Day 290 – 1 Corinthians 4–6 Psalm 92

At the beginning of 1 Corinthians 4–6, Paul is still in Ephesus on his third missionary journey. He’s been there for quite some time, teaching daily and helping the church grow, but his heart is heavy with concern for the believers in Corinth. From Ephesus, he’s hearing reports that the young church he helped start is struggling with pride, conflict, and confusion about how to live out their faith. Writing from far away makes him feel both protective and burdened, like a father watching his children make choices that could hurt them. Even so, Paul’s words are filled with love and hope. He doesn’t give up on them. Instead, he gently but firmly reminds them who they are in Christ and how they can live with grace, unity, and integrity in a world that often pulls them in the opposite direction.

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul reminds the believers that he and the other teachers are only servants of Christ, trusted to share God’s truth. Some people in Corinth had started judging and comparing leaders, but Paul says that only God truly knows a person’s heart. He encourages humility and patience, reminding them that when Jesus returns, everything hidden will be brought to light. Even though Paul writes with gentle love, he also feels like a father correcting his children, urging them to live in a way that reflects Christ’s kindness and humility.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul speaks firmly about a situation in the church that everyone was ignoring. He tells them that love sometimes means having hard conversations and guiding each other back toward what is right. He wants them to stay pure and not let harmful choices spread through the church like yeast through dough. Paul’s heart shows both truth and grace. He wants the believers to protect the goodness of their community and help one another grow closer to God.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul teaches about handling disagreements wisely. Some believers were even taking each other to court, forgetting that they were supposed to represent God’s love. Paul reminds them that their bodies and lives belong to the Lord, and that they should use both to honor Him. He encourages them to make choices that reflect their new life in Jesus, one marked by peace, respect, and self-control.

In Psalm 92, we hear a song of gratitude and joy. It celebrates how good it is to praise God, morning and night, because His love never stops. The psalm compares people who stay close to God to palm trees planted in His house. They grow strong and full of life even in old age. It’s a reminder that staying rooted in God’s presence keeps our hearts fresh, thankful, and steady no matter what season we’re in.