1 Corinthians 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

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.

For Meditation

How do you authenticate a product? With all the claims companies make in commercials to promote their products, how does one distinguish the genuine from the fake? Isn’t it refreshing when, under scrutiny, the performance of a product matches its claims?

Such validation applies to Christianity. The world measures a person’s claim to Christianity by their quality of life in the marketplace. The evidence authenticates their profession of faith in Christ.

Paul doesn’t just preach about Christian living; he lives it. In 1 Corinthians 4:17, he sets himself as a living example of what it means to be a Christian, not just for the Corinthian church, but for all of us. His life is a guide, a support, and an inspiration for our own journey of faith.

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.

Paul calls on the Corinthian Christians to imitate him (16). His witness is his protégé, Timothy, whom he sent to remind the Corinthians of the harmony of his life in Christ Jesus and his teaching everywhere. Timothy could testify to the unity of his doctrine and living, which must become their example. Later, Paul would instruct Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely, persevering in them for the sake of his salvation and that of his hearers (1 Timothy 4:16). Nobody is worthy of the pulpit ministry who does not scrupulously guard the integrity of their life and doctrine. That is why what we see these days—the casual approach to holiness and tolerance of a corrupted lifestyle is heartbreaking.

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19).

The call to live a Christlike life, as Paul did, is not a burden, but a privilege. It is not just for the clergy, but for all of us. It is a call to integrity, a call to be worthy of the name of Christ. It is a call that empowers us to live out the truth, holiness, righteousness, and purity in our daily lives.

As you head into the weekend, consider if your close associates would agree that your way of life reflects your profession of faith in all situations. For these things may surround you: drunken parties, sexual temptation, impure behavior, ungodly deals, irritating situations, slanderous accusations, and more acts of the flesh. How will you respond? The Lord is counting on you to steer clear of them and come out shining for His glory in Christ.

Benediction

Out of His glorious riches, may the Lord “strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith” (Eph. 3:16); and may He, “encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thess. 2:17) in Jesus, amen!