January 17 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

The theme of the month is spiritual war. Jesus won the battle not by might but by obedience. He is the source of salvation for all who obey him. When we have stood the test, we will share Christ's glory.

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 10: 1–12

Bible Text:

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (1 Cor. 10:12).

Devotional:

A big, strong man walks on an icy road. He is athletic and confident of his footing. Suddenly, he slips and falls on his face.

Paul suggests this scene to warn us against spiritual pride and self—confidence. God's people of the Old Covenant had rich privileges. God delivered them from bondage in Egypt. He saved them at the Red Sea. In a manner of speaking, all of the Israelites had been baptized, and all had tasted God's spiritual food and drink. But before they entered the promised land, they were tempted by the immoral feasts of idol worshipers. And they fell into the traps by the thousands.

We are richer than the believers of the Old Covenant. On us "the fulfillment of the ages has come" (v. 11). Christ has risen and the Holy Spirit has descended. But we are not beyond temptation.

Many Christians in the church of Corinth thought too highly of their own spirituality. Paul tells them, "If you think you're so strong, be careful! A small patch of ice can sprawl a strong man. A little temptation can floor a mighty leader. Beware if you think you're spiritually strong!"

Moment by moment the Christian life is lived by faith alone, without human guarantee. Unless we cling to the arm of God, we fall.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.