Fools For Christ

Lem lane

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Introduction

I’d like to invite you to look with me this morning at . Last week, we looked at verses 1-5 of this chapter, as Paul further taught the Corinthians how the apostles, and all ministry leaders were to be viewed.

He has been doing this in response to the Corinthians’ faulty view of leadership, power, the church, and the divisions they have within it. From 1:10 up until now, Paul has been dealing with the problem of division....and this is the climax of that dealing.

In fact, as he did subtly in chapter 3, you’ll notice a shift to a more personal tone in this passage, dealing with precisely what the Corinthians were doing wrong, by wrongly seeking to bring glory to themselves and not to God.

Paul reveals they are instead supposed to be like them....fools for Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:6–13 ESV

6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

Imagine getting to a place where a worship service has been planned, and hearing this from the one called the preacher:

"Some people come to me and say, well I came here to get some peace, not money, and I tell them, you NEED money otherwise you ain't gunna get no peace."

~Creflo Dollar

Or you hear this:

"The Lord told me, this is the end time message. He is coming to look for His church without spot or wrinkle. But one of the biggest wrinkles the church has is being BROKE!"

~Leroy Thompson

Or maybe even this:

"If you are struggling financially, then you have not got the victory."

~ Joel Osteen

There are many doctrines and practices accepted by today’s evangelicalism that are clearly labeled as wrong in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers…perhaps none more clearly than the ideas espoused by the prosperity gospel.

Paul is clear in this text, those in Christ are never promised luxury and ease in this life. In fact, the opposite seems to be the case repeatedly for God’s people.

But this problem is at the core of who we are. It is at the root of our initial fall as a human race into sin. We sought to become like God....to determine good and evil. And we have constantly sought in our fallen natures to rob the Creator of glory and honor, by giving it to His creation instead....including giving glory and honor to ourselves.

And this is true, not only within those embracing the prosperity gospel, that’s just one of the most obvious ways it is exhibited. But if we’re honest, there’s a small dose of the prosperity gospel within us all. As I heard one preacher say the other day, “Even in churches that are desirous to be gospel-centered, the notion that bigger is better is like gravity, constantly pulling us in.”

In other words, we are constantly in danger of straying into the dense forest of distraction named “glory now.” We want our individual lives marked by luxury, ease, and comfort. We want others to view us and say, “look at how successful they are.”

We want our churches to be that way as well, “Look at how well they’re doing.”

We’re eager to receive glory and accolades from the world…and we’re eager to heap glory and accolades upon ourselves…but this is foreign to what our Lord has called us to.

Paul is teaching the Corinthians, it is this wrong value system, this wrong pursuit, that is at the core of why they are moved towards factionalism and division.

Why are they busy dividing up over ministry leaders? Because they are overwhelmed with a desire for glory and honor in this life…and have lost sight of what’s lasting and what’s not.

In this passage, Paul is extra clear, that it is Scripture that teaches them to embrace the status of being fools for Christ, instead of seeking a “royal” status by the standards of this age.

You and I must understand that as well. If we’re wanting to guard against division, and if we’re eager to as Paul wrote to the Ephesians “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” then we must follow the leading of the Spirit for that to become a reality.

The Spirit leads, by the Scripture. And here’s our big truth today...

Scripture teaches us to pursue God’s glory, not our own

I think we see that clear enough in our passage, but let’s break down into 2 main points, 2 main headings…and just work through the text, trusting the Holy Spirit to work these truths within us.

SCRIPTURE TEACHES US TO PURSUE GOD’S GLORY, NOT OUR OWN....AND WE SEE THAT FIRST OF ALL, BY SEEING....

1. The Boundary of Scripture

We are not fenced off by what we believe to be true....we are fenced off by Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos

By this, Paul seems to be referring to all that he’s written thus far…especially from 1:10 to now

He also seems to be implying that their current divisions were not actually over Paul and Apollos…but over some nameless guys there now....and so he has applied all those truths to himself and Apollos....FOR THEIR BENEFIT

WHAT LESSON WERE THEY TO LEARN?

To not go beyond what is written...

It is true, that Roman Catholicism would have you believe, the concept of Sola Scriptura was first thought up in the Protestant Reformation.

Sola Scriptura of course, being that idea that espouses, “It is Scripture alone that is our final authority on things pertaining to faith and life.”

