Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Co-workers in Building Up the Kingdom of God
Bible portion: 1st Corinthians 3:4-9
Devotion
Devotion
Summer 2024 is in full swing, and this year, at the pinnacle of all the summertime fun and enjoyment are the Paris Olympic Games. As the start of the Games rapidly approaches, a palpable sense of nationalism sweeps across countries around the globe. Flags and national colors begin to adorn homes and public spaces, reinforcing a sense of pride and collective identity and unity. In a similar sense, within the context of Christianity, this very idea of unity among believers stands at the forefront in Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth.
The Corinthians were a divisive people, with believers both aligning themselves with and pledging loyalty to different church leaders and teachers, namely Paul and Apollos, thereby establishing separate factions within the church. Paul criticizes the division within the church and arguments that followed, associating it with spiritual immaturity. He encourages the church to redirect their focus on the one through whom true growth and unity is achieved: the Lord. Paul acknowledges that he and Apollos had unique roles; Paul introduced the Gospel to the Corinthians while Apollos continued to nurture the people and build upon that foundation (1 Cor. 3:6-10). While their roles were distinct and important, Paul recognizes that he and Apollos were merely servants and that their efforts were ultimately futile without the Lord’s sovereign hand upon it, “making it grow” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). The focus of their efforts was oriented and unified around the Lord and giving Him glory, honor, and praise. Paul is urging the church of Corinth to do the same, stop their quarreling, and remain as coworkers in building up the Kingdom of God.
Through this scripture passage, Paul reminds us that each believer has a unique role in God’s grand design and plan. That role can manifest in a multitude of different ways, but whatever it may be, the believer’s role is vital to the church. Paul elaborates on this idea further in chapter 12 in this first letter to the Corinthians, when he describes the church as a body. While there is diversity in the body of believers, there is also unity. The unity that we have should be centered around both our faith in God and our being servants of the living God. In meditation of this passage, may we be prompted towards humility, uplifting and supporting each other, and may we embrace the unity we have in Christ so that we might better reflect Him.
The Corinthians were a divisive people, with believers both aligning themselves with and pledging loyalty to different church leaders and teachers, namely Paul and Apollos, thereby establishing separate factions within the church. Paul criticizes the division within the church and arguments that followed, associating it with spiritual immaturity. He encourages the church to redirect their focus on the one through whom true growth and unity is achieved: the Lord. Paul acknowledges that he and Apollos had unique roles; Paul introduced the Gospel to the Corinthians while Apollos continued to nurture the people and build upon that foundation (1 Cor. 3:6-10). While their roles were distinct and important, Paul recognizes that he and Apollos were merely servants and that their efforts were ultimately futile without the Lord’s sovereign hand upon it, “making it grow” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). The focus of their efforts was oriented and unified around the Lord and giving Him glory, honor, and praise. Paul is urging the church of Corinth to do the same, stop their quarreling, and remain as coworkers in building up the Kingdom of God.
Through this scripture passage, Paul reminds us that each believer has a unique role in God’s grand design and plan. That role can manifest in a multitude of different ways, but whatever it may be, the believer’s role is vital to the church. Paul elaborates on this idea further in chapter 12 in this first letter to the Corinthians, when he describes the church as a body. While there is diversity in the body of believers, there is also unity. The unity that we have should be centered around both our faith in God and our being servants of the living God. In meditation of this passage, may we be prompted towards humility, uplifting and supporting each other, and may we embrace the unity we have in Christ so that we might better reflect Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of being coworkers in Your Kingdom. Help us to recognize the importance of our unique roles and to work faithfully, knowing that You alone can bring the growth. Unite us, the body of believers, in purpose, and may our efforts always glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. “ – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Stefan Thomas, Long Island MarThoma Church
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of being coworkers in Your Kingdom. Help us to recognize the importance of our unique roles and to work faithfully, knowing that You alone can bring the growth. Unite us, the body of believers, in purpose, and may our efforts always glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. “ – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Stefan Thomas, Long Island MarThoma Church