1 Corinthians 4

Saturday, 24 May 2014

To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 1 Corinthians 4:11

In his words in this verse, Paul now contrasts the ironical statements made from verses 8-10 concerning how the Corinthians perceived themselves with the reality of how the apostles actually lived. The contrast is all the more striking when considering that the apostles were the schooled; they were the leaders; they were those who saw Jesus, were instructed by Him, and were granted His personal commission.

He notes their sad state and says that it persists “to the present hour.” This means that the poor living conditions of the apostles didn’t end with the establishment of churches, as if there were a sudden influx of power, prestige, and money flowing to them. Instead, despite what we today consider the exalted status of those early men of God, they lived in a state of deprivation. Paul says “we,” indicating the general lot of the apostles, were:

1) In “both hunger and thirst” – Those at Corinth went to church at someone’s home or elsewhere, they ate bread together, fellowshipped, and then returned to their homes for their regular life of food and drink, along with all the other benefits of a home. At the same time, the apostles were generally moving from place to place to spread the news of Christ. There were no guarantees of lodging and a meal and so hunger and thirst were a normal and expected part of their travels.

2) “Poorly clothed” – Some translations here say “naked.” The idea is one of clothing which is worn out from continual use, even to the point of being ragged. As travelers, they wouldn’t carry along a suitcase with changes of clothing, but would simply wear the same clothes continuously. In this state, they would enter a synagogue or congregation and speak to those who were wearing their normal clothes or even a set of clothes set apart for special occasions. Instead of being the height of fashion when attending, they would be the poorest dressers of all. This state wouldn’t be unknown to the Corinthians and they couldn’t claim Paul was making this up. They had seen him and Peter already and knew his words were so. As it was true with him, there is no reason to believe any other apostles were dressed any better.

3) “Beaten” – This is a customary theme of the book of Acts. It seems everywhere Paul went, someone was pulling at him, whipping him, slapping him, stoning him, or otherwise attacking him in some other physically offensive way. Even the high priest of Israel had him so abused –

“And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.” Acts 23:2

4) “Homeless” – The apostles were persecuted to the point where they would have to leave home and family. And the very concept of having a stable home was contrary to the type of ministry they conducted. They wandered about at the direction of the Spirit to whatever place was selected to hear the good news of the Gospel. The thought of a regular job and home probably never crossed their minds as they set their faces to the task ahead of them each day.

But Paul understood that these things had nothing to do with a right relationship with God. If anything, they strengthened it. Paul’s words of Romans 8:35 show that none of these things have any bearing on their intimate fellowship with Christ –

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35

In his follow up to this, in Romans 8:39, Paul says that none of these things, nor any other thing in heaven or on earth would be effective to “to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

He will continue with his sobering words to those in Corinth, and thus to us, of the conditions they suffered for Christ. Let us not worry if the latte machine is broken at church Sunday. It is of little consequence.

Life application: Are you timid to go to church because you don’t have clothing which is as good as the others who attend? Or, do you wish the dirty person in the pew next to you would take a shower and put on better clothes when coming to church? It is with certainty that either perspective is wrong. The apostles themselves were surely in far worse clothing. Would they be accepted into your church today?

Old clothes and raggedy shoes on his feet
Who let this person into our church today?
When we shake hands and when we greet
To that dirty fellow, I’ve nothing to say

But didn’t Christ die for Him too?
Weren’t the apostles dressed worse than he?
Lord forgive my heart for making such a to-do
I’m sorry for such thoughts Lord, please forgive me

Lord God, help me to look past the externals of those around me – their clothes, their possessions, even their culture, color, shape, or smell. Whatever keeps me from seeing them as a person created in Your image, take that away and replace it with eyes that see them as You see them. And then give me the words to say which will lead them to You. Thank You Lord, Amen.

Friday, 23 May 2014

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 1 Corinthians 4:10

Paul again introduces irony into his thoughts as he did in verse 8. He is showing the folly of their boasting and divisions within the church. He, and the other apostles, have done nothing but proclaim Christ, and they have done it with complete and undivided loyalty. But among those in this world (and even among those in the faith) they have been taken as fools, men of weakness, and those who are dishonored. His words are confirmed throughout Acts and the other epistles.

He begins with “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ.” In his statement, he speaks in an ironical tone in order to highlight his words. His message is one which proclaims only Christ; theirs is in divisions within the body. Later, in his second letter to the Corinthians, he will repeat this sentiment –

“I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.” 2 Corinthians 12:11

Two examples from Acts shows that this wasn’t limited to those at Corinth, but was a thought which permeated society at large as well –

1) “Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?'” 17:18

2) “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” 26:24

In opposition to how he is perceived, he ironically states that “you are wise in Christ.” In verse 8, he told them that they were already full, a way of saying they were full of knowledge when in fact they were mere babes in what they knew.

