Before we begin today, I wanted to share a song that I've been listening to, over and over, while I spend time listening for God's voice inside of me. The worship leader at church this past Sunday sang this throughout communion. His voice, the lyrics, the song, all set the tone for me to just be with God in that moment. If you haven't heard this before you might want to check it out on youtube. It's "Pray" by Sanctus Real. There are a couple of versions. I like the acoustic performance. Anyway, it's a wonderful background for quiet time with God, if sometimes quiet is too quiet for you, as it is for me. And just a suggestion, if you sometimes find it difficult to motivate yourself towards Bible study, try setting your spirit to God's voice, before Bible study, with some music that resonates with you. Then, open your Bible.
Blessings,
Lili
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children.15Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.17For this reason I am sending to 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.18Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.19But 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.20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.21What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority."
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