Click here to go to 1 Corinthians 4
Paul is starting to get stern with the Corinthians, but he’s quick to point out he’s not writing to shame them (v 14) but to warn them. Paul wanted them to imitate him, something we would be wise to do.
I think verse 8 jumps out at me the most, “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you.” When you’ve been a long time I think it's easy to think "Do I really need to read the Bible again? I've read it a so many times, there's nothing new." Yet, Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the Word of God is alive and active. I'm guessing you're experiencing the same thing I am as I've been reading through the New Testament things jumping out at me that I don't remember ever seeing before.
It is true, we will never have everything we need when it comes to God's Word.
1 Corinthians 4
ReplyDelete6b You should learn from us not to go beyond what is written in Scripture.
So true! Not our interpretation.
9b We have become a spectacle for people and angels to look at.
How true! Angels are the messengers. "...angels to look at"
1 Peter 1 (NLT)
9-12 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
vs. 12-13 reminds us not to retaliate