Today’s text contains convicting questions that confront the believer as well as sanctified sarcasm that challenges the spiritually proud. Read over today’s text and identify Paul’s 3 convicting questions. Then read it again and locate and ponder the 4 contrasting statements of the Apostle Paul.

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us–and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both 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 distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.” 1 Corinthians 4:7-13, NKJV.

Unfortunately, most of the prominent preachers of today are nothing like the Apostle Paul. They are not like him in their preaching against sin and hypocrisy. And they are not like him in their lifestyle. Truth is, it is unusual in America today to see a “minister” suffering for the Lord in any way. How many of us are willing to suffer persecution or loss of property or harsh treatment for the Gospel’s sake?

Prayer: God Make me willing to go anywhere and do anything for You no matter the cost. Lord forgive me of my pride and stubborn insistence upon my own personal comfort and pleasures over and against Your will.

Pastor Mike