QT 21 May 18, 1 Cor 4:8-9, The gospel is not a pretty message, but the results are beautiful

Week	Passage	Date	Verse	Thought	Prayer
3	1 Cor 4:6-14	5/21	1 Corinthians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.	The Corinthians were puffed up. They thought they were something special. Paul, who most would admit was very special, shamed them by showing that he was not after respect, fame, and honor. Paul says that he was a spectacle to the world -- something to laugh at or be ridiculed. Why? Because the message he preached was not neat, clean, pretty, or acceptable to the culture. We are wretched sinners. God calls us to repent of our former life, and put our faith in Jesus. While it is a one-time action, true faith is seen in a life-long walk by faith. Emotion does not save a person. Tears do not save a person. Intellectual assent does not save a person. Walking forward during an altar call does not save a person. But to believe and receive Jesus, that saves a person.	Father, forgive us if we have not made the gospel clear to the dying. Forgive us if we have tried to attract people with a gospel that is not really a gospel at all. May we speak the truth in love and gentleness, but mostly, may we speak the truth.