Glad you’re back
for more Daily Bread! We’re moving right along through Paul’s first letter
to the Corinthians, and when we left off, his message was, don’t hold any
man in higher regard than another. Oh yes, there are people who are
admirable and respectable, but all believers are one in Christ. Remember
that one part of the body is no less important than the other. Let’s
move on to what Paul says further about this:
Let man think of us as the ministers of Christ,
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
In addition, it is required in stewards,
that a man be found faithful.
But it doesn’t matter to me if you judge me,
or of what the world thinks of me.
And I don’t judge myself either.
For I know nothing against myself,
but still, this doesn’t justify me,
but He that judges me is the Lord.
Therefore judge nothing before the time
until the Lord come (judgment day),
who will bring the hidden things of darkness to light,
and will make known the plans of the hearts,
and then shall every man have praise of God.
I’ve shown you this, using myself and Apollos for
examples,
so that you might learn by this,
not to think more highly of men than what is written,
that none of you think of anyone as better than another.
and I wish to God you did reign,
that we also might reign with you.
For I think that God has set forth us the Apostles last,
as it were appointed to death:
for we are made a spectacle to the world,
and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake,
but you are wise in Christ;
we are weak, but you are strong;
you are honorable, but we are despised.
Even until this present hour we both hunger, and thirst,
and are naked,
and are battered, and have no certain home,
and we labor, working with our own hands.
Being criticized, we bless; being persecuted,
we endure it, being disgraced, we encourage.
We are made as the filth of the world,
and are the outcasts of all things until this day.
I don’t write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved sons I warn you.
For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ,
yet have you not many fathers:
for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the
Gospel.
Therefore, I beg you, be imitators of me.
For this reason have I sent Timotheus to you,
who is my beloved son,
and faithful in the Lord,
who shall remind you of my ways which are in Christ,
as I teach every where in every church.
(Timotheus also known as Timothy, is not
Paul’s biological son, but is like a son to him.)
Now some are puffed up (scornful), as though I wish not to
visit you.
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and
you’ll know,
not the words of them which are puffed up, but the power.
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
What do you prefer? shall I come unto you with a rod,
or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
It sounds like
some of the people of Corinth may have temporarily lost sight of some
important Christian values, but Paul intends to fix that up right quick.
Let’s review his messages . . .
Judging others is
dangerous business. Did you know that by giving someone high esteem, you’re
judging others who aren’t given the same regard? Paul’s advice is leave
judgment up to the Lord. Judge nothing.
Don’t get confused
about what makes you rich. Material things can’t make you spiritually rich.
Gifts from God make you rich. How does that go . . . Lay up your treasures
in heaven, where moth and rust don’t corrupt?
And finally, don’t
forget to take a seat in one of the back rows because it’s better to be
invited up closer to the front than to be told that your seat is further
back. Is this what Paul is reminding us of when he describes his lifestyle?
It’s a good thing to remember.
Hope to see you
again soon, as we continue our study of this wonderful letter from Paul.
Join us again soon, you know where . . . Right here at Daily Bread.
