West Cork Methodists

The passage today is 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
God’s Wisdom Is Revealed in the Cross (vv. 18–21)
God’s Power Works Through What the World Despises (vv. 22–25)
God Chooses the Lowly to Display His Glory (vv. 26–29)
Our Boast Is in the Lord Alone (vv. 30–31)

1 Corinthians 1:4-17 provides us with a rich passage to challenge us:
Gratitude — Seeing Grace Before Grievance
Gospel — Christ at the Centre
Getting Real — Unity Over Ego

We continue our exploration of 1 Corinthians with a look behind the scenes. What happened when Paul travelled to Corinth? Acts 18:1-11tells us the story
1. Partnership in the Gospel (Acts 18:1–4)
2. Opposition in the Mission (Acts 18:5–7)
3️. Encouragement from the Lord (Acts 18:9–11)

Lessons from a letter - week 1
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
New International Version
 
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:13-24
New International Version
 
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
Final Greetings
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla[a] greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord[b]!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.[c]
Footnotes
1 Corinthians 16:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
1 Corinthians 16:22 The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Marana tha) used by early Christians.
1 Corinthians 16:24 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

Matthew 5:38-48
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Our final look at the Beatitudes and we focus in on verse 11 and 12, as our underpinning passage and then Matthew 27:27-31 is our focus. 

We visit with the Beatitudes once more as we discover blessed are the peacemakers

Matthew 5:1-12 provides the text from which 5 Kingdom paths are explored:
Embracing Spiritual Poverty
Mourning That Leads to Comfort
Strength in Meekness
A Righteous Hunger
Seeing God with Clean Hearts
The questions for further reflection:
In what area of your life are you still relying on your own effort rather than admitting your total dependence on Jesus?
Will you lean into your pain long enough to let Christ comfort you and redirect your tears into compassionate action?
Where are you clinging to your rights or seeking revenge, instead of trusting God’s timing and yielding in meek humility?
Which injustice ignites restless compassion in you, and what first step will you take this week to pursue God’s righteousness?What hidden motive or divided loyalty do you need to confess—and how will you pursue purity of heart in the days ahead?

Matthew 15:1-20 and Matthew 5:1-6
The points and questions:
Righteousness begins with hunger, not habit.
Tradition must never outdo truth.
God looks at the heart, not the hands.
What comes out reveals what’s within.
Righteousness is a journey, not a performance.
Questions from the sermon this week:
Is my pursuit of righteousness driven by routine—or by real hunger for God’s presence? 
What spiritual habits have become empty rituals in my life, and how can I rekindle a genuine thirst for God's truth?
Have I ever elevated tradition above truth in my walk with God?
 What customs or expectations have I accepted without testing them against Scripture?
Am I more focused on what I do for God—or on who I am before Him?
Are my outward actions a true reflection of an inward hunger for righteousness?
When I speak in moments of stress or conflict, what do my words reveal about the condition of my heart? 
Am I willing to let God transform what’s within so that what comes out reflects His righteousness?
Am I chasing righteousness to impress others—or to grow closer to God? 
How can I embrace the journey of righteousness with grace, patience, and trust in God’s timing?

Part three of seven in our series exploring the Beatitudes.
Luke 18:9-14 and Matthew 5:1-5 are the scripture readings, the Call to Worship is Psalm 133 and opening prayer is from Seedbed's daily Wake-Up Call.
This is a daily devotional, usually by JD Walt and can be found at https://seedbed.com/wakeupcall/
It is a good holy habit to inhabit.