148 Putting People on Pedestals

1 Corinthians 1:1-17; 3:1-23, TBC Book Two, Chapter 148
While living in Ephesus, Paul received reports from believers who had spent time in Corinth, and those reports raised concerns. So Paul wrote a lengthy letter to the church in Corinth, providing correction and guidance on a number of issues, including the questions they had raised.

Paul, called by God’s will to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church in Corinth. Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus, to maintain unity and guard against divisions. I understand, from speaking to Chloe’s household, that quarrels have emerged among you. Some are saying, “I follow Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos.” And still others are saying, “I follow Peter.”

Is the body of Christ divided? Was I crucified for you? Were you baptized in my name? . . .

Apollos and I are only God’s servants—the vessels he used to bring you to faith in Christ, according to our assigned tasks. I planted God’s seed, Apollos watered it, but God was the one who brought it to fruition. . . .

By God’s grace poured out upon me, I laid a foundation among you. Someone else then comes along and builds on that foundation. Each person who follows must be careful how he or she continues to build. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 148, for the rest of the story.)
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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Spiritual leaders make pedestals top-heavy—crushing those who elevated them.
     A promise to cling to: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Who Am I?  Casting Crowns     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]