NT Fire Starters – Day 237: 1 Corinthians 11:2-34
READ: 1 Corinthians 11:2-34
THINK: Whether you realize it or not, whether you like it or not, your life has a direct influence on others. This is especially true if they know you’re a Christian. Your attitudes, your words, your actions and even your appearance will send impressions–right or wrong–about what God is like and what He values. Be sure that the “image” you convey is worthy of reflecting God and associating with Christ.
RESPOND: How do the “teachings” relate God’s principles to various issues of life? (See 11:2 note.) In what ways are men and women equal under God and in relation to Christ? (See 11:3 note.) Why has God established an order of authority? What does it mean that man is the “head” of the woman? (See 11:3, sub-points 3 & 4.) Why did women cover their heads? (See 11:6 note.) Though women today need not do this, what spiritual principles behind this act still apply today? Why are these principles particularly relevant to fashion-conscious youth? How does modesty enhance a person’s beauty, dignity and worth? In what ways should Christians show sensitivity to cultural practices and perceptions? (See 11:14 note.) Must a Christian always adapt to the culture in order to “relate”? Why or why not? In what ways might Christians need to accommodate social norms in order to be spiritually sensitive to others? How and why must Christians be distinctly different from others? How did some Corinthian church gatherings do more harm than good? How were people inconsiderate of one another when celebrating the Lord’s Supper? What’s the significance of this occasion? (See 11:20 note.) How did church members defeat the purpose of this gathering? (See 11:21 note.) What do the cup and bread represent? (See 11:24-25 note.) What does it mean to eat and drink in “an unworthy manner”? (See 11:27 note.) Why is this so serious? (See 11:29 note.) How can you ensure that you participate in communion in a worthy manner? What purpose does God’s discipline serve? (See11:32 note.)
PRAY: Ask God to help you demonstrate modesty in your appearance so that you draw attention to Christ and not yourself. Pray that you’ll be sensitive to the culture in which you live so you can relate Jesus to people in a proper and effective manner. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice for you. Ask Him to help you share His grace with others.
ACT: Be sure that your clothing and fashion choices are modest, not drawing inappropriate attention to yourself. Also, be careful not to exclude people from social and ministry settings. Deliberately include people who don’t know Jesus.