Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 4:14–17
In 1 Corinthians 4:14, we read, “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” God never uses shame to lead us to repentance. God lovingly rebukes (admonishes) us to break us over our sins so that we humble ourselves, turn back to God to confess our sin(s), and thank Him for His forgiveness through Christ. Then, we read in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” Paul reminded the Corinthians that even if they had others teach them about Christ, they only had one spiritual father, him. Then, God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.” Paul challenged the Christians to follow his example of how to live for our Lord. Every Christian should say, with Christ’s boldness, “Follow my example.” Christ lives in us, and He has called us to be His ambassadors (representatives). Paul also knew they needed other examples to follow, as we read in 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.” Paul sent Timothy to remind them of how Paul had led them through his conduct and teachings. God desires to use us the same way today.
Challenge & Application
What must we do when we get out of fellowship with our Lord and His Word?
If you have been a follower of Christ for a while, how are you now setting the example so others can follow you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!