Darin-isms (1 Corinthians 4 pt.2)
Continuing where we left off…
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Paul brings the argument home to the believers in Corinth with a personal plea and some specific direction for them.
v. 14 Referring to the bitter irony of the previous section (v. 8-13 particularly), Paul assures that his intention was not to shame his readers, but to warn them. If his words didn’t shame them they must not have been listening. His goal, however, wasn’t to leave them ashamed but to bring about a change in them. His motivation was like that of a father; the verse ends ‘as my dear children’.
v. 15 Many ministers would serve to advise or instruct the church at Corinth, but Paul was the only one who had brought them the gospel. He assures them that more than any guardian, he has their interests at heart.
v. 16 Paul makes this plea: ‘Therefore I urge you to imitate me’. As a father I realize how important it is to set a consistent example before my children’s watching eyes. I also realize how often I blow it, and they see an inconsistent example. For Paul (and for any minister or parent) to be able to say, ‘Just do what I do and you’ll be on the right track’ is an invaluable ‘moral authority’. (See also Phil. 4:9)
v. 17 There is a young man who has done just that – having followed Paul’s example – the young man Timothy. Paul tells the church at Corinth that Timothy has been dispatched to Corinth and he urges them to watch him, for he will remind them of what life ought to look like for stewards of the gospel.
v. 18-21 Paul seems to anticipate that some of the Corinthians might not be moved by his pleas. He hints at a time when he will directly confront any there who are arrogant and who oppose these teachings.
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Paul brings the argument home to the believers in Corinth with a personal plea and some specific direction for them.
v. 14 Referring to the bitter irony of the previous section (v. 8-13 particularly), Paul assures that his intention was not to shame his readers, but to warn them. If his words didn’t shame them they must not have been listening. His goal, however, wasn’t to leave them ashamed but to bring about a change in them. His motivation was like that of a father; the verse ends ‘as my dear children’.
v. 15 Many ministers would serve to advise or instruct the church at Corinth, but Paul was the only one who had brought them the gospel. He assures them that more than any guardian, he has their interests at heart.
v. 16 Paul makes this plea: ‘Therefore I urge you to imitate me’. As a father I realize how important it is to set a consistent example before my children’s watching eyes. I also realize how often I blow it, and they see an inconsistent example. For Paul (and for any minister or parent) to be able to say, ‘Just do what I do and you’ll be on the right track’ is an invaluable ‘moral authority’. (See also Phil. 4:9)
v. 17 There is a young man who has done just that – having followed Paul’s example – the young man Timothy. Paul tells the church at Corinth that Timothy has been dispatched to Corinth and he urges them to watch him, for he will remind them of what life ought to look like for stewards of the gospel.
v. 18-21 Paul seems to anticipate that some of the Corinthians might not be moved by his pleas. He hints at a time when he will directly confront any there who are arrogant and who oppose these teachings.
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