A Humble Example

The first part of this chapter Paul is clear about his position as a servant who is doing what God has called him to do.

In that role, Paul does not concern himself with the worldly opinion of others but is only concerned with God’s evaluation of his actions.

1 Corinthians 4:6–21 CSB

6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. 7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! 9 For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; 12 we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage. 14 I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. 15 For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Again, Paul starts off addressing the role of Apostle or for today’s gifts, pastor.

Everything he just said in verses 1-5 Paul has applied to himself and Apollos as early leaders of the Corinthian church.

The purpose of their attitude and their preaching was not being met by the Corinthian church as a whole. So what can we do?

If it isn’t biblical, it isn’t legit.

There is way to much extra biblical teaching in the world today.

I am not talking about our opinion or our understanding of scripture. I mean the gross misrepresentation of what the Bible says.

What ever we have it is not because of us but through Jesus.

Watch the attitude… be a fool - be humble - be gracious and be a blessing.

Paul gets after the Corinthian church for thinking they have already arrive, that they have all the answers.

He contrasts their attitude with the reality of what it means to be be a follow of Christ.

He concludes it with a pretty word picture… we are “like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage”.

Be an example to other believers as well as the world.

Paul says to imitate him - the idea is that we are to imitate him because he is imitating Jesus.

The analogy of being a spiritual “father” is fitting. Think about how much children watch, listen and imitate their parents.

What we need is a little less talk and a lot more action.