Bible Meditation - No. 1,442
AATHAVAN 💚 January 19, 2025. 💚
Sunday
Bible Meditation - No. 1,442
AATHAVAN 💚 January 19, 2025. 💚
Sunday
"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel." (1 Corinthians 4:15)
In this world, we may have many teachers. From the time we begin first grade to when we complete college, we may have had around a hundred teachers teaching us various subjects. Beyond this, we might have listened to numerous sermons, and those who preached were also our teachers.
Even though we have many teachers in life, we can only have one father. We call only the one who begot us our "father." This is the analogy Apostle Paul uses to address the Corinthian church. He describes himself as a spiritual father because he introduced them to Christ. He says, "For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
A child naturally looks to its parents as role models. Similarly, Paul, as their spiritual father, urges the Corinthian believers to follow his example just as children follow their father. He reinforces this idea in the following verse: "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16)
Some might wonder how Paul's message to the Corinthians applies to us. However, Paul’s epistle was not only written to the Corinthian believers but to all of us. At the very beginning of this epistle, Paul clarifies: "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Jesus Christ lived as a perfect example for us in this world. Some may argue that Christ, being the Son of God, lived a holy life, but we, as ordinary humans, cannot live like Him. However, Apostle Paul stands as an example to prove that we, too, can live like Christ if we allow the power of the Spirit to work within us. Paul boldly says:
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Such words can only come from someone deeply committed to their spiritual journey. This should inspire us to set a high goal for our lives. Our aim should always be lofty and rooted in Christ.
There are lessons we can learn from Paul’s epistles that no other teachers can impart. Just as spiritual guidance from earthly fathers cannot surpass the depth of Paul's writings, his teachings guide us to a higher calling. By reading and applying his 14 epistles (many theologians believe Paul also authored Hebrews, as it reflects the depth of his theological insights), we can move closer to reaching our spiritual goals.
Let us prayerfully study Paul’s writings, follow his example, and steadfastly walk the path Christ has shown us.
Message by: Bro. M. Geo Prakash