1 Corinthians 4

I think if I was a Christian I should genuinly miss church since I haven't gone for 2 weeks. I don't really that much. I don't think me not loving my congregation disqualifies me of grace but it must be a serious indication of sin not yet properly dealt with. Belonging is still a big idol, idk how long this will be a thorn in my side but I'll  carry on the race to please God above all.

Paul did manual labour to support himself in which the Corinthians thought as beneath themselves, Paul didn't care as it was only God's approval he was after.

At the end of this chapter Paul gave lovingly rebuked them. It takes a lot to say "imitate me", I hope I can reach that level of Christian character someday.

Prayer/response:
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John F Macarthur - Killing the Sin in Your Life

1 Colossians 3: 1-9
Matthew 5:29-30

-Paul talks bout the transition from doctrinal knowledge to behaviours. In essence this sermon was about sanctification. Jesus is all that is sufficient so we should be adequate, we have all died in Christ and so are made anew (new creations). Therefore I should be living with Christ as my identity, purposely setting my mind on heavenly virtues that belong to God
- Jesus doesn't literally tell us to cut off our hand if it causes us to stumble but rather that we must deal drastically with that which causes us to sin. Pornography, pride, social status, comfortability etc. I know what the law is, I know that the law is good and I want to obey the law but my corrupted body wants to rebel agains't the law of my mind. I have to deal with this depravity in a healthy and Godly directed way.
- the desire to have more than what I'm not entitled to can be crippling
- Same sex urges is sinful just as opposite sex urges are sinful because it is a desire to have what I don't have the right to own.
- sexual sin is the product of idol worship and I am the idol. t
- The easiest point to deal with sin is at the level when it begins, hasn't become a cornerstone in my lifestyle
-the strength against sin doesn't come from feeling good about oneself but rather feeling guilty. feeling a longing for reconciliation
- in Isaiah 66 God says that he seeks whoever has a broken and contrite heart
- in this age of continuous slander i must all the more be careful of how my words can affect others. I love absurd humour but it probably will not build up most
- If i allow bitterness to take hold of me because i was offended, i should recall what on earth made me feel like i'm so important that i have the right to hold bitterness

I must be drastic in my seriousness towards sin because I must reflect Jesus not just to others but also in my spirit. If I am a follower of Christ, the battle is won and the more I pursue God the more I submit gladly.

1 Corinthians 3

There was division going on, some said they followed Paul and others Apollos but 
I doubt this is a massive sin issue in my life but I always better watch out. Our missional efforts must always go towards leading and building up Christ in peoples lives, not to our ego or their convenience. Paul established the groundwork for the lost (preaching the gospel/theology) while Timothy and Apollos strengthened the churches from Paul's teachings. They had different roles to play but the foundation was built on God, and all the credit went to Him because it is only King Jesus who saves. He does not share the merit nor split the hard work with missionaries, the act of salvation is only achieved by Christ. Paul explained that rather than looking them himself and Apollos they should look to Jesus. 


Prayer/response:
-  keep myself accountable and be a good Stewart both in my studies and my Christian living
- Keep God as the foundation of my ministry
- Cape Town. May they know you and be strengthened in you

1 Corinthians 2

Paul disses eloquent speech as a necessity for preaching the gospel, we shouldn't add or subtract, shouldn't twist, only the gospel story in itself saves. We should keep it original! Of course we can use intelligent or different words for its appropriate audience but it should always centre on the purpose and necessity of the cross, it must never deviate. Paul also disses human reasoning, even the religious officials who were supposed to be the wisest men in Israel failed to discern Jesus as the messiah. This proves that only true children of God will be to discern through the Holy Spirit, our salvation is out of our control.  

Prayer/reflection:
- pray for mission team
- don't rely on my own abilities

1 Corinthians 1

Paul urged the Corinthians to stop diving over trivial issues and unify. He doesn't want people to hold their allegiance to him or Apollos but rather King Jesus. I think what stood out most to me is that God has destroyed the wisdom of the wise, the foolish of this world are actually saved. Me, a dropkick, saved. wow. The only boasting I should be doing is not in my own achievements but rather that God is supremely valuable.  God provides true wisdom, not my meme collection or career driven church. 

God's Glory and Your Purpose: Devotions with John Piper Day 5

The Consumption of all Things

Habakkuk 2:14
Romans 8:18
Matthew 13:43

All creation will receive the freedom of the glory of God's children. The creation is secondary, God's children are primary. We are going to be gloried and brought into complete conformity to Jesus. The creation will be made suitable for God's Children. 
  
God glorifies Himself in reconciled relationship with not just each other but for also our environments.  

I didn't understand this plan too much. I don't think I'll be doing another YouVersion devotion anytime soon. There's difficulty understanding these, I spend too much time attempting to juice out the meanings or applications that it can become a chore. 

God's Glory and Your Purpose: Devotions with John Piper Day 4

How the Rescued Life Looks

Romans 4:20

2 Corinthians 3:18

Abraham didn't waver in unbelief but grew strong in his faith giving glory to God. As he went through trials, he was glorifying God.

Life changes when I'm trust in Jesus, just like most people this is a struggle. Trusting in God is seeing him as glorious and being satisfied I'm Him, His presence, His promises etc.

- We are justified through faith apart from works of the law. In OT God didn't just demand sacrifices but also a personal sacrifice of our own ego. Yahweh is God, not me, my decisions and mentality have consequences.

As the final days comes closer, as my pursuit for God grows I become more like Him since. I become like what I should treasure, the glory of God. This cuts off the roots for our sinful pursuits If this is done it should show effect, maybe not immediately but all God's followers are shown to be growing like Him.