Mar 23, 2026

WHAT YOU HAVE IS FROM GOD

Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Key verse: 7

NIV

chapter 4

6. Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

7. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

8. Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign - and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!

9. For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings.

10. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

11. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

12. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13. when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world - right up to this moment.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Corinthian Christians foolishly held to earthly wisdom and their spiritual pedigree as part of their identity in Christ. Rather than drawing them closer to Jesus and to each other, these things only made them proud and caused divisions. Paul encouraged them, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Their faith should be rooted in God’s word, not in pride. Their pride blinded them to the reality that all they had, came from God. Their faith, the forgiveness of their sins, their hope in God’s kingdom, any spiritual wisdom, their glorious future as heirs of Christ the King, and eternal blessings - all of these came from God. Be thankful for all that Jesus has given to you!
In verses 8-10, Paul wrote with great irony, contrasting the Corinthian Christians with himself and the apostles. They viewed themselves as rich, wise, and strong kings. However, the apostles’ experience was far from glorious. For the sake of the gospel, they were humiliated and persecuted. They were fools for Christ. They struggled with hunger and thirst and even homelessness, for the sake of the Corinthian Christians and Christians everywhere. Instead of responding with anger, the apostles blessed and answered kindly. In this way, they revealed the heart of Jesus for sinners.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for wrapping myself in empty pride. Help me to give up comfort and reputation to advance the gospel.

One Word: Repent of pride; live for Jesus

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