01/12/2019
There are two types of Christians in the world... those that call themselves faithful, and those who were called and made so by Christ himself; we must carefully ask ourselves which of these we are. In our quest of faith there are those who travel alone, and those who walk humbly behind their master... those of earthly substance, and those of heavenly power and treasure.
“and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.”
1 Corinthians 3:23 ESV
We should be Christ’s... what a powerful statement, and made by Paul at the end of a chapter that dealt with division in the church at Corinth as its members divided themselves, some claiming to be followers of Paul and others of Apollo’s... but there is only one we all follow.
“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
1 Corinthians 3:5-7 ESV
Even the newest of those who have been called by Christ into faith is already His, and the world that has once claimed ownership over them has been superseded by Jesus. To seek glory in the world, in wisdom, or of people, is our folly, and true foolishness. We can’t impart faith, righteousness, or holiness to ourselves... just our very attempt to do this separates us from God. Only God can make us in His image, and only Jesus, His Son, can make us worthy.
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness,"”
1 Corinthians 3:18-19 ESV
All who attempt to define their faith to suit themselves, those that attempt to rule the church as its head, those that judge the faith of others by their own wisdom... all of these, even though they attempt to convince themselves, and others, that they do so in the guise of faith, have not placed themselves appropriately in the service of Christ. Who did Jesus Judge? Which of the churches did Jesus found and rule? Who defined the faith of Christ Himself? All of these things are of and by God, by His love, His wisdom, and for His purposes.
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV
So lean not on your own understanding, but seek out your faith in fear and trembling. When lost, call out “Father!”, and listen for His voice which will say “Come!”. When searching for wisdom turn to the Him, and when seeking direction follow Jesus because He has traveled this way, and knows it well. We receive all faith and the other things from God alone. Look beyond the wealth of the world to the true treasure we gather in heavenly storehouses.
“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?”
1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for hearing my voice when I was lost and for calling me to you. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who has taken me by the hand and said “follow me.” Thank you for humbling me before you so that my slate might be wiped clean and your precepts written there. Thank you Holy Father for only you can declare me forgiven, righteous, and holy. Still my voice and stamp out my ambitions Merciful Father, let nothing in my life attempt to supplant you, or lift me above you in any way. Have mercy on the churches Father, raise up your Holy Spirit within them, and cleanse them by the blood of Jesus Christ so that they might become worthy to be called His bride. Let no man usurp your authority there, and let no one claim the name of Christ who has not had it applied to him by Jesus Himself. Let no man call himself righteous, or holy, save you. Let us be as the apostle’s were... “like men sentenced to death”, humble, lowly, as if we were, a “spectacle to the world, to angles, and to men.” Make me hungry for your Word, and thirsty for your wisdom and light. Open our eyes Father that we can see that only Jesus Christ can call us Christians, because He knows our desires, and our hearts. Holy, Holy, Holy are you my God, who calls us, rules us, and sits in judgement over all creation. I pray Holy Father that on that day of final judgement you will look on me and see Jesus Christ, and in that moment proclaim “it is good.” Praised be your name now and forevermore, and your glory witnessed by all.
Rich Forbes
“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. 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. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.”
1 Corinthians 4:9-14 ESV