And the way of the cross.
If you complete this course, God is going to give you health and wealth! Of course, we know that's not true!
But isn't that what we all want? Health, wealth, and Jesus?
Let's look at 1 Corinthians 4:6-17. Here's my summary of the passage:
**We preach the message of the cross; our lives should demonstrate the way of the cross.**
Paul is presenting his own life as worthy of imitation (verse 16). His own life is imitated by Timothy, who Paul is sending to the Corinthians. The intent is that when Timothy arrives, they will be able to 'see for themselves' what it looks like to imitate Christ (verse 17).
And what will they see? A leader whose life is a 'living sacrifice' for God. And what will Timothy bring them? Paul's letter. It's critical that Timothy's life demonstrates the reality of Paul's message.
Why would we live in this way? Consider 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize."
In other words, it is right to expect a reward. Even though God made us, God saved us, and God has empowered us for his mission—God also intends to reward us for our obedience. God is supremely loving, good, and kind.
**The cross leads to resurrection; mission leads to God's reward.**
Even if we don't get health and wealth, embracing God's mission means we will get purpose, fulfillment, and a life with God that never ends.
For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world. I'm not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don't have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
What rewards do you hope to receive from following Jesus? Are they the right kind of rewards?
How does Paul's description of apostolic life challenge your expectations of the Christian life?
What does it mean to 'demonstrate the way of the cross' in your context?
Write down what you expect from following Jesus. Then compare your list to Paul's description in 1 Corinthians 4. What needs to change?
Get a daily, five-minute Bible study to discuss with a friend.