Lectio Divina of 1 Corinthians 4
Take a few moments to quietly prepare your heart to enter God’s presence. Intentionally release the chaos and the noise in your mind. Read these passages slowly, lingering over the words. After each reading, take a few moments to silently reflect. Afterwards, spend a few minutes in prayer over what you received from God’s Word and give thanks for His amazing words of life
After the 1st passage: Listen for a word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
After the 2nd passage: Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
After the 3rd passage: Reflect on the questions below.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4, Galatians 1:10
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
(ESV)
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As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Galatians 1:10
(NLT)
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It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4
Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or court favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave.
Galatians 1:10
(MSG)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS*
What is God doing in this passage? (Circle all of the words that show His actions/work.)
What is God inviting me to do? (Underline the words that show your actions/work.)
Who do you think is your biggest judge of your heart and actions?
Whose approval are you most often seeking?
In which courtroom do you spend the most time: the human courtroom of your own opinions
about yourself or other’s opinions of you? Or God’s courtroom where Jesus stands in your place?What freedom can be found in believing that God is our judge? How would it bring relief to see Jesus as our Advocate before the Father?
*For a more interactive experience, download the worksheet at the button below.
We invite you to take use the Lectio Divina worksheet, linked in the button above, to enhance your experience.