29^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?

 THEME SCRIPTURE: “When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren't you acting just like people of the world?" - 1 Corinthians 3:4 NLT

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS

1.  As Christians, purchased with blood, who are we to follow?

Priscilla and Aquila noticed Apollos when he arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt (Acts 18:24). So eloquent was Apollos, and with much accuracy and boldness, this man expounded the Old Testament with clarity. Priscilla and Aquila realized that Apollos was a great speaker, bold and zealous, but he wasn't having the full gospel. He only knew about John's baptism (Acts 18:25). So, the couple took Apollos aside and brought him to speed, explaining the way of the Lord more accurately to him (Acts 18:26).

 Beloved, when the truth was fully explained to, and received by Apollos, about Jesus Christ, His salvation, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in, and empowers believers, he became very effective as a disciple.

With a clear understanding of the full gospel, Apollos went to Corinth to continue his ministry. Apollos was so impactful in Corinth that Paul had to warn the church to maintain focus. The Corinthian church which had been ministered to by Paul was now enjoying the grace of God through Apollos. Hence, some began to compare Paul and Apollos, and to take sides. Those who were not caught up in the comparison game had also taken sides, saying, "I belong to Christ."

Beloved, Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and asked them this: "Who is Paul, and who is Apollos? If you are for Christ, is Christ divided? Was Paul or Apollos crucified for you?

He[Paul] answered them saying, “We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” (1 Cor 3:5-6). The one who says I follow Paul is divisive. So is the one who says I follow Apollos. In addition, the one who says I am for Christ is equally divisive. Rather, we are all for Christ, beloved.

  Similarly, in our day, there are some who are proud  Baptists, Catholics, Calvinists, Charismatics, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Apostolics, etc. bringing divisions in His body. Who was baptized in the name of the Pope, or John Calvin, or John Wesley, or Luther, or Charismatism, Pentecostalism?

Yeah, and we ask: "Who is Luther, and who is Calvin?" Who is Wesley and who is Finney? Are they not men Christ gave to His body? Who purchased us with a price? It is Christ who has bought us with His blood. Who then are you following? Let us not allow denomination, sectarianism, and men who were God's gift to the Church take the center stage of our faith. Who are you following, precious one?  Let it be Christ, for it is written , “All things are yours, and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's” (1 Cor 3:23).

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING:  1 Corinthian 1:1-17

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. In your own assessment, who have you been following all this while? Christ or denomination?

PRAYER

Precious Father, thank you for the reminder that my focus should be Christ and Him only. I am reminded of who loved me and gave Himself for me. My denomination is a means to serve Jesus, not men. Thank you for a shift in my perspective, in Jesus' precious name.  Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 2-3; Psalm 29; Mark 1