ESOCS Devotional 12 January 2023
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 4: 14-21
MEMORY VERSE: “If the Lord is willing, however, I will come to you soon, and then I will find out for myself the power which these proud people have, and not just what they say.” 1 Corinthians 4: 19 GNB
In our text, Saint Paul sent Timothy to the Corinthian Church to admonish and remind them of how to function in God’s service. At this time, the Corinthian Church ministers and members had grown swollen-headed and spiritually arrogant. Paul’s concern was to advise them as a father would his children. The root cause was the presence of multitudes of teachers who had come up with diversities of interpretations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These numerous teachers were pulling the people to and fro with every wind of doctrine, even clear and obvious heresies (Ephesians 4:14).
This remains the greatest bane of Christianity, even to this day. Many honest believers have been misled through diverse forms of false teachings and practices by some teachers of falsehood. However, there is a way out. Believers should not only sit back to listen. They should also search the scriptures like the believers in Berea, who did not only receive the teachings but made out time to search the scriptures, to confirm what had been taught or preached to them (Acts 17:11).
In the case of the Corinthian Church, Saint Paul sent Timothy in order to remind them of both his lifestyle and teachings (Acts 11:2, 19:22; Philippians 2:19). The sum of this mission was to direct the Church in Corinth to emulate or follow the approach of Paul to the ministry endeavour (Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:9).
Some teachers in the Corinthian Church had become overly arrogant, and self-promoting. But the truth remains that in every assembly, the Holy Spirit reveals a consistent teaching approach that must be followed (John 14:26; 16:13). All the apostles taught the same fundamental doctrines in the early Church. Moreover, the harmony of their message was evidence of their inspiration. It follows, therefore, that no independent teacher or preacher could teach a harmonious message as the apostles did, if not strictly under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of truth. Self-conceit, pride or arrogance in ministry is contrary to the teachings and practice of Master Jesus. Let offenders refrain from it in their own overall interest.
Moreover, anyone who claims to speak for God, but contradicts the teachings of the Bible, is not speaking from God. Those who are actually inspired by the Holy Spirit, speak in humility as distinct from self-inspired teachers. Let’s be properly guided, so we can thread with caution.
- In Revelation 22:18, we hear that whoever shall add to the prophecy of this book, shall be
accursed. Ponder over this.
- Holy Spirit Divine, inspire me always to search the truth of the scriptures.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 61:7-14; Isaiah 44:23-28; Luke 5:27-39
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 12 January 2023
