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For our Family Devotional Guide this week, we’ll be looking at passages connected to 1 Corinthians 9:12b, one of the verses from Sunday’s sermon. That verse states: “Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.”
Day 1
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
Discussion: In this 2nd letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reiterated the fact that he did not want to put an obstacle in anyone’s way that might prevent them from seriously considering the gospel message. In what ways might our behavior hinder the reception of the gospel? Why is our behavior so important to a lost world? Also, note the difficulties that Paul faced. What do these difficulties tell us about the advance of the gospel (in light of Paul’s ministry)?
Song: “O Church, Arise” by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Day 2
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:12-14
Discussion: In this passage in 2 Corinthians, we see that Paul wanted to undermine the arguments of his attackers. He had determined to work as a bivocational missionary of sorts, accepting funds from other churches (v. 9) instead of burdening the church of Corinth, which had many problems. In spite of this, he was being attacked by other “false apostles.” What does this tell us about spiritual warfare? What are some principles that we can gain from how Paul responded to his attackers?
Song: “A Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther, Frederick H. Hedge, Jordan Critz & Matthew Boswell
Day 3
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:15
Discussion: The apostle Paul was very clearly selfless in his ministry. His attention was on others and their spiritual needs, going so far as to write, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” He then goes on to acknowledge some of the heartaches of ministry. What particular heartaches did the apostle Paul experience? Have you ever been hurt by those you were trying to help? How should we handle such situations?
Song: “Turn Your Eyes” by Helen H. Lemmel, George Romanacce, Kevin Winebarger, Nathan Stiff & Nic Trout