He then shows another irony about being mature in Christ when he says, “We are weak, but you are strong!” Again, in 2 Corinthians, he will explain very carefully how one who is truly weak in the ways of the world can actually be full of strength in Christ –

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

This statement came after his explanation that only when relying solely on the Lord can one be truly strong. The paradox is explained in Jesus’ words to Him which said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Because he had to rely on the grace of Christ, he possessed the greatest of all strengths. The Corinthians had failed to understand this and were busy in the art of division of Christ rather than total dependence on Him.

Finally, Paul again introduces a note of irony by stating “You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” The natural result of division is to feel distinguished. When someone argues with another about their favorite pastor being better than the other person’s pastor, there is a smug feeling of self-confidence. “I follow Pastor Pillowfeathers and he is all I need. I cannot see why you even listen to Preacher Pointypants.”

The attempt is to be distinguished among a crowd, just as Paul noted about the divisions in chapter 1. And yet, it harmed rather than helped; it destroyed rather than developed. But instead of divisions and mis-directions, Paul kept his eyes on one Prize and held fast to one Hope. And that is to be found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. His previous words to the Corinthians show this singleness of mind and attitude –

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” 1 Corinthians 2:2-4

Life application: What the world sees as foolish, weak, and dishonorable is the only true Source of sanity, strength, and honor. Jesus Christ is the Source of wisdom. Reliance on Him is the position of highest power and might. And there is no more exalted place for any person in heaven or on earth than to be found in Him, covered with His garments of righteousness. Eyes on Jesus! Hearts on Jesus! Minds on Jesus! Rest in Christ alone!

Glorious and exalted Lord, the sweetest sound of the finest singing bird can’t compare to the beautiful music of Your precious word. The most delicious taste of the choicest pastry is nothing compared to waking up to the savor of You in my life. And the fantastic sensation of the most delightful bubble bath compares not-in-the-least to knowing Your guiding hand is upon me. How wonderfully precious it is to be called, fed, and covered by You, my precious Lord. Amen.

Thursday, 22 May 2014

For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 1 Corinthians 4:9

“For” begins this verse and explains this statement made in the previous verse – “I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!” Paul was rebuking those in Corinth for their attitude of feeling full, rich, and reigning as kings when no such thing was the case. In those comments he added that he wished it was in fact true because if it were, then the apostles would also be right there with them. However, it was painfully apparent that this wasn’t the case.

Rather, Paul felt that they (meaning the apostles) had been on display by God in several notable ways –

1) last – the is a reference to the custom of the times where those who were to fight in the amphitheaters of the Roman Empire were brought in last, after all the other spectacles were finished, in order to fight to the death. They were the condemned about to die. Which is exactly what he then refers to.

2) as men condemned to death – those who first went into the amphitheaters may be orators or actors, and maybe animal shows as well. Only after their displays were finished would those who fought to the death be brought in. Those condemned to die had but one chance which would be to fight so well that they would be pardoned. In this they were made….

3) a spectacle to the whole world – the Roman Empire was the known world at the time. Amphitheaters were found throughout its borders and the condemned would be paraded through the streets to any and all of them as a sign of power of the empire and as a gory sport for those who watched.

Like these people, Paul found that the apostles were in a similar situation. In fact, all but John were actually killed for their faith and even John suffered greatly. For the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they lived their difficult lives as a “spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” In the sight of both those on earth and those in the heavenly realms, they went about their business of witnessing to the splendor of the gospel, unafraid of even death for the sake of Christ.

Life application: Far too many see Christianity as a means to wealth, prosperity, ease, and a fist-bumping relationship with the Creator. In this, they see their faults as easily dismissed and feel they possess a guarantee of protection and safety. But this is because of the prosperous circumstances which surround them. In most of the world and for most of history, Christians have been the brunt of hatred, torture, and death. Our pleasant surroundings are bound to end. How firm will we be in our faith at that time? Be prepared to serve the Lord through any and every trial.

Heavenly Father, I admit my life has been one of ease and prosperity. You have blessed me with so much in the time, place, and circumstance in which I find myself. But I know that those things may end someday. Should they not be found nearby, I would ask for nothing more than the strength to continue to praise You. If all else is taken from me, don’t take this desire and ability away. With this I will be pleased. Amen.

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! 1 Corinthians 4:8

Paul makes a sudden transition from his words concerning the boasting of the Corinthians. In this verse his pen shouts out the irony of a man who sees their true state. And he does so in an a way which shows his breaking heart over their childish behavior (something he will note directly in 1 Corinthians 14:20). In this then, he makes three statements which ascend in their tone and force.

In each of these thoughts, the emphasis is on the completed action indicated by the adverb or verb. As they are analyzed, stressing those words shows his intent. “You are already full!” You are already rich! You have reigned as kings.” Likewise, he has changed his wording from the previous verses which were singular to plural here. He is redirecting from the personal singular to the impersonal group to correspond with the emotion of his words.

And so he begins with “You are already full!” The idea here is one who is fully sated. The only other time this phrase is used is in Acts 27:38 –

“So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.”

