1 Corinthians

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.

Monday, 19 May 2014

Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 1 Corinthians 4:6

“Now these things” is referring to everything from a certain point in his writings thus far. In other words, the context of everything that has been analyzed from that point has dealt with the same issue. This is important to understand, because many of the verses between that starting point and where Paul is now have been used incorrectly over the ages as “stand-alone” verses to establish doctrine contrary to what is intended by Paul. These have been addressed individually as they have come up, and Paul’s words here now confirm the context of this continuously running thought.

He goes on with “brethren.” Again, he notes that his words are addressed to believers, not unbelievers. What he has been communicating then is doctrine for already saved people.

“I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes” shows us that the starting point for the context of Paul’s discourse is the introduction of whatever issue involved both Paul and Apollos. This takes us all the way back to chapter 1 verse 12 where Apollos is first mentioned. And that verse included everything back to verse 1:10 which was speaking of “divisions.”

Considering this, we see that the proper context of Paul’s entire discourse thus far has been that of internal divisions within the church. One can truly see the need for applying proper context when evaluating Scripture by looking at Paul’s words here which are noted as “for your sakes.” They are words and examples given to the church for edification. They have been a continuous thought which has been figuratively applied to Apollos and himself.

And the reason for this… how important is his next statement! “That you may learn to not think beyond what is written.” How different Christianity would be today if people took the time to read their Bibles and then apply proper context as they study. Some churches are very legalistic, some are far too liberal; some churches forbid that which is acceptable and some allow that which isn’t. There are churches which deny the importance of doctrine at all and others which make doctrine up as they go along, not considering context. All of this stems from thinking “beyond what is written.”

Paul is showing us that doctrine is of the highest value in our walk after salvation and he is indicating that proper doctrine is what is important, not “any” doctrine. And he gives the reason for it explicitly – “that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.” If one follows proper doctrine, by understanding the context of what is being said, then they will not be puffed up, meaning prideful. Instead, they will be standing on the authority of God’s word, not their own individual division. And divisions are what have been the subject of everything Paul has said.

The metaphor, “puffed up,” comes from yeast which is introduced into bread. When it is, the bread rises. Like a loaf of bread, where there is pride, we become boastful and puffed up. The Corinthians were boasting in Paul or Apollos and not in Jesus. They were dividing over it and this had led to sin, which yeast pictures. This is the reason for Paul’s words, and they indicate a man who is willing to go to great length to establish his case and defend his argument.

Life application: When evaluating Scripture, context its king. Always look for the proper context to a verse less you be found misrepresenting what has been presented.

I’m awake for another day Lord. Help me to use this day wisely, redeeming the time and pursuing that which is noble, good, and of eternal value. Keep me from faults that will hinder my walk with You or bring discredit upon Your glorious name. May my heart be directed aright and my steps be proper and firmly planted on truth, righteousness, and justice. To Your glory I make this morning prayer. Amen.

Sunday, 18 May 2014

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Paul has been speaking of matters of doctrine and he is continuing on in this regard. It is similar to what Jesus said in one of the most misapplied verses in all of Scripture, Matthew 7:1, 2 –

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Jesus was not implying that we weren’t to make judgments against others on matters of morals, ethics, or adherence to the word of God. In fact, within just a few short sentences of His words, he noted to us that we are to be firm and steadfast in making right moral judgments. Paul cites a similar thought in Romans 2:1 –

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Our judgments and our decisions are to be based on what God decides rather than on our own perverse machinations. Understanding this, Paul begins with “therefore.” This is given in anticipation of us returning to see why he will now state what he states. He just finished indicating his belief in his innocence concerning proper doctrine, but just because he felt innocent, it didn’t mean he actually was. Instead, the Lord would determine that.

Because of his uncertainty in this matter, even though he felt convinced, he now adds to that thought by saying “judge nothing before the time.” Again, this isn’t asking us to not make right judgments but to exercise care in our determination of why someone is taking a particular course of action. A good example of this is when Jesus sat and spoke with prostitutes and other “sinners.” If one were to judge by mere appearances, they would think He was like them because of His association with them. However, the appearances would be faulty.

In like manner, Paul made his presentations, Apollos made his, and Peter made his. Divisions arose among those in Corinth based on who they approved of, but in fact all three were working towards the same end. Making such limited judgments only caused harm, not edification. In the end, each will receive his reward when “the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveals the counsels of the hearts.”

These two thoughts parallel each other. “The hidden things of darkness” are those things we conceal. What we may put forth as our motivation for a deed may actually not be at all what truly motivates us. The “counsels of the heart” refers to this same concept. Our heart directs us, it guides our emotions and our desires, and it is what we cannot search out in another, only the Lord can (as the Bible shows numerous times and in both testaments.)

And so it is the Lord who will do the searching and it is the Lord who will judge us for rewards and losses. At that time “each one’s praise will come from God.” This word “praise” is from the Greek epainos and denotes the idea of a reward which is due. When the Lord does His great search of our hearts, motivations, and doctrine, He will pronounce the sentence fairly and with justice based on that.

Life application: Truly, we cannot know the motivations behind the actions of another. At times we might feel certain, but in the end we may actually be proven wrong. Therefore, let us withhold such judgments, allowing the Lord to do His work without our prior interference.

Great and awesome God! How good it is to know that You have everything under control. I don’t need to worry about the things the world finds troubling. I don’t need to feel stress or concern about the sad direction of nations, governments, or society in general. In the end, these things are temporary, but You O God are eternal. In what shall I worry? My hope is in You, the Living God! Amen.

Saturday, 17 May 2014

For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:4

The sense of this verse is hard to understand in some translations. However, the NIV does a good job of it –

“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”

Paul, speaking of his work as an apostle, and in his ministerial duties in handling the mysteries of God (see verse 1 for context), felt convinced that he had done and was doing his best in presenting it properly. However, he acknowledged that just because he “felt” he had a clear conscience in no way implied that he was without guilt in the matter.

This verse is an important one in presenting to us, and the world at large, the fact that guilt has nothing to do with how we perceive our standing before God. We may be (and are because of the fall of man) guilty of an offense against God whether we realize it or not. This is no different than turning onto a road with a 35 mile-per-hour limit and going 45 even though we saw no sign at the point where we turned onto it. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and feelings of innocence are irrelevant.

Paul understood that God is sovereign and that if he had done something wrong in his gospel ministry, even unknowingly, he bore the responsibility for his actions. In the end, he states his affirmation that “He who judges me is the Lord.” We are His subjects and to Him we are accountable. Therefore, doctrine really does matter. People who dismiss this precept and arrogantly state that “doctrine doesn’t matter” will face much loss at the judgment seat of Christ.

The Bible is a book of doctrine and it has been given to us for our learning, guidance, and instruction. When we fail to handle it properly, we are offending God who gave it.

Life application: Better to spend your time with your nose in the Bible in expectation of approval before Christ, than to ignorantly walk through your Christian life, hoping for a light sentence at the judgment of rewards and losses on that great Day.

Lord God, Your word shows me that ignorance of Your law is no excuse. Whether my conscience is clear concerning my doctrine, it doesn’t mean I am innocent in regards to it. You have spoken and it is up to me to properly handle what You have given. And so Lord, open my eyes to the truth of the word; give me a desire to approach it carefully and with respect. And thank You for allowing me to know Your mind through it! Amen.