I've noticed that the Spirit will often draw our mind's attention to specific verses in response to issues we are dealing with. Paul describes this process as the "Spirit bearing witness with our human spirit" (Rom 8:16). This happened yesterday morning with me.

In response to "factions" that were popping up in the Corinthian church due to a spirit of pride and arrogance, Paul felt it necessary to point out that they were "going beyond what was written" (1Cor 4:6) to elevate themselves. In today's context, I believe these verses "speak" to the matter of the "prosperity gospel". Contrary to some teachings by wealthy pastors who live opulent lives on the backs of their supporters, the verses below should dispel any myth that we are assured a life of comfort in this present age. Speaking "tongue and cheek" to this church, Paul states:

"Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you! For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. "

"We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honoured, but we are dishonoured. To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world."

"I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children... Therefore I urge you to imitate me."

1 Cor 4:9-16