EGW Writings1 Corinthians 4

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 82, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 82, 1903, par. 22

Work as in the presence of the heavenly intelligences. God calls for loyalty, for faithfulness; for we have been bought with a price. Stand firm in the faith; and you will be more than conquerors through Him who loved you and gave His life for you. To all who claim to be in His service, God says, “Ye are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.” [1 Corinthians 4:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]

MR No. 515—Counsels Regarding Medical Work

7MR 374.1

This world is our educating school. The apostle Paul writes: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1, 2.) “For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” (1 Corinthians 4:9.)

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 937—To the Leaders in Our Medical Work

12MR 70.2

Concerning His disciples, Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). A pleasant, self-satisfied feeling is not an evidence of sanctification. A faithful record is kept of all the acts of the children of men. Nothing can be concealed from the eye of the high and holy One, who inhabiteth eternity. Some make Christ ashamed by their course of devising, planning, and scheming. God does not approve of their conduct, for the Lord Jesus is not honored by their spirit or their works. They forget the words of the apostles, “Ye are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9).

Maranatha

A Great Terror Soon to Come, May 10

Mar 138.1

We are put on view to the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Corinthians 4:9, Bible in Basic English.

Australasian Union Conference Record

December 1, 1899

AUCR December 1, 1899, par. 6

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus.” Here he remained three years and six months, “disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” Here, also, he toiled at his craft. He writes to the Corinthians, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands, being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” 1 Corinthians 4:9-15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 97, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 97, 1899, par. 7

He writes to the Corinthians, “For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands, being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” [1 Corinthians 4:9-15.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Young Ministers

GW92 145.2

Men who are chosen of God to labor in this cause, will give proof of their high calling, and will regard it as their highest duty to grow and improve until they shall become able workmen. Then, as they manifest an earnestness to improve upon the talent which God has intrusted to them, they should be helped judiciously. But the encouragement given them should not savor of flattery, for Satan himself will do enough of that kind of work. Men who think that they have a duty to preach, should not be sustained in throwing themselves and their families at once upon the brethren for support. They are not entitled to this until they can show good fruits of their labor. There is danger now of injuring young preachers, and those who have but little experience, by flattery, and by relieving them of burdens in life. When not preaching, they should be doing what they can for their own support. This is the best way to test the nature of their call to preach. If they desire to preach only that they may be supported as ministers, and the church pursue a judicious course, they will soon lose their burden, and leave preaching for a more profitable business. Paul, a most eloquent preacher, miraculously converted by God to do a special work, was not above labor. He says, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.” “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” [1 Corinthians 4:11, 12; 2 Thessalonians 3:8.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Minister and Manual Work

GW 237.2

Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the ministry will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. Although an eloquent speaker, and chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. “Even unto this present hour,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.” [1 Corinthians 4:11, 12.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 80—Unconsecrated Ministers

1T 446.2

Men who are chosen of God to labor in this cause will give proof of their high calling and will consider it their highest duty to grow and improve until they shall become able workmen. Then, as they manifest an earnestness to improve upon the talent which God has entrusted to them, they should be helped judiciously. But the encouragement given them should not savor of flattery, for Satan himself will do enough of that kind of work. Men who think that they have a duty to preach should not be sustained in throwing themselves and their families at once upon the brethren for support. They are not entitled to this until they can show good fruits of their labor. There is now danger of injuring young preachers, and those who have but little experience, by flattery, and by relieving them of burdens in life. When not preaching they should be doing what they can for their own support. This is the best way to test the nature of their call to preach. If they desire to preach only that they may be supported as ministers, and the church pursue a judicious course, they will soon lose the burden and leave preaching for more profitable business. Paul, a most eloquent preacher, miraculously converted of God to do a special work, was not above labor. He says: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.” 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12. “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 33—Laboring Under Difficulties

AA 354.2

Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the ministry, will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. Although an eloquent speaker, and chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. “Even unto this present hour,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.” 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12.

From Trials to Triumph

A Suggestion for Modern Gospel Ministers

TT 187.1

Although an eloquent speaker and chosen by God to do a special work, Paul was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. “To the present hour,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands.” 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12, RSV. He labored at this trade; nevertheless he ever held himself ready to lay aside his secular work in order to oppose the enemies of the gospel or to win souls to Jesus. His zeal and industry are a rebuke to indolence and desire for ease.

