Here are some talking points and topics I pulled from the first 7 chapters of this read-through.
Paul really starts off taking a jab at the way church was being done, and it sounds a LOT like denomination type stuff that is a part of our church ethos even now. He talks about how some followed one teacher and some another...you know, I really think this is something worth looking into and it may be that I spend some time on this. Are denominations antithetical to the faith Jesus gave us? Really interesting stuff.
Then he talked about living spiritually vs. living in the flesh and this is a study that could last a lifetime...or, that really SHOULD last a lifetime. He then expands on that by discussing talking vs. doing, about being an example and living by leading vs. being a hypocrite. Strong, strong stuff.
When we get to chapter 5 - he says that he has already pronounced judgement on this group of believers, about an almost incestual relationship, and he shows us when and who we are to judge as a church. This is a really important chapter for the church.
He talks about how all things are ‘lawful’, not all things are ‘helpful’. And this goes straight to the heart of the book that I just read, “Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets”, but Andy Stanley. Paul is teaching that we should, essentially, use wisdom and God’s will as our guide, not the legal and moral boundaries. If we are talking about those boundaries, we are already in trouble and headed the wrong direction.
And I love that Paul goes on to teach that we are only to live the life God has given us...our own journey, our own life, our own unique calling. I am not accountable for the life you life, nor am I judged in comparison to you, nor you me...we each have a unique calling. And Paul doesn’t say this, but my life certainly has taught me that I may never know the impact that MY faith has on you, and yours on mine, but our faith is our story and our greatest contribution to this world. When we follow God, we do the most impactful living possible. That’s a great message.
Tomorrow we will pick up in chapter 8 for our read through of 1 Corinthians.