10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you (1 Corinthians 4:10-14).
Paul is describing the cost of discipleship. Paul, among all people, knew what it meant to suffer for the Gospel’s sake. Paul was ridiculed, beaten, starved, tortured, imprisoned, shipwrecked and ultimately beheaded for the sake of the Gospel. Paul understood what was at stake in this world: The very lives of countless souls that apart from Christ have no hope. Paul was obedient so that others would benefit and come to the knowledge of Christ as Savior. Paul indicates that he is not trying to shame people into following his path, but rather pointing out what true discipleship looks like. His warning is for followers not to be complacent, but to follow the path that leads to light and life regardless of the apparent cost.
Paul is describing the cost of discipleship. Paul, among all people, knew what it meant to suffer for the Gospel’s sake. Paul was ridiculed, beaten, starved, tortured, imprisoned, shipwrecked and ultimately beheaded for the sake of the Gospel. Paul understood what was at stake in this world: The very lives of countless souls that apart from Christ have no hope. Paul was obedient so that others would benefit and come to the knowledge of Christ as Savior. Paul indicates that he is not trying to shame people into following his path, but rather pointing out what true discipleship looks like. His warning is for followers not to be complacent, but to follow the path that leads to light and life regardless of the apparent cost.
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