But this is not a new doctrine. Rewind history from the 1500’s, back to the early centuries of the church, just a couple hundred years after Jesus’ ascension, and this is what we’re hearing:

“For how can we adopt those things which we do not find in the holy Scriptures?” -

~ Ambrose

“On consideration...of the reason wherefore men have so far gone astray, or that many – alas! – should follow diverse ways of belief concerning the Son of God, the marvel seems to be, not at all that human knowledge has been baffled in dealing with superhuman things, but that it has not submitted to the authority of the Scriptures”

~ Ambrose

“What more shall I teach you than what we read in the apostles? For Holy Scripture fixes the rule for our doctrine, lest we dare be wiser than we ought. Therefore I should not teach you anything else except to expound to you the words of the Teacher”

~ Augustine

So then, it is not to the Pope we submit our ultimate loyalty; nor is it to those religious leaders in their councils, unless those councils are rightly expounding the Word of God.

We the church do not rule and reign over and above God’s Word....it is God’s Word that rules the church.

Christians believed this, not only in the Reformation, and not only in the early centuries of the church…but we know this is precisely what the Apostle Paul taught himself…for we see it here in verse 6.

I USED MYSELF AND APOLLOS AS EXAMPLES, SO THAT YOU WOULD LEARN....DON’T GO BEYOND THE SCRIPTURES!

1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

To which Scriptures does he refer?

Obviously all of them....especially the Old Testament…but he has quoted at least 5 passages from the Old Testament in the letter so far

Each of those passages he has quoted has emphasized to the Corinthians that their boasting should be ONLY in the Lord

In 1:19 he quoted from

Isaiah 29:14 ESV

14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”

Isaiah 29:14 ESV

In 1:31, he quoted from

Jeremiah 9:23–24 ESV

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Jeremiah 9:23 ESV

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,

Jeremiah 9:22–23 ESV

22 Speak: “Thus declares the Lord, ‘The dead bodies of men shall fall like dung upon the open field, like sheaves after the reaper, and none shall gather them.’ ” 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,

In 2:9, he quoted from

Isaiah 64:4 ESV

4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

In 3:19, he quoted from

Job 5:13 ESV

13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

And in 3:20, he quoted from

Psalm 94:11 ESV

11 the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.

Psalm 93:11

All of these references point to the inferiority and insignificance of man’s wisdom, and the highest point of man’s intellect, in the presence of almighty God.

And Paul is telling the Corinthians, “You want to know how to view yourselves and your leaders? Don’t go beyond the Scriptures to figure it out. Scripture is telling you to humble yourselves, and glory only in God.”

Which is precisely the synonymous lesson he gives in our text in verse 6....

1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

The Scriptures teach that God alone deserves glory....that man should be humble. And the Corinthians needed this lesson. They were prideful, arrogant, desirous of self-glory, and as a result, they began to be divided and factionalized.

We run into spiritual chaos and destruction, when we run outside of the bounds of Scripture.

Illustrate

I was with a couple of pastors once, when they began to question me on my views concerning God’s sovereignty in our salvation. We had a good discussion back and forth, until I pressed them on a particular verse, and one of them said, “Well, to me, I don’t interpret that word like that....I see that as saying...”

The problem was, he was far removed from what it actually said

WHENEVER WE DISREGARD THE PLAIN READING OF MULTIPLE PASSAGES, BECAUSE WE’VE FILTERED THOSE PASSAGES THROUGH OUR BELIEF SYSTEM WE REFUSE TO DROP…WE ARE OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY OF SCRIPTURE.

Apply

There will probably be many moments when you are shown this to be true of you…I know it’s been true of me

I know there have been NUMEROUS times…when I was the one that needed to be helped to see it…that I was outside the boundary of Scripture...and perhaps there will be more times in the future.

And we must know…to live “for God,” outside of His Word…is to live in a state of arrogance

We need to understand that when we’re living outside the boundary of Scripture and we’re shown it

BUT WE ALSO NEED TO KNOW HOW TO HELP OTHERS SEE IT

If you’ve ever had someone help you lovingly see you were outside the Scriptures....it should tell you, you may have to do the same for someone else

So... what about you? When your co-worker shares the prosperity gospel with you? Or your agnostic relative presses you for a defense of Christianity....are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you KNOW the Scriptures?

We must. Moms, dads, singles, teenagers, children....we must KNOW God’s WORD.

To evangelize and to make a defense of the gospel

And when we do so…we must remain humble. We don’t approach them looking down upon them

1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV

7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

The Corinthians were boastful and arrogant…and Paul’s point with these questions is this, “What makes you so special? Everything you have, was freely given by God…you haven’t earned your spiritual gifts, your spiritual knowledge, your wisdom and insight and illumination....so why brag about it as if it comes from you?”

We must be the same.

Every ounce of spiritual knowledge, every spiritual gift, our nearness to the Lord and alignment with His Word…has been a gift from Him, out of His sheer grace.

