Scripture
21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
Reflection
These three verses form part of the overall theme where Paul addressed the issue of division in the church (3:5-4:5). The Corinthians had focused on men – Paul vs. Apollos vs. Cephas – (3:4,5,22) when in fact God alone was the source of blessing (3:5–9) and ministers were only servants accountable to Him (3:10–17). Since that was so, a minister needed to beware of cultivating the praise of men—as certain leaders in the Corinthian church were doing (3:18–23), and needed instead to seek by faithful service to gain the praise of God (4:1–5).
It is very easy as church members to compare ministers, pastors or worship leaders with one another or even for ministers, pastors or worship leaders comparing each other with fellow peers. But as Paul reminds us in verse 6 and 7 ‘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.’
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Authorities. Pray for wisdom in dealing with containment of the virus and in making decisions for the masses of people.
