1 Corinthians 4:11 (KJV) Sacrificial Service

1 Corinthians 4:11 (KJV)

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

 

Paul had written in verse 6, “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us …” 

 

Every servant of Christ I know: 

·       Missionary

·       Evangelist

·       Pastor

would claim Paul as the example for their ministry. 

·       Soul winning, 

·       Church planting, 

·       Preaching, 

·       Itinerant ministry, 

·       Raising support, 

·       Faith Promise giving, even 

·       Fund raising for special causes 

find their justification in the example of Apostle Paul. 

 

But wait!

 

How willing are we to follow Paul in this example? 

1 Corinthians 4:10-12

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:

 

What is our general perception of those who do?

 

I am not advocating making choices that unnecessarily create these conditions.[1] But I do think it would be charitable to be much more understanding of those who embrace the ministry in the face of such challenges. 

 

#FaithfulMinistry #ApostolicExample #ServantsOfChrist #GospelDedication #SacrificialService

Sacrificial Service: The Cost of Ministry Commitment

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[1] I find it interesting that the very day I read this passage, meditated on these things, and wrote this devotional, I met a couple I’m sure would place themselves in this camp. They had no money, lived out of a broken-down camper without a working water system, could not afford a camp site with water and bathroom facilities and, after visiting with me, handed me a handwritten gospel message on a 3x4 card. I don’t know their story or doctrinal affiliation, but I can see them following Paul in this text in every way except “labour, working with our own hands.” There’s nothing wrong with working!

Call to Action

• How can we better support and encourage those who endure hardships for the sake of their ministry today?

• Be sure to participate in your church's Faith Promise and other giving ministries.

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1 Corinthians 4:11 (KJV) Sacrificial Service