Working While We Wait
Opening Prayer
Thank the Lord for how he has changed you, and is still changing you, more nearly into the image of his Son.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, [2] To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours: [3] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. [5] For in him you have been enriched in every way-with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge- [6] God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. [7] Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. [8] He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is Paul's prayer for the Corinthians and other Christians?Paul addresses this letter to all Christians everywhere. All of us together have been “called” to be a “holy people,” “sanctified,” set apart to show God’s character in our lives (2). That’s what Paul means when he says we are to “eagerly wait” for Jesus’ return (7), making the most of the gifts of “grace,” “speech” and “knowledge” that God has “enriched” us with (4,5). Waiting for Jesus’ return isn’t about sitting around twiddling our thumbs. We have a job to do, living out our faith so the world might see what God is like. That sounds straightforward, but it is easy to get distracted, isn’t it? I find it so much easier to sit on my sofa watching television than to expend the effort to pray for my friends and family. It’s a lot more fun gossiping with my friends than fasting once a week or sharing my faith with someone. There are many distractions but one Lord who will return someday, expecting to see us faithful.
Apply
What things distract you while you wait for Christ’s return? Think of a way in which you can “eagerly wait.”
Closing prayer
Ask for God’s help to avoid the distractions that would prevent you from living your life for him.
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