Reading and studying one chapter of the bible every day. Prayerfully study the whole 4th Chapter of the book of 1 CORINTHIANS.
December 14, 2024
? 1 CORINTHIANS 4
[1] Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
[2] Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
[3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
[4] For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.
[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
[21] What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Beloved of God, happy day of rest.
Serving God isn’t easy, it requires bearing lots of discouragements. But heaven and earth observe Christ’s servants, to see if they really rely on the power from the Holy Spirit. The model is Christ and the truth from His word, people change (they don’t qualify to be our models).
1️⃣AN OTHER CHARACTERISTIC OF THE REAL SERVANTS OF CHRIST (1-6)
?The servants of Christ are valuable. But the real ones do not care much about pleasing people, or their judgement. They rejoice in being God’s vessels obeying through different gifts they have been given.
2️⃣GOD-SENT PREACHERS ARE SPECTACLES (1Abako 4:7-13)
?Gospel preachers are spectacles to the world. The required work is not sweet words to the eyes and understanding of men, but to work with the Spirit and the power that only comes from God.
? God-sent messengers are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men, not because they place themselves in high positions, but because they show that they are strengthened and helped by the Spirit. (Manuscript 165, 1899).
➡️In the vineyard of the Lord, are many challenges, poverty, being despised. But in all trials they go through Christ’s disciples follow the example, the will and commands of their Lord.
??Wouldn’t you choose to be undervalued by the world when God makes you valuable, worthy to inherit the everlasting kingdom?
3️⃣HE HAS BEGOTTEN THEM THROUGH THE GOSPEL, HE WORRIES FOR THEM (1Corithians 4:14-21)
?While rebuking evil deeds, remember to distinguish a sinner from sin. Though he used parental authority, Paul corrected them in love(Verse 14).
➡Instead of shaming those who have sinned, one has to go to them in love because only then the chance of them being corrected is higher.
✍?We can learn from Teachers and preachers’ character when they reflect Christ in their life. They can make mistakes as humans, but Christ and the truth from the word of God never part ways.
✍?Verse 20, the gospel does not only consist in words, but is accompanied by the power of the Spirit, that sets people free from the bondage of Satan. People become new in hearts, and that is reflected in lifestyles.
⚠Dear Brothers and Sisters, the conflict between Christ and Satan, between good and evil affects the servants of God. They have to be humble and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Then they will be able to be patient, and lead in love. Every real Christian is a servant of God, he/she must ask God to sanctify him/her, then use him/her.
?DEAR GOD, WE ASK YOU THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES, SO WE CAN BE YOUR OBEDIENT VESSELS?
Onward Pilgrim