My Daily Pause

Paul was addressing a little problem of “preacher-itis” in 1 Corinthians 1 and again in 1 Corinthians 3. It still happens to some extent today – people following a preacher to the extent that they would leave a congregation to follow him to his next duty. Worse, some congregations have split over a preacher leaving.

Paul puts that idea in its place in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 with a seed sower metaphor and again with a foundation metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Ministers, which includes all Christians, are sowers and waterers. God gives the increase and reaps the harvest. We will answer in like kind for our labor (1 Corinthians 3:8)

Those of us who read and study the Scripture have a duty to pass it on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Philippians 4:9, etc.) Our spiritual maturity will continue to increase as we study and teach – along with our confidence.

Apollos was a man who was very confident and willing to teach, but he was getting something wrong. A fine couple approaches him and teaches him “the way of God more accurately”. (Acts 18: 24-28) He goes on, even more capable of refuting the Jews’ false teaching.

This lesson can be taken two ways:

1. Always be willing to reexamine what you “know” to be true against the Scriptures when someone approaches you.
2. Always be willing to help others that are teaching an error.

Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:2 to follow the example of the apostles and teach God’s word. Paul was a very persuasive teacher and really knew his stuff. His skill didn’t keep him from facing difficult situations though, did it? Paul was beaten, mocked, run out of town, arrested. (Acts 16, 17, 18) But he kept teaching  – and that is the example he wants us to follow.

The next time you need a little boost in your courage, think about Paul and Silas as they travel through tough terrain converting some tough people.

Proclaiming Jesus is dangerous business. I don’t know if it will ever come to a trial like Peter and John had to face (Acts 4:1-7), but paying for it in respect among peers or opportunities in the work place is very possible. In fact, fellow Christians may go on the attack if you stand your ground on difficult matters based on what the Scriptures say rather than what they feel “in their heart”. Work on your faith daily so it grows (Romans 10:17) to where you could survive a difficult test. Could you defend an attack on the Bible in a one-on-one debate?

Daily Bible reading for Feb 7

Jacob’s daughter is defiled. Rehoboam fortifies his kingdom. Peter begins his ministry

Psalm 37
Genesis 34
2 Chronicles 11
Acts 3:1-4:31