THE LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL; MARCH 11 2024.

TOPIC: WHY THE BOASTING? (I)*

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? *(Corinthians 4: 7)*

READ: 1 Corinthians. 4: 1-7*

1. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

3. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

4. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this, but He who judges me is the Lord.

5. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

6. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

7. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

Stewardship and gifts go hand-in-hand. Stewards are in charge of all the resources in their care, but they aren’t the owners! Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, could have introduced himself as the owner of all the camels, but as the faithful steward that he was, he simply introduced himself thus: I am Abraham’s servant (Gen. 24:34).

All of us are stewards of Christ! Eliezer was not ashamed of his identity, and neither did he impersonate his master, unlike some of us today who behave as if we own our God-given gifts. This shouldn’t be! Apostle Paul raised 3 pertinent questions for the Corinthian Church on Christian stewardship and using spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1ff; 13:1ff).

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… For who makes you differ from another?_ (v. 7a). If at all you notice any difference in your gift and calling from others, the question is, ‘who is responsible for it (Ps. 75:6-7)? Is it not God who gives everyone grace graciously? If you are the Paul of your ministry, ably assisted by your several Apollos, the Bible says that without God, there cannot be increment (1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Sam. 2:6–8). There is no reason to be arrogantly boastful. Our boasting should be in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:17; cf. 12:10).

1. Oh Lord, I pray for the humility of Jesus Christ, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.

2. Repent of every undue boast and ask for forgiveness.

3. Lord Jesus, rebuke and remove the spirit of vain glory and pride among us.

*SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY: CAC GHB: Var. 002*

1. I will pray unto my heavenly Almighty King

Father, save and deliver my soul

The Only God, The mighty Lord

Be Thou with me O my Father

*Chorus:*

Father, Thy Son is calling Unto Thee

Listen to my prayer.

2. I will pray unto my heavenly Almighty King

Father do not disregard my soul

Be Thou my helper blessed God

Take care of me, Lord in Thy house.

3. I will pray unto my heavenly Almighty King

Father never let me be destroyed

O Thou art the immortal King

Be Thou with me, Lord in Thy house.

4. I will pray unto my heavenly Almighty King

Father, give Thy reward unto me

The only God, The Mighty Lord

Come and bless me, Lord in Thy house.

Amen.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Joshua 10, 11, 12*