ESOCS Devotional 11 April 2025 – Followers of the Way of Christ
MEMORY VERSE: “For this course have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:17
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:10-21
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Read Other ESOCS Devotional Here
As Christians, church leaders and workers, we are all expected to be caretakers of the things of God. Therefore, it is important for us to be followers of the ways of Christ, which is the surest way for us to succeed in our heavenly race. The commandments and other principles guiding the conduct and behaviour of Christians are contained in the scriptures. Also, there are practical and spiritual qualities of great men and women in the Bible we can learn from to sharpen our general lifestyle that will lead us to our primary goal, which is salvation of souls. To achieve them, you need to seek to know and understand the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ. You must be honest and focused to be a follower – in fact total humility is key. As an example, Paul said, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak but ye are strong; ye are honourable but we are despised” (1 Corinthians 4:10).
A true follower is expected to leave off worldly pleasures and comforts. On the other hand, be aware that people of the world will say ill things about you to rubbish you. At other times, you will be neglected, deprived and treated as nobody. When faced with challenges like this, do not give up but be focused for the fact that you were warned, “I’ll write not this things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you” (1 Corinthians 4:15).
Whatever we are passing through in life today as an individual, group and nation, we need to maintain our belief, trust and hope in God. For there lies confidence, consolation and faith. Building total faith in Christ and following Him duly is the whole power of man.
CHALLENGES
- How can you maintain your faith as a follower so that you can stand firm in the ways of Christ?
PRAYER POINT
- Dear Lord, give me grace to build my faith and become a true follower of your ways through Christ. Amen
FURTHER READINGS: Exodus 21:1-21; 22:1-36; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19
ESOCS Devotional 11 April 2025
