Disciplined Faith
BRD REFLECTION 2026
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and Psalm 18:37-42 (NIV)
(Kenneth Lim from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul told the Corinthians to be disciplined in their faith, just like those seeking excellence in sports. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, he reminded them that although the Israelites had amazing spiritual encounters with God, many of them still fell into idolatry, sexual immorality and grumbling. He warned the Corinthians to be vigilant and not to fall into the same trap.
Paul then addresses the tension between spiritual rights and freedom, using the example of eating food offered to idols to illustrate his point: although believers can do so (because idols are not real gods), they should refrain if it stumbles others into thinking that Christians can worship both God and idols. Paul calls on them to give up their freedoms out of love for others in this way, just as Paul had foregone many of his own freedoms to bring the gospel to the Corinthians.
APPLY:
As life happens and more responsibilities fall into my lap, it is easy to feel entitled to grumble, push others away and forego my spiritual disciplines. But Paul reminds me that although my faith is rightfully a source of comfort, comfort is not the point of my faith. Instead, I have been saved to be holy and to participate in God’s redemptive work to lead others to holiness as well. Therefore, like Paul, I should not give in to what I feel entitled to, but I should continue to discipline myself to grow in holiness and serve God’s people with love.
DO:
I will be disciplined in my pursuit of God and His designs for my life. I will be vigilant about my spiritual health and not give in to complacency, even as responsibilities pile up in my life.
PRAY:
Dear God, thank You that, through Jesus, You have already won the victory over sin and death. Strengthen me to participate whole-heartedly in Your redemptive work in my life and the lives of those around me and deliver me from the temptations that will lead me away from where You want me to go. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
