Self-Reflection Helps Us Serve

In order to be a faithful ambassador to hold forth Truth, godly love is to be the

foundation. As a living sacrifice, love teaches us to prefer others above ourselves.

(Romans 12:1-16) Corinth had given themselves over to carnality, rather than

living what they were taught, and even despised their own Apostle. Even so, Paul

continued to be a patient servant and consistently manifested charity with these

fleshly babes in I & II Corinthians: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for

you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (II Cor. 12:15)

As Christ’s representative, we each are to rejoice in God’s grace in this dispensa-

tion (II Tim. 2:15) and not exalt our flesh. To functionally do this, regularly renew

your mind and reflect on God’s provision and the situation. To learn more, study

and meditate on I Cor. 4 (below), as it compares carnal saints with those who

regularly live Christ. Pray to see areas in your life that need growth for service.

Corinthians (Carnal Babes):

Vs 6: Exalts men, including self; puffed up.

Vs 7-8: Glories in self and achievements to reign in the world. Gains man’s acceptance, keeps to self, rather than suffer to prefer and serve others.

Vs 9-14: Carnal thinking/fear reigns. Being weak or rejected is avoided. He becomes self-driven, unthankful, & yields to Satan’s wiles.

Vs 15-17: This saint avoids the discomfort that comes with living ‘as who he is in Christ. ’

Vs 18-21: This fleshly saint primarily focuses on living a comfy life, avoiding pain and stress that comes with serving. His focus isn’t on eternity, nor acceptable service. He lives out of fear/anxiety/apathy, not believing, nor trusting the power of God to enable him to live the doctrine in the midst of his problems and challenges. Avoids suffering.

Paul’s Example (Adult Believer):

Vs 4-5: Exalts the Lord, who will judge and bring to light all things. This man knows there’s no condemnation; focuses on love and eternity.

Vs 6-8: Learned not to self-exalt, nor compare between brethren. He knows all he is/has comes from God. He lives being thankful.

Vs 9: Sees his life as temporal, trusting Christ. Accepts persecution in role of ambassador.

Vs 10-14: Knows/prepares himself to be a target on Christ’s behalf. Humbled, he lives as a fool, weak, & despised, as a spiritual adult, progressing through Pauline doctrine. He chooses to endure shame to love others. His focus is who he is in Christ, not comfort.

Vs 15-21: Stays in Word continually, realizing time is short. The Lord’s his Judge/Avenger for all wrongs done. Keeps Rapture in view.