Outcast Scum for the Glory of God (1st Corinthians 4:1-13)

Pastor Brandon addresses the manner in which Paul challenged the Corinthians on their tendency to think of themselves in lofty terms. They had the practice of celebrating themselves based on the manner in which God had blessed. They who received certain gifts deemed themselves as high than who did not posses the same gifts. In response to this he asks, What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” If God is the gift giver, then how could we dare promote ourselves above others using the gift as the elevator?! Paul contrasts himself against this behavior by pointing out how the blessing of God has resulted in his hardship. He culminates this point by proudly categorizing as “scum of the earth.” Such a titles is his badge of honor. Do we replicate the behavior of Corinth, or Paul?

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