SUNDAY, JULY 15
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:15-17

1 Corinthians 4:15-17 states, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” Now the first thing we note about this, is Paul is saying, “Look, this is my example and this is how I operate everywhere I go.” Now what should we expect? Would we expect Paul to be in the forgive-evil mode all the time? Or would we expect him to be judging, according to the Spirit? This is really an issue between the Lamb and the Lion. The one who is needed is the way we go. What are we going to do and how are we going to walk? Paul said, “I am an example. Look at me – this is how I function and this is how I operate. If you do this, everything will work out.” Thank God we have an example for how to walk. This should settle the issue since Paul said, “I teach this everywhere and in every church. Imitate me in what I do.” Will He forgive or will He judge? In any given moment the question should be, is this a forgiveness or a judicial Prayer-moment? When the situation warrants, Paul goes judicial without hesitation. We have to ask, do we do this everywhere? Why are we not following Paul’s example? Can we expect creative miracles if we are not willing to represent the Lion? When tradition rules us, it is time to abandon tradition. We must be prepared to be either a Lion or Lamb. The Holy Spirit will guide us which way to go.