Tag: Praise of Man vs Power of Christ - 1 Corinthians 3-4

1 Corinthians 4:8-13

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

Tag:  Humility of Christ’s Servants vs Man’s Pride

The Corinthians were very proud people.  They believed they were “king” in relationship to their faith and walk with God. The didn’t mind boasting of their Christian strength.    They thought of themselves as “reigning” as believers.   In the beginning of this passage Paul is being sarcastic about how they thought of themselves.   They were so full of pride.  They thought that, in Christ, they were at the top of the heap (even though Paul just told them they were acting like mere “humans” ... 3:1-4).    To make his point, Paul stresses his own life  and uses some strong terms. Paul says of himself (and the other Apostles):

1.  Last of all ... a sentence of death hanging over them. 

2. A spectacle in front of the world ... both to angels and to men. 

3. Fools in the eyes of the world. 

4.  Weak in the eyes of the world. 

5.  Homeless.

6. Held in disrepute.

7.  Like the scum and refuse of the earth. 

In contrast to the Corinthians, Paul knew his position and knew that, for Christ, he was nothing in front of the world, yet, IN CHRIST, powerful and bold.   The Corinthians had it backwards.  They were trying to be wise and proud and powerful in the world, but were really acting like the non-believers.   God was empowering Paul, though he looked weak.  As believers our desire is to be weak in flesh and powerful in Christ ... in the spirit.