Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 4

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Paul was a spiritual father to the Corinthian Christians. His gospel witness had produced fruit there, and many came to Christ in Corinth. The Apostle wanted the Corinthian believers to become spiritually sound and theologically grounded. Paul saw himself as a steward of the Gospel. As a steward or manager of the Gospel Paul knew that he must be faithful in preaching and teaching. He said, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (I Corinthians 4:5)
Paul knew he would one day give an account of his ministry to God. He also believed that there was no room for pride in the ministry since everything was received from God. We don’t have anything that God didn’t give us. If we don’t have it then God didn’t give it and we don’t need it. Paul’s continual focus was on the Gospel and the glory of God. He was willing to suffer for the Gospel. He said, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place.” (I Corinthians 4:11)
Paul’s ministry wasn’t very glamorous, nor was he seeking celebrity status. His ministry was marked by his making disciples. Does what you do produce disciples? Paul modeled discipleship and was able to say “follow me” Are you living for Christ in such a way that you can say to others “follow my example and you will become a mature follower of Christ?

Prayer: “Dear Father, may we make disciples and model discipleship, all for Your glory. In Jesus name.Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron