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“It's Not a Competition”

Thoughts for Today:

Let's take a moment to summarize what Paul has written on this subject:

1 Corinthians 1:19: "For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'"

1 Corinthians 1:31: "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'"

1 Corinthians 2:9: "However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived' the things God has prepared for those who love him."

1 Corinthians 3:19-20: "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness'; and again, 'The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.'"

As you can see from the foregoing, Paul's "writings" are really quotations from Scripture regarding the subject of humility. Then he says, "I've used Apollos and myself as examples of people who work together -- in the same area, members of the same church, and in the same building. We're both yours, so don't divide yourselves over us or become puffed up by following one of us. And if you do so, you're only demonstrating a pridefulness or foolishness that is completely unacceptable to the Lord."

Questions to Ponder:

From Paul's perspective, neither he nor Apollos were involved in a competition for leadership of the Corinthian Church. Rather, they were both players on the Lord's team. Whose team are you on? Your favorite teacher's or the Lord's? Has division occurred in your church? What is the source?

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.