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Grace Bible Church 4000 E. Collins
Rd. P.O. Box #3762 Gillette, WY 82717
(307) 686-1516 “Preaching the Living
Word through the Written Word (2Tim 4:2)” |
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PAUL’S DISCIPLESHIP AND DISCIPLINE 1Co 4:11-21 (7/20/11) Grace Bible
Church, Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl
Hilbert
A. [1Co 4:11] -
Paul continued on with his irony. Some of the Corinthians thought of
themselves as “kings” (1Co 4:8) while looking down upon Paul and his
apostolic authority. He described his suffering and sacrifice for which the
world and some Corinthians disdained them, but which they gladly endured for
Christ’s sake. 1. They were
literally hungry and thirsty and did not have sufficient clothing for the
elements (cp. 2Co 11:23-28). They were not personally wealthy nor were their
ministries abundantly supplied. Perhaps the Corinthians believed in a “health
and wealth” philosophy. But such was not the case. 2. They were
“roughly treated” (kolaphizō - strike
with the fist) which means they were physically buffeted. 3. They were
also “homeless” (astatéō -
not settled in one place) in the sense that they were servants of God and
missionaries, therefore they did not have permanent homes. B. [1Co 4:12] -
In Greek society manual labor was looked down upon and some at Corinth
concurred. Paul was a tent maker on the side and toiled with his own hands. 1. “Toil” is the
Greek word kopiáō (from
kopos cp. 1Th 1:3) which meant wearisome labor to the point of
exhaustion. Paul the apostle not only labored in ministry but also in working
“with his own hands” for daily provisions. 2. Even though
they were “reviled” (loidoréō -
buffeted verbally), they responded in a biblical manner and “blessed” (eulogéō - speak well of) their
cursers (Luk 6:28). 3. Even though
they were persecuted, they did not give up or give in but endured (anechō - hold or bear up). C. [1Co 4:13] - The world slandered Paul and
viewed him as the scum of the world. In a sense, some of the Corinthians were
subtly adopting the world’s perspective. 1. Paul was
“slandered” (duspheméō -
give a false report to harm a reputation) even though he responded with
being “conciliatory” and making every effort to encourage (parakaléō) peace and
harmony. 2. They were
viewed as the “scum” of the world. “Scum” is the Greek word is perikatharma and means that which is cleaned off (i.e a plate
or container) and thrown away as refuse. Basically Paul was viewed as the
lowest form of material, i.e. garbage or scum by the world.
A. [1Co 4:14] -
Paul now gives the reason for his godly sarcasm in verses 1-13. It was to
reprove the Corinthians into correct attitudes and actions. 1.
He was not writing in order to reprove them beyond repair,
but rather was admonishing them as a Father would his children. The word
“admonish” is the word “nouthetéō” means “admonish, warn,
instruct, as giving instructions in regard to belief or behavior” (Friberg). a)
It is not blasting
someone for the sake of venting, rather it is constructive admonishment,
rather than destructive. b)
It is warning and
instructing from the Scriptures, not one’s personal opinions and emotions. c)
The biblical counselor,
Jay Adams, promotes “Nouthetic (from
nouthetéō) Counseling” which is counseling by instructing
and warning from the Scriptures in order to bring about a biblical
response. 2.
Note Paul’s reference
to the carnal Corinthians. First he says they are “beloved,” i.e. those
cherished and dearly loved. Then uses the affectionate term, “children” (teknon). B. [1Co 4:15] -
Not only does Paul call the Corinthians children, but he calls them his
children in the faith. 1. If the
Corinthians were to have a myriad “tutors” (paidagogos - Greek (slave) guide and trainer of boys, male nanny), they still
would only have one spiritual father. 2. Paul was
their spiritual father when he brought them to Christ through the preaching
of the gospel. C. [1Co 4:16] -
What Paul really wanted for the Corinthians was that they walk according to Christ.
It was that “exhortation” (parakaléō
- called alongside to encourage) that was behind Paul’s admonitions.
Furthermore, He was willing to lead by example. They were to imitate (mimêtês - Eng., “mimic”) Paul, which
did not mean that he was sinless, but that he was one who was trying to walk
in a Christ-like manner in his attitudes, actions, perspectives, and
decisions. D. [1Co 4:17] -
In addition to Paul’s written admonitions, he sent Timothy to Corinth to
instruct them in person. 1. Paul was also
the spiritual father of Timothy, having led him to Christ at Lystra (Act
16:1). Timothy was also a “beloved teknon
(child)” and was a “faithful” child, a word that he does not describe the
Corinthians with. 2. Timothy was
to instruct the Corinthians of Christlikeness, which was also exemplified in
Paul. These biblical instructions were taught in all the churches by Paul and
the others.
A. [1Co 4:18] -
Paul is not finished with his admonitions by a long shot. He is going to deal
with those particular Corinthians who were arrogant. 1. “Some,” not
all, have become arrogant. These were probably the leaders of the division
groups, maybe even the leaders of the church if by no other means than
bullying. “Arrogant” (phusióō), was also
used in 1Co 4:6, which means to be puffed up or inflated about oneself. 2. They were so
arrogant that they thought they could have any perspective they wanted, live
any way they wanted, and live as
though they were not accountable because Paul would not or could not do
anything about it. B. [1Co 4:19] -
On the contrary Paul, who was not only a wise spiritual father, but an
apostle of Christ as well, was going to pay them a visit in regard to these
matters. 1. Paul made it
his business to commit to visiting them, if, of course, the Lord allowed (“if
the Lord wills”). 2. When he
visits, he will not be interested in the words and arguments of those who are
arrogant, rather he is interested in seeing the power of Christ in their
lives manifested in submitting to Christ and His will. C. [1Co 4:20] -
For Christ’s kingdom is demonstrated by not by talk alone, but also by the
power in one’s walk. In this case, these particular leaders will change their
ways or change their leadership in the church. The apostle Paul will see to it. D. [1Co 4:21] -
The Corinthians have a choice, they can either submit to Christ in Paul’s
instruction or they can suffer discipline. They can either have the “rod” (hrabdos - instrument of discipline or a
metaphor for discipline) of correction by Paul or a spirit of gentleness
from Paul.
A. Discipleship 1. Every
believer’s goal should be to become a spiritual father or mother. In other
words, believers continually need to be bringing people to Christ and then nurturing
them in Christ. This is the principle of discipleship and is to be reproduced
over and over. 2. Unfortunately,
many Christians have never become spiritual fathers. They have never produced
any spiritual offspring. They have never led a person to Christ and helped
train him in the ways of God. A Christian is one who has been given new life
in Christ, and one of the most important characteristics of life is
reproduction. Yet many believers have never reproduced believers. In a sense
they are contradictions to what a Christian is. Every believer should be a
spiritual father, God’s instrument for bringing new lives into His kingdom.
That begins the discipling process.
MAC B. Discipline 1. Believer’s need to know that we receive heavenly
discipline from the Lord (Heb 12:5-11), from the Scriptures (Joh 17:17; 2Ti
3:16-17; 2Ti 4:1-4), and from other believers, especially spiritual
leadership (Mat 18:15-17; Heb 13:17). 2. Believer’s also need to know that in regard to
admonitions or discipline: a) Restoration is the goal (Mat 18:15a-17; Gal 6:1b). b) Edification is the purpose (Eph 4:15b; Heb 12:11). c) Humility and love is the protocol (Gal 6:1c,d; Eph
4:15a; Heb 12:6-8). |
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