August 8

Ezra 7:1-8:20
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 20:28-30

Today’s Scripture – Read

Listen to Today’s Scripture

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Summary: The Ministry of Apostles

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:5

who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness; meaning not so much vices, immoralities, wickedness of all sorts committed in the dark, and which it is a shame to speak of; but those hidden things of dishonesty, those secret arts and private methods which false teachers have made use of to conceal themselves, and carry on their base designs to the injury of truth, the souls of men, and the cause of Christ: ~ John Gill

Today we’ll see that life is a stewardship, so be faithful. We judge ourselves, and others judge us. But the final judge is the Lord. So live to please Him alone. We’ll see that life is a gift, so be humble.

Your abilities and blessings came from God. You cannot take credit for them. They are God’s gift to you, and your use of them is your gift to God. It is sinful to contrast various Christian workers because only God knows their hearts. We’ll also learn that life is a battle, so be courageous.

If the apostles were the greatest Christians who ever lived and they were filth and the scum of the earth, where did that leave the boasting Corinthians? And we’ll learn that life is also so a school, so be teachable. Paul saw himself as a father in the Lord who had to instruct and discipline his children. Our Father in Heaven uses many hands and voices to teach us. And we must be willing pupils as we go through life.