Prayer Works Morning Devotion July 9, 2026

A Chapter By Chapter Study Of The Epistles:

1 Corinthians Chapter 4

6Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. 7For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

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Good morning family. Welcome to the Prayer Works Morning Devotion. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We gather at this time just to give our first fruits and our thoughts to our Father and come before the throne of grace so that our day will go well and that we establish communication with our Father from the onset of our day.

So Without further ado, let us go to the throne of grace. Heavenly Father, we come before You today and thank You for this day. Thank You for Your love and Your patience in our lives.

Thank You for Your hand being in our lives and on us and over us, protecting us and guiding us and teaching us all things through the wisdom of Your Holy Spirit and of the word that we have, which is the Bible.

I thank You, Father, for this word, and I thank You for the teachings that it establishes, that we walk by and live under, so that not only can we live right, but we can be safe, and we can be under the shadow of Your wings, protected by You for our obedience to Your word.

I pray, Father, as we go forth in this word, that You come down and let Your Holy Spirit cover this call. Let Your Holy Spirit bless each and every one that's on this call. Lead us along the path of righteousness for Your name's sake.

Through Your word, Father, help us to absorb this word. Help us to apply this word. Help us to live this word. We thank You for this word, and we thank You for the privilege and honor of dispensing this word in a manner that You would have us to dispense it.

And so I pray, Father, that as we go forth, that let it not be my words, but let it be Your words. Let it touch the hearts and the minds of all of us that are on this call so that we can apply this word to ourselves.

I thank You for giving me this word. I thank You for this day. And it's in Jesus' name that we pray, Amen. Amen, family. So today we are in 1 Corinthians 4. And in chapter 3 yesterday, Pastor Zee spoke about Paul and how he admonished the Christian church.

The Corinthian church, rather, that all things and in all things, we need to give glory to God. And why is this? Well, in the Corinthian church, there was jealousy, and quarreling over who was more important, and in some instances, who they were even baptized by.

And Paul asked this question of them. Are you not acting like mere humans when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos? Are you not mere human beings?

So he's trying to express here that even though these servants of God are considered apostles of God, they are nonetheless servants of God. So in this manner, in this teaching.

He is saying to the church that you've not grown in the spirit of God, but as he put it, you are still worldly and acting as mere humans. And then he goes on to explain to them that the grace of God that has been given to him.

He laid the foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on this foundation. But each one should build with care, for no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

And then he went on to say again that don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person, for God's temple is sacred.

And you together are that temple. So in other words, the entire church as a body creates the temple of God. And then finally, he says to the church, do not deceive yourselves.

If any of you think that you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become fools, so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.

And again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise are futile.' So then, no more boasting about human leaders. All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future, all are yours.

And you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. So Paul laid this out, and he really let them know that this was of the utmost importance to them and to Paul.

And he also wanted additionally that the church give glory to God by glorifying Him and by seeing God's anointed servants in the proper perspective.

Why? Because some of the Corinthians had concluded that Paul was not an eloquent speaker or did not have an imposing figure. And this brings to mind how Jesus was viewed when Jesus came on the earth.

He wasn't someone who scripture points to as being desirable to look at in any way or form. And so his speech, however, because Jesus was God incarnate, he knew his way around and how to speak, but they still, the Pharisees, tried to trap him every step of the way.

And so the same here with Paul, you know, as a result of Paul's not so imposing figure, some of the Corinthians believe that there was something deficient in Paul's character and in his ministry by default.

So this demonstrates our tendency to judge others based on appearances, superficial qualities, or speaking abilities. Now, Paul may not have preached with words of eloquent wisdom, but he always proclaimed Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as it says in 1 Corinthians 2:2.

The Corinthians' tendency to issue snap judgments is a good reason to judge nothing before it's time. So, today then, from that analogy, we begin in verse 1.

And Paul begins this way and says, this then is how you ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time, each will receive their praise from God.

So because we do not know the things that are now hidden in darkness, as it says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 here. We should be slow to pronounce judgment against our brothers and our sisters in Christ.

