Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 1-4.
When one looks at the religious world, it is easy to see the great diversity in doctrines and practices among the various churches. These doctrines are often conflicting with one another. The practices are sometimes very different from one church to another. Yet most people accept this as though it is to be expected. But it is not supposed to be this way. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:
“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17).
Paul’s message was consistent as he went from one church to another. He did not tailor the gospel to fit with the desires, traditions, or opinions of those he met. He preached the same gospel “everywhere in every church.”
Concerning Paul’s preaching the same thing everywhere, it is important to remember what he told the Ephesian elders: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). The religious ecumenical movement today seeks to ignore differences by only focusing on a small core message. But Paul did not do this. He preached the whole counsel of God “everywhere in every church.”
Also notice that Paul was sending Timothy to the church in Corinth. He was confident that Timothy would be bringing the same message that he brought. No matter who was preaching, the same message was taught “everywhere in every church.”
The doctrines that are taught should not vary from one church to another. We are to hold to the pattern found in the word of God (2 Timothy 1:13) and speak those things that are found in it (1 Peter 4:11). If we do this faithfully, we will be able to do as Paul did and teach the same gospel “everywhere in every church.”
Tomorrow’s reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
