1 Corinthians Chapter 4

CORINTH: RICH GREEK CITY/STATE

(Acts 18:1 [KJV])
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

(Acts 18:8 [KJV])
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

(Acts 19:1 [KJV])
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

(1 Corinthians 1:2 [KJV])
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

(2 Corinthians 1:1 [KJV])
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

(2 Corinthians 1:23 [KJV])
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

(2 Corinthians 6:11 [KJV])
O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

(2 Timothy 4:20 [KJV])
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

• Lots of good, fresh water
• Lots of good, arable soil
• Lots of good clay for ceramics, pottery, etc., hence "Corinthian Pottery"
• Shops, fountains, carved stone temples to the Greek gods, porticos, metal workshops abounded
• As a part of a major shipping lane, Corinth has four ports, on the Gulf of Corinth, between two seas
• A temple to Apollo was there
• Another temple was one to Aphrodite, an acropolis known as Acrocorinth, which was associated with prostitutes for the seafaring men, which made it a rich city
• Perusing the two letters Paul wrote to them, it is obvious that they were apostate and backslidden.

(1 Corinthians 4:1,2 [KJV])
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

• As keepers of the word of god in the earthly realm, we are to read, study, believe, teach and preach it.
• We are not to correct, emend, update, revise it
• It contains the mysteries of God, revealing what God wants us to know, concealing what God only knows, what we will know when we get to heaven.

(Deuteronomy 29:29 [KJV])
The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

(1 Corinthians 4:3,4 [KJV])
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

• Paul, in the context of the verses following, appears to say that they were thinking too highly of him or themselves, or Apollos
• Highly or lowly, we are to judge and discern according to the Word of God all doctrines, motives. We are not to judge according to our own desires, preferences
• We do not know anything of ourselves, but what we know of God, of ourselves, of the world is from the Word of God
• Nearly every person you will meet in your life will judge themselves worthy of heaven, they "hereby justify" themselves as such
• This is why we need The Judge

(1 Corinthians 4:5 [KJV])
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

• This final judgment will be a surprise to many, especially those who sought to and thought they could hide it all from this world
• "Every man" here means saved, not unsaved.
• Today, too many Christians simply lack discernment, getting doctrines and drawing conclusions on the ability to orate pompously, looking at the pedigree, the actual degree, the looks, the mannerisms, the pithy sayings, cute illustrations, long sermons, finely pressed suits.

(Matthew 25:21-23 [KJV])
His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

(1 Corinthians 4:6 [KJV])
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

• The Word of God sheds light on how mankind really is, since the fall. Wicked, evil, proud, arrogant, ignorant of God, hateful, hurtful. Only the Spirit of God and His Word can change that and us into people after God's Heart.
• Paul is saying that he and Apollos showed them that they themselves are fallible, mortal, sinful, fleshly, however they did it, simply by existing they could have
• The purpose was to show them that they can not and should not place fleshly, carnal, mortal men on a pedestal, saved men or unsaved men-ever.

(1 Corinthians 4:7 [KJV])
For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

• It seems that, then as today, the Corinthian leadership and some followers thought of themselves better than Paul, not being imprisoned for their faith, having the riches of CHrist but not the sufferings-NOT YET, ANYWAYS
• When someone gets a gift and a ministry, they get all into themselves like it is them who did it and not the LORD
• In their mind it is THEIR ministry, not God's. God somehow "owes them something". No, HE does not owe US anything, not even salvation, which we were gifted as wicked sinners and did not deserve or earn, nor can keep.
• However, it is a level playing field
• Therefore, WE owe GOD all of the glory, all of our allegiance

(1 Corinthians 4:8 [KJV])
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

• The Corinthians were rich in the things of God, the gifts, the fruit of their labor-but apparently did not always appreciate it
• Looking forward, we also are currently reigning in Heaven with Christ, because God does not dwell in time like we do.
• The very fact that we were snatched from a burning hell by God through the Blood of the LORD Jesus Christ makes us rich. God did not have to do this; He does not have to do more.
• In utter humility, Paul here places himself below them to "reign with them". Instead of "that you also might reign with us", he says, "that we also might reign with you"

(1 Peter 1:3 [KJV])
Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

(1 Corinthians 4:9 [KJV])
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

• Being saved, this now is our lot. Persecution, to the point of death
• The last shall be first.......also to be persecuted, as the leaders of "that way", like Jesus
• Their preaching in the synagogues, markets, arenas, prisons, Colluseums was to be made "something to see" as an example to the unbelievers what happens when you follow Jesus Christ

(1 Corinthians 4:10 [KJV])
We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.