Our cautiousness in passing judgment stems from the fact that so much is hidden from us. We do not know a person's thoughts, motives, or circumstances, for example. So here Paul is advising us, Judge nothing before the time.

When the Lord Jesus returns, all will be revealed, and the last judge of this time, and the just judge of this time, will set things right. Verse six goes on to say, now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit.

So that you may learn from us the meaning of the same. Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else?

What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? So in this couple of verses, Paul is asking three rhetorical questions to make his point.

Number one, for who makes you different from anyone else? Believers may have different spiritual gifts and roles within the church, but no one is above or below the next person. The proper attitude, then, is one of humility.

In humility, the self should be entirely forgotten. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

And that's from Galatians 2:20. And now the second rhetorical question is, what do you have that you did not receive? So here again, believers have to remember that everything that we have is not something that we attain ourselves.

But it's been received from God because God owns everything in this world. In Him, we should live. In Him, we should move and have our being, as it says in Acts 17:28. In James 1:17, the apostle expresses the same idea, but in different words.

He says, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Because then every good gift and perfect gift comes from God, we are called to steward his possessions wisely, carefully, and faithfully. This is how one should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Moreover, it is required that stewards, that us stewards, that they be found faithful as it says in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Again, stewardship includes management of our time, spiritual gifts, relationships, marriages, finances, and possessions.

In short, it covers everything that we have on earth. And number three, the last rhetorical question, he says, And if you did receive it, then why do you boast as though you did not?

Boasting about our abilities, accomplishments, and achievements as they are not received from God is like a charity recipient boasting about his wealth. It is not only misguided, but absurd.

Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man boast in his wisdom let not the mighty man boast in his might let not the man boast in his riches, but let them who boast, boast in this, that he understands and knows me.

That I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord, and that's in Jeremiah 9:23-24. So Paul's questions here remind us to view life through the lens of divine grace.

Everything that we have, we owe to God. And if we fail to give him credit, then we will become puffed up with pride, as it says in 1 Timothy 3:6. And in that, we will lose sight of what is most important, loving God and loving our neighbor.

Verse 8 goes on to say, already you all have what you want. Already you have become rich. You have begun to reign and without us how I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you.

For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession like those condemned to die in the arena, we have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels, as well as to human beings.

We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. To this very hour, we go hungry and thirsty. We are in rags. We are brutally treated.

 We are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure it. When we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world, right up to this moment.

So, how deeply fallen in their theology had the Corinthian church stooped to? You know, these Christians in Corinth had two problems here. First of all, they were proud of their own spirituality, could you imagine?

And then they were somewhat embarrassed of Paul because of his weakness and humble state. So, Paul is trying to address both of these problems in what he says in verses 8 -13.

With contrast after contrast, Paul sarcastically is showing how foolish it is for these Corinthians to think that they are more spiritually privileged and blessed or endowed than even the apostles were.

Our problem is that we often want a middle road, a little popularity, a little reputation, but still the anointing of God. We want the power without the cost. God help us to choose Paul's way because it is really God's way.

I am writing this not to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your Father through the gospel.

Therefore, I urge you to imitate me for this reason, I have sent you Timothy, my son, whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love? and with a gentle spirit.

Some of the Corinthian Christians were so arrogant, they thought that Paul was afraid to visit them. When they thought Paul was afraid of them, it made them more proud in their hearts.

Those among the Corinthian Christians who loved high-sounding words and their successful image, had their own word, but Paul had the true power of the gospel. The final test of wisdom is power.

The word of the cross not only has the power to mentally illuminate, but also to morally save. In this section of the letter, Paul faced some of the real challenges of his ministry, as do we as followers of Jesus.

Some of these challenges are how to confront sin without being too harsh, or to imply that you are above sin. How do you get people to conform their lives to the gospel when they think too highly of themselves?

This is tough work that we are commanded to do. And it's tough work to do in our hearts, but only a great work by the Spirit can accomplish this. Moreover, Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, as it says in Romans 14:10-13.