That is the way it’s always been

Think of chapter 2, with the Spirit’s illumination

Think of those disciples on the Emmaus road, who Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures

Think of Lydia in the book of Acts, whose heart the Lord opened to receive the gospel

What do they have to brag about? God’s grace is why they know Him.

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.

Not In Me

No list of sins I have not done, No list of virtues I pursue, No list of those I am not like Can earn myself a place with You. O God, be merciful to me– I am a sinner through and through! My only hope of righteousness Is not in me, but only You.

Scripture is our boundary....and Scripture teaches us to be humble, and glory only in God.

And on that same line of thought, Scripture teaches us not to embrace the value system of this world, but to embrace the value system of God.

Which brings us to our second point....

2. Contrasting Corinth with Apostles

In these next several verses, especially v.8-12a, Paul speaks with great irony in order to emphasize and highlight the contrast of the 2 groups

As I’ve already noted, this is the climax of this section on division. And here, Paul makes it clear.

There are at least 4 areas he contrasts the two groups...

a.Contrasting Images

1 Corinthians 4:8 ESV

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!

Describing the Corinthians’ view of themselves, with great irony, Paul says, “You already have everything you want. You are completely satiated, satisfied, and full. And you are RICH. In fact, without us with you, you are living it up like kings.”

We then get Paul’s heart a little when he says, “and would that you did reign...”

Paul wasn’t an individual who simply loved pain and suffering....he just knew that to be the way of the Christian

He’d be ok ruling with them....but not at the expense of God’s glory

He desired and sought for God’s name to be glorified, far more than His own

This is the reason he readily aligned himself with the sufferings associated with the cross of Christ. He wasn’t trying to hide from that…he embraced it.

But he wished they did reign…for this was far different than Paul’s own experience.

Notice the Apostles’ image:

1 Corinthians 4:9 ESV

9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

They were like men sentenced to death

They were a spectacle for everyone everywhere

They are not seen as princes or kings....they bear the image of a criminal on death row.

There is a stark contrast between these two images. It’s the contrast between rulers and criminals.

In Luther’s day, he pointed out a distinction between a “theology of glory,” and a “theology of the cross.” Same concept with a different name.

In our day, it’s the same as well.

As Alister McGrath puts it, “The ‘theologian of glory’ expects God to be revealed in strength, glory and majesty, and is simply unable to accept the scene of dereliction on the cross as the self-revelation of God.”

Apply

You see brothers and sisters, we are never told we have to love suffering. But it is clear, that is our lot in life.

Instead of clamoring, fighting, and clawing to get to the top....fight to be more aligned with Christ. Be willing to take whatever comes as a result.

Second contrast...

b. Contrasting Intellects

1 Corinthians 4:

1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.

By now, in this letter, we’re familiar with his consistent contrasting of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Paul and the apostles are those who embrace the “word of the cross...” they are fools for Christ’s sake....disregarded by the world as foolish.

And in a sarcastic way, he tells the Corinthians, ‘but that’s not the case with you. No, you’re in Christ…and are considered wise.’

Remember, Paul has already talked about those present among the Corinthian church, who believed themselves to be wise, by the standards of this age.

1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

He has called them to become fools....now in our text today, he sarcastically demonstrates the contrast between the Corinthian church, or at least a number in the Corinthian church....with the apostles.

There is a 3rd contrast....

c. Contrasting Power

1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.

We are weak. Along with foolishness and wisdom, strength and weakness is also a contrast throughout the letter. The wisdom of this age is such that it considers what is actually God’s power, as weakness....and that which is considered their strength and power, is weak.

So Paul highlights the contrasts in their views of themselves.

Paul in his ministry....

1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV

3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,

These Corinthians want power. Power, that is considered power, by the standards of this age. They’re not interested in a hidden power no one can see until the end.

They want power! Power that the apostles are certainly not known for having.

So then Paul… “notice our contrast. We’re weak and powerless....but you are strong.”

There’s a fourth contrast....

d. Contrasting Reputations

1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.

You are splendid, we are dishonored....you are honored, we are held in disrepute

There is such a drastic difference between these two groups that we would be tempted to think he’s contrasting Christians and non-Christians. But remember to whom the letter is written, the church.

And remember how he addressed them in verse 6, “brothers.”

Remember that Paul has mentioned in chapter 3, that they are living contrary to their actual standing in Christ.

Christians embrace the shame, the suffering, the ridicule of the word of the cross....you are seeking for fame, luxury, and honor from the world.

Notice then, in the next two verses, how Paul lays out the Apostles’ condition…highlighting the distinction between the two groups even further.

1 Corinthians 4:11 ESV

11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,

1 Corinthians 4:11–12 ESV

11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

You may think of yourselves as being full…but we hunger and thirst. You might consider yourselves rich and living like kings....but we are poorly dressed, we are buffeted (meaning we are suffering, or we are beaten), and we have no abiding residence to live within.

