corinthian Christians were trying to identify themselves
with some specific church leaders. The point was, they were missing the primary
thrust of the gospel–the power of the cross of Christ through the proclamation
of the Word. Baptism, as important as it was in Christ’s missionary priorities,
had become divisive, a diversion leading away from the centrality of the power
of His cross. Paul tells the Corinthians, and us, to identify with Christ whose
cross experience brought the power of salvation to each of them.
Hymn for Today:
“In the Cross of Christ, I Glory” by John Bowring
1. In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o'er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
2. When the woes of life o'ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me.
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
3. When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.
4. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
5. In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o'er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
Thought for Today:
“Only when the meaning of cross is comprehended can a person
arrive at the center of the Gospel” (Al Truesdale)!
Prayer Needs:
Developing Christian leaders in Romania!
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