Influencers - Day 05
Day 05: Friday, August, 18
Read 1 Corinthians 4
Highlight
As we read 1 Corinthians we should remember that Paul is trying to help the Christians in Corinth keep a perspective on life that is formed by the Gospel and not the ways of the world. Even today, many followers of Jesus struggle with the worldly idea that if God loves us then our lives should reflect it through health and wealth and other forms of prosperity. But in v9 Paul describes the common experiences of leaders/apostles in the church: suffering. The lot that God has given the apostles is to die, if need be, in pursuit of their calling, and not to be like kings sitting on thrones with the world at their feet. Indeed, Jesus himself was “a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53) Yet Paul does not doubt, even for an instant, that God loves Him.
The word that Paul uses to describe this suffering is epithanatios, which is translated as “condemned to die in the arena.” The word refers to the triumphal procession of a Roman general, where at the end of the procession would be the leaders of the conquered people that were taken to an arena to be sacrificed to the Roman gods. The sacrifice would be a public spectacle for all to observe, a spectacle whose purpose was to raise up Rome and humiliate those they conquered. This is precisely one of the purposes of crucifixion, as well. Paul is making it clear that from the world’s perspective, Christians may be put into situations that would be humiliating. Jesus forgave his torturers from the cross. And if we bless when we are cursed, are kind when we are slandered, and endure when we are persecuted then God can use us to show that the One we follow is greater than anyone or anything in this world.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read 1 Corinthians 4
Highlight
As we read 1 Corinthians we should remember that Paul is trying to help the Christians in Corinth keep a perspective on life that is formed by the Gospel and not the ways of the world. Even today, many followers of Jesus struggle with the worldly idea that if God loves us then our lives should reflect it through health and wealth and other forms of prosperity. But in v9 Paul describes the common experiences of leaders/apostles in the church: suffering. The lot that God has given the apostles is to die, if need be, in pursuit of their calling, and not to be like kings sitting on thrones with the world at their feet. Indeed, Jesus himself was “a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53) Yet Paul does not doubt, even for an instant, that God loves Him.
The word that Paul uses to describe this suffering is epithanatios, which is translated as “condemned to die in the arena.” The word refers to the triumphal procession of a Roman general, where at the end of the procession would be the leaders of the conquered people that were taken to an arena to be sacrificed to the Roman gods. The sacrifice would be a public spectacle for all to observe, a spectacle whose purpose was to raise up Rome and humiliate those they conquered. This is precisely one of the purposes of crucifixion, as well. Paul is making it clear that from the world’s perspective, Christians may be put into situations that would be humiliating. Jesus forgave his torturers from the cross. And if we bless when we are cursed, are kind when we are slandered, and endure when we are persecuted then God can use us to show that the One we follow is greater than anyone or anything in this world.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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