June 20, 2012
I'VE GOT THIS . . . WAIT, I DON'T!
1 Corinthians 4
Charles Chevaillier
Central Truth
All that we have comes from God. He is the One who gives life, and He is the One who provides. Not me!
Key Verse | 1 Corinthians 4:7
For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)
1 Corinthians 4
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.
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless 2 4:15 Greek you have ten thousand guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent 3 4:17 Or am sending you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, 4 4:17 Some manuscripts add Jesus as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
Dive Deeper | 1 Corinthians 4
I love how God's Word is always faithful to meet me where I am. When I read this verse, it reminds me that I often try to live life on my own strength. I feel like my way is best and that I know what is best for my family. My flesh tells me that if I just try harder, it will be enough. God has to constantly remind me that if I turn to Him, He provides for every need. For many years, pride was a stronghold that kept me from God's best for me. In the past, the damage, and thankfully redemption, looked something like this:
In my marriage, I failed to see that my wife was a gift from the Lord. I regarded myself as superior and did not treat her the way Christ instructs me to in Ephesians 5:25. This way also robbed me of the joy of experiencing a helpmate that God created suitable just for me. (Genesis 2:18) Instead of looking to God's Word for His plan for marriage, I trusted in my own efforts and "try-harder" mentality. This proved to be dissatisfying and frustrating. A few years ago, my wife and I were invited to participate in Watermark's Re|Engage ministry, a 16-week experience designed for couples to reconnect. Here, we learned His plan for a marriage that is meant to ultimately bring glory and honor to God. I can honestly say that I am more in love with my wife today than the first day we were married. His way fulfills!
In the past, I also failed to recognize that success in my job and potential to earn income also came from Him. Going my own way left me striving and trying harder in my own efforts. Because I viewed my income as a direct result of my hard work, I failed to be obedient in my giving. Thankfully, through the study of His Word, I have learned that all money and the ability to earn money comes directly from the Lord. As a result, my heart changed toward my giving.
Now I know, it's all His.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life are your own efforts exhausting you?
2. Are you experiencing lasting joy in your relationships, work, parenting, finances, and other areas of life?
3. Do you believe that all of the items in Question 2 above are gifts from the Lord?
4. If so, how are these gifts bringing glory and honor to Him?
5. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and are ready to commit your life to the One who brings the ultimate gift of salvation, peace, and joy, would you contact someone at Watermark Community Church today?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
1 Corinthians 2-6 (June 18-22)
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
* If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, who lives in you?
* What do these verses say your body is?
* How would you expect someone to take care of a temple?
* What does it mean that you were bought with a high price?
* How do you treat something that is very expensive?
* How can you honor God with your body? (Make a list of at least 10 things.)
Activity: Go outside and use sidewalk chalk to draw a body for each family member. Be sure to include the eyes, ears, mouth, brain, heart, hands, feet, and stomach. Now for each of these parts, discuss ways that you can honor God with them.