Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to 1 Corinthians 9:17

The apostle Paul is legendary for his work as a minister of the gospel. But we often forget that throughout his ministry, Paul also worked as a culture-creating tentmaker. As Scriptures in this plan make clear, Paul had the option to work as a “donor-supported missionary” but chose not to. Why? That’s the question we’ll answer in this plan, and in so doing, glean insights relevant to our own work.

Of all the apostles, Paul’s conversion/calling story was arguably the most notable and miraculous, his assignment to take the Gospel to the Gentiles the most unique, and the tangible results of his obedience the most impressive by human standards. Even so, Paul did not operate as a lone wolf, set apart from the pack and self-sufficient. On the contrary, this hero of the Christian faith understood the essential role his brothers and sisters played in his life and stayed connected to them even when his assignment to preach and live truth called him away for long stretches of time. 

Spiritual disciplines help us stay healthy and fit. They can deepen our faith, lead us closer to the heart of God, and help us grow in a relationship with God. Join us in this Abide plan as we pray and meditate on Bible passages that show us how spending time in scripture through study, memorization, meditation, and contemplation nurtures our relationship with God.

God has given each of his children unique gifts, but it’s up to us what we do with them. We can neglect them, use them for selfish gain, or use them to serve others. This plan will help you identify your gifts and show you how to multiply them to reach your full potential.

All Christians are called to love and serve the needs of others, but some believers are uniquely gifted to serve by leading, preaching, teaching, shepherding, evangelizing, or going cross-culturally as missionaries. Ministry begins with and is sustained by grace. This devotional plan will help you practice grace in your service to God.

Spiritual disciplines are practices that develop our relationship with God and draw us closer to Him. In these devotionals, we hope you start to cultivate new disciplines in your life. Disciplines that bring you life and deepen your relationship with our creator God.

Can't stand your job? Feel undervalued and underappreciated at work? Called to do something else? Prayed and prayed for God to open career opportunities but no doors have opened? I've been there! If you have been there or are there now... this plan is for you.

1 Corinthians is one of the richest books of the Bible on the topic of work. Paul talks about everything from why he worked so hard as a tentmaker to the fact that there are eternal rewards for how we work in this life. Over the next 6 days, we’ll dive deep into 6 passages from this letter and apply them to the work we’re all doing today.

The Lord Jesus promised that one day He will return to rule over all the earth. But how should believers shape their lives here on earth until that day comes? Jesus teaches us more about that in a parable. Will you read along?

The Bible has a lot to say about our part in handling money and possessions. Instead of doing what we will, God wants us to do His will. This 7-day plan will help readers gain a biblical understanding of being faithful with finances, how to apply it to their lives, and prepare them to share this learning with others.

The light and love of Jesus meet the world’s deep need—and we can participate in bringing his light to our communities and relationships. In these devotionals, pastor and former NFL player Derwin Gray encourages us to become everyday missionaries, offering good news to those around us.

Drawing on James Spencer's book titled Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody, this Bible Plan examines eight characteristics evident in the Scriptures and in the life of 19th century evangelist Dwight Moody (e.g., surrendered, prayerful, humbled, undistracted, and studious). A free guide including these reflections along with activities and additional devotional content is also available for download from D. L. Moody Center.

If you follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit has empowered you with spiritual gifts for his glory. Are you actively using them for the benefit of others? Do you feel like you’re misapplying them? This study dives into what spiritual gifts are, how God will use your gifts, and how to connect with other Christians who possess gifts different from yours.

Do you want to share Jesus with others but need help figuring out how to begin? This devo will help you learn how to bridge spiritual conversations into gospel conversations. With practical steps, you will feel more confident to take the steps of faith to share the life-changing message of Jesus with others.

How many times have we wanted to go back in time to remedy the mistakes made or to avoid unpleasant situations? Unfortunately, this desire remains only a dream because we cannot travel in time. But in Christ, we have the possibility to use the present time in the best way, recovering through faith every moment of our life and spending it in the abundance of God's blessing. How is this possible?

The world tells tales that deny God. We believe many of them. The Bible tells a different story, but to understand that story we have to live it. Inspired by D. L Moody Center’s Go Dark, Shine Bright campaign, this 10-day Bible Plan challenges you to set aside stories that keep the Lord at arm’s length by engaging in practices that will ground your life in God’s story.

In part three of a five-part, verse-by-verse journey through the Book of 1 Corinthians, we'll dive into chapters 7–9.

The church at Corinth was plagued by internal division and sinful derision. Paul provides the only solution potent enough for their disunity and spiritual disruptions: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:10). 1 Corinthians reminds us that by focusing on Jesus and His glorious resurrection, we too will “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Let’s explore how we can influence the culture with the truth of God’s word through 1 and 2 Corinthians! These two letters are a powerful message from the Apostle Paul to a church that was passionate about its mission but needed direction to remain true to its Christian faith and doctrines. Those priorities make his letters important teaching for every Christian.

Helping another person come to Christ is one of our greatest privileges as a believer. Yet it can also be intimidating for many of us. The Bible provides insights and encouragement to equip and engage us in the process. Three important truths lay the foundation: Everyone is on a spiritual journey, God is already at work, and he wants to use you. Join us for this 28-day journey together.

Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage and key verse for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, a prayer and prayer concern to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme “God’s Life-Giving Word of Faith.”

Each daily reading by Pastor Paul Chappell will encourage you to share your faith with others and declare the glorious message of the gospel to a lost world.

In these devotional notes, Robin and Zoe Ham point us to Paul’s focus on our identity in Christ and the reality of his return. We’ll see that this letter is more than just a reprimand; it is rich in gospel truth and has plenty to teach us about how to live in the light of Jesus’ resurrection today.

This reading plan is part of a series that will take you through the entire New Testament in a year. Each month's plan covers a specific book or books. October focuses on 1 Peter, James, Jude, and 1 Corinthians. The plan is designed to be used with a small group of friends. Read the daily passage first, reflect on one or all of the questions, and try the engagement practice.