Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings–and this without us! How I wish you really had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! (1 Corinthians 4:8)

Sarcastic, much?

The factions in Corinth had gotten a little arrogant, feeling, oh, maybe a bit superior because their guy–be it Paul, Apollos, or whomever–was popular. Remember how they argued over who had the “best” teacher? And that attitude had led them to believe that, if their pastor was hot stuff, then they must be hot stuff.

Paul chooses to disagree.

Most strenuously

So Paul gets sarcastic with them. This is a method that, as a middle-school teacher, I am well versed in. Paul lampoons his readers with a “Gee, you’re so cool! I wish I could be as awesome as you” attitude.

And it stings.

Beloved, while we rejoice in our position in Christ, let’s remember that it is a gift of God, not merited by any of us. 

Take joy in where you’re going, but remember where you came from.

Happy Wednesday, Beloved.