1 Corinthians 4

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16

Paul has been speaking of divisions within the church for four chapters. Such divisions can only lead to a breakdown in harmony, infighting, and other trials. Eventually, they can ruin or completely divide a church. So one might think that Paul is actually causing a new division by his words in the previous verse (that he is a father to them) and in this verse by asking them to imitate him. Is he trying to greedily have the church follow him and not Apollos? The answer is no. His statement that he is a father to them implies that they are children to him. A father will look out for good, not evil, when guiding his children. And a father will have his own example to follow. In the case of Paul, he states his example explicitly in 1 Corinthians 11:1 by again instructing them to imitate him, while explaining why –

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Paul’s example is Christ. If this is so, then asking them to imitate him is, in effect, simply learning the greater example of Christ. This is a common theme of Paul, often implied, often explicit. In Philippians 3:17, he makes it explicit again –

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”

As another example, found in Ephesians 5:1 & 2, he will actually go around himself and ask them to directly imitate God –

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

The reason for speaking this way to the Ephesians as opposed to how he speaks to the Corinthians (“imitate God” rather than “imitate me”) is that the Corinthians were carnal and not yet grounded in how to imitate God. If he were to have told them to “imitate God” as he did to those at Ephesus, they would have had nothing substantial on which to accomplish this admonition. One must first learn what God expects before imitating Him. As Paul knew what God expected, they could follow him and thus learn how to imitate God.

Paul’s words are logical, clear, and demonstrate the wisdom which God granted him in order to handle every situation in the most effective way.

Life application: How important it is for instructors, teachers, and pastors to understand what God expects before teaching others. Without being God-like in their behavior, those who are instructed by them will most likely never truly learn how to imitate God.

Lord God, give me the wise sense to act in accord with Your will and the instruction You have given us in the Bible so that I can turn around and be a proper example to those around me. If their impression of You is faulty because of me, then I have failed You. May it not be so! But rather, keep me on that straight path of Christ, never deviating from what You would desire for me in the sight of others. Amen.

Wednesday, 28 May 2014

For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15

“For” is given based on the warning of the previous verse – “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.” The reason for the warning then was that “though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers.” A father will look after his children in ways that an instructor won’t. A good example to understand this is to see the only other times that the term for “instructors” which is paidagōgous (a pedagogue) is used. In Galatians 3:24, 25, Paul uses the term twice when referring to the law –

“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

A pedagogue was a slave who conducted children to school and looked over the care of their schooling. In a broader sense, it is used of teachers or instructors of any general kind. This is what the law was intended to be. It was meant to lead us to the knowledge that we need more than just formal schooling, but a relationship and personal care. This is what Jesus provides us.

Paul is using this same idea in a metaphorical way about himself. Many teachers and instructors had come to Corinth, but only Paul could claim “for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” He had been the one to originally bring them the message of Christ and to plant the church at Corinth. As a father begets children, he had begotten them in Christ through his preaching ministry. And so between them in this there was a bond similar to a father for a son. He felt the same way about Onesimus when writing to his friend Philemon –

“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains…” Philemon 1:10

Life application: Are you still familiar with the person who led you to Christ? If so, take time to write them a note or give them a call and tell them how your walk is going. There is a special bond in this that deserves an extra moment of your time. If you have lost contact with that person, lift them up in prayer today to your heavenly Father who knows exactly who they are and how to reward them.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the person who took the time to tell me about You. The greatest moment of my life took place because of a caring heart and a few simple words. Please look after that precious soul and bless them for their efforts. And Lord, help me to step forward and to share my faith with others as well. To Your glory I pray this. Amen.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 1 Corinthians 4:14

Now, in contrast to his words which he has thus far spoken – words of irony followed by words which included examples of personal hardship and trial, Paul removes the irony and explains why he gave those striking examples by saying, “I do not write these things to shame you…” His words were not intended to degrade them, but to effect a positive change in thinking (and thus in life) in them.

His words of irony weren’t intended as a means of embarrassment, and his words about his sufferings weren’t meant to exalt him above them as if they hadn’t somehow earned a right through personal trial which he had. Instead, and even if it had this effect, they weren’t intended to shame or taunt them. Rather, he had more lofty and righteous intents in mind. In contrast to this perception, he explains, “but as my beloved children I warn you.”

He has been acting and speaking as a father would to his own children – for good, for edification, for building up and exhortation. Just as a father will use examples from his own life in an attempt to show the right path, so Paul was doing thus far. When a parent tells of their past hardships, it is in anticipation that the child will listen and think, “Oh, I can avoid that by not doing what he did.”

Whether it concerns financial mistakes, blunders during times of schooling, faults that came up in relationships, or whatever else, the parent uses personal experience, mixed with irony, to impart wisdom to his children. This is Paul’s method here and it is with a noble and heartfelt intent for his children in Christ there at Corinth.

Life application: The Bible has many notes of instruction which include examples of failure as well as success. There is also irony directed to its audience. None of these are intended to shame us in the sense that we can never measure up. Rather, they are intended as a means of getting us to think on how we can measure up. And then God gives the answer – by putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ and living according to His instruction. That instruction is found in the Bible; read your Bible.

