1 Corinthians 4:4b-5a It is the Lord who judges me. 5a Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.  

Romans 14:12 (NLT) Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Matthew 12:36 (ESV) “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

1 Corinthians 4:5b He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

·       Did we submit to The Holy Spirit? (fully surrender)

·       Did we use our spiritual gifts? (serve God)

·       Did we honor God with our giving? (tithe)

·       Were we faithful to the end? (finish well)

·       Main Point #1: Live your life with an eternal perspective. We will ALL be judged by Jesus on how well we obeyed God’s commands.

1 Corinthians 6-7 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

·       Main Point #2: Everything we have comes from God (a gift). That means we have no right to be prideful about ANYTHING!

1 Corinthians 4:8-9a Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 9a For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena.

·       Main Point #3: If the world makes fun of us for following Christ, It’s OK! God is our judge, and He honors our obedience 24/7

1 Corinthians 4:9b-10 We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT) The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

1 Corinthians 4:11-13a To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13a when we are slandered, we answer kindly.

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

1 Corinthians 4:13b-14 We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.

·       Cost of Christianity

·       Following Jesus can be hard                                                              

·       Following Jesus requires total surrender                                             

·       Following Jesus may cost something (jobs, friends, & family)                   

·       NOT Following Jesus will cost you EVERYTHING!

1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

·       Main Point #4: Mature believers don’t get special authority over newer believers. But discipleship IS a strong, special relationship.

1 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

1 Corinthians 4:18-21 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

·       Main Point #5: Be Spirit filled! The power of the Holy Spirit is supernatural. It empowers us to do things we can’t do on our own

·       Call 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.