• The world thinks of us as fools and mocks us, the more so if we walk with Christ and speak His Word.
• This being considered a fool and weak is normal, an expected result, an expected reaction for anyone walking with Christ (Paul, Apollos)
• This being considered wise and strong is normal, an expected result, an expected reaction for anyone not walking with Christ (the Corinthians)

(1 Corinthians 4:11 [KJV])
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

• A fleshly Christian, especially an American one who hears of Christians in a foreign country, soon this country, who is in prison, heavily persecuted, homeless, tortured, slain, etc., thinks that person (the victim) lacks faith, is lazy, etc. And why is this? Because of the false doctrine of the Word of faith Movement, Pentecostals, Charismatics, etc.
• It never occurs to them that Jesus said that this was to be expected, that we are not to look to the cares and the things of the world, the systems of the world
• American Christians and "Christians" are Corinthian Christians and "Christians"; wealthy in this world's goods, lacking in the knowledge of God, ignorant of that fact

(Luke 12:15 [KJV])
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

(1 Corinthians 4:12 [KJV])
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

• Paul was a tent maker, for sure working with his hands to make tens of goat hair or some other tough fabric
• This command to do the opposite back to those who hate us, who abound, comes from Jesus Himself
• Persecution is prophesied for us, nearly a guarantee if we aree following the LORD

(Acts 18:3 [KJV])
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

PERSECUTION: FORETOLD

(Micah 7:6 [KJV])
For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

(Matthew 10:21 [KJV])
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Matthew 10:34-39 [KJV])
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

(Luke 12:51-53 [KJV])
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

(John 15:19-21 [KJV])
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

OUR RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION:

(Matthew 5:43-47 [KJV])
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?

• This command is the opposite of the world's philosophy, the opposite of our carnal, sinful fleshly lust for revenge, to react back
• The purpose is to glorify God, not ourselves, because we do not make the rules
• The sun shines on all of us, the wheat and the tares grow together, the sheep and the goats graze the same pastures.

(1 Corinthians 4:13 [KJV])
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day.

• Paul was a peace maker, and asked them to do the same. He was defamed, they were or were to expect to be
• To the world then, as now, true believers in Christ are considered the lowest of the low. Things people scrape off into the trash can, into the sink drain

DEFAME,

1. To slander; falsely and maliciously to utter words respecting another which tend to injure his reputation or occupation; as to say, a judge is corrupt; a man is perjured; a trader is a knave.
2. To speak evil of; to dishonor by false reports; to calumniate; to libel; to impair reputation by acts or words.
   Being defamed, we entreat. 1 Cor. Iv.

ENTRE'AT, v.i. To make an earnest petition or request.
The Janizaries entreated for them, as valiant men.

1. To offer a treaty. [Not used.]
2. To treat; to discourse. [Not used.]

(1 Corinthians 4:14 [KJV])
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

• Why did Paul have to say this? Simply because they would not understand this when it did happen, or while it was happening to them.

(1 Corinthians 4:15 [KJV])
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

• The difference between an instructor and a fatherly figure who teaches is a fatherly figure teaches TRUTH
• Anyone who knows how to teach can teach; the key is what they teach, not THAT they teach
• A spiritual father is one who brings you to Christ and disciples you under their tutelage, which is unique. This makes them spiritually his children

(1 Corinthians 4:16 [KJV])
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

• Paul is not here being arrogant, forceful, pushy. He was being in the role of a spiritual father
• Paul will explain this further later, as he is not even implying that they are to actually follow him like a person would follow and look to the LORD Jesus Christ-FOR SALVATION-and after that
• A leader, nevertheless, a good, honourable, virtuous leader, like a fatherly figure, should be followed when and only when they are an example top follow, else that is the end of following them
• Everything in the ministry of Paul clearly shows that he left them a good foundation in the Word of God, he delivered the ordinances of God to them, he taught them, raised them, nurtured them like a father does, and on and on it goes. He is qualified to ask this, even command it, of them

(1 Corinthians 11:1 [KJV])
Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

(1 Corinthians 4:17 [KJV])
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

• This giving of Timothy to them is like today, saying, "Here. Here's a photocopy, a duplicate of me for you, to guide you in my absence. As good as the original. It'll be like having me here with you"
• Because Timothy was a faithful minister, personally discipled, accompanying Paul, Paul could leave him behind as a trustworthy worked for the LORD.

(1 Corinthians 4:18 [KJV])
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

• "We do not have to worry about Paul. We can do whatever we want."
• There is no other way to describe this mind set than to say "puffed up". It is accurate!

(1 Corinthians 4:19 [KJV])
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

• When the time comes, they will have to reveal themselves openly to Paul, like when your mom said, "Wait until your dad comes home!"

(1 Corinthians 4:20 [KJV])
For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.

• Today, we would say, "Talk is cheap!"
• This is not just about sign gifts, but the Holy Ghst power to tame a wild man's life
• To add to this, "not in word" means our words in the flesh, not God's Word, as that is powerful

(Psalms 149:6 [KJV])
[Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;

(Hebrews 4:12 [KJV])
For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Ephesians 6:17 [KJV])
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

(Revelation 2:16 [KJV])
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

(1 Corinthians 4:21 [KJV])
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?

• A father comes at us in love when he disciplines, not in hate
• We often need that "Rod of God" to put us in line, but it is usually brutakl circumstances, invoving losses, pain, suffering-because He knows we need it, for our good
• A good spiritual father will come in meekness, knowing he himself is a sinner, able to fall.

(Galatians 6:1-5 [KJV])
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

1 Corinthians 5