Outreach – Page 6 – Just Keith Harris

1 Corinthians 4 on 11/24 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul explains how the Corinthians should view Christian leaders like himself and Apollos: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God who are called to be found faithful (vv. 1–2). Because the Lord is the true Judge, Paul is not controlled by the Corinthians’ opinions—or even his own self-assessment—but looks ahead to the time when Jesus will bring hidden things to light and expose the motives of every heart (vv. 3–5). Only then will each one receive praise from God. Paul urges them not to go beyond what is written in Scripture and reminds them that everything they have is a gift from God, leaving no room for pride or boasting (vv. 6–7; cf. Jas. 1:17).

To humble their arrogance, Paul contrasts the Corinthians’ self-satisfied attitude with the apostles’ costly path. They think they are already rich and reigning, but the apostles are treated like those “sentenced to death,” considered fools for Christ, weak, dishonored, hungry, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless, and working with their own hands (vv. 8–12). When reviled, they bless; when persecuted, they endure; when slandered, they answer kindly, becoming like the “scum of the world” in the eyes of others (vv. 12–13). Yet Paul says this not to shame them, but to admonish them as his beloved children. Though they have many guides, he became their spiritual father through the gospel, and he calls them to imitate his Christ-centered way of life (vv. 14–16; cf. 11:1).

Because he loves them, Paul has sent Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ, and he plans to come himself if the Lord wills (vv. 17–19). Some arrogant people act as if he will never return, but Paul warns that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power—the real work of God in and through His people (vv. 19–20). He closes with a tender but firm question: should he come with a rod of discipline, or with love and a spirit of gentleness (v. 21)?

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to boast in yourself—your gifts, position, or spiritual progress—instead of seeing everything as received from God? Let Paul’s words re-center your heart in humility: leaders are servants, success is a stewardship, and any fruit in your life is grace from beginning to end.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Practice humble gratitude today. Thank God specifically for two or three gifts or opportunities He has given you, and then encourage a pastor, teacher, or mentor—reminding them (and yourself) that all true ministry is Christ’s work through faithful servants.

1 Corinthians 3 on 11/23 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul tells the Corinthians he cannot address them as mature, spiritual people but as “people of the flesh,” spiritual infants who still need milk instead of solid food (vv. 1–2). Their jealousy, strife, and slogans like “I follow Paul” or “I follow Apollos” show they are thinking and acting just like the unbelieving world (vv. 3–4). Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are only servants—one planted, one watered—but it is God alone who gives the growth (vv. 5–7). Together they are God’s fellow workers, and the church is both God’s field and God’s building, belonging to Him rather than to any human leader (vv. 8–9).

Using the image of a building, Paul explains that as a wise master builder he laid a foundation in Corinth, and that foundation is Jesus Christ Himself (vv. 10–11). Others build on this foundation, but each one must take care how they build (v. 10). Some build with “gold, silver, precious stones” and others with “wood, hay, straw,” representing work done in faithful obedience versus work done carelessly or in a worldly way (v. 12). On the “Day,” God will test each one’s work by fire—if it survives, that person will receive a reward; if it is burned up, they will suffer loss, though they themselves will be saved “but only as through fire” (vv. 13–15; cf. 2 Cor. 5:10).

Paul then gives a serious warning: the church is God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells among them (v. 16; cf. Eph. 2:21–22). Anyone who destroys God’s temple—by tearing down the church through division and false values—will be destroyed by God, for His temple is holy (v. 17). Therefore, the Corinthians must stop deceiving themselves by chasing worldly wisdom, which God calls foolish (vv. 18–20). Instead of boasting in human leaders, they must remember that “all things” are theirs—whether Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life, death, the present, or the future—because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (vv. 21–23).

