Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 26 – 1 Corinthians 9-13

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 26 - 1 Corinthians 9-13

Week 26: Exploring 1 Corinthians 9-13

This week, as we reach week 26 of our journey through the New Testament, we will explore 1 Corinthians 9-13, a series of chapters rich with Paul’s reflections on faith, discipline, and the transforming power of love. In these verses, Paul shares his approach to ministry, his cautionary reminders from Israel’s history, his teachings on reverence and spiritual gifts, and a beautiful description of love that surpasses all other virtues. Each chapter invites us to reflect on the ways we can embody these lessons, grow in unity, and place love at the heart of all we do.

Let’s walk through these chapters and uncover how they inspire us toward a deeper, more intentional faith.

1 Corinthians 9

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. - 1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul defends his rights as an apostle but explains his willingness to give up those rights for the sake of the gospel. He describes his commitment to reaching people from different backgrounds by adapting to their ways while remaining faithful to Christ.

1 Corinthians 10

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds the Corinthians of Israel’s mistakes and warns them against idolatry and temptation. He encourages them to seek God’s help in resisting temptation and to do everything for God’s glory, whether in worship or in daily life.

1 Corinthians 11

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul instructs on proper conduct in worship, addressing issues related to head coverings and the Lord’s Supper. He emphasizes respect for the Lord’s body and blood and calls for self-examination before taking Communion.

1 Corinthians 12

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches about spiritual gifts, explaining that all gifts come from the same Spirit and serve to build up the church. He compares the church to a body with many parts, each essential for the whole.

1 Corinthians 13

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes love as the greatest virtue, emphasizing that it surpasses all other spiritual gifts. He outlines the qualities of love and declares that without it, even the most impressive acts are meaningless.

Week 26: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 26: Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 9-13

Consider the following reflection questions:

1 Corinthians 9: Paul’s Sacrificial Example

  1. How does Paul describe his willingness to set aside his rights, and how can we follow his example?
  2. What does Paul’s adaptability in reaching different groups teach us, and how can we apply this in sharing our faith?
  3. How does Paul compare faith to “running a race,” and how can we bring purpose and discipline to our faith?

1 Corinthians 10: Warnings from Israel’s History

  1. How does Paul use Israel’s history as a warning, and what can we learn from their example?
  2. What does it mean to live “for the glory of God,” and how can we incorporate this into our actions?
  3. How does Paul assure us of God’s help in temptation, and how can we find strength in difficult situations?

1 Corinthians 11: Reverence in Worship and Communion

  1. How does Paul call for reverence in the Lord’s Supper, and how can we approach communion with humility?
  2. What does Paul say about honoring others in worship, and how can we show respect for others in our gatherings?
  3. How can Paul’s guidance on the Lord’s Supper deepen our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?

1 Corinthians 12: Spiritual Gifts and Unity in the Body

  1. What does Paul say about each person’s spiritual gifts, and how can we celebrate and use our unique contributions?
  2. How does Paul describe the church as a body, and how can we work together to strengthen our faith community?
  3. Why does Paul emphasize unity amid diversity, and how can we maintain unity while respecting differences?

1 Corinthians 13: The Excellence of Love

  1. How does Paul define love, and how can this description transform our relationships?
  2. Why does Paul place love above other virtues, and how can we prioritize love in our actions?
  3. How does love as described here encourage us to act with kindness and patience, and how can we live out these qualities?
Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 9
Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 10
Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 11
Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 12
Reflection Questions for 1 Corinthians 13

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 26 - 1 Corinthians 9-13
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. - 1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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