Do Everything in Love

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Do Everything in Love

Date: Oct. 31, 2015

Passage

1 Corinthians 16:13-24 (ESV)

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:13-14

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

First, such men deserve recognition (13-18). Paul told the church in Corinth to be on their guard, strong and courageous, and to do everything in love. They had examples among them of those who loved, like Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. They were fully devoted to the work of the Lord, and sacrificially offered themselves to be of great service in supplying the apostle what he needed, and bringing him spiritual refreshment and joy. Paul was thankful for them because he saw in them the truth of love. We are weak and easily subject to loss of faith and courage. Mostly we are tempted to do everything for ourselves. Paul recognized the ones who overcame such temptation, and boldly did everything in love. This is spiritual strength.

Second, final greetings (19-24). Aquila and Priscilla had helped Paul to pioneer the church in Corinth, and they later went to Ephesus, where they were living and working. Paul's final words for the church at Corinth are a wonderful reminder that love is the solution to divisions between Christians. When we are ruled by the love of Jesus, the divisions disappear and love remains.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be strong when tempted to do everything for myself. Bless me to overcome and do everything in love.

One Word: Be strong; do everything in love

In the Eyes of the Lord

2 Kings 15:17-38

Key Verse: 15:34

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

Today's Question

What is the first commandment?

See answer and references