S: 4:9-13. For it seems that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena...when we are cursed, we bless, when we are persecuted we endure it, when we are slandered, we answer kindly,. Up to this point we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
O: To be honest this passage troubles me. Paul is not boasting but explaining the result of following Christ and laying out the example. And he goes on to say that we should "imitate" him. I see folks in the ministry that seem to be doing really well worldly and I have a hard time rationalizing or putting the two together.
A: I need to focus on myself and not others. Christ has called us each to his own work and that is what I need to be about doing and realize that I will face the same humiliation that Paul had to deal with but realize what Paul says in v.20 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."
P: Keep me focused on my relationship with you Lord. When I am cursed or mistreated let my response be pure and holy. Yet do not let me remain silent to tell others of your good works.
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