SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 4
APOSTLES OF CHRIST (vs. 1-21)
PAUL EXPLAINED THE REQUIREMENTS OF A SERVANT OF CHRIST:
- He is entrusted with the secret things of God and given trust. So he must be faithful. (vs. 1-2)
- Bless if being cursed. (v. 12a)
- Endure persecution. (v. 12b)
- Answer kindly when being slandered. (v. 13)
- His way of life must agree with what he teaches. (v. 17)
Paul spoke to the believers what things they should do.
- Judge nothing before the appointed time. Wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of one’s hearts. (v. 5)
- Learn from Apollos and me. (v. 6a)
- Do not take pride in one man over or against another. Your deepest loyalties are to Christ and not to any favorite leaders.(v. 6b)
- Do not boast of what you have received. (v. 7)
- Imitate me. (v. 16)
COMPARISON OF APOSTLES VS. THE BELIEVERS:
- God has put apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. (v. 9a)
- Apostles have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. (v. 9b)
- Apostles are fools for Christ, weak and dishonored while believers are wise in Christ, strong and honored. (v. 10)
- Apostles go hungry and thirsty, in rags, brutally treated and homeless. (v. 11)
- Apostles work hard with their own hands. (v. 11a)
THOUGHTS
THINGS TO LEARN FROM PAUL’S TEACHINGS:
- As a steward of Christ, we must be faithful. Let God be your final judge. Live to please Him.
- All your gifts and abilities come from God. So do not take credit for them. Serve Him and use it to glorify His name.
- Be courageous to endure trials, hardships and persecution.
- Be teachable by listening to instruction and accepting discipline.