Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-the-father-the-son-and-the-spirit-11-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 4

¹ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

² Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

⁴ For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

⁶ And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

⁷ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

⁸ Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

⁹ For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

¹⁰ We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

¹¹ Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

¹² And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

¹³ Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

¹⁴ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

¹⁵ For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

¹⁶ Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

¹⁷ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

¹⁸ Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

¹⁹ But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

²¹ What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

The fourth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is addressed to the church in Corinth and deals with central themes such as humility, service, and the proper attitude towards spiritual leaders. Paul responds to the arrogance and rivalry within the community that had developed in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes his role as a servant of Christ and appeals to the believers to focus on the true foundation of their faith, rather than being guided by human pride and competition. This chapter offers valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership roles within the church and the necessity of humility and willingness to serve among the believers.

Commentary:

1. No Right to Judge (Verses 1-5)

Paul begins this chapter by stating that all believers are regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. However, he emphasizes that it is not his task to judge the members of the church. Instead, he leaves judgment to God, who will ultimately uncover all hidden things. This attitude underscores the need for humility and the avoidance of self-righteousness within the church. Paul warns against making hasty judgments and reminds the Corinthians that only God knows the true heart and motives of each individual.

2. Against the Arrogance of the Corinthians (Verses 6-13)

In this section, Paul criticizes the arrogance of the Corinthians who are elevating themselves above the apostles and their authority. He presents himself and Apollos as examples of humility to teach the Corinthians that no one should exalt themselves above another. Paul emphasizes that all blessings and gifts come from God and that there is no reason for self-praise. He describes his own sufferings and those of the other apostles to remind the believers that true service often comes with hardships. This portrayal serves to admonish the Corinthians to reconsider their attitude and focus on serving Christ, rather than relying on human recognition.

3. Paul, the Father of the Church in Corinth (Verses 14-21)

Paul refers to himself as the spiritual father of the Corinthians, who has begotten them in the gospel. He urges the church to follow him and adhere to his teachings. By sending Timothy, Paul underscores the importance of holding to his ways, which are rooted in faith. He warns against those who are inflating themselves and questioning his authority. Paul emphasizes the power of the kingdom of God, which is not in words, but in power. Finally, he poses the question of whether he should come to them with a rod or with love and a gentle spirit, highlighting the balance between discipline and affection in spiritual leadership.

Summary:

In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to practice humility and readiness to serve while avoiding arrogance and rivalry. He reminds the believers that all are servants of Christ and that judgment is ultimately reserved for God. By depicting his own sufferings and those of the other apostles, Paul encourages the Corinthians to focus on true service for the kingdom of God, rather than seeking human recognition. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of following and accepting his teachings, urging the church to live in power, not just in words. This chapter underscores the values of humility, dedication, and genuine spiritual leadership within the Christian community.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-the-father-the-son-and-the-spirit-11-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 13, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3

¹ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

² I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

³ For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

⁴ For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

⁸ Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

⁹ For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

¹⁰ According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

¹² Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

¹³ Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

¹⁶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

¹⁷ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

¹⁸ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

²⁰ And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

²¹ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;

²² Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;

²³ And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

In the third chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthians and their conflicts, which have arisen from divisions and jealousy. He highlights the importance of unity in faith and the role of God’s servants while emphasizing the foundation of the Christian faith—Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual growth and our understanding of collaboration in faith.

Commentary

Paul begins with a sharp critique of the Corinthians’ immaturity (verses 1–4). He describes them as “fleshly” and “children in Christ,” unable to grasp the depth of faith. This immaturity manifests in disputes and divisions within the congregation. Paul admonishes them to shed such childish behaviors and to grow spiritually.

In verses 5–9, Paul shifts the focus to the role of faith workers. Neither he nor Apollos are of central importance; they are merely servants through whom God works. Paul emphasizes that it is God alone who gives growth in faith. This perspective calls us to practice humility and recognize God as the source of all fruitfulness.

In the section on the responsibility of teachers (verses 10–15), Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus Christ is the only cornerstone upon which the life of faith can be built. The quality of each work will ultimately be tested, and only that which is based on eternal values will endure. This warning is directed especially at leaders and teachers in the faith, who are responsible for laying solid and lasting foundations.

In verses 16–17, Paul explains that believers are the temple of God, in which the Holy Spirit dwells. He emphasizes the holiness of this temple and warns against defiling it. This statement underscores the sanctity and value of each believer and calls us to reverence and responsibility.

Finally, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world (verses 18–23). The wisdom of men is foolishness to God, and all things belong to believers because they are anchored in Christ. Paul urges the Corinthians not to rely on people or seek glory from them but to find their identity and inheritance in Christ.

Summary

Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and divisions caused by jealousy and human thinking. He emphasizes that God’s servants are tools in God’s hands and that the growth of faith comes solely from God. Jesus Christ is the only foundation of faith, and the quality of the work built upon it will be tested. Believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within them. Paul concludes with the exhortation not to rely on human wisdom or glory but to rest in the wisdom and glory of Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/