Paul is dealing with issues very familiar to them all, but not to us today. This requires us to surmise or imagine the issues behind the statements. Apparently, many in the Corinthian church had allowed their pride to get the best of them. They were entertaining superior opinions about themselves that were inconsistent with true Christian humility.

Then, almost in a sarcastic manner, he contrasted their “greatness” with the servant attitude of the apostles and himself.

"8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings-and that without us (without our help)! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you (with your help)!

Acting . . . future kingdom _ instead of realizing still in this poor, miserable world.

"without us." How far they have left their poor teachers behind.

"A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40

"How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you (with your help)!"

9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession (the grand finale), like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men (These were the public executions carried out by the Romans. Condemned men were tormented and killed by wild animals as cheering crowds looked on).

Again using sarcasm to rebuke them

10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored (human wisdom before the world), we are dishonored!

The behavior of the apostles in face of difficulties would be a rebuke to their pride.

11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands (thought to be demeaning). When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world." v.8-13

Also relates to what he says in v.6, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me"

v.17, "Timothy. . . will remind you of my way of life"

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. . . If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" Mt 5:43-47

The whole point of Christianity is that it allows to to go beyond what human nature allows us to do, and to do the supernatural, the thing that can not be done without the power of God.

14 "I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you (about all the things he has said and implied), as my dear children (speaks of his love and devotion to them and their best interests). 15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians (instructors, tutors ) in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became ("begotten you" KJV) your (spiritual) father through the gospel (the power of the gospel came to them through him). 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. v.14-16

"imitate me." I would expect, "listen to me." Only teaching that comes out in life and action is the right teaching.

Imitate his humility, unselfish service, devotion to the Lord. His "way of life."

Our lives should more resemble Paul's than these leaders in Corinth.

17 For this reason I am sending 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. v.17

Jesus about the Pharisee's, "do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." Matt 23:3.

"Practice what you preach" is in common use today indicating that talk is cheap and needs to be converted into appropriate, consistent actions.

18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing (recognizes the sovereign direction of God), and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?" v.18-21

"But I will come-and soon-if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power." 1 Co 4:19 LB

These men had a "type of power" that they exercised over people. The power of human persuasion. They could wipe them into a frenzy, they could sway their beliefs, but what they could not do was change a life.

The power to change a life He is not referring to the power of spiritual gifts or the working of miracles.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)" Eph 5:8-9

He wants to know what influence these leaders have had on the church members. Is it an influence that has produced righteousness in their lives for which only the power of God can affect.

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

"having a form (outward shape) of godliness but denying its power (did not result from the power of God, but a mere achievement of hypocrisy)."

2 Tim 3:5

"Whenever the kingdom of God reaches down among men it is accomplished, not merely by words, but by power from on high, the power of divine grace, and by that power we may also know and recognize it; as it produces true faith, true confession, true love, and a whole host of other Christian virtues." Luther

CONCLUSION

Imitate the example of Paul (v.16) as he says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Co 11:1

Identify your spiritual father v.15. "I became ("begotten you" KJV) your father through the gospel"

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." Jn 1:12-13

Children born of God through the Gospel.

Practice what you preach. v.17 Hypocracy

Make sure . . . touched by the power of God, not just human persuasion.

"the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" v.20