The Blessed Hope Podcast -- with Dr. Kim Riddlebarger

"Shall I Come With a Rod?" Season Three/Episode Eight (1 Corinthians 4:1-21)

Apr 12, 2024

The discussion dives into Paul's righteous anger towards the Corinthians, highlighting their misguided pride. Paul critiques their self-perception as rich and powerful while emphasizing the true role of ministers as servants of God. Sarcasm underscores his points about their immaturity and factionalism. The podcast also contrasts the power of God’s kingdom with mere human boasting, culminating in Paul’s fatherly appeal for humility. Listeners are left contemplating the choice between discipline and grace, as Paul prepares to confront the Corinthians upon his return.

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INSIGHT

Servant Status Hides Sacred Stewardship

Paul redefines ministerial status using servant and steward metaphors to invert worldly expectations.
Though seen as lowly, ministers manage God's mysteries and hold important delegated authority.

ADVICE

Judge Sermons By Scripture, Not Popularity

Evaluate sermons by faithfulness to Scripture, clarity, and Christ-centered application rather than entertainment value.
Ministers must preach faithfully, not to win popularity or please congregational tastes.

INSIGHT

Boasting Collides With Received Grace

Boasting among the Corinthians stems from forgetting that every gift they possess was received from God.
Paul uses rhetorical questions to expose pride and the folly of claiming credit for divine gifts.

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Episode Synopsis:

Paul expressed a fair bit of righteous anger in his letter to the Galatians–calling those taken in by false teachers foolish people who have been all-too easily bewitched by false teachers. In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle again expresses his frustration, speaking sarcastically of those who think of themselves as rich (when they are poor), and as kings who act as though they rule the church (when they are not). But Paul will have none of it. It matters not to him what the immature in Corinth think of him. What matters is that God is judge of such things, not the Corinthians.

Paul reminds them that ministers are God’s servants who proclaim the gospel of Christ crucified, not faction leaders who seek draw followers unto themselves. God has entrusted the mysteries of the gospel to his ministers and he will judge their motives. Neither Paul nor Apollos have sought to please them–both men sought to be faithful to the charge given them by Christ to preach the gospel. Addicted to pagan ways of thinking and doing, the Corinthians still think and act like citizens of this present evil age, not as citizens of the age to come. Since the Corinthians are puffed-up by their misguided pride, Paul reminds them of all that he has suffered for the sake of Christ so as to preach the gospel and conduct his missionary journeys. When reviled he blesses. When persecuted he presses on. When slandered he is gracious. Yet, he is still treated as scum and filth. These immature Corinthians are unwitting slaves to their own pride and have earned the sarcastic rebuke from Paul we find in 1 Corinthians 4.

As their father in the faith, Paul is not writing to shame them, but to urge them to imitate him. So far, he has been prevented from returning to Corinth, so he sent Timothy in his absence. Lord willing the apostle will make his way back to Corinth, but until be does, he reminds them that through this letter and in the power of the Holy Spirit he is present with them. The question with which Paul leaves the Corinthians is, “when I come, shall I bring the rod, or shall I come in a spirit of love and gentleness?” The choice is up to them. Mend their ways and embrace humility, or face the discipline of the apostle.

For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/