Week 7 day 1

Read 1 Corinthians 4

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%204&version=NIV

4:1–5 These verses are concerned with the evaluation of humans by humans. Although the term “servants” (4:1) denotes subordination, “given a trust” (4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. The call to leadership was a call to a pure and trustworthy character (4:2). The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but they had judged much too early (4:5, “before the appointed time”). Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride.

4:6–13 Paul spoke of himself and other leaders to illustrate to the people their problems in the area of arrogance (4:6). Paul’s concern for the problem of pride is reflected throughout the book (cf. 4:18–19; 5:2; 8:1). He used himself and Apollos as illustrations of leaders in the Corinthian situation and probably omitted the names of the real culprits to avoid their resentment.

Paul used the sarcasm to reveal the pride of the Corinthians (4:7–13). The readers were acting as if the coming of the Lord and his judgment were already behind them. It is easy to see how this wrong perspective could grow out of the doctrine of the judgment of sin at the cross. If they were forgiven, how could there be any future evaluation? But this was a misunderstanding. Who regarded them as superior (4:7)? Only themselves. The answer to the second question of 4:7 is “nothing.” The answer to the third question reveals the self-centered pride of the readers.
Paul, during much persecution, had left Thessalonica, passed through Berea (Acts 17:10) and entered Athens. He sarcastically used his persecuted lifestyle to show how far he had been left behind by the exalted and reigning Corinthians (4:8–14).

4:14–21 As a loving father (4:14–17) Paul admonished the Corinthians; he did not seek to shame them. Tutors (“guardians in Christ,” 4:15) were responsible for the general supervision of children until they reached adulthood (cf. Gal. 3:24). Timothy (4:17), who was ministering with Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:22), was sent to Corinth to remind the believers of Paul’s teachings.

Discussion question

Do you think it's possible to have a clear conscience and not be innocent (vs 4)? What do you feel Paul means by this?

Reflection question

Reflecting honesty on verse 20, is your Christian life more a matter of talk or power? What can you do to walk the talk this week?