Who are you? What is your identity? There are many roles that we have to play each day. There may be the dad, husband, mum, wife, son, daughter, etc. There are some of these “hats” we have to wear are formal others not. We have to swap hats constantly. Not all are positive. There are those who are a critic, power broker who wants to control and the gossip,

There were problems in the church at Corinth. The main problem was that a partisan spirit meant that people were splitting into small groups driven by personalities. Men and women become elevated beyond what is right. The church is to work together to follow Christ.

1. Servants and Stewards (vs. 1-5)

Paul has some things to say about being servants and stewards.

• Of Christ. Leaders are to be servants of Christ. It is not about anybody else’s gifts or position or the church itself. We are to not look for glory, influence or power.
• Perspective. Paul did not lack a holy boldness! Corinth was into the cult of people. Paul was not perfect but he is answerable ultimately to God. It is God who will judge us. The Corinth church was highly judgmental.
• Called to be His. We are called to be saints of God. It is not sometime we attain. You are if you are in Christ.
• Accountable. We will face the gaze of a holy God. Paul is more concerned about God’s opinion.

2 – Rulers and rubbish (vs. 6-13)

The Corinthians had too high opinion of themselves. They needed to lower their opinions by learning:-

• Humility. They needed to learn humility. They were fuller of themselves than they were of God. They were “puffed up”. It is not good to follow men. Paul is being very sarcastic in these verses. They thought they had it all. They were full of their own importance. They were a proud church. Examples – The outward appearance, exclusive, we know what is best and not teachable.
• Humiliation. The apostles were going through humiliation for Christ. They were the scum of the earth yet they were rich and powerful. Example – Will listen.

3 – Fathers and children (vs. 14-21)

Paul has words of encouragement and rebuke.-

• Spiritual parenthood. The church is a family and Paul saw them as his children.
• A chip off the old block. Timothy had learnt from Paul.
• Model it. Timothy was an example that Paul sent for them to follow
• Rebuke. Paul is coming so get your house in order!

Categories: 1 Corinthians