1 Corinthians 4
"Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men" (1 Cor 4:8-9).
Some in the Corinthian church are falling for a sort of health and wealth, prosperity gospel, and Paul is not happy . Paul is being sarcastic. They have become rich kings, while he and the other apostles have a death sentence on their heads. The Corinthians have an over-realised eschatology. It is true believers will one day rule and reign with Jesus over the earth, but that time is not yet. The Corinthians are now to follow the pattern of Jesus and the apostles (v. 16). They are to be humble servants, not arrogant know-it-alls (vv. 18-19).
Returning to the U.S. from having lived seven years in New Zealand, I am immediately struck by the prosperity of the U.S. Many people, including many believers, are doing very well financially. We have everything we need and then some. It is difficult to be in suffer for Jesus mode. There is a danger for me to get caught up in making money and buying stuff. I need to be careful about the prosperity-comfort mindset.
Father, help me to have a Jesus and Paul mindset. May I pour myself into gospel work and not get caught up with the things of this world. Help me to maintain the regular Bible study and prayer pattern that I followed in New Zealand. Help me to find an in-person or online D group with whom I can meet every week. May I not compare my possessions with those of others and try to keep up. May I be content with little. Help me to be Christ-focused here in the U.S.A. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman