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January 13, 2023

The Good Stuff

Matthew R. Schlimm   |   Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

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Lectionary Week
January 9–15, 2023
Scripture Overview

These readings contain the common theme of the power of spoken testimony. Isaiah begins by telling his audience, “Listen to me!” He then recounts not only his own story but also the promises of restoration given to him by God. The psalmist testifies about his experience. Although he has been in a difficult place, God has called him out and has given him a new song of praise to proclaim. Paul and Sosthenes write to the Corinthians to remind them of the powerful testimony that they had given them in person, which was confirmed by God. John the Baptist cries out that Jesus is the Lamb of God and bears testimony to the miraculous signs at the baptism. Our testimony as believers today can be just as powerful.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 49:1-7. What does it mean to be God’s servant? How does this Servant Song speak of your experiences of serving God?
Read Psalm 40:1-11. When has scripture sustained you? What words have become a real presence to you?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. When have you turned your gifts inward as a sign of spiritual or social status? How can gratitude help you use your gifts in service to God and others?
Read John 1:29-42. How have you experienced Jesus’ saying to you, “Come and see”?

​​​​​​

Respond by posting a prayer .

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

4 I thank my God always for you, because of God’s grace that was given to you in Christ Jesus. 5 That is, you were made rich through him in everything: in all your communication and every kind of knowledge, 6 in the same way that the testimony about Christ was confirmed with you. 7 The result is that you aren’t missing any spiritual gift while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also confirm your testimony about Christ until the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, and you were called by him to partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

While growing up in the 1980s, my sister and I watched a popular television show called “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” We tuned in to see the incredible mansions of the world’s wealthiest people. Each show ended with the catchphrase, “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.”

In our scripture reading,...

Gracious God, help us to use our knowledge with humility, placing love first. Amen.


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