1 CORINTHIANS 4
8 Already you have all you want! 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 poorly dressed 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 entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
– 1 Corinthians 4:8-13
1 CORINTHIANS 4 FOOLS FOR CHRIST
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you serve Jesus, the world doesn’t understand you
The world system operates differently from God’s kingdom
Believers will be ridiculed and appear weak in the world
They will look like fools for following God’s word
Do not fear for God sees all that you do for him
It is better to be fools for Christ rather than live in sin.
According to David Guzik’s commentary “the Corinthian Christians had two problems: they were proud of their own spirituality, and they were somewhat embarrassed of Paul because of his “weakness” and humble state. Paul is trying to address both of these problems in this letter.” Paul presents the differences in the worldly mindset of the Corinthian church against the servants of God. One could say that the Corinthian believers were still very carnal in their thinking. Because the apostles were not rich or powerful, they look down upon them because they do not portray the worldly image or success that they expected the ministers of God to be.
We could still experience it today in our world where preachers and ministers are perceived as positions of power rather than humble servants of God’s kingdom. Just look at the televangelists and mega churches and you’ll see we are not far from this mindset.
REFLECTION
- Why shouldn’t a believer be affected if they appear fools for Christ?