🌀 Reflection:
How are you building on the foundation of Jesus in your life and in your church? This chapter reminds you that your service, words, attitudes, and relationships in the body of Christ will be tested. Ask God to help you turn from jealousy, comparison, and human pride so that, by the Spirit, you build in ways that honor Christ and reflect that you are part of God’s holy temple.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Invest in building up Christ’s church today. Encourage a fellow believer who serves faithfully, speak a unifying word where there’s tension, or take a concrete step to serve in your local church—doing it consciously “on the foundation” of Jesus and for His glory, not for recognition.

1 Corinthians 2 on 11/22 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul reminds the Corinthians how he first came to them—not with lofty speech or impressive rhetoric, but with a simple, clear message centered on “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (2:1–2). He came in weakness, fear, and trembling, refusing to rely on persuasive techniques so that their faith would rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God (2:3–5). Paul wanted them to understand that salvation is not produced by clever arguments or human brilliance, but by the Holy Spirit working through the proclamation of the gospel (cf. Rom. 1:16; 1 Thess. 1:5).

Paul explains that while he does speak wisdom among the mature, it is not the world’s wisdom or the wisdom of the rulers who crucified Jesus (2:6–8). Rather, he speaks God’s hidden wisdom—His eternal plan to save sinners through the death of Christ, a plan established before the ages and revealed only by God (2:7; cf. Eph. 1:4–5; Acts 20:27). Human eyes, ears, and minds could never discover this on their own (2:9; cf. Isa. 64:4). Only the Spirit of God, who searches even the deep things of God, can make the meaning of the cross known (2:10–11).

Because of this, the Corinthians must recognize that spiritual truth can only be understood through the Spirit. Believers have received the Spirit who is from God so they may grasp what God has freely given them in Christ (2:12). The apostles taught this truth in Spirit-given words (2:13), and only those who have the Spirit can understand it. The natural person, who does not have the Spirit, cannot receive the things of God and considers them foolishness (2:14). But the spiritual person—every genuine Christian—has been given the mind of Christ and can discern the wisdom of God revealed in the gospel (2:15–16; cf. Rom. 8:9).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to rely on human strength—your words, abilities, or wisdom—rather than on the simple power of the gospel? Paul teaches that true understanding and true faith come only through the Spirit. Ask Him today to deepen your grasp of Christ crucified and to help you depend less on yourself and more on God’s power.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share the gospel simply with someone today. Don’t wait for perfect words—just point them to Jesus, trusting the Spirit to work through the message rather than your skill.

1 Corinthians 1 on 11/21 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul opens his letter by reminding the Corinthians who they are and whose they are. He writes as one called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and he addresses them as those who have been sanctified in Christ and called to be God’s holy people together with all who call on Jesus everywhere (1:1–2). He thanks God for the grace given to them in Christ—that they have been enriched in all speech and knowledge and are not lacking in any spiritual gift as they wait for Jesus to be revealed (1:4–7). Even though they are flawed, Paul assures them that God will sustain them to the end and keep them guiltless on the day of the Lord Jesus, because God Himself is faithful and has called them into the fellowship of His Son (1:8–9).

From there, Paul moves straight to one of the church’s main problems: division. He urges them, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to agree and be united in mind and judgment instead of splitting into parties around their favorite leaders (1:10–12). Reports from Chloe’s people say some are claiming, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or even “I follow Christ” (1:11–12). Paul rebukes this kind of boasting in human leaders—Christ is not divided, and it was Christ, not Paul, who was crucified for them (1:13). He is thankful he baptized only a few of them, because his main calling was to preach the gospel, not with impressive words of human wisdom, but in a way that keeps the power centered on the cross of Christ (1:14–17).

Paul then explains why the Corinthians must cling to the cross instead of human wisdom. The “word of the cross” sounds like foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God (1:18). Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks search for philosophical wisdom, but Paul preaches Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, yet to those whom God has called, Christ is the power and wisdom of God (1:22–24). God has deliberately chosen what is foolish, weak, and despised in the world to shame the wise and strong, so that no one may boast in themselves (1:26–29). Because of God, believers are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—so that, as Scripture says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1:30–31; cf. Jer. 9:24).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you tend to boast—in your abilities, your church, or your favorite leaders? Paul reminds us that everything we have in Christ is a gift of God’s grace, from our calling to our spiritual growth (1:4–9, 1:26–30). Let this chapter draw your heart away from pride and toward humble confidence in Jesus alone.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Boast in the Lord today. Tell one person—face to face, by text, or online—something specific God has done for you in Christ, giving Him the credit instead of yourself, and invite them to trust Him too.

2 Thessalonians 3 on 11/20 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul closes with both prayer and pastoring. He asks the church to pray that the word of the Lord would “speed ahead and be honored,” and that he’d be rescued from hostile people (vv. 1–2). Even when faith is lacking around them, “the Lord is faithful”—He will establish and guard His people from the evil one and strengthen their obedience (vv. 3–4). Paul prays the Lord would direct their hearts “to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ,” rooting their endurance in Jesus’s own endurance (v. 5).

Then Paul addresses the problem of idleness. Some were “not busy at work, but busybodies,” living off others and stirring up trouble (v. 11). The church must keep away from persistent idlers (loving discipline), while the idle must “work quietly and earn their own living” (vv. 6, 12). Discipline’s aim is restoration—“do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother” (vv. 14–15). Paul blesses them with the peace of Christ and signs the letter in his own hand as a mark of authenticity (vv. 16–18).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you need Christ’s steadfastness to show up in your daily grind? Ask Him to direct your heart to God’s love and strengthen you to keep doing good (vv. 5, 13).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Practice quiet faithfulness. Do one tangible task today—unseen by most—that blesses your church or neighbor, and encourage a brother or sister who’s growing weary to keep going (vv, 12–13).

2 Thessalonians 2 on 11/19 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Some in Thessalonica were shaken by a false claim that “the day of the Lord” had already come (vv. 1–2). Paul calms their fear: that day has not arrived, because two things must happen first—the rebellion and the revealing of the man of lawlessness who exalts himself “in the temple of God” (vv. 3–4). For now, a restrainer holds this back “until he is out of the way,” and then the lawless one will be revealed—only to be destroyed by Jesus with the breath of His mouth at His coming (vv. 6–8). Satan will fuel false signs and wonders to deceive those who “refused to love the truth,” and God will hand them over to their delusion (vv. 9–12).

In contrast, believers are loved by the Lord, chosen “for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,” and called through the gospel to obtain the glory of Christ (vv. 13–14). So Paul commands the church to stand firm and hold fast to the apostolic teaching they received “by word or by letter” (v. 15). He then prays that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father would comfort their hearts and establish them in every good work and word (vv. 16–17).

🌀 Reflection:
Where have you felt unsettled by rumors, headlines, or confusing teaching? Ask God to steady you in the truth of the gospel and to help you hold fast to Scripture-based teaching (vv. 2, 15).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Strengthen a friend’s faith. Share one clear gospel promise and a short prayer of encouragement and comfort with someone who’s anxious about the future (vv. 16–17).

2 Thessalonians 1 on 11/18 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul thanks God because the Thessalonians’ faith is growing and their love is increasing, even while they face persecution and affliction (vv. 3–4). Their endurance is a sign of God’s righteous judgment—He is making them worthy of His kingdom (v. 5). God will bring justice: those who afflict believers will face affliction, and the afflicted will receive relief when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (vv. 6–7). Christ will come “in flaming fire” to judge those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel; the result is eternal destruction—separation from the Lord’s presence (vv. 8–9).

But for believers, that day is full of hope: Jesus will be glorified in His saints and marveled at among all who have believed (v. 10). Until then, Paul prays that God would make them worthy of His calling, fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of Jesus is glorified in them (vv. 11–12). Suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned His people; it’s often the place where His grace, power, and future glory shine the brightest (vv. 4–5, 10–12).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you carrying pressure or pushback for following Jesus? Ask God to grow faith and love in that very place and to help you live worthily of His calling today (vv. 3, 5, 11).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a suffering believer. Send a message or pray with someone facing a hard week. Remind them that Jesus will bring relief and will be glorified in His people (vv. 7, 10).

1 Thessalonians 5 on 11/17 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul reassures believers about the day of the Lord: it will come “like a thief in the night,” catching the world off guard, but Christians are children of light and won’t be surprised (vv. 1–5). So stay awake and sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation (vv. 6–8). We are not destined for wrath but for salvation through Jesus, “so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (vv. 9–10). Therefore, encourage and build one another up (v. 11).

Inside the church, Paul urges a healthy, holy community: respect your leaders who labor among you (vv. 12–13). Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with all. Don’t repay evil for evil; pursue good (vv. 14–15). In worship and daily life: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances (vv. 16–18). Do not quench the Spirit or despise prophecies, but test everything, hold fast to what is good, and abstain from every form of evil (vv. 19–22). Paul closes with a prayer that God would sanctify them completely and keep them blameless at Jesus’ coming—and the promise: “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (vv. 23–24, 28).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you need to trade fear for hope today? Ask God to help you live as a child of the day—alert, prayerful, thankful, and ready to encourage someone who’s weary (vv. 5–6, 16–18).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a church leader or volunteer. Send a brief note or text to thank them for their labor and to pray 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 over them.

1 Thessalonians 4 on 11/16 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Paul urges believers to please God more and more by walking in holiness (vv. 1–2). God’s will is our sanctification—that we abstain from sexual immorality and learn self-control “in holiness and honor,” not in the passion of lust (vv. 3–5). To sin sexually is to wrong a brother or sister, and the Lord is an avenger in these matters. We were called to holiness; to reject this command is to reject God, who gives His Holy Spirit (vv. 6–8).

Then Paul commends their brotherly love and calls them to a quiet, faithful life: mind your own affairs, work with your hands, and walk properly before outsiders so you’re not dependent on others (vv. 9–12). Finally, he comforts the grieving: we don’t sorrow as those without hope. Because Jesus died and rose, those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ will rise first, and then we who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord—and “so we will always be with the Lord” (vv. 13–17). Therefore encourage one another with these words (v. 18).

🌀 Reflection:
Where is God inviting you to grow “more and more”—in purity, in quiet faithfulness, or in hope about death and Christ’s return (vv. 1, 3, 11, 13)? Ask the Spirit to help you walk “in holiness and honor” today (vv. 4, 8).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Write a short note (text or card) to a believer who’s grieving. Share 1 Thessalonians 4:14–18 and one sentence of encouragement: “Because Jesus rose, we have sure hope.”

1 Thessalonians 3 on 11/15 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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When Paul couldn’t stand the concern any longer, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage the church in their faith because trials were expected for followers of Jesus (vv. 1–4). Paul feared the tempter might shake their trust and make his work “in vain” (v. 5). But Timothy returned with good news—their faith and love were steady, and they longed to see Paul just as he longed to see them (v. 6). Even amid Paul’s own distress, their steadfast faith refreshed his heart: “now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord” (vv. 7–8).

Grateful for God’s work, Paul prayed night and day to see them again and supply what is lacking in their faith (vv. 9–10). He asked God our Father and the Lord Jesus to clear the way for a visit (v. 11), to make their love increase and overflow for one another and for all (v. 12), and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness at Jesus’s coming with all His saints (v. 13). Holiness and love now prepare us to meet Christ with joy then.

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you facing pressure for your faith? Ask the Lord to help you stand fast today, and to grow your love so it overflows toward both the church and your neighbors (vv. 8, 12).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a believer under pressure. Send a brief prayer or verse and one sentence naming how you see their faith and love strengthening others (v. 6).