We know from 1 Corinthians 3 that one of the main issues that needs to be addressed in this church is the fact that factions have formed around peoples’ preferred leaders. In 1 Corinthians 3:4, Paul says that some are following him and some are following Apollos, and this has created “jealousy and strife among you.” The Corinthians are making judgments about leaders based on their own biased perceptions. This leads Paul to lay out the role of ministers and who exactly gets to judge their ministries. Then, in 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, Paul unpacks this church’s spiritual arrogance and explains why it is improper to judge God’s servants based on outward appearances.
1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Spiritual Arrogance
April 9, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 4:1–13
More from
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
February 12, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 1:1–9
Though the church of Corinth has some major issues that must be addressed, Paul begins his letter with some encouraging words. To center the entire letter of 1 Corinthians upon the gospel, Paul’s first words to the Corinthians are not rebukes but reminders. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that despite the messiness of their church, God’s grace hasn’t changed. These believers are being sanctified and sustained by Jesus for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
February 19, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
After addressing the church of Corinth with a warm greeting, Paul now directs his attention to a major problem that exists within the church. The warmth of his welcome is over, and his stern rebuke will now be heard. As a rope becomes unraveled when its cords are disunited, so the church in Corinth is on the verge of unraveling because of disunity. Paul addresses this now, and the other things he brings up in the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians all stem from this topic. Therefore, it is best to view this section as somewhat of an introduction to the first part of the letter (1 Corinthians 1:10-4:21).
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
February 26, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
God’s chosen Messiah being crucified on a criminal’s cross is the greatest scandal in the history of the universe. Such a scandal cannot be understood or believed by the natural mind. That is why in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul tells the church that when it comes to hearing and responding to the gospel, there are only two groups of people. Some find it to be useless—those who are perishing. And to some, the gospel is the power of God—those who are being saved.