TOPIC - FOLLOWING Christ SHEEPISHLY
TEXT - 1CORINTHIANS 4:1-13
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 trustworthy.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself.
4 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 every man will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all this to myself and Apol'los for your benefit, brethren, 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 have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?
8 Already you are filled! 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 ill-clad 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 try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things. (RSV)
In today's scripture, Paul indirectly uses his life experiences to advise the Corinthians to stick to the right Christian Lifestyle, to be faithful, humble, non-judgemental, and true Christian who would bless when reviled, endure when persecuted and entreat when defamed.
This lifestyle implies following Christ Sheepishly, following him faithfully and steadfastly, doing his will without complaining or doubting, being humble like him, allowing God to be Judge in all situations, blessing our revilers, enduring all pains and persecutions, entreating our defamers and seemingly being "fools for Christ sake" (verses 10-13).
Ironically, the truly wise Christians are those who are fools, like Paul, for Christ's sake. As we prepare for the forthcoming Lenten season, let us consider/evaluate our lifestyles and determine to follow Christ sheepishly for the eternal gains of doing so.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, please grant me the grace to follow Christ wholeheartedly, to maintain a truly Christian lifestyle like Paul and make heaven at last, in Jesus mighty name.(Amen).
