OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
With this chapter Paul brings to a conclusion his treatment of the problem of division as it existed in the church at Corinth. He describes the proper estimate one should have of those who serve God, and why we should leave the ultimate evaluation of such men to God (1-5).
Having already used himself and Apollos as examples to help them see the errors of their arrogance (cf. "puffed up"), Paul also uses the example of the apostles in a passage filled with irony (6-13).
His purpose is not to shame them, but to warn them, for he is sending Timothy to remind them of what is proper, and he himself is coming to deal with those who are "puffed up", if necessary (14-21).
- To learn further how we should regard preachers and teachers.
- To learn a lesson in humility by observing the examples of the apostles.
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
With this chapter Paul brings to a conclusion his treatment of the problem of division as it existed in the church at Corinth. He describes the proper estimate one should have of those who serve God, and why we should leave the ultimate evaluation of such men to God (1-5).
Having already used himself and Apollos as examples to help them see the errors of their arrogance (cf. "puffed up"), Paul also uses the example of the apostles in a passage filled with irony (6-13).
His purpose is not to shame them, but to warn them, for he is sending Timothy to remind them of what is proper, and he himself is coming to deal with those who are "puffed up", if necessary (14-21).
1 Corinthians 4 (Audio) |
MAIN POINTS
I. THE PROPER ESTIMATE OF PAUL & OTHERS (1-5)
A. SERVANTS & STEWARDS (1-2)
B. THE PROPER JUDGE OF SUCH THINGS (3-5)
I. THE PROPER ESTIMATE OF PAUL & OTHERS (1-5)
A. SERVANTS & STEWARDS (1-2)
- Servants of Christ, stewards of the mysteries of God (1)
- Their chief responsibility: faithfulness (2 )
B. THE PROPER JUDGE OF SUCH THINGS (3-5)
- Not Christians, or any human court (3a)
- Not even one's own self, but rather, the Lord (3 b-4 )
- Therefore leave it up to Him (5)
II. LESSONS IN HUMILITY (6-13)
A. PAUL & APOLLOS ALREADY USED AS EXAMPLES (6)
B. REBUKE IN THE FORM OF IRONY (7-8)
C. THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLES (9-13)
A. PAUL & APOLLOS ALREADY USED AS EXAMPLES (6)
- To learn in them not to think beyond what is written (6a)
- That none be "puffed up" on behalf of one against the other (6b)
B. REBUKE IN THE FORM OF IRONY (7-8)
- For they act as though they were the source of what they have (7)
- With irony, Paul rebukes them (8)
C. THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLES (9-13)
- Made a "spectacle" to the world (9)
- Contrasted with the pride of the Corinthians, using more irony (10)
- The plight of the apostles (11-13)
III. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING THESE THINGS (14-21)
A. NOT TO SHAME, BUT TO WARN (14-16)
B. TO COMPLEMENT VISITS BY TIMOTHY AND HIMSELF (17-21)
A. NOT TO SHAME, BUT TO WARN (14-16)
- Those whom he considers as beloved children (14)
- Those whom he has begotten through the gospel (15)
- Those whom he charges to imitate him (16)
B. TO COMPLEMENT VISITS BY TIMOTHY AND HIMSELF (17-21)
- He is sending Timothy to remind them (17)
- He himself will soon come, Lord willing, to deal with those who are "puffed up" (18-21)