When I read Your word, O God, I see my own failings in the people I read about. Individuals and people groups alike all fail You again and again as I read its pages, and yet, you tenderly care for them and work to bring about a positive change in them. And then You sent Jesus who never failed. He is what all of those other trials, troubles, and shortcomings are intended to show me… even though I am like that, I can trust in the One who never failed. I can be found within Him! And then I can live for You through Him. What a marvelous God You are, to send us Jesus! Thank You and Amen.

Monday, 26 May 2014

…being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. 1 Corinthians 4:13

In the previous verse, Paul began a list of things which demonstrated the lowly and unappreciated state of the apostles. He continues that list in this verse to show the difficult circumstances they faced and yet how they handled them. He begins with “being defamed, we entreat.”

In essence, they are cursed or held in great contempt by those they encounter. However, they turn the proverbial cheek and “entreat.” Rather than biting back, they plead for grace between themselves and the offending party. Instead of cursing them and wishing their destruction, they look to reconciliation and hopes of their salvation.

Paul then notes how they are actually considered in the eyes of their persecutors by saying, “We have been made as the filth of the world.” The word translated as “filth” carries a technical sense to it. In essence, it concerns men who are set apart for death in order to provide expiation. A comparable concept, although death is not mandated in this instance, is found in the Old Testament book of Leviticus which reads –

“Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’  He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Leviticus 13:45, 46

The unclean person is cast outside the camp in order to carry away the infection from it. This is the kind of thing that Paul is intimating in how he is treated. In addition to this he says he and the other apostles are considered “the offscouring of all things until now.” The word here finds its roots in a verb which indicates rubbing, scraping, or shaving and so carries a similar idea to what he said about being filth. In order to be cleansed, they look at Paul and the others as something which needs to be first removed. If one were to think of cutting away hair which was full of chewing gum, the picture would be appropriate.

Life application: The apostles were willing to endure great verbal and even physical abuse for the sake of the gospel. A time is probably coming, and it may be prior to the rapture, where all who call on Christ will be faced with similar persecution. Be ready to follow Paul’s example when the time comes.

Lord God, the world is quickly degrading into perversion, wretchedness, and immense ungodliness. It’s hard, very hard, to stand against these things without losing composure. Help me Lord to be strong in my moral convictions while still being graceful towards those who revile me. It’s a tough stand to take, but if hearts can be changed by this, then it will be worth it. Be with me and guide me each step of the road. Amen.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 1 Corinthians 4:12

Paul continues to relay the plight of the apostles as they set forth to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only did they hunger and thirst, wear poor clothes, and receive ill treatment, they also didn’t impose upon others who may have recognized their plight. Instead, he says they “labor, working with our own hands.”

In Act 18, it is noted that Paul was a tent-maker and worked in that job while travelling in order to pay his way. In Acts 20, he even notes to those in Ephesus that he “provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me” (Acts 20:34). In other words, he not only worked to pay his own way, he paid for those he travelled with as well.

In similar words, he wrote in both his epistles to those in Thessalonica concerning his personal labors and the reason for it. From his first letter, we read this –

“So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 9

Despite this, and maybe partly because of it, he notes to the Corinthians that they were “reviled.” As common laborers, they would have been looked down on by many whom they encountered. All they would see is a poorly dressed, smelly person who claimed to have a message of salvation and freedom. What a paradox! What a contradiction! They would have been the brunt of jokes and taunting. And yet, despite being reviled, they in turn would “bless.”

Following the words of the Lord to those He instructed, they showed that this was the way to win true and sincere converts to the message they preached. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus gave this admonition to His followers –

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

This blessing of those who came against them was from the wisest Counselor of all and proved to be the true door to opening hearts and minds. But not only did they bless when reviled, Paul continues by saying that “being persecuted, we endure.” The blessings were given and regardless of whether the persecutions continued or not, they endured. They kept blessing, they kept praising God, and they continued to proclaim their message.

In their persecution a greater reward was promised. Again from Matthew 5, we learn of the blessing for those who are so treated –

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11, 12

Although these words were spoken by Jesus, under the law to those under the law, they are confirmed in the apostle’s actions and by the words of Peter to those he addressed in his first epistle –

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter :14-16

Though there are no apostles today, there are missionaries who carry on this type of work in areas which have never before heard the good news. They have the words of the Lord, the examples of the apostles, and the history of many generations of missionaries who have gone before them to be assured that this is the right approach to evangelizing those who have never heard the good news before. It is an awesome and blessed life that far too few consider in this world of ease and luxury.

Life application: Take time to pray for those who are in the mission field. They are doing a task which has continued on for 2000 years and which is the only hope of life and blessing for those they encounter.

Lord, as I sit at my desk, enjoying the morning and surrounded by the familiar sounds and smells of life, I know that there are some who have given up on these things for a great and awesome cause. They may be lonely, hungry, dirty, or in peril, but they are sharing Your word to a world which so desperately needs it. Today, I pray for those faithful souls who have given up so much for the wondrous gospel message. Please be an ever-present comfort in their lives as they serve You. Amen.