1 Corinthians 4:10–13: 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.
The Christians in Corinth wanted the honor that comes from men, not the honor that comes from God. They were trying to “borrow” glory by associating themselves with “great men.” Paul described how he responded to the way people treated him; and this, in itself, helped to make him great. When Paul was reviled, he blessed—just as Jesus commanded. When persecuted, he endured it by the grace of God and did not retaliate. When he was slandered, Paul tried to conciliate. In all things, he sought to respond in love. Faithfulness in service and humbleness of mind: these are two important characteristics of a minister of Jesus Christ. He must be willing to work and willing to suffer. It is one thing to be faithful and quite another to be popular. But there is a third characteristic that helps to balance the others. 1
Application
- Read Matthew 5:11-12. How blessed are you lately?
- What’s the secret to enduring the foolishness of selfish Christians at your expense?
Thought to Share
What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, it is only by Your grace that one can finish the Christian life in faithfulness. Thanks.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
