MONDAY, MAY 22
1 Corinthians 4:18-21
1 Corinthians 11:1

"…some are puffed up…"

A RIGHT RESPONSE TO REBUKE

In yesterday’s reading, Paul explained that if he used strong language, it was because he loved the Corinthian Christians. Just like a loving father who would correct an erring son, Paul with tender care had to use strong language to rebuke the Corinthian Christians.

1 Corinthians 4:18-21 shows Paul using a firm tone to rebuke the Corinthian Christians. He confronted them directly: "You are proud, acting as if I am not around and will not come back to see you again." Paul could easily use a soft tone of "love" or "a spirit of meekness." But such a tone is not suitable in the current situation because the spiritual malaise of the Corinthian Christians was deep-seated. Paul therefore had to use a rod on them.

Herein was a choice for the Corinthian Christians. Would they continue to be "puffed up" or would they truly repent? True repentance is not just "in word" but is evidenced by "power" where there is genuine transformation. If they were truly born again in Christ, they would stop the current schism that was present in the church. They would not want to be used by Satan as his pawns in causing disunity in the church. A saving faith will be evidenced by genuine obedience of the preached Word of God. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. … Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:22, 27).

Thankfully, by the time of 2 Corinthians, some of the Corinthian Christians responded well in godly repentance (2 Cor 7). What about us? When the preached Word of God rebukes us, will we show contempt, or will we humble ourselves and let the Word transform our lives? Let it be the second response!

THOUGHT: Is my heart too hardened to be rebuked by God’s Word?
PRAYER: Lord, forgive my hardened heart.