Jan 23rd I Cor. 4:8-13
Theme - The Spirit gives us the supernatural capacity to serve while being mistreated, misunderstood, and maligned.
Have you ever wondered how the Godly can serve during times of mistreatment? There is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist. Consider how Paul was slandered, made poor, and stripped of all his privileges for the sake of Christ. The Spirit provided substitutionary satisfactions for Paul in the midst of great human suffering. This is the amazing ministry of the Spirit experienced by those who trust Him. Paul said, "We are weak, but your strong. You are honored, we are dishonored. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rages, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.” (I Cor. 4:9-13) While the Greeks thought Paul was weak, the Spirit gave him great delight in his service. Contrast those who are self-satisfied with earthly pleasures, positions, and powers, with spiritual people. The serving believer gains a satisfaction that surpasses any human delight. Failure to appreciate eternal values leads to many misdirected efforts. The Spirit can replace our self-satisfactions with Christ-satisfactions. All power can be used for God’s purposes through us when we are humble enough to submit. The best vehicles of divine power are the ones driven by the Spirit. Leave the driving to the Spirit regardless of the roughness of the roads.
Question - What are the problems that people face who are only seeking to be self-satisfied?
Prayer - Lord, help us to realizes the depth of our riches, privileges, and honors found through the Spirit.
