1 Corinthians 12:21-26 Respect the Foot
Format for Your Devotions
Instructions: Do not read my example devotion until you have completed your own devotional time in the scriptures. Reading my thoughts first may limit your own understanding. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you alone before looking to see what anyone else has to say, whether it is me, a Bible commentary, or a friend. Let God speak to you before you let another person speak to you. I have provided a format, but modify it to fit your needs. For example, I usually combine my application and prayer together talking to God about the application to my own life. You can go through this devotion process mentally, speaking out loud, or in writing as you wish. Don’t worry if you are not following this process exactly. Sometimes, I add extra information and sometimes I emphasize one part more than others. However, you should always think about what you learn about God from this passage.
Step 1: Pray–Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance first of all and that God may reveal the lessons that He wants you to have that day. Request that God protect you from Satan’s distractions (and the devil will try to distract you whether it is pinching the baby or putting you to sleep). Ask to see God more clearly as you read and think about the passage.
Step 2: Read the passage–Read to get an overview of the information first. Then start looking at specific parts after the first reading. You may read a larger or smaller section than I have here because you do not have to follow my organization at all.
Step 3: Understand the passage–You can summarize, ask and answer your own questions about the passage, visualize the story, analyze the characters, and relate this passage to other scriptures and personal experiences.
Step 4: What does this reveal about God?–What do you learn about the Father, Son, and/or Holy Spirit from this passage?
Step 5: Apply this to your own life.
Step 6: Prayer
My Example Devotion: March 19, 2020 1 Corinthians 12:21-26
Note: In the devotion examples, I leave my questions and thought processes in the text because I am trying to demonstrate that a devotional time is a dialogue with God about what you are reading from His word. As such, any questions or ideas that you have should be explored by talking it out with God. These example devotions are not my attempts to teach you what the meaning of a particular scripture is. They are an attempt to teach you the process of devotions, which is a combination of prayer and Bible study where you explore ideas with God as you read His word.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
(Understanding the Text) Paul is saying that in the church, we need each other. Some may appear to be weaker than others. Some may appear to be stronger, but appearances are deceptive. We need the weaker members as much as the stronger members. Some need to be covered up a little so that their problem areas are not made worse, but they are still needed by their fellow church members. We are to take care of each other supporting each other in our weaknesses and rejoicing with each other in our strengths. We are to comfort each other in our grief and rejoice with each other in our triumphs.
The basic requirement to do what Paul is describing is that we need to love and respect each other. We need to value even problem members. We need to be interested in each other because of our love and not ignore each other or forget about one of the members.
(Revelation of God) God has brought us together for a purpose. We do not know what God’s purposes are most of the time, but we know what He has told us to do: love and support each other. We need each other, which is why God brought us together. God understands us better than we understand ourselves.
(Application) I need to love my fellow church members and treat them well. This is often difficult. I have good desires for them and wish them well, but all too often I do not show my love in tangible ways. For me, it seems to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, which is not the kind of relationship that Paul is describing between church members. It is pretty easy for not to be offended, so it is difficult for me to understand those church members who let other members grate on their nerves or who get easily upset, but that may not be a positive since the reason others get offended might not be pride. It be hurt because they have allowed their hearts to be opened to others while my lack of offense might be a lack of caring rather than a godly humility and forgiving nature. I need to care for others more.
(Prayer) I pray that my church will be united in love and respect, covering each other’s weaknesses and allowing each other’s strengths to shine so that we can be your representatives in truth and not just in name.