We Belong to God

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

When people look at us, do they see a glimpse of God? Think about it for a bit. Do they see that as we call ourselves Christian by name that we are living the Christian life? Now it is easy to think of all the hypocrites that we see at school or even at church. But STOP! What did the passage say? It said “do not pass judgment before the appointed time...” Alright, so don't judge right? But what does that even sound like in your head? We shouldn't be saying, “I'mnotgonnajudgeyou, I'mnotgonnajudgeyou, I'mnotgonnajudgeyou...” Instead we should be going to each other, “Hey brother (or sister), I see your struggle. And even though you sin, I'm also a sinner. But the great thing is that God loves you no matter what, so I'm going to love you no matter what.” But that doesn't mean we should ignore the sins in our lives. Don't forget we are serving The Most High God. Yes, God loves us no matter what. But as Christians, we are advocates for Christ. So just take a few moments and reflect upon what would Jesus do? (WWJD)

Read 1 Corinthians 4:6-7

When we read this passage, it should immediately humble us! Not only that, but we should be thankful for what God has given us! In all the hustle and bustle of doing things for youth group, for school, for our sports, and for each other we forget one very important thing. It somehow slips our mind that everything we have is from God. The clothes on our backs (and in our closets), our smarts, our families, our ability to play an instrument, to sing, to play sports. What do you have that you did not receive? What Paul writes is so very true! We have nothing without the grace of God! Every breath we take is a gift from God! The first question was like a front-hand slap to our face, but the second question is like the back-hand slap after the first slap. He asks, “If then you received it (I think all of us received everything from God), why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” This should shift the focus off of ourselves, and zoom in on what God did for us. Just think about the two questions that Paul asks us.

Read 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

I believe this section speaks to all of us living in the suburban area. Physically, we are provided for. We have clothes, we have food, we have shelters, we have water. We have those, and we have an upgraded living style. We have [stylish] clothes, we have[fast] food, we have [heated and air conditioned] shelters, we have [flavored] water, and on top of that we have cell phones and the Internet. Look how privileged we are! Look how comfortable we are! We live in contentment! But remember, we are servants of Christ. What we hold dear should be in God. Everything else in this world is worthless and we should not keep it close to us. And for that, people will be looking at us like we're crazy. After all, what we have is nice. But I think what all of us have in Heaven is far greater than anything we have in this world and far beyond what we have in our imaginations.

End with reading 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 and prayer.


Friday: Pray for the Church (Big C)
Pray for the Church to be bold and speak God’s truth with gentleness