I Corinthians 4
Introduction
Young men in seminary often determine that they do not desire to tangle with congregations with a mindset that differs from their ideal mindset of what a church should be. You would understand their reasoning if you have read the book Well-Intentioned Dragons. However, as is evident in this letter of Paul, planting a church does not guarantee that a church planter gets to shape a church into the ideal that he envisions. In this chapter, Paul delineates some important principles that apply to all of us. As is often the case, articulating principles necessary to address a real-life situation yields instruction for all.
Importance of Trustworthiness 1-5
Leadership must be trustworthy (2). If a leader, at any level, from a prayer captain in a college dorm room at a Christian university to a small group leader in a church, to an office holder, to a Pastor, leaders must be trustworthy (1).
Ultimately, one’s trustworthiness will be determined by God (3-4). Hence, the judgment of others is a small thing (3), and even one’s self-judgment is of little value since God knows the heart and is The Judge. The words of Jesus come to mind, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way, you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7 NIV).
This ultimate judgment will come at the return of Christ (5) when all things are open before Him. While it is not said in this chapter, chapter five clarifies that the judgment about which Paul here writes is heart motivation since he will write about church discipline. This indicates that we do judge behavior by God’s written standards.
Modeling Humility, The Baseline of Trustworthiness 6, 9-15
In these verses, Paul is not arrogantly displaying his humility. He is laying out facts, however, that display the trustworthiness of both him and Apollos. Their humility is embodied in their submission of their lives; both very capable and well-educated men who have nothing to gain by being apostles. Listen to his litany.
- God ordained to be apostles (9)
- Living at risk as a way of life (9)
- Looking like fools to the rest of the world (10)
- Living at the poverty level (11)
- Working to pay our way (12)
- Living with disrespect (13)
And why does he write these things to this church? His purpose is an admonishment to live by the teaching (truth, standards) that he, Apollos, Timothy, and Titus have taught them. His purpose is not to shame but to correct (14).
Secondly, they are his converts, and he is their spiritual father. His appeal is that of a father who desires the best for his children (15). There is great joy in watching one’s converts mature in Christ and great angst when they don’t. The analogy of the father-child relationship is intended to stir this human emotion and give greater power to his appeal.
Exhortation for Imitation 16-17
Now we see the priority of modeling that Paul is driving towards in this chapter. What an audacious exhortation, you might conclude. But not so. Later in the book, he further clarifies this when he says, “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ” (11:1). Hence, he is exhorting them to see how it looks in the life of a sinner saved by grace to imitate Christ.
Oh, how much such modeling is needed. From parents to pastors, to church officers, to schoolteachers, to youth leaders, the church desperately needs leaders who model Christ-likeness day in and day out.
This concept is one of the many benefits of Christianity to Western civilization. Christianity has propagated the concept of modeling as the means of raising up the next generation to walk in the ways of their forebearers. When this breaks down, culture breaks down. Interestingly, this is one of the facets of Christian influence that Critical Theory attacks, encouraging those “oppressed” by the modelers to reject not only what they teach but who they are.
Challenge to Implement 18-21
Paul does not threaten, but he does promise to investigate what he has been told about parasitism in this church.
He begins by confronting them. He does not call names. His information about the situation has been second hand, it came via a credible report. In other instances, when his information was firsthand, he either observed or experienced the sin, he does not hesitate to call out the offender by name. In this case, he says, “You who are guilty of inciting this politicism, you are being arrogant thinking I would not become aware of your doings” (18).
Second, he is giving them opportunity to repent and assures them that he will, Lord willing, personally investigate on site. He assures them the power of God is superior to their mere words (21).
Third, he asks a logical question. Do you desire discipline or a friendly greeting (21). He sounds much like a loving father on a business trip who received a text early in the day from his wife reporting his son’s arrogant spirit toward when corrected. I can hear Dad saying, “Son, I understand you have been bad-mouthing your mother. I expect you to apologize and ask her forgiveness else you can expect me to institute discipline when I get home tomorrow.”
Conclusion and Implementation
There two conclusions drawn from this chapter. The first is that arrogance among believers is the source of church conflict. It comes from two possible sources. Arrogance that takes determines “I know who the best teacher or leader is________” and then rallies others to support their viewpoint. The second is the arrogance that determines I have this doctrinal idea right and rallies a following. Paul deals with arrogance elsewhere.
The second is this. Throughout the New Testament we are reminded again and again that Jesus is coming again. We are called to repentance frequently with the reminder that when He comes it will be as judge—”riding on a white horse” (Revelation19:11-16).
The implementation that Paul is seeking is repentance. That is the purpose of confrontation—call to repentance. As you read your Bible, as you listen to preaching, or sit under good teaching and you are confronted, listen, repent, and be restore to fellowship (I John 1:7-10).