1 Corinthians 4:7
For who sees anything different in you? 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?
Paul begins to focus in on the Corinthians’ accusations against him and the deeper problems of division and spiritual maturity. They must remember from where they received their new life and what it cost. The source of their new life is Jesus Christ, and it cost him his life on the cross. They also needed to remember through whom this message came: Paul and then Apollos. There is a subtle danger in our spiritual growth to begin to think that we have done everything ourselves, or to begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. The answer to both of these problems is humility and gratitude. We can humble ourselves before God and be thankful for how God has brought us to this point. Reflecting back on our spiritual pilgrimage may help us recall the key people and events that influenced our lives. The key ingredient that Paul has been working with so far in this letter is a heart-felt attitude of worship and seeing life through the shadows of the cross. This is the secret to further spiritual growth and will impact so many other things of our lives.
For older posts, click here.