1 Corinthians 4:9-12 KJV
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Paul certainly viewed the ministry differently than the majority of preachers in my day. Paul was not trying to be an example of success in this world but merely a faithful witness and steward of the mysteries of God. Paul went through many trials in his ministry, including being judged of those who claimed to be his followers. He worked when it was necessary. He suffered whatever was necessary and eventually, he went to his death for the cause of a pure gospel preached powerfully and without compromise or fear of the consequences men might place upon him.
Oh Heavenly Father, how I pray that You would help me get back to that ideal for the ministry!
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Paul certainly viewed the ministry differently than the majority of preachers in my day. Paul was not trying to be an example of success in this world but merely a faithful witness and steward of the mysteries of God. Paul went through many trials in his ministry, including being judged of those who claimed to be his followers. He worked when it was necessary. He suffered whatever was necessary and eventually, he went to his death for the cause of a pure gospel preached powerfully and without compromise or fear of the consequences men might place upon him.
Oh Heavenly Father, how I pray that You would help me get back to that ideal for the ministry!
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