Called to Be Saints - 1 Corinthians 4 - Servants of Christ

Issue: arrogance, competition, and rivalry based on ranking of spiritual gifts.

Solution: humble recognition that gifts are, by their very definition, received and not earned.

Result: ascribing all glory and credit to the Giver; accepting each other as unworthy recipients.

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Called to Be Saints

1 Cor 4 Servants of Christ

Accountable Stewards – 4:1-7

4:1-2                    Our Goal

4:3-5                    Our God

4:6-7                    Our Gifts

Issue: arrogance, competition, and rivalry based on ranking of spiritual gifts.

Solution: humble recognition that gifts are, by their very definition, received and not earned.

Result: ascribing all glory and credit to the Giver; accepting each other as unworthy recipients.

Scarred Survivors – 4:8-13

Note Paul’s use of irony, “tongue-in-cheek.” A rhetorical device, not to ridicule, but to rebuke and instruct.

The Corinthians’ self-view: rich; reigning as kings; wise; strong; honorable; superior to poor Paul.

Paul’s (apostles’) self-view: Last of all; on death row; a spectacle to all; fools; weak; lacking honor; hungry; thirsty; poorly clothed; roughly treated; homeless; reviled; persecuted; slandered; scum; refuse.

Paul’s proof: “We labor.” “Reviled, we bless.” “Persecuted, we endure.” “Slandered, we entreat.”

Cf. 2 Cor 4:7-12; 6:4-10; 11:23-29.

Available Parents – 4:14-21

“I’m not trying to shame you (crush your spirit).”

“I’m admonishing you because I love you.”

“I’m correcting you because I am your father.”

“I’m just asking you to do what I have done.”

“I’m sending your brother to help you.”

“I’m coming to deal with this in person.”

“I’m letting you choose: tough love or tender?”