Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Welcome back. Let's jump right in today, Daily Bible Devotional 1 Corinthians chapter 4. The apostles

of Christ should not be viewed as exalted leaders, but rather as servants and stewards of God's

mysteries. They are subject to God's examination, just like everyone else. Paul reminds the

Corinthians that faithfulness to God is what

truly matters, not the judgments or opinions of others. Genuine evaluation belongs to the Lord,

who will illuminate hidden things and unveil the intentions of the heart. Paul cautions against

pride and boasting in human leaders, urging humility by reminding

them that everything they possess is a gift from God. Apostles are examples of suffering and perseverance

often regarded as, quote, fools for Christ while demonstrating God's power. Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow his example,

living humbly and faithfully under God's authority, for they are ultimately accountable to him

alone. That's what made Paul and others great leaders. They knew that they answered to God,

and it kept them humble. Judgment and approval belong to the Lord in every situation.

This absolute truth carries two important implications. First, we do not have the right to

determine our own righteousness. God examines each of us, and his conclusions supersede our own.

Second, and hopefully, obviously, we do not pass judgment upon other

believers. They will answer to God. And his praise is all that matters in the end. Unfortunately,

some Corinthians have become prideful and even judge the apostles as less than themselves,

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