1 Cointhians 4

1 Corinthians 4
Let's look at life from 4 different perspectives as we read through 1 Corinthians 4.

1)  We are all servants just as Paul and Apollos were. A servant has very little reason to be proud or arrogant. Our job is to do what the Master wants. We are not called to evaluate the other servants. That's the Master's job. vv. 1-5.

2)  Everything we have is a gift from God. This is another reason not to boast! "What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?" Think about people who say something like, "God didn't give me anything! I worked for what I have!" How easy it is to forget that God gave us life itself and a strong mind and good health and certain talents and abilities. He put us in a place where we could get an education. He placed us in caring families. He allowed us to be born in a country where we have almost unlimited opportunities. Yes, indeed, so many things that make us what we are were because of no choices of our own, but are gifts from God. vv. 6-7

3)  The Christian life is hard. At least it was for the apostles. Should we expect to be treated any better? Let's read about what Paul and others suffered and then stop whining about little indignities we might encounter! vv. 8-13

4)  The Christian life is an education. vv. 14-21 Paul considered himself to be the spiritual father to these believers at Corinth, and as such, he felt obligated to teach about Jesus and to be an example before them. He even urged them to imitate him! v. 16 Since Paul himself could not visit Corinth at this time, he sent young Timothy to take Paul's teaching and advice to them.

Paul said that he hopes to visit them in person. Then he will see if their actions match their words. "For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power." v. 20
I saw a quotation yesterday, "Long tongue; short hands." (Czech Proverb) We don't want to be long on talk and short on action!