Hello, and Welcome! Our readings today are 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Faithfulness and Obedience.

Those are the strong words that come to my mind when I read 1 Corinthians Chapter 4. We are blessed when we live with faithfulness and obedience. Imagine the world if every person was faithful and obedient at all times. What a vision.

It is not easy to achieve those standards and sin gets in the way here on earth. Paul wanted the church leaders in Corinth to think of him and the other apostles as fellow servants of God. He said that ministers were accountable to God and that their faithful service would bring praise from God. Faithfulness is revealed in the first few verses: “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” He tells them, if they are faithful, they will be blessed. Later In Chapter 4 verse 21, Paul asks the people: “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” He is asking the people to be obedient. He is revealing that love and gentle spirit is the preferred way to obedience. Think about it, would we rather be told with a whip to be faithful, or rather with the kind gentle spirit like Christ did? Think about this next time you are spending time with your loved ones. Teach them faith and teach them obedience? Most definitely, but take the time to do it gently, kindly and lovingly, as Jesus does for us.

What Biblical Truths does God show me in these verses?
Faith and Obedience. They should guide our everyday life and our choices we make.

How can I apply these biblical truths to my life?
I will pray to God, asking him to help me live my life faithfully and obediently. I will share His love with others and encourage them to be faithful and obedient, in a kind and gentle way, not harshly and without love.