Monthly Archives: August 2017

2 Kings 5, 1 Corinthians 14

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In 2 Kings 5, we read of Naaman’s cleansing from leprosy, an event with many parallels to our own cleansing. Rather than some mighty act, Naaman had to humble himself and submit to the simple instructions from Elisha. Naaman’s pride almost cost him the chance to be healed, but the faith of a little girl taken captive from Israel convinced him to do as instructed.

Similarly, we have not been called to perform some mighty work in order to be saved from the effects of sin. Instead, we’ve been called to humble ourselves and submit to God. The cleansing we have been offered is free, just as Naaman’s healing was free. We are also reminded of the impact out faith can have on others, and the need to encourage each other as we walk towards God’s kingdom.

Paul also considers the idea of the needs of others in 1 Corinthians 14, in the context of holy spirit gifts. Paul “would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” While both gifts are useful in the right context, anything that will build up and encourage others is far more important, “For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up”. This should be our focus in the body of Christ, building each other up in our spiritual journey.

1 Corinthians 6

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1 Corinthians 6 is largely a negative chapter, focusing on issues of sexual immorality and taking believers to court. Rather than simply condemning these practices, Paul finishes each section with an explanation and a reminder of our calling.

“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” This applies to us all; prior to baptism we were all sinners. Probably not sexually immoral, but sinners nonetheless. Rather than filing lawsuits against fellow Christians, or attempting to defraud them, as some Corinthians were, Paul reminds us all of the amazing gift we have received. Washed free of past sins, our focus now should be care for each other, a united body headed up by Christ.

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? … You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” As members of Christ, redeemed by his sacrifice, our purpose in life is to glorify God, so Paul encourages us to live accordingly, slaves of righteousness, reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.