I Corinthians Chapter 4
Paul continues in this chapter to challenge the Corinthian church to put their attitude in check. While this church had division over what leader they followed Paul or Apollos, many also had a very low opinion of Paul. And so Paul is trying to demonstrate that they are not to put him on a pedestal nor should they think of themselves as far better than him. I love what Paul said the church should think of Paul and Apollos as – servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. I think that would be a beautiful goal for each of us to be known as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God as our testimony for Christ.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul said he did not care if he was judged by these people or a court of law or really even judged by himself. What mattered to him was what the Lord would judge him for. When the Lord Jesus returns as judge of this earth, what will He judge according to verse 5?
2. One of the dangers of church leadership is pride. Paul warned them not to become puffed up and to go outside of what the scriptures said. This is something we all need to pay attention to when choosing a church. We need to make sure that the man in the pulpit is only teaching the principles of the Bible and not adding his own teachings. The pride in their thinking had led them to take sides in the church. What did Paul remind them about, that showed that they were alike and needed to practice humility?
3. In verses 8-13 Paul uses sarcasm to rebuke the Corinthians. In his sarcasm he makes a comparison between the state of the Corinthians and the state of the apostles. The Corinthians needed to be shaken from their pride thinking they were so much better than everyone else. Paul is saying “yes, you want to judge us as fools and spectacles to the world, but we are ok with that because we are fools for Jesus.” How had Paul and his team been treated by many people as he travelled sharing the gospel? See verse 13.
4. Paul said his sarcasm and rebuke was not to shame them but to warn them against pride. Paul makes it clear that he is worthy to be looked up to because he started the church at Corinth and because he had the authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul knew who he was following and therefore he could boldly say what? See verse 16.
5. Paul had sent to Corinth another man who he said was someone worth following. This man also was a follower of Christ Jesus. Who had Paul sent?
6. Paul had heard that some had arrogantly said of Paul that he would never dare return to Corinth. They thought Paul was afraid of them. What did Paul say was his intention?
7. He wanted them to think about their prideful ways before he did visit again. He would rather not have to rebuke them again. Paul wanted to come visit them with a spirit of what?
Devotionals
