Fools for Christ

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Fools for Christ

Date: Jun. 29, 2015

Passage

1 Corinthians 4:6-13 (ESV)

6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, 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.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:10a

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.

First, do not go beyond what is written. (6-7) The believers in Corinth became the victims of spiritual pride when they forgot God's grace and word. God clearly reveals himself-his holiness, judgment and mercy-in the Bible. He revealed his glorious purpose of salvation in the cross. In the word of God and the cross of Christ we have received God's blessings in abundance-the privilege of knowing him, of being known by him and of being created newly as his children. We cannot boast; we can only humbly thank him for such a gift.

Second, the scum of the earth. (8-13) Paul saw in the Corinthian church the seeds of corrupted desire-to be their own "kings" and to be served by the gospel. In other words, they wanted benefits, not suffering. Paul's life was a different example. To the world he looks foolish. But he was a fool for Christ. An apostle's life does not look honorable according to the world's standards. But God uses such a life of suffering to give life to others.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me to overcome pride and self-gratification, and live an apostle's life. Use me as a life-giver for others.

One Word: A fool for Christ

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Today's Question

What is creation?

See answer and references