True Christianity

True Christianity a la Pastor Gary

In 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 we read, “To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now (N.K.J.V.).

“Some find an illusion to an ancient Athenian custom of throwing certain worthless persons into the sea in case of plague or famine, saying ‘be our off scouring’ in the belief that they would wash away the nation’s guilt” (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. II, p. 208).

The Corinthian church had become puffed up and arrogant. Although they felt that they had become full, rich, and were ready to be crowned as kings (The three blessings promised in the coming messianic kingdom), Paul calls them, “carnal” and, “babes in Christ.” The Corinthians thought that they were wise, strong and distinguished. The King James Version Bible Commentary alludes to the fact that the Corinthians used their Christianity as a vehicle for gaining respect and acceptance in a heavily Greek influenced culture.

It states, “The Corinthians used their Christianity as another philosophy to extend their reputation as wise and enlightened people.” The fruit of their inculcation of cultural distinctives was petty infighting, leadership issues, pride in personal gifts, and a sense of superiority.

The Apostle Paul reminded them in no uncertain terms what true Christianity was all about,“To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat.” The Nelson’s Bible Commentary observes, “Greeks considered humility to be a fault, a characteristic of slaves. To the Christian, however, it exemplifies the attitude of Christ.” Paul exhorted the Corinthians that they needed to practice a little humility. The fruit of their Christianity was strife, self-centeredness, and cultural conformity.

The New Bible Commentary asserts, “Paul did not merely teach the nature of true discipleship, but was able to put life and doctrine together and expected all Christians to imitate him.” Paul had surrendered his whole life to following Christ and desired to be conformed to His image- even when that image was counter cultural and unpopular. At great personal cost Paul preached Christ and lived what he preached.

There were those in the Corinthian church that felt they knew better than Paul. They, after all, were more comfortable, respected, and politically connected, but they lacked the power of a changed life. Paul could bless when reviled, endure persecution, entreat when being defamed, and knew how to be content in plenty or in want. Paul walked in the power of a changed life.

In 1 Corinthians 4:19-21 it states, “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Paul was calling them out of the comfortable life of cultural conformity to a life conformed to the image of Christ. Christ-likeness is not easy, but the fruit is good. True Christianity is demonstrated in the power of a changed life.