Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 4:8-13.

“You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us;  and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.  For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death;  because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.  We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ;  we are weak, but you are strong;  you are distinguished, but we are without honor.  To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;  and we toil, working with our own hands;  when we are reviled, we bless;  when we are persecuted, we endure;  when we are slandered, we try to conciliate;  we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”  1 Corinthians 4:8-13.

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First of all, today’s Scripture applies to the apostles.

“For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death;  because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.”  Verse 9.

Not too many of us today experience sufferings like the apostles.  “To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;  and we toil, working with our own hands;  when we are reviled, we bless;  when we are persecuted, we endure;  when we are slandered, we try to conciliate;  we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”  Verses 11-13.

Why did the apostles experience such suffering?

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;  we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;  perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken;  struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death works in us, but life in you.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

We may also be called to share some suffering, if necessary, for a while.

But, there is also hope for us!

We will share in the comfort of God.

“and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:7.

God’s grace is sufficient for us to endure what suffering that we experience.

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Our suffering proves our faith and results in our glory.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”  1 Peter 1:6-7.

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”  Romans 8:16-17.

“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:10-11.

We glorify God and build faith in God in others by both showing God’s power and also showing that God’s power comes from God and not ourselves.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”  2 Corinthians 4:7.