1 Cor 4:1-

in 2:15 Paul has said that the unspiritual cannot make judgments (anakrinei) about the spiritual, for they are spiritually anakrinei-ed. Though the spiritual man can make anakrinei-s about all things (spiritual and unspiritual), he (the spiritual man) is not subject to any normal (unspiritual) man's judgment. Then he explains that they are not acting like spiritual people. They are trying to judge which teacher is the greatest, but their attempts at judging are evidence that they are unspiritual. No one of the men is better than another, all were gifts from God (3:21). This attempt to be wiser by figuring out who to follow is unspiritual judging. It isn't God's wisdom, and he lays it out pretty straight to all of them that they would do better to become fools according the world so they can be wise toward God.

Paul describes himself as a steward of the mysteries of God. Stewards must be trustworthy, but in this context, Paul says, I don't care if You judge me trustworthy or not since you are judging me as unspiritual people, mere humans. He goes on to say, (assumingly he counts himself as spiritual?) I do not even judge myself--though he clarifies that he has not gone against his conscience--still that does not mean he has been trustworthy. God is his judge. Therefore he gives directions for them not to judge anything before the right time (they will judge someday?). The right time seems to be when the Lord comes. After that, He will bring to light the motives of all men. (Why would he need to "bring them to light, unless we are to judge?) Rather than being praised according to human wisdom and preference at that time, Paul says that each one will receive his praise from God.

Thus here he ties up what He began dealing with at the beginning of the letter, their division along guru lines. It could be summed up in these points

1. all teachers are gifts from God

2. to squabble about which is best is to reveal that you didn't learn from any of them. God's way does not require nor permit tyranny. In this way it is foolishness to humans, who always think that it is good to have power and superiority over others. It was this thinking that led to the crucifixion of Christ! We don't operate this way anymore, but by trying to out-wise your teachers you are trying to go back there. It seems that until these principles come alive in You that I am unable to teach you more!

3. God will both judge and reveal for your perusal whether any teacher was faithful or not, 'cause He knows motives

The facts: 1 Cor 4:8-9

1. What two metaphors does Paul use to illustrate his statement, "Already you have all you want!"

rich--kings--without us!

2. For what reason does Paul object to them "becoming kings?"

--without us.

Why does Paul wish that they really had become kings!

kings with them!

3. What word picture does Paul use to contrast his position as an apostle with theirs?

Prisoners on humiliating display

How would you be feeling about now if you were in the congregation when this letter was read?

Interpretation:

1. When Paul says, "Already you have all you want!" What is it that they have all of? Read Chapter 3

Spiritual nourishment from Paul, spiritual growth

2. Paul objected to their being kings "without us." What principle of spiritual growth is he highlighting here?

3. What are some things that prevented the Corintians from receiving more spiritual food?