1 Corinthians 4:12 ESV

12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

In a society like the Corinthians, to work with ones’ hands, to have a job working physical, manual labor…is to be of a lower social class than others. Paul had to make tents to earn a living.

There’s even some evidence that tent making was a menial task as well…having to work where the slaves worked.

The apostles were willing to embrace all that was attached to their calling. Poor, no real home, considered to be of a lower social status, considered weak.

They truly embraced what Paul called for in chapter 3…and mentioned here....they were FOOLS for Christ.

But the general attitude of the Corinthian church was to seek for glory NOW. To not consider eternity, and the eschatological reality of Christ’s return to turn the value system of this age on its head.

They were consumed, just like carnal, fleshly, unconverted men and women....with ONLY this life. And it showed.

Like modern day prosperity gospel preaching, they wanted nothing to do with homelessness, poverty, and be considered weak and foolish. If it would have been preached then, they would have no doubt been extremely tempted to embrace the message, “name and claim your victory over _________.”

BUT NOTICE HOW THE APOSTLES RESPONDED TO THEIR CONDITIONS...

V. 12:

When reviled, we bless

Sound familiar? Jesus said as much in

When persecuted, we endure

Jesus never promised us deliverance from persecution and hatred here on earth. He did call us to endure to the end through it....and He did promise, He will always be with us in it.

Verse 13, gives us more of their response.....

1 Corinthians 4:13 ESV

13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

Paul brings his contrast to a close then in v. 13

When slandered, we entreat

Or in other words, when spoken ill of....we respond with exhorting, encouraging words

Those who have truly, and fully, embraced the wisdom of the age to come and rejected the wisdom of this age, have no reason to retaliate.

1 Corinthians 4:13 ESV

13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

Paul’s contrast comes to completion in those closing words:

We have become, and are still to this day, the scum of the world, the refuse of all things

The imagery makes the emphatic point....the scum could be a number of things, but at the very least has to do with the dirty bath water after someone has been scraped and washed clean from the mud, much, dirt, etc.

You may be living like kings…but we’re the dirty bath water that is thrown out

Apply

What does all of that say to us? It says, we need to understand more fully what it means to embrace, to believe, to stake our eternities upon…this message of the cross.

If there happens to be an unbeliever present this morning…a person that isn’t sure whether or not they’re saved…let me urge you to consider the cost before you.

The Bible is clear in its judgment of you and I…we are individuals created in God’s image that have lived our lives in sin and rebellion against God

But God in His mercy has provided a way of salvation for all who turn from sins and trust that Jesus died in your place and rose again from the dead

Consider the cost. You will be in many ways sacrificing your reputation; oftentimes losing friendships; you may become an easy target for ridicule and injurious speech....BUT…you will be made right, and be brought to peace, with your Creator

Turn today sinner....trust in Christ…and be saved.

For those who are believers....Paul’s description of the apostles, is used as an example for us.

- Yes, the apostles had a particular ministry. According to Paul’s second letter to Corinth that we have in our Bibles, there were particular miraculous signs performed by apostles, further validating and confirming the Word they were preaching.

But this description of the Christian life in our text....is not limited to only the apostles. This status of being the scum of the world, suffering ridicule and persecution....being FOOLS for Christ....that’s the lot of Christians.

It looks different from place to place…but it’s who we are.

John 15:18 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Acts 14:22 ESV

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 1:7 ESV

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12 ESV

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Apply

Parents, train your children....older Christians, disciple younger christians…to KNOW that their lot in life as a believer in Christ, will be to be considered as FOOLS

But remind them, that it is for the sake of Christ…it is to bring Him glory.

Remind them that there is no cost too high to bring glory to the name of our Lord and Savior

It was Hugh Latimer that was to be burned at the stake, alongside of Nicholas Ridley, for their supposed heresy during the days of the Reformation.

Latimer sought to ease Ridley’s mind when he said, “Be of good comfort (THEY ARE BEING BURNED), Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day, by God’s grace, light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out.”

That is a man who had embraced the wisdom of the age to come, and rejected the wisdom of this age.

We must do the same

Conclusion

Let me close....

So, Paul contrasts himself and the other apostles, with the Corinthians view of themselves.

He reminds them what the Scripture teaches, and instructs them to NOT go beyond what is written.

Instead of seeking a royal status in this world…they were to embrace being a fool for Christ.

We are to do the same. Pursue God’s glory, not our own.

Be a fool for Christ.

And when we stand united as one people, embracing the foolishness of the cross…we limit our chances of fighting each other. Instead, we encourage each other as we face the fighting, the ridicule, and shame from the world.