1st Corinthians 4:18-21 The Amplified Bible
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. They've become quite the banty roosters - all caught up in factions and political parties and who has what and how much of it he's got and he said-she said-they said. 'We've got these spiritual gifts - more than you have, etc.' And thinking they're getting away with all of it. Say what they want. Act however they feel. Appointing themselves as leaders, answerable to no one for their actions. 'You're not the boss of me...' Huffing and puffing. Talking it, but definitely not walking it.
The New Testament Church body. The first-century church... And here we are - the TWENTY-first-century church - there sure is a lot of huffing and puffing going on! And people don't want to hear the Truth and will be the first to tell you so. Yet, because of a loving, long-suffering, patient, and holy God, we can hear the same words of warning come out of the mouth of true Christian leadership in regard to Christ's return.
Paul wrote later, in 2nd Timothy 4:2-5, to encourage Timothy and every church leader since then. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
In other words, just because they're huffing and puffing, doesn't mean we're leaving and grieving. Scripture tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. So since Christ is our Foundation, our Chief Cornerstone, our home is secure. Huff and puff all you want - we are not moved. You can't blow this House down.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for a firm foundation and steadfast soul to serve You. Help us to lean on You and not our own understanding in these last days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. They've become quite the banty roosters - all caught up in factions and political parties and who has what and how much of it he's got and he said-she said-they said. 'We've got these spiritual gifts - more than you have, etc.' And thinking they're getting away with all of it. Say what they want. Act however they feel. Appointing themselves as leaders, answerable to no one for their actions. 'You're not the boss of me...' Huffing and puffing. Talking it, but definitely not walking it.
The New Testament Church body. The first-century church... And here we are - the TWENTY-first-century church - there sure is a lot of huffing and puffing going on! And people don't want to hear the Truth and will be the first to tell you so. Yet, because of a loving, long-suffering, patient, and holy God, we can hear the same words of warning come out of the mouth of true Christian leadership in regard to Christ's return.
Paul wrote later, in 2nd Timothy 4:2-5, to encourage Timothy and every church leader since then. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
In other words, just because they're huffing and puffing, doesn't mean we're leaving and grieving. Scripture tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. So since Christ is our Foundation, our Chief Cornerstone, our home is secure. Huff and puff all you want - we are not moved. You can't blow this House down.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for a firm foundation and steadfast soul to serve You. Help us to lean on You and not our own understanding in these last days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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