A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional 219

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

 

🔴May I?

I recently had a conversation with a dear sister in Christ. She received Jesus into her heart, graduated from seminary, and found a church to serve. But she encountered much opposition and was heartbroken to learn that she could only do small things within the congregation. The church had strict rules and guidelines concerning women in ministry. Most were biblical, but some were downright oppressive.

What did she want to do?

Assist with Bible studies and become an apprentice. She wanted to be prepared to lead a class if the leader were absent or just needed an extra hand. Her motivation was to glorify God and use her spiritual gifts.

 

Have you had something similar happen to you? Perhaps your gender, ethnicity, or academic background created a barrier.

 

Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in so that my house will be full. (Luke 14:23)

 

How do we compel the unchurched and unsaved to come to Jesus?

 

-By being prepared to share our faith. It does not have to interfere with corporate worship or violate the order God sets for His children. Men and women alike can share the Good News of God’s Kingdom with anyone who will listen.

 

All Scripture is inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)

God made us relational.

 

A seed is planted when we share our faith with a new friend. (And I (Paul) pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. -Philemon 1:6) As we get to know their struggles, traumas, and temptations, we can provide support through encouragement.

 

God places equipped people in our midst to fill a void lacking in our church, family, or even our business.

Life with God is just that, living with Him. There isn’t a divide between church, home, work, and school. God is everywhere (Acts 17:24). We all have the authority to speak, teach, discipline, and disciple at appropriate times. Not to usurp power, but with humility, kindness, and motivation to be in God’s will.

 

Some people rose to be powerful influences of the faith because God qualified them. Not by men alone but through their profession of faith, lifestyle, and desire to plant seeds for Jesus.

God’s Spirit dwells in you! (1 Corinthians 3:16)

I want to encourage you to pray for direction if you find yourself where you aren’t ‘allowed’ to speak. Ask God what it teaches you about humility and what you can learn. Seek God’s wisdom to solve the problem through the Truth of His Word. Listen. God may reveal a different way. Yes, you can boldly share your faith and bring others to Christ.

 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Ezra 4:24-6:22, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 20:26-27

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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