Prayer: Lord, I pray that you bless this study and each and everyone of the readers. Send your Holy Spirit so we may understand your message. In Jesus' name. Amen.
**Read Matthew 20:20-28 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
I. The True Leader is the Servant
- Matthew 20:20-28; We are reminded that greatness is accomplished by serving. Just like the saying, "a great leader is a great follower", we have the commission to spread the gospel and serve our neighbors. Jesus came in this world as the lamb of God, who was sacrificed for our sins so we may have a chance for salvation and eternity. God gave Jesus a purpose, to serve others and die in the cross. We need to be like Jesus and have a servant's heart. Instead of thinking of ourselves, let's start to look at others who might need our help. Instead of collecting riches, let us share our blessings to the poor. Instead of gaining more knowledge, let us share the Word of God. We all have a purpose in this world and we are all given a mission, the Great Commission, to teach others of God's promises and plans for all of us. Let God use us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, as farmers who will plant a seed in our brother/sister's heart with a hope that someday his/her soil (heart) will soften and accept the living water (the Word) that will help that seed grow into a big tree. And this big tree will bear good fruit that will be used to show God's unconditional love for us. Let us all be servants to our Father and glorify His name for He is an awesome God, the Alpha, the Omega, the creator of heavens and earth.
II. Divisions within the Corinthian Church
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 is a message of unity among believers. This is a huge church and some had followed Paul, Peter, or Apollos. They had different styles of teaching but are united in their message. Paul urged everyone to not look at the preacher but instead look at Jesus Christ. He emphasized that the message is more important than the messenger. What we need to look for are false teachings that focus on prosperity and greatness of men. All teachings should be Christ-centered, derived from the Bible, that teaches God's sovereignity and greatness. Sometimes we get discouraged after learning that our pastors, teachers, and brothers and sisters in faith have done something Wrong. We are reminded not to look at these people for they are just human beings and are not perfect. We should not be disappointed for people are unrighteous and have a sinful nature. Instead, let's focus on God and His love and mercy on us and let us see His word as it gives us the truth and the way for our salvation. We need to trust in Jesus Christ and repent our sins so through the grace of God, we can have eternal life and inherit the Kingdom of God.
III. Proverbs for Today/10:8-9
8 The wise in heart will receive commands,
But a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Leviticus 11-12 and Psalms 38:1-22
