Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 4:7–9
God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” The Corinthian believers struggled with pride. The first question points out their pride, “What gives you the right to make such a judgment?” (NLT) God used Paul to help the Corinthian believers see their sin of pride. God had Paul also ask, “What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (NLT) The obvious answer is that everything everyone has is a gift from God, so no one has a right to boast. Then, God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 4:8, “You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.” Pride blinded the Corinthian believers into thinking they had all they needed, but they were babes in Christ. God wanted them to see the comparison between their pride and Paul and the apostle’s humility, so, God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 4:9, “For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” Paul and the apostles suffered greatly because they humbly served our Lord. Jesus had warned them of the persecution, but that did not deter them, for they willingly served our King, as should we all.
Challenge & Application
Why does God hate pride so much and what must we choose as the alternative?
How are you overcoming any prideful attitudes so that God is honored in all areas of your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!