February 17, 2014
ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN FOR CHRIST
1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Parker Heard
Central Truth
Are you living your life as a servant of God or for the pleasures of this world?
Key Verse | 1 Corinthians 4:9
I can't choose just one because these are both so good:
"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (1 Corinthians 4:1)
"For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men." (1 Corinthians 4:9)
1 Corinthians 4:1-13
The Ministry of Apostles
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, 1 4:6 Or brothers and sisters that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
Dive Deeper | 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
For all you football fans out there, this devotional is going to be a good one! At the start of eighth grade, I accidently punched a new kid in the face (I promise it was an accident). Anyway, it turned out that I had just punched our school's brand new football star square in the face. Miraculously, he and I became the best of friends after that, not just because I wanted to be friends with the new star of our school, but because he is one of the sweetest, most trustworthy, God-fearing people I know. This guy has been there for me since day one, not only being one of my best friends, but also someone who loves me enough to tell me when I'm out of line.
So what does this all have to do with this passage of Scripture? Like I said before, this guy is a BEAST when it comes to football -- he's so good that there is no doubt in any anyone's mind that he's going to be playing in college! Now here's where it gets good. Not only is he a shining example of a model Christian teen off the field, you better believe he's representing Christ on it! Don't waste your time trying to catch him trash-talking, playing dirty, or even having a bad attitude, because you will never see him representing his school or God like that. Every touchdown he makes you can bet your money that he's going to stop and point to God.
Now stop and think, do you do everything for the glory of God? Are you being the best person you can be so that you are representing Christ? Do you realize that when you wear a Watermark shirt you're representing our church and Christ? Are you cursing under your breath or going to see a movie you shouldn't? You are a servant of Christ! If a nonbeliever just saw you somewhere, would he recognize that something is different about you? From playing football to just hanging with friends, are you representing yourself as a servant of Christ?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think Christians forget that they are representing God 24/7? Do we act the same way through the week as we act in church?
2. If you were a nonbeliever, what would you think if you saw your friend, who claims to be a Christian, lying, stealing, cursing, gossiping, etc.?
3. Why do you think God gifts unique talents to each of us?
4. As a servant of the Lord, what do you think your main job or purpose is while living in this world?