What You Have is from God

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

What You Have is from God

Date: Mar. 23, 2026

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: 4:7

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?

The Corinthian Christians foolishly held to earthly wisdom and their spiritual pedigree as part of their identity in Christ. Rather than drawing them closer to Jesus and to each other, these things only made them proud and caused divisions. Paul encouraged them, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Their faith should be rooted in God’s word, not in pride. Their pride blinded them to the reality that all they had, came from God. Their faith, the forgiveness of their sins, their hope in God’s kingdom, any spiritual wisdom, their glorious future as heirs of Christ the King, and eternal blessings - all of these came from God. Be thankful for all that Jesus has given to you!

In verses 8-10, Paul wrote with great irony, contrasting the Corinthian Christians with himself and the apostles. They viewed themselves as rich, wise, and strong kings. However, the apostles’ experience was far from glorious. For the sake of the gospel, they were humiliated and persecuted. They were fools for Christ. They struggled with hunger and thirst and even homelessness, for the sake of the Corinthian Christians and Christians everywhere. Instead of responding with anger, the apostles blessed and answered kindly. In this way, they revealed the heart of Jesus for sinners.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for wrapping myself in empty pride. Help me to give up comfort and reputation to advance the gospel.

One Word: Repent of pride; live for Jesus

What You Have is from God

1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Key Verse: 4:7

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?

Today's Question

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