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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 168

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:12

DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE

There are different stages of life. And at each stage, we understand and we behave differently. This observation is true in the spiritual realm as well.

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child;
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.
Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
1 Corinthians 13:11-12

1. Two stages of life mentioned

a) Childhood
b) Manhood

2. Childhood

a) The understanding is that of a child.
b) The speech would also be that of a child.

3. Manhood

a) When manhood is reached.
b) Childish things are put away (but of course).

4. Mirrors in the first century

a) They did not have glass mirrors in those days.
b) Highly polished brass functioned as “mirrors”.
c) The purpose of looking at a mirror is to see oneself.

5. “We see in a mirror, dimly”

a) This was an honest and factual statement.
b) The “mirror” is a reference to the Word of God (James 1:23-25).
c) But at best we can see ourselves “dimly” or “vaguely”.

6. “Face to face”

a) This can be a reference to seeing God up close.
b) Moses was one who was described as having God speak to him “face to face”.

7. “Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known”

a) Paul with all his vast knowledge, only spoke of knowing in part.
b) And as his knowledge of the Word of God grew, so he hopes to know as he is known by God.