We may not know the secret things of a person's heart, but God does. And He will bring everything to light on judgment day. When we judge others harshly or prematurely, we give Satan a foothold to cause division in the church.

This is why Paul instructs us to judge nothing before it's time. So then, how, as believers in Christ, should we walk? It's for this reason Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, as it says in Ephesians 4:1-3. Harsh and unfair judgment undermines the spirit of peace and unity.

Peace and unity among believers is of great importance as it reflects the oneness of the Father and the Son, as it says in John 17:21. This concludes this chapter and I will bring my wonderful wife on to close us out in prayer, Vee.

Thank you, babe. Let us go before the throne in prayer. Oh Lord, thank You. Thank You for a new day. Thank You for speaking to us through Your word. Thank You for Your word that convicts, doesn't condemn, but it convicts us.

It challenges us. It shows us the truth. It shines a light on the dark places in our hearts and our minds, Heavenly Father, if we will allow this to happen, Lord. Thank You for the pruning power of Your word, Heavenly Father.

And thank You that You put it in our hearts to pursue You, to seek You each day, to look up to You, early in the morning Heavenly Father because we know we can't get through one day without You we can't do it in our own strength Heavenly Father.

And we are gathered on this call because we don't desire to be puffed up and at times when we may be tempted to think more of ourselves Heavenly Father we thank You that You are quick to show us the error of our ways if we will hear.

If we will have eyes to see and ears to hear. So Heavenly Father, we're just praying to not be like the Corinthians in that we think more of ourselves than we ought, that we forget the true essence of why Jesus Christ came.

That He came to bring mercy, that He came to bring forgiveness, that He came to bring reconciliation between us and You our Heavenly Father and the only reason that we are able to approach You this morning.

With humble and contrite hearts is because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior so we thank You Heavenly Father. We thank You and we ask Your forgiveness for our sinful ways and our sinful tendencies.

And we're so grateful that You are so merciful that You don't leave us to keep and stay in the muck and the mire of the darkness that threatens to overwhelm us every day, sometimes every moment.

We thank You, Heavenly Father, that we have Your word, Heavenly Father, that even when we don't seem to be able to hear from You in our hearts, we can always turn to Your word. And in Your word, You speak to us.

 So thank You for speaking to us, Heavenly Father, through the words of Your servant Paul. Thank You for showing us the error of walking in pride. Thank You for showing us the necessity for humility and bowing our hearts before You.

So today, Heavenly Father, we start this day with hearts bowed before You. Help us to approach every situation, every conversation, everything we need to do, every person we interact with.

Heavenly Father, help us to approach it in the way that You would have us to approach it and that is in a godly way that is in a loving way that is in a truthful way that is in a courageous way for Your kingdom.

I pray Your blessings over each and every one of my brothers and sisters in Christ those gathered together on this call those who may hear this call later and those who we are connected to in the spirit all around the world.

Thank You Heavenly Father that You are raising up Your remnant so that when Jesus Christ returns, he will indeed find faith in the earth. And we pray to be counted among those who Jesus will say, well done, my good and faithful servants.

And we will enter into Your kingdom. Pray that You will go before us this day. Bless us, cover us, and help us to walk in the strength and the power that is ours through Jesus Christ. through Your Holy Spirit and through Your mercy.

We love You, Heavenly Father. We praise You. We honor You. We give You all the glory in Jesus name, Amen.

Amen. Amen, family. We thank you for being on the call today, and we pray that God will go before you and make your crooked roads straight this day and every day.

Don't forget tomorrow is Prayer Friday, and if you have prayers that you'd like to submit to the Throne of Grace corporately, please submit those prayers, and we will be sure to bring them to the Throne of Grace and let God answer them on your behalf.

I thank you for being here today, and I pray that you go forth in peace, in the grace of God, and in the power of the Holy Spirit of our Lord and Savior. Have a wonderful day. Be blessed, family. We love you.