"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Four
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To learn further how we should regard preachers and teachers
2) To learn a lesson in humility by observing the examples of the
apostles
SUMMARY
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).
OUTLINE
I. THE PROPER ESTIMATE OF PAUL & OTHERS (1-5)
A. SERVANTS & STEWARDS (1-2)
1. Servants of Christ, stewards of the mysteries of God (1)
2. Their chief responsibility: faithfulness (2)
B. THE PROPER JUDGE OF SUCH THINGS (3-5)
1. Not Christians, or any human court (3a)
2. Not even one's own self, but rather, the Lord (3b-4)
3. Therefore leave it up to Him (5)
II. LESSONS IN HUMILITY (6-13)
A. PAUL & APOLLOS ALREADY USED AS EXAMPLES (6)
1. To learn in them not to think beyond what is written (6a)
2. That none be "puffed up" on behalf of one against the other
(6b)
B. REBUKE IN THE FORM OF IRONY (7-8)
1. For they act as though they were the source of what they have
(7)
2. With irony, Paul rebukes them (8)
C. THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLES (9-13)
1. Made a "spectacle" to the world (9)
2. Contrasted with the pride of the Corinthians, using more irony
(10)
3. The plight of the apostles (11-13)
III. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING THESE THINGS (14-21)
1. Not to shame, but to warn those he considers as his beloved
children (14-16)
2. For the same reason he is sending Timothy to remind them (17)
3. For he himself will soon come, if the Lord wills, to deal with
those who are "puffed up" (18-21)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- The Proper Estimate Of Paul And Others (1-5)
- Lessons In Humility (6-13)
- Paul's Purpose In Writing (14-21)
2) What two terms properly describe preachers of the gospel? (1)
- Servants of Christ
- Stewards of the mysteries of God
3) Who is to be the judge of those who serve the Lord? (3-5)
- The Lord
4) Why was Paul writing these things? (6)
- That none be "puffed up" on behalf of one against the other
5) What technique did Paul use in teaching lessons about humility?
(8,10)
- Irony
6) Who did Paul use as an example of humility? (9-13)
- The apostles
7) Why was Paul writing these things to them? (14)
- To warn those he loved
8) How had Paul become like a "father" to them? (15)
- Through teaching them the gospel by which they had been "begotten"
in Christ Jesus
9) Why was he sending Timothy to them? (17)
- To remind them of Paul's ways in Christ
10) What one phrase is used repeatedly in this chapter to describe some
at Corinth? (6,18,19)
- "puffed up"
11) What choices did Paul leave them as to how he might come to them?
(21)
- With a rod
- In love and a spirit of gentleness
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