1 Corinthians 4 (7)

Pray Psalm 119.7, 8.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes

Sing Psalm 19.7, 8.
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure;
the simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts;
He makes our eyes to understand; with joy He fills our hearts.

Review 1 Corinthians 4.1-21; meditate on verses 6 and 7.

Preparation
1. Why did Paul point to himself and Apollos?

2. What did he want the Corinthians to do?

Meditation
In 1 Corinthians 1-3 Paul exposed the problem that lay at the root of all the issues plaguing the Corinthians: They had allowed pride to divide the Body of Christ. By comparing themselves with one another and vaunting their sect as supreme, they showed that they were thinking with the mind of natural men, not with the mind of Christ.

So in chapter 4 he began to redirect them, to get them back into the groove of Christ’s way of thinking. He explained that they must not put him and Apollos or any other of the apostles in competition or opposition. They should regard them as stewards of God’s gifts and the least of all men. That way they would remember that God gives gifts to men, and He alone should be exalted (vv. 6, 7).

Rather than judge one another by worldly criteria (vv. 1-5), they should submit to the Word of God and let it guide their thinking (v. 6). That way they would rediscover humility and service and be more truly like the apostles (vv. 8-13). Paul instructed them not to exalt him but to imitate him (v. 16). He was preparing to come to them soon, so he sent Timothy ahead to help the Corinthians get things in order again by correcting their thinking about Paul, his teaching, and his ways (v. 17).

In their sinfulness and immaturity, the Corinthians had gone beyond the Word of God. They must remember what Paul taught them and come back under the shelter of Scripture. There they would overcome their pride and divisiveness and rediscover gratitude, humility, service, stewardship, and true Kingdom power (v. 20).

From here on, Paul will show them how only the Word of God can overcome their pride to help them join in redressing the problems and issues reported to him.

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Divisiveness has been striking at the heart of God’s people for a long time.

David wrote of the pain of infighting and unkindness. He was a man well aware of what fighting against enemies was like; but this was different, this warring from within:
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
my companion and my acquaintance.
We took sweet counsel together,
and walked to the house of God in the throng” (Ps. 55.12-14).

And Jesus, of course, dealt with the murderous jealousy of the Pharisees; and those who longed to please the leaders of organized religion, rather than the Light of the world.  “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn. 12.42, 43).

Does the church today fall into these traps?
Have you ever experienced poor treatment from other believers?
Have you ever been unkind to a fellow Christian?
Do you care more about keeping your church friends happy than standing for righteousness?
Do you have a favorite Bible teacher that you find more “reliable” than the Word of God?
Do you ever feel puffed up over something you’ve been given from the Lord?
Are you ever tempted to boast about it? As if it was something that just naturally emanated from yourself?

These problem areas go straight back to our concept of salvation. God made it exceedingly clear that we cannot earn it, nor can we do anything exceptional to gain it. It is all a gift that we received (1 Cor. 4.7).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2.8, 9).

“‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me,
that I AM the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight’, says the LORD” (Jer. 9.24).

We can, every day, start anew, cleansed, forgiven and ready to live under the “shelter of Scripture” and therein overcome our pride… “and rediscover gratitude, humility, service, stewardship, and true Kingdom power.”

My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.
(Lidie H. Edmunds, 19^th century)

For reflection
1. What do you learn about thinking with the mind of Christ from 1 Corinthians 4?

2. How can you know that you are not thinking with the mind of Christ? What is the role of your daily devotional time in helping you to think with the mind of Christ?

3. Whom will you encourage today to think more with the mind of Christ?

The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. Pride commonly is at the bottom of quarrels. Self-conceit contributes to produce undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of ourselves. We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by him with various talents. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4.1-6

Pray Psalm 19.9-14.
Give praise and thanks to God for His Word. And praise and thanks for His Spirit, Who empowers us to live within the framework of His Word. And praise and thanks for Jesus, to Whom all the Word of God points, that we may be made more like Him.

Sing Psalm 19.9-14.
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
The fear of God is cleansing, forever shall it last.
His judgments all are true and just, by righteousness held fast.
O seek them more than gold most fine, than honey find them sweet;
be warned by every word and line; be blessed with joy complete.

Who, LORD, can know his errors? O keep sin far from me!
Let evil rule not in my soul that I may blameless be.
O let my thoughts, let all my words, before Your glorious sight
be pleasing to You, gracious LORD, acceptable and right.

T. M. and Susie Moore 

The Church in Corinth was in need of revival. But there was much to be done before that would happen. The Church today is in need of revival, and the same is true for us. Our book, Revived!, can help us to discern our need for revival and lead us in getting there. Order your copy by clicking here.

Support for Scriptorium comes from our faithful and generous God, who moves our readers to share financially in our work. If this article was helpful, please give Him thanks and praise.

And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 103 Reynolds Lane, West Grove, PA 19390.

Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter, available by clicking here.