sf1022 - The Work Of An On-Mission Disciple (1 Corinthians 4 14-21)
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Introduction
In the Great Commission we are commanded to “make disciples” of all nations. While most of us are clear on the content of the command, I fear many are not as clear on the execution of the command.
We have heard numerous sermons on the need for disciples and the nature of what a disciple is. But few of us could actually set forth what the “work of discipling” entails.
In this epistle Paul uses a variety of metaphors to describe one who is actively involved in the ministry of “making disciples.”
He refers to himself as a…
3:5 – Servant
3:6- Farmer
3:9 – God’s fellow worker
3:10 - Builder
4:1 – Slave and a Steward
4:15 – a Father
In the text before us the Apostle Paul sets forth the elements of disciple—making by describing his relationship and ministry among the Corinthians as that of a spiritual father.
While Paul never uses the word disciple in this text he certainly describe what it is that a discipler does in relation to those he is discipling.
The work of discipling…
1A. An On—Mission Disciple Seeks to win the Lost (4:15)
1B. God’s agent in salvation– “I have begotten you…”
Paul saw himself as their spiritual father.
“I” is emphatic, literally I and I alone.
“Have begotten” – to bring forth, speaks of leading them to Christ
Paul felt a personal connection with them.
Paul was consistent soul-winner
Galatians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:11; 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 10.
2B. God’s power in salvation – “in Christ Jesus”
1 Corinthians 1:23-24 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God
3B. God’s instrument in salvation – “through the gospel”
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever
2A. An On—Mission Disciple Loves the Ones Whom He Disciples (4:14b)
“Beloved children” - Godly love, deepest love (agape)
1B. Genuine love
2 Corinthians 6:11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.
2B. Gentle love
1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…
3B. Gracious love
2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
3A. An On—Mission Disciple Builds Up His Disciple in Christ (4:14a)
1B. By not seeking to embarrass them – “I do not…shame you.”
“Shame” – to turn one on himself, producing shame.
2B. By seeking to exhort them – “I warn you”
“Warn” – admonish, exhort; to criticize in love with a view to a change
Ø Assumes sin that is to be corrected so they will change.
Aims to reclaim them
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Ø You must confront their lives; join your life with theirs.
The instrument is God’s Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
4A. An On—Mission Disciple Guides His Disciple by Example (4:16-17a)
1B. Personal pattern – “Imitate me”
“Imitate” – to copy, mimic
Whatever you want them to be you must be.
Philippians 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Set the pattern!
2B. Practical application – “My ways in Christ”
Paul had so discipled Timothy, that sending Timothy was as good as Paul himself being there. His ways.
This is the best way to impact the world for Christ!
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
5A. An On—Mission Disciple Instructs His Disciple in the Truth (4:17b)
1B. Settled truth
This is the same content he teaches everywhere
Ø Objective truth that does not change
Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
2B. Simple truth
“If we love them our goal will not to impress them with our learner, but to help them with theirs.” John Stott
Jesus was profoundly simple
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
6A. An On—Mission Disciple Disciplines His Disciple in Love (4:18-21)
1B. Recognize the presence of sin in the disciple’s life (4:18)
“Puffed up” – to inflate, blow up, become arrogant
Too often we excuse sin in others because of the reality of sin in our own lives.
We must remember that our basis for discipline is not our obedience but God’s command.
2B. Confront the disciple in his sin (4:19-20)
Love disciplines when it is necessary.
An undisciplined child belongs to a parent who is too selfish to discipline.
Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
3B. Be patient but determined to correct them. (4:21)
Application
Are you an on—mission disciple?
Who are seeking to win to Christ?
Who are discipling?
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Introduction
1A. An On—Mission Disciple Seeks to win the ________________________ (4:15)
1B. God’s _______________ in salvation– “I have begotten you…”
2B. God’s ______________ in salvation – “in Christ Jesus”
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
3B. God’s ________________________ in salvation – “through the gospel”
2A. An On—Mission Disciple __________________ the Ones Whom He Disciples (4:14b)
“Beloved children” - Godly love, deepest love (agape)
1B. Genuine love
2B. _________________ love
3B. Gracious love
3A. An On—Mission Disciple __________________ His Disciple in Christ (4:14a)
1B. By not seeking to embarrass them – “I do not…shame you.”
2B. By seeking to exhort them – “I warn you”
4A. An On—Mission Disciple __________________ His Disciple by Example (4:16-17a)
1B. Personal pattern – “Imitate me”
2B. Practical application – “My ways in Christ”
5A. An On—Mission Disciple __________________ His Disciple in the Truth (4:17b)
1B. _______________________ truth
2B. Simple truth
6A. An On—Mission Disciple __________________ His Disciple in Love (4:18-21)
1B. Recognize the ___________________ of sin in the disciple’s life (4:18)
2B. Confront the disciple in his sin (4:19-20)
3B. Be patient but determined to correct them. (4:21)