8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:8-13)
Thoughts: The Apostles changed the world. The word "apostle" means "sent one"- almost "missionary." Paul was talking here about how they had nothing, were persecuted, and are treated as fools for Christ. To some this may seem like a backwards brag- a bit of sarcasm. But the other side of this is that Paul is teaching them how to behave- to endure humiliation for the cause of Christ. It was a bit of a rebuke to them for wanting to be considered worldly-wise, honored, and wealthy. Paul was saying they need to give this up here. We too need to give this up to truly follow Christ. When we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), God does indeed reward us.
Prayer: Lord, let me live like an apostle. Keep me from seeking honor for myself and instead give all the glory to you.
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