I Corinthians 4:14-21 (Part 22) Apostolic Authority

Fatherly instruction

• Intent, v. 14: 1) Not to shame—no guilt trips; 2) To warn—to put things in the mind

• Basis, v. 15: 1) Paul is their spiritual father; 2) Paul brought the seed of the gospel to them

• The model—vv. 16-17. 1) Its pattern—“followers of me” (mimic, imitate) 2) Its implementation

• A visit, vv. 18-21: Two things about arrogance . . . : 1) Arrogant words deserve no attention; 2) Arrogant words have no power

Imitate

• Paul, I Cor. 4:16

• God, Eph. 5:1

• Other churches—I Thess. 1:13-14

Introduction to Chapter 5

• Primarily deals with an attitude problem

• Secondarily deals with a moral problem

Outline

• The case involved, 5:1

• The indifference rebuked, 5:2

• The action that is needed, 5:3-5

• The danger described, 5:6-8

• The discretion required, 5:9-13

Lessons from Chapter 5

• The churches’ concern is to be with its own moral purity—not that of society

• The aim of all discipline is restoration

• Immorality is a spreading sin

• Separation is needed because sin has a pattern. . . 1) Sin abhorred; 2) Sin tolerated; 3) Sin embraced