1 Corinthians 4:7-13

1 Corinthians 4:6–8 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!

Introduction

Pat yourself on the back

God wisely designed the human body so that we can neither pat our own backs nor kick ourselves too easily. - Guideposts

There is a story told, whether factual or not I do not know, of the one-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Muhammad Ali, flying to one of his engagements. Ali’s name has never been synonymous with humility, and thus whether this story is fact or fiction, the notoriously yet affectionately branded “Louisville Lip” at least made possible such an anecdote. During the flight the aircraft ran into foul weather, and mild to moderate turbulence began to toss it about. All nervous fliers well know that when a pilot signals “moderate turbulence,” he is implying, “if you have any religious beliefs, it is time to start expressing them.” The passengers were accordingly instructed to fasten their seatbelts immediately. Everyone complied but Ali. Noticing this, the flight attendant approached him and requested that he observe the captain’s order, only to hear Ali audaciously respond, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” The flight attendant did not miss a beat and replied, “Superman don’t need no airplane either.”

Rotator cuff repair

Pat yourself on the back

The church at Corinth struggled with unity.

Unity is always a casualty of pride.

1 cor 4 7

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

7 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?

Pride thrives in our failure to understand and apply the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:9–13 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. 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.

We think like the world when we think too much of ourselves.

God doesn’t primarily choose to use impressive people.

1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

But notice how Paul emphasised the way the apostles were viewed.

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.

Spectacle θέατρον théatron - Theater, a place where drama and other public spectacles were exhibited and where the people convened to hear debates or hold public consultations.

The theater is a place where criminals of the state were publicly humiliated and killed.

The kingdom of God stands in sharp contrast to the kingdom of man.