In chapter 12, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is our logic, and reasonable spiritual act of worship. He then emphasises the importance of not conforming (or constantly being confiormed) to the patterns of this world but insted we should be continually transformed by the renewing of our minds, so we can discern God’s will and walk pleasing to Him.

He then urges unity and diversity within the body of Christ, using the analogy of a human body with many members. Each believer has been given unique gifts that should be used humbly and in service to others.

The concluding practical exhortations are focused on how to live in community of beleivers, including:

• Genuine love and abhorrence of evil.
• Devotion and honor towards one another.
• Zeal and serving the Lord.
• Joy in hope, patience in affliction, and perseverance in prayer.
• Sharing with those in need and practicing hospitality.
• Blessing persecutors and living in harmony with everyone.
• Avoiding revenge and overcoming evil with good.

In essence, Romans 12 is a blueprint for Christian living, emphasising transformation, unity, service, and love in action.

May you be encouraged and strengthened in His Word through this study.

The post Romans Ch12 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this chapter Paul continues to speak about the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, and how they should be used for the glory of God and the edification of the whole congregation. There is not a competition as to who has the best gifts, or who can use it most frequently, they should be encouraged, sought after, but only for the building up of the congregation. 

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.  

The post 1 Corinthians Ch14 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

G. Campbell Morgan said that examining this chapter was like “dissecting a flower to understand it. If you tear it apart too much, you lose the beauty”.

Alan Redpath said one could get a spiritual suntan from the warmth of this chapter!

There is so much depth and instruction in these 13 verses that we can learn and glean from.

Love is, and what should be, the one thing that holds us all together wihtin the body of Christ – the Church. God is love. We are to take the free gift of His love and let it flow from us to those around us. Paul said: “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom 5:5).

Without the love of God imparted to us by the Holy Spirit we cannot truly love others.

Of all the gifts Paul speaks about, love is the greatest.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Corinthians Ch13 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this chapter, Paul begins to address questions the Corinthian believers had regarding the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life – particularly in regard to the gifts the Holy Spirit endows us with. 

The chapter begins with Paul urging us not to be ignorant about these things, however this is, and has been historically, an area that has led to division and disagreement within the body of Christ. Yet, Paul makes it clear at the outset, the purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to build up and edify the Church, whilst bringing glory to Christ – the Head of the body.  

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Corinthains Ch12 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.