Beware of the lifestyle of convenience and ease, wealth, rest and relaxation, carefree independence, and freedom to do whatever you please with no restrictions. When taking it in, it doesn’t seem wrong or bad at all. But upon deeper reflection, there is something about this worldview that ultimately leaves people empty.

Are you trying to fulfill the requirements of God's law apart from His Spirit? If so, today's message shows that there's a better way. Take some time this week to consider what kind of “letter” you are. What kind of recommendation does your life give to Christ? It's a sobering thought!

In our study this week, Paul is concerned that the saints at Corinth are falling right into Satan's hands by refusing to forgive the repentant individual who was a cause of great pain and harm to them. That concern of Paul is a valid concern for us today. Oftentimes Satan is able to accomplish his evil genius in the life of a believer or a congregation when we fail to recognize the ways that he works to steal, kill, and destroy the people of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Where can we find comfort in the midst of our difficulties? What is the purpose for our struggles? Our God is a God who gives comfort and encouragement to us in our times of difficulty and affliction. God uses these sufferings to draw us nearer to Him, and to rely on Him and not ourselves, as He strengthens, encourages, and helps us.

Paul concludes his first letter to the Corinthians with an Aramaic phrase, “Maranatha”. It translates as, “Come, O Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22) It is a significant ending for his letter. Paul’s focus, as ours, is upon the anticipated return of our Lord Jesus Christ.