1 Corinthians 4:14-21 NASB
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. 21 What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
OUTLINE
- Authority (v. 14-17)
- Discipline (v. 18-21)
QUESTIONS
- (v. 15-16) Why does Paul make it a point to remind them that he is their spiritual father? How does this reestablish his authority? What is your general view of authority over you?
- (v. 17) Why does Paul send Timothy to them? How is this a gracious act of humble authority?
- (v. 18) What is Paul’s point in contrasting words and power? How are some ways we can talk the talk of Christianity, but not walk the walk?