Paul loved the Corinthian church. He invested a year and a half in Corinth to preach and teach the Gospel. He labored like a father to provide for their spiritual needs so they would grow in faith and godliness. But they turned on him. They chose to listen to some smooth-talkers who led them down wrong paths. Paul, however, always sought the purity of the church in Corinth. He considered it his duty to present her as a clean, holy bride for Christ. He pursued this goal through teaching the Word of God, pointing people to Jesus.

In Ephesians 5, Paul taught on the relationship between husbands and wives, which serves as a picture of the relationship between Jesus and His Church. In verses 25–27, Paul says that Jesus gave Himself to save His Bride from sin, cleansing her with the washing of water by the Word—to present the Church to Himself as a pure bride. Paul saw himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthian believers, but he also knew he was a vessel through whom the Lord accomplished His mission. May we be mindful of the same—we work hard in faith knowing the Lord is working through us. 

How will you prioritize the Word of God in your life for your purity and that of your church?