1 Corinthians 4:14-21

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1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Gospel Correction

April 16, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 4:14–21

In our last passage, Paul used a series of sarcastic statements to call out the arrogance of many in the Corinthian church. But now, in 1 Corinthians 4:14, his tone changes. He speaks of them as “my beloved children.” Paul makes clear that he did not rebuke them to shame them (v. 14), but to correct them, just as a loving father would. Sometimes this correction requires harsher tones and words, but even that shows the care of the father. It is important for Paul, as their “father in Christ Jesus” (v. 15), to have this hard conversation

with them. The words of their other “countless guides in Christ” (v. 15) do not carry the same weight as those of their spiritual father. Paul is modeling to them the way the Lord as our Father disciplines us: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). Paul brings loving correction to the arrogance that has grown like leaven in this church.

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.