Today we read 1 Corinthians 10. Martin Luther writes: “A god means that from which we are to expect all good and in which we are to take refuge in all distress.” Our society has many such gods, be they wealth, status, reputation, even family. But the one true God does not tolerate shared allegiance. If we participated in the worship of false gods or in churches that do not faithfully confess the Gospel in all its purity, this would indicate that we assent to what that worshiping community believes. For this reason, we avoid such false worship. At the Lord’s Table, He offers His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and through them creates a faithful community, one committed to Him and to one another. He comes to His people in His Word and in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, which forgives sins and creates a Church faithful to Him. We pray that, also in Muslim lands, the Lord would allow His followers to one day soon be baptized and receive His true body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 9936). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Corinthians 9. As founder of the Corinthian Church, and as an apostle, Paul is perceived to have more “rights” than anyone else. Yet he consistently sets an example for the Corinthians, encouraging them to put off their own rights in order to serve one another. This is taught and modeled by Jesus Himself (Mark 10:45). His death and resurrection transform our lives so that we do not seek our own good but the good of others. • Praise God, who Himself became human like us in order to save us! Strengthen us, O Lord, to serve others in all things, so that all people might come to know the power of Your death and resurrection. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 9931). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Corinthians 8. The rights and the freedom of the Gospel are wrongly promoted in the Corinthian Church, leading the believers to adopt too easily the behaviors and practices of the surrounding culture. No believer has the right or freedom to destroy the faith of others, especially those whom Paul describes as weak in the faith. Faith is not a private matter. Faithful Christians will be zealous to pray for and carry out God’s will that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. How marvelously our Savior bears with our weaknesses! Most important, He took away our sin and builds us up in love. • From selfishly seeking our own rights at the expense of others, deliver us, O Lord. From unwittingly leading Your chosen saints into sin, deliver us, O Lord. Stir us up to worship and honor You alone, and through Your Spirit use us to turn others to You. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 9926). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Corinthians 7. Paul outlines two blessed estates, that of marriage and that of celibacy. We are often aware of the blessings of marriage, God’s unique gift that survived humanity’s fall into sin. Yet there are also responsibilities with marriage, and it is particularly important for the Christian to consider these when sitting down to “count the cost” of discipleship (Luke 14:28). In the Lord and by His grace, each person is fitted to one or to the other. • Lord, help me understand my gifts and calling in accordance with Your Word and mission. O Christ, deliver me from all shame. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 9923-9924). (Function). Kindle Edition.