1. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Paul had shown the difference between spirituality and worldliness.

2. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Paul had shown the difference between spirituality and worldliness. n The church was divided over “favorite” preachers. (1:11-13)

3. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 - For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”

4. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n In this case it was not due to things the preachers encouraged.

5. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Rather there were individuals who wished to use the love others had for these men to their own purposes.

6. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Rather there were individuals who wished to use the love others had for these men to their own purposes. n Satan commonly will use good things to his purposes. (2 Cor 11:12-15)

7. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 - But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

8. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

9. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n The motive of those who tried to exalt themselves as leaders by deceit was pride.

10. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n The motive of those who tried to exalt themselves as leaders by deceit was pride. n Pride is an overvaluation of ones abilities. (Gal 6:3)

11. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Galatians 6:3 - For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

12. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Pride seeks the attention of men. Others who are perceived as in “competition” are viewed as adversaries.

13. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Pride seeks the attention of men. Others who are perceived as in “competition” are viewed as adversaries. n It is in this atmosphere that false accusations and bitter attacks can come.

14. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n On the other hand, what is the motive of those who serve the Lord? (Phil 1:15-17)

15. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Philippians 1:15-17 - Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

16. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Pride can be the motivation of much “personal work.”

17. The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4) n Pride can be the motivation of much “personal work”. n Ex. Preachers action overseas vs. home. Actions after a church spilt.

18. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n The apostles were men whom God had entrusted with His word. (4:1-2)

19. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

20. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They were men under God’s authority.

21. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n As “servants” they were to follow orders.

22. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n As “servants” they were to follow orders. n As “stewards” they were entrusted with great riches. (2 Cor 12:7)

23. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 2 Corinthians 12:7 7And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

24. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n In these terms there is no room for a leader over their own party! God comes first. Look at Paul’s attitude verse those who would later form their own parties. (Acts 20:27, 30)

25. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Acts 20:27 - For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

26. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Acts 20:30 - Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

27. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n We also are to take care concerning our teaching. (2 Tim 2:2;1 Tim 4:16)

28. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 2 Timothy 2:2 - And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

29. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 1 Timothy 4:16 - Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

30. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They looked to God as their judge. (4:3-5)

31. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 - But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

32. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Some have suggested that the word for judge in verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in order to render a final judgment.

33. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Some have suggested that the word for judge in verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in order to render a final judgment. n Who determines the standard of judgment?

34. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Some have suggested that the word for judge in verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in order to render a final judgment. n Who determines the standard of judgment? n Not the Corinthians or any man. (Gal 1:10)

35. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Galatians 1:10 - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

36. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Not Paul, even with a good conscience. (1 John 3:19-22)

37. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 1 John 3:19-22 - And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

38. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n God will uncover all and judge with perfection! (4:5)

39. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

40. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Let us seek God’s praise.

41. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Let us seek God’s praise. n The workers of pride have a different heart.

42. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They use God’s word to a different end.

43. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They use God’s word to a different end. n They will change it when it suits them. (2 Cor 4:1-2)

44. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

45. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They may have good knowledge of God’s word and the ability to teach.

46. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They may have good knowledge of God’s word and the ability to teach. n What is their goal? You can tell by what motivates them!

47. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n They may have good knowledge of God’s word and the ability to teach. n What is their goal? You can tell by what motivates them! n They are very much involved with unrighteous judgment. (Matt 7:1-4)

48. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Matthew 7:1-4 - “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

49. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be destroyed.

50. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be destroyed.

51. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be destroyed. n Those who seek to build a party will praise or attack you on the basis of your submitting to their will, not God’s.

52. What is the Heart of God’s Worker? n Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be destroyed. n Those who seek to build a party will praise or attack you on the basis of your submitting to their will, not God’s. n Some begin looking for material to be used against another in the future.

53. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

54. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Paul sought to protect and build up Christians. (4:6)

55. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 1 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

56. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Paul did not name those party leaders yet. He wanted their repentance.

57. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n These “leaders” approach will lead to strife.

58. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n These “leaders” approach will lead to strife. n Paul knew that any ability he had came from God. (4:7)

59. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 1 Corinthians 4:7 7For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

60. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Here there is no room for boasting. (Gal 6:14)

61. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Galatians 6:14 - But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

62. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n These “leaders” sought attention to themselves by the gifts of God.

63. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n These “leaders” sought attention to themselves by the gifts of God. n Paul had a clear view of who he is before God. (4:8-13)

64. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 1 Corinthians 4:8-13 - You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

65. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

66. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

67. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n These leaders thought they were rich and full. (Rev 3:14-19)

68. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Revelation 3:14-19 - “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

69. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 17Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

70. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Contrast this with what a worker for God will endure.

71. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n Contrast this with what a worker for God will endure. n The world will praise these “leaders” and despise the other. Who does God praise? (2 Cor 10:12, 17-18)

72. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 2 Corinthians 10:12 - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

73. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 - But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

74. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n We need to be careful in how we recommend preachers. When we give emphasis to one’s speaking ability are we appealing to the world or to God?

75. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n When we think of ourselves as “thinking” and others as “traditional” we may be walking in the pathway of pride.

76. God’s Worker and the worker of Pride (4:6-7) n When we think of ourselves as “thinking” and others as “traditional” we may be walking in the pathway of pride. n Because pride is essentially competitive then the one who possesses pride is often first to see it in another. They will be quick to judge another.

77. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Paul genuinely cared for them. (4:14-17)

78. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 - I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

79. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

80. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was not just trying to hurt them.

81. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was not just trying to hurt them. n He considered his love like that of a father.

82. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was not just trying to hurt them. n He considered his love like that of a father. n He sent Timothy to them to build them up in God’s word.

83. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Paul was willing to confront and defeat those who would not repent. (4:18-21)

84. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 - Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

85. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n He would never seek peace at any price. There is a time to stand.

86. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n He would never seek peace at any price. There is a time to stand. n Why were the brethren becoming “puffed- up” against one another? They had learned it from these proud men. (4:6, 18)

87. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

88. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 4:18 - Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

89. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Paul was willing to give these men time. If they would not repent then they had to be dealt with. In the next chapter we will learn more about the attitudes that spring from pride. (1 Cor 5:2)

90. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 5:2 - And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

91. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n The workers of pride will run over people that get in their way. (3 Jn 9-10)

92. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 3 John 9-10 - I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

93. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Their first goal is to take out the leadership.

94. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Their first goal is to take out the leadership. n Why then do you suppose they concentrated their efforts in attacking Paul?

95. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Their first goal is to take out the leadership. n Why then do you suppose they concentrated their efforts in attacking Paul? n What kind of worker are you?

96. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Their first goal is to take out the leadership. n Why then do you suppose they concentrated their efforts in attacking Paul? n What kind of worker are you? n When we know who God is and who we are then we can be used by the Lord to accomplish His work. (1 Cor 4:7)

97. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n 1 Corinthians 4:7 - For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

98. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n How do you view yourself and your brethren? Are you a steward or a ruler? (Mt 20:25-28)

99. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n Matthew 20:25-28 - But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your

100. God’s Workers will Influence Others for Eternity n just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”