1. 1 First Corinthians “Solving Church Problems” Lesson 5, Section Six Problem Four: “Judging Unrighteous Judgment” First Corinthians 4:1-21 Pages 26-31

2. 2 What We Will Study In Chapter 4...  There were some church leaders at Corinth, probably Paul’s converts, who had become influential and self-important  In Paul’s absence, they were dividing the church  Their attitude toward Paul had become haughty and disrespectful  Paul is now faced with re-establishing his credibility as a apostle [one of God’s stewards]  He reminds them that God is the ultimate judge and they will be accountable to Him

3. 3 Paul, A Servant of Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2  Paul wanted all to think of the apostles as stewards [ministers, servants] of the gospel o A steward is one that is subordinate to Christ oAs a steward, Paul was not head of a sect or party in the church, but a servant oAs a steward, he is responsible for protecting God’s word from those who would alter it oStewards are appointed and are required to be trustworthy  All Christians are stewards of the gospel but in a more limited way than the apostles

4. 4 The Real Judgment 1 Corinthians 4:3-5  Paul was accountable to his master only oWhat others thought about him was of little concern  He did not pass judgment on himself as a preacher of the gospel oBut, he was not aware of anything he had done or said that was wrong, regardless of what others may have said about him oHe knew he was defending the truth  God is the ultimate judge who will judge the hearts of men and also praise men

5. 5 “Judge Nothing Before The Time...” 1 Corinthians 4:5  Paul was not referring to judging: oBetween right and wrong oTesting one’s work oChurch discipline  He is referring to; oThings hidden in the darkness (secrets) oThe motives of men’s heart oWhen the Lord comes, He will judge these matters  Christ will bring all things to light

6. 6 Don’t Be Puffed UP 1 Corinthians 4:6  Paul could have named names of those unworthy men in whom some were placing their loyalties oRather, he used himself, Apollos, and Peter to get their attention oThe Corinthians knew that Paul was not the cause of their factions, or else he would be condemning himself  He did not want them to be “puffed up” one against another oExalting one preacher and pulling down another

7. 7 Who Makes You Differ From Another? 1 Corinthians 4:7  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?  They should have known that it was men, not God, who elevated some above others oOnly God could have made them “differ” in their abilities or gifts  They could not boast [glory] of something they received oThe one who gives gets the glory

8. 8 You Are Full, Rich and Kings... 1 Corinthians 4:8  With a bit of sarcasm, Paul points to the self- sufficient state of their leaders  They had seemingly reached the pinnacle of success “without” Paul  He is trying to show them how poor and immature they really are

9. 9 For I Think... 1 Corinthians 4:9  Paul sets up a contrast between the low regard some had for him (and the other apostles) and the high opinion some had for their self- appointed leaders  Paul “thinks”: oGod set forth the apostles as last - appointed unto death oThe apostles were made a spectacle [show] to the world, to angels and to men oThese comparisons were based on what man “sees”

10. 10 We Are Fools... 1 Corinthians 4:10 The ApostlesThe False Teachers (1)Considered fools (1) Considered wise for preaching truth;for preaching error; (2)Judged weak (2) Judged strong in bodily presence;in bodily presence; (3)Dishonored by those (3) Honored by those they had saved. they had deceived. they had saved. they had deceived.

11. 11 Attitudes Toward The Apostles 1 Corinthians 4:11-13  The ill treatment of him [and the apostles] came from people for whom he had sacrificed so much: o“We hunger and thirst, are poorly clothed, beaten, homeless” o“We labor with our hands” [considered by Greeks as unfitting for teachers] o“Being reviled, persecuted, defamed” o“Made as the ‘filth of the world’” [useless men used by the Greeks only in emergencies]

12. 12 I Beseech You... 1 Corinthians 4:14-16  As my beloved children, I warn you oThey may have had many teachers but Paul converted them  He had “begotten them through the gospel”  So Paul considered them as his “children” and wanted them to consider him as their “father” oHe felt a close relationship with them  He urged them to imitate him!

13. 13 Help Is On The Way 1 Corinthians 4:17-21  He had sent Timothy to them o“He will remind you of my ways in the Lord” oIt would be the same things Paul taught everywhere  Paul planned to visit them again, if the Lord wills oIf he has too, he will come with “power” to settle the problem of division  “What do you want?” oShall I come to you with a rod, or oWith love in a spirit of gentleness?