Superiority Complex
introduction
Paul's letter to the brethren in Corinth addressed a host of problems. In chapter 5 he addressed their immorality. However, before he could do that, he had to establish a common authority among the people because there were several factions among them. They were esteeming men and holding one man in greater respect than another. This is what Paul had to first address in chapter 4.
addressing the text
In 4:1-5, Paul tells the brethren that they should consider a preacher of God's Word as a minister or steward. They should be those who voluntarily serve their fellow man that with which they have been entrusted. The test of God's minister/steward is not what other men think about him (v.3) or what his conscience dictates (v.4), rather, his faithfulness (2 Tim. 1:13-14; 2:2) to his master (v.2,4). As a result, we must allow God to be the judge of His servants' motives.
Paul rebukes the manner in which they esteem their wisdom in 4:6-13. He uses sarcasm to contrast the lofty way in which they view themselves to how the apostles are viewed by the world. They consider themselves filled, rich, and as kings. Whereas the apostles are fools, weak, and without honor, the Corinthians presume themselves to be prudent, strong, and distinguished. He desires that this sarcasm will accomplish not their shame, but their repentance (v.14). At the time he writes this letter he is sending Timothy to them to remind them of Paul's ways.
thoughts about the text
Humility is very hard for man to learn; that goes for our estimation of ourselves as well as others. Satan uses pride against us quite effectively. However, we are only to esteem men by God's standard. It's easy for a Christian to start thinking that he is better than the world because he believes in and obeys God. How much wiser is the guy who gets hit in the head verses the one who was told he should duck? A follower of Christ should be the first to realize what a wonderful gift was given to him by God. When we realize the folly and death that God allows us to avoid we should spread this wonderful news and not think ourselves somehow greater because we were told before someone else.
Paul's letter to the brethren in Corinth addressed a host of problems. In chapter 5 he addressed their immorality. However, before he could do that, he had to establish a common authority among the people because there were several factions among them. They were esteeming men and holding one man in greater respect than another. This is what Paul had to first address in chapter 4.
addressing the text
In 4:1-5, Paul tells the brethren that they should consider a preacher of God's Word as a minister or steward. They should be those who voluntarily serve their fellow man that with which they have been entrusted. The test of God's minister/steward is not what other men think about him (v.3) or what his conscience dictates (v.4), rather, his faithfulness (2 Tim. 1:13-14; 2:2) to his master (v.2,4). As a result, we must allow God to be the judge of His servants' motives.
Paul rebukes the manner in which they esteem their wisdom in 4:6-13. He uses sarcasm to contrast the lofty way in which they view themselves to how the apostles are viewed by the world. They consider themselves filled, rich, and as kings. Whereas the apostles are fools, weak, and without honor, the Corinthians presume themselves to be prudent, strong, and distinguished. He desires that this sarcasm will accomplish not their shame, but their repentance (v.14). At the time he writes this letter he is sending Timothy to them to remind them of Paul's ways.
thoughts about the text
Humility is very hard for man to learn; that goes for our estimation of ourselves as well as others. Satan uses pride against us quite effectively. However, we are only to esteem men by God's standard. It's easy for a Christian to start thinking that he is better than the world because he believes in and obeys God. How much wiser is the guy who gets hit in the head verses the one who was told he should duck? A follower of Christ should be the first to realize what a wonderful gift was given to him by God. When we realize the folly and death that God allows us to avoid we should spread this wonderful news and not think ourselves somehow greater because we were told before someone else.
posted by Xopey at
4:40 PM
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