Reflection on Corinthians Adventures

I recalled in 2015, I felt the challenge in my faith. I made a decision to take a n-pay leave to attend Corinthians class in 2016. Indeed, I have gained so much and never regret coming to attend and join this journey together. The “EAR” principle in studying the word of God has made me rethink about my personal walk and attitude in learning the word of God. E, that is exegesis, A is application of God’s word and R is response to God’s word. Before teaching and preaching the word of God, I need to understand the text, the content.  In this process, I need to understand the certain key words, the structural of text, and analyze the text. And, by doing structural diagramming, it will help me to understand the key message of the writer. After understanding the text, I ought to know how to apply the biblical principles in our life. Lastly, it comes to allow God’s word to transform my lives and let God speak to me in my situation. Often, I have focused too much in understanding the plain meaning of the text, and the principle extract from the text. I may think that I have responded to the word of God, let it transform my life. However, I am wrong. These 3 processes are equally important. Exegesis without application of the word is an irrelevant informed understanding; application without exegesis is a subjective eisegesis; exegesis and application of the word of God but without a personal respond is a mere head knowledge. I felt that it has served as a warning to me, not to fall into the trap of having only head knowledge without heart knowledge. Thank God for the 2 spiritual exercises, it has served as a platform for me to respond to this warning. In fact, I would like to adopt this practice and make it as part of my spiritual discipline.

In reading Corinthian, I have always wondered about the issue of unity in Corinthian church. Many times, in Christian churches we often hear people claimed that they are from this denomination, that denomination. Or in my own church, I often hear people said they are from this congregation, Chinese congregation, Filipino congregation or Young adult congregation. In speaking of this, if not careful, it is quite easily to create some division in the church. Often, I will ask people that question as well, at times, it is to find out more about others, however, at times, I know that my motive is not right. In studying this Corinthian, I have a new perspective about division in the church, and how it could start with a small conversation. In the Corinthian church, people talked about who are their leaders, in my church, people talk about who are the leader of their congregation. It is the attitude that matters when I participate in such conversation. I ponder perhaps I was just trying to strike a conversation with people, and this is just an easy starter for conversation. Perhaps, I should learn to use another starter instead of this. Watching out for any small conversation or thoughts that will cause division in the community, and my role is to take captivate the thoughts, and make it obedience to the Word of God. All things belongs to God, there is only one God. All the churches, all the resources, all ministries belongs to God.

Paul taught the community that what is mean to be a true Spiritual community. I have gained a new perspective on the meaning of Christian community. He has addressed many issues and problems faced in the church. A church is a body of Christ, all of us needed each other. In this community, we are to build up one another in growing and knowing God with the principle of love not of jealousy. I am doing a pioneering work in my church. I am seeing some of the same problems, e.g. offering to idols, gossipping. I am praying that I will make use of the principles and build up the community to be grounded with God’s love.

In studying this book, I also felt that my perspective of “right” changes. It is quite common for me to think that I have the right to feel angry, to make things right, to judge others for doing the wrong things. I have the right to be myself, not to be used by God, to be fearful. However, when I calm down and think, the truth is only God is the chief judge. My role in Christ is to humble myself, to follow God’s commandments that is to love God and to love others. Certainly, when I start to think that I have “the rights”, I am already sinning against the Lord. In overcoming pride, I think repentance is always come first. However, in order for me to know that I am prideful, I need to always turn into God’s channel, listen to His leading and guiding. When I am too proud, God will surely tell me, remind me. My respond is to quickly repent and accept His correction immediately without hesitation.