The Master and the Student

Now brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the saying: "Nothing beyond what is written." The purpose is that none of you will be inflated with pride in favour of one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? In fact, if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you haven't received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us-and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. we are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonoured! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty: we are poorly clothes, roughly treated, homeless: we labour, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless: we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. even now, we are like the world's garbage, like dirt everyone scrapes of their sandals. 1Cor 4: 6-13
 
The Corinthians were being arrogant and inflated with pride and in that stance were looking down on Paul. Paul stood in his authority as an apostle and rebuked the Corinthians. I can learn a lesson from Paul. He is showing that a good rebuke is at times worthwhile.
 
Paul was telling it like it was. The arrogant often fail to see the anointing given to the leader, in this case Paul the apostle. I can so relate. Been through this many time. A younger protege can be so dependant until they get their feet and once they get their footing look around and despise the hand that held them. This is what is happening to Paul. We know him as a great man, we know how God used him, we do not know any great deeds done by the Corinthians.
 
Paul is standing his ground and challenging the arrogant, his hope is they will see and understand their sin.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who Rules?

The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary markers, I will pout out my fury on them like water. Hosea 5:10 World leaders of church and state are now all highly visible. When they are not open to consultation or do not listen they make judgements that are judged as foolish by both God and man. In Australia we just celebrated Australia Day and at this time various people are honoured for their contribution to society. Our Prime Minister, Mr Abbott, without consultation, conferred a knighthood on the Queen of England's husband, Phillip. Almost to a person, Australians judged this to be foolish. Even supporters have now distanced themselves. Imagine what it is like when church leaders follow their own emotions or the emotions of their people and change what is acceptable to God. For example, no longer considering adultery something that precludes a man from ministry. We might think we are clever, but actually going with a sinful flow. Where is God in all this? My emotions ar...
Read more

Know Your Sword!

So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "if you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: 'He will give His angels orders concerning You, to protect you, they will support You with their hands, so that you will not strike Your foot against a stone.' And Jesus answered him, "it is said: 'do not test The Lord your God." And the Devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time. Luke 4:9-11 In this third test Satan quoted scripture but Jesus knew His scripture and was not going to be deceived by his enemy twisting the truth. I am amazed at what Satan tempted Jesus with. He did not know Christ. He had succeeded in tempting the first Adam yet he was thwarted in this attempt. Jesus had lived 30 years and been tutored in godliness with contentment, he was prepared, baptised in the Spirit and sold out to the Father's purpose. Every time our enemy comes against us we ...
Read more

Little Things Grow

The boy's mother said to Elisha, "as The Lord lives and you yourself live, I will not leave you. So he got up and followed her. 2 Kings 4:30 The Shunamite woman had travelled to Mt Carmel to find Elisha after the death of her son. Although Elisha had sent his servant Gehazi to the boy with his staff the woman had come to find Elisha and was not leaving without him. I like this lady's spirit. I am sure The Lord God Almighty also valued her heart. She had a heart for God and made room for Him in her world. Now, having lost her son she knew what to do: find Elisha and not let him go until he came to restore her son. What made the Shunamite woman believe that Elisha could raise her son? Was it the same faith that made her provide him a place to stay in her home? I believe it was God working in her life. I am grateful for her faith, I can read and be encouraged. We do not know her name yet her story lives in scripture. What a little thing it was to feed Elisha and then provide ...
Read more