Those in Corinth acted as if they had all they needed of the word and instruction in order to continue on in faith and practice, but Paul is just beginning. He will write another 12 chapters to them in this letter and a second letter comprising 13 chapters. Adding in his other letters and those of the other apostles, it is quite apparent that they were far less than full; they were lacking in the extreme. As he noted to them earlier, they were still babes, not yet able to move from milk to solid food (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2).

Continuing with his thoughts, he next says “You are already rich!” Not only did they assume they were full and had enough to sustain them, they felt so comfortable that they were rich. The idea of richness is that of having taken the food that they had consumed and processed it into grand knowledge and understanding. So much so that they could rest easy in what they possessed. This is similar to Jesus’ words to those is Laodicea in Revelation 3:17 –

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

However, Paul’s continued instruction to them will show that they are in fact poor beggars needing a handout of spiritual doctrine. And finally, he takes them to the highest level of irony by telling that that “You have reigned as kings without us…”

The idea of a king is one who is elevated to the highest position of all. They sit at the throne and direct others rather than taking orders. In this, he is literally mocking them over their boastings because what they have came from Cephas, Paul, and Apollos, to whom they had broken into warring divisions. So how could they be kings if they were claiming allegiance to mere messengers! Their thinking is utterly nonsensical and they have only made themselves look like fools in the royal court rather than the king on the throne.

With these thoughts now stated, he lessens his charge against them to show them grace by saying “and indeed I could wish that you did reign, that we might also reign with you.” They have assumed that they were kings with crowns and he has charged them otherwise, but his hope is that they will in fact be there to reign with him. He spoke in a similar manner to those in Thessalonica when he wrote to them –

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20

Paul wasn’t looking for divisions, but for a united heart and attitude directed solely toward Jesus Christ. He is where the prize is. He is where the throne is. He is where the crown of rejoicing is. Their attitude about Paul is that they had entered the kingdom apart from him when he in fact was the one who had planted what they now possessed.

Life application: Running ahead in spiritual development without understanding the basics inevitably leads to unsound theology, prideful demonstrations which harm the fellowship, and leaders being exalted in an unhealthy way. One cannot be sound in their theology without much study and a complete focus on Jesus Christ.

Lord God, a thousand prayer requests I could lay before You this morning – friends with trials, troubles, tribulations, and temptations. But what I would pray for them above all else is that You would impress upon them the need to study Your word. If they make the effort, those other things will find their proper place; many will disappear completely. Your word is a treasure of immeasurable worth. Open hearts to long for it, minds to understand it, and lives to rejoice in it. To Your glory I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, 20 May 2014

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7

“For” explains the thought in the previous verse which said, “that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.” Why should one be puffed up against another? If we think it through, it should never happen. To help us consider logically, Paul asks a series of questions to mull over.

First he asks, “Who makes you differ from another?” Paul and Apollos certainly differed from one another, as do all teachers. But who is it that made them different? Of course it is the Lord. If Paul differs from Apollos and they are both proclaiming the same message, then obviously the Lord should get the credit for the difference because He gave them that ability or grace. As this is so, then why should those in Corinth boast about their superiority over one another in their allegiance to Paul or Apollos? Rather they should be boasting in the Lord who made each according to His own wisdom and purpose.

If a potter made two pots, one beautiful and one simple, each still has a particular purpose. The beautiful one can be put on a shelf to admire, but it may not be as good for transporting olive oil. However, we need olive oil for cooking. So which is more important? And because the same potter made them both, do we praise the individual pot, or the potter who made them for various uses? Paul asks them to think.

He next asks, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” What predominate gift does Paul have? He was the one to plant. What predominate gift does Apollos have? He watered. Who gave them these gifts? Likewise, he would have them look to themselves as well. What do each of you have? And if  you have it, you received it from elsewhere. Was it from Paul? Was it from Apollos? No! It was from God. So why then are you puffed up? Why are there such divisions?

If a group goes into a royal palace and the one on the throne has gifts prepared for each of them. Who will they thank, the attendant who brings them the gift, or the one on the throne who offered it? The answer is obvious. Paul asks them to think.

Finally, he asks a follow-up question to get them to consider their actions, “Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” His words make it clear that what they have, they received. There can be no arguing against it and so his question is like a sharp knife, intended to cut away their pride. In essence, “Of course you have received all that you have, so why would you boast as if you had earned it?”

In the end, this is true for all things. If you have a big house and lots of money, it is because God gave you the time, place, intelligence, strength, etc. to earn these things. So do you say how great you are, or do you thank God for His grace upon your life? If you understand properly, it is God who must be given the credit. Paul asks them to think.

Life application. No matter what you have, it ultimately came from God. Illogical divisions which fail to recognize this are sinful. If we in the US boast about our strength, but fail to give God the credit for it, we sin. If those in Japan boast about their technological prowess, but fail to give God the credit for it, they sin. In all things, “To God be the glory.”

Lord, I have a great family – you chose who I would be born to. I have a super job – you gave me this particular ability. My wife is tops – you chose my time and place of life and she came as a result of that. The people counted as my friends like me because You made me the person that I am. How can I boast in a single thing? In the end, it all came from You. Thank You for every good and gracious blessing that has adorned my life. Amen.