1 Corinthians 4:3-4 "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me."
Sad fact: It is quite possible for Christians to do all sorts of morally virtuous "biblical" things, such as serving God faithfully and sacrificially in church, when our hearts might still be filled with pride, fear, or a desire for power, control, praise, honor and recognition.
These thoughts are based on Tim Keller's excellent small book, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, which I blogged about: Pride and Ego. Arrogance (1 Cor 4:6, 18) is indeed the root cause of division in the church. This is why Paul pleads, "...no more boasting about human leaders!" (1 Cor 3:21)
Key Question(s):
- What are the marks of a heart that has been radically changed by the grace of God?
- What are the marks of a supernaturally changed heart?
- If we trust in Jesus, what should our hearts--changed at the root by the grace of God--look like in real life?
Questions for reflection:
- Are you easily hurt by others? Are you still trying to prove something to yourself and others?
- Are you trying to validate yourself and your life by your accomplishments and achievements? Your career? Your children? Your ministry? By how much others recognize you, regard you or respect you?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. Ask God to show you your heart, to show you the places you look for self-worth and the ways you try to find your sense of identity.
- Explain to someone else how the gospel can (and should) transform our sense of identity. How much do you experience that transformed sense of identity? In what ways has God's Word encouraged you or challenged you? Are you sure?
- Has God given you what you need to enable you to develop true gospel-humility and the freedom of self-forgetfulness?
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