Testimony for the Church — No. 10

Ministers

T10 54.1

Men who are chosen of God to labor in this cause, will give proofs of their high calling, and will consider it their highest duty to grow and improve until they shall be able workmen. Then, as they manifest an earnestness to improve upon the talent God has given them, they should be helped judiciously. The encouragement they should receive, should not savor of flattery, for Satan himself will do enough of that kind of work. Men who think that they have a duty to preach, should not be sustained in throwing themselves and families at once upon their brethren for support. They are not entitled to this until they can show good fruits of their labor. There is danger now of injuring young preachers, and those who have but little experience, by flattery, and by relieving them of burdens in life. When not preaching they should be doing what they can for their own support. This is the best manner to test the nature of their call to preach. If their call to preach is only that they may be supported as ministers, and the church pursue a judicious course, they will soon lose the burden, and leave preaching for more profitable business. Paul, the most eloquent preacher, miraculously converted of God to do a special work, was not above labor. He says, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place, and labor working with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.” 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12. “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8.

To Be Like Jesus

Cooperating With God in Work Promotes Happiness, August 7

BLJ 233.1

And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure. 1 Corinthians 4:12, NKJV.

Education

Paul, Joyful in Service

Ed 68.1

“Being reviled,” he said, “we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat;” “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 1 Corinthians 4:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 6:10.

The Story of Redemption

An Adaptable Worker

SR 313.3

“Being reviled,” he said, “we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat”; “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 1 Corinthians 4:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 6:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 31

Never say, “It is time to make an example of this brother,” even though he may have erred. Wait till you can say, “It is time to make an example of me by the withdrawal of your confidence and favor, because I have not moved wisely.” But there are so many who, though willing to make out a recipe, that others may take the bitter medicine, would not be pleased to take it themselves. With many it makes every difference whether it is I or my brother. Well did the apostle say, Ye have many teachers, but few fathers. [1 Corinthians 4:15.] It is spiritual fathers that we need in our gospel work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 30

Never say, “It is time to make an example of this brother,” even though he may have erred. Wait till you can say, “It is time to make an example of me by the withdrawal of your confidence and favor, because I have not moved wisely.” But there are so many who, though willing to make out a recipe, that others may take the bitter medicine, would not be pleased to take it themselves. With many it makes every difference whether it is I or my brother. Well did the apostle say, Ye have many teachers, but few fathers. [1 Corinthians 4:15.] It is spiritual fathers that we need in our gospel work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 43, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 43, 1891, par. 23

Christ is our highest model. “Be ye followers of Me,” is the invitation from Christ Jesus. [1 Corinthians 4:16.] The fruit He bore was perfect obedience to the Word and will of God. He said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me.” John 4:34. Benevolence and meekness were revealed in His life and character, and we must be like Jesus in our life practice. His example is to be kept before us. We do not half study His life and practice it, else we do not practice His Word. If we thoroughly do His will as He has revealed it, we shall know of the doctrine. We should not make movements in our own unsanctified natural temperament which divorces the soul from God.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1099—An Appeal to Surrender; Resistance to the Holy Spirit at Minneapolis

14MR 106.1

Here are the terms the Lord offers you, my dear children. Will you accept the conditions? The character of Christianity is intensely practical. “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” [1 Corinthians 4:20]. It bears the divine credentials. This practical religion does not put aside the truths of the Bible as too sublime for common life. Its principles are to control us in all the little things as well as the large things of life, supplying the motive to a high and holy course of action. The life of Christ is to be our example.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

An Appeal to Surrender; Resistance to the Holy Spirit at Minneapolis

1888 1065.1

Here are the terms the Lord offers you, my dear children. Will you accept the conditions? The character of Christianity is intensely practical. “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20). It bears the divine credentials. This practical religion does not put aside the truths of the Bible as too sublime for common life. Its principles are to control us in all the little things as well as the large things of life, supplying the motive to a high and holy course of action. The life of Christ is to be our example.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 2a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 2a, 1892, par. 5

Here are the terms the Lord offers you, my dear children. Will you accept the conditions? The character of Christianity is intensely practical. “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” [1 Corinthians 4:20.] It bears the divine credentials. This practical religion does not put aside the truths of the Bible as too sublime for common life. Its principles are to control us in all the little things as well as the large things of life, supplying the motive to a high and holy course of action. The life of Christ is to be our example.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 270, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 270, 1906, par. 8

Be sure you are doing the work of the Lord. When you have found the best location, then build economically. Do not allow one dollar to be expended needlessly. Act only after due consideration and prayer. “The kingdom of heaven is not in word, but in power.” [1 Corinthians 4:20.] Sit down and count the cost carefully before you build in any place. A mistake in such a matter often results in bitter discouragement.