Where’s the proof? What defines value?
Joshua 9 /Proverbs 4 /1Corinthians 13-16
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
Joshua 9:14 So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD.
Proverbs 4:25-26 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe.
NT
13:1-3 If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
14:12 Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church.
OT Flash Points
Deception is made easy when God is not consulted
Guard your heart
Proverbs: Be resolute and decisive
NT Flash Points
The greatest gift – love
I can have all the others and still be of no use
Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom
We will be raised and transformed
Be strong, steady, enthusiastic, do all in love
Perspective
Study and activity are combined
No separation between sacred and secular
No attachment to possessions
Study comes after experience