1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Paul’s Paternal Care
14 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.
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.
18 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?
Context
- What kind of love does Paul have for them? (1 Corinthians 1:4, 10, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 15)
Reflection
- What’s the difference between “shaming” and “warning”? (Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 20:31, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 12:13, James 5:19, 20)
- How was Paul their spiritual father? (1 Thessalonians 2:7-11, Galatians 4:19, Hebrews 13:7, 17, 3 John 4)
- What does he mean by “imitate me”? (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 4:9)
- Why did he send Timothy to them? (Acts 19:22, 1 Corinthians 16:8-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Timothy 3:10-14)
Testimony Time
- Who are my spiritual children? (Proverbs 11:30, 2 Timothy 2:2)
- How am I multiplying the kingdom beyond my years on earth? (Psalm 90:12, Matthew 6:33, Acts 1:8)
