1 Corinthians 4:6-21

Paul takes yesterday’s principles and applies them to the Corinthian church.

Ø Become a fool for Christ so as to be fully blessed.

First Paul applies this principle to the Corinthians (v6-8) who were divided by their loyalties to the teachers.  The argument is simple: we are all people who are nothing apart from what we have received from Christ.  You have nothing to boast about even as we have nothing to boast about.  All the boasting must be of Christ!  And if what you are is given by Christ, then you are really quite full and rich and kingly!  Christ always gives abundantly.

Then Paul applies the principle to the apostles (v9-13).  The reference to being displayed last (v9) is taken by some to refer to the practice in the arena, where combatants fought to the death with the victor only then facing another foe until finally the last to fight was himself killed.  It is also possible it refers to the apostles being last after all the prophets, being the last through whom Scripture was given.  In any case Paul notes the extreme display (v9), the extreme humility (v10), the extreme hardship (v11-12a) and the extreme likeness to Christ in what He displayed on the cross (v12b-13a).  Paul concludes by referring to the apostles as filth and offscouring, two terms that refer to trash.  It is as if he cannot think of enough strong words to describe their status as fools for Christ.

To the self-esteem crowd this kind of language will be objectionable.  But for Paul, and for believers, there is an extreme desire to make sure all glory goes to our exalted God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ø Receive the minister of Christ so as to be fully benefited.

Paul then appeals to the family nature of the Body of Christ (v14-15).  Paul is to the Corinthian believers a father because he was involved in the planting of the church.  So he makes it clear that he is fulfilling this role, the role of a loving father, who will chasten his children but not shame them (1 Thess. 2:10-12; Eph. 6:4; Heb. 12:7).  

He then encourages them to be faithful children, to imitate their father (v16-17).  Children often disrespect their fathers and resist their chastening.  Paul, in an act of great wisdom, sends another of his spiritual sons, Timothy, to encourage them to obedience.  Paul is not treating the Corinthians unfairly but is calling them to the holy standard that he taught in all the churches.

Finally Paul promises he will not draw back from his fatherly role (v18-21).  He will soon come to them and will call to account those who might continue to stir up the division.  He hopes it will be a joyous reunion with them, but if necessary he will use the rod of discipline.

Would that every local church had such shepherds, who would love the flock and care for them as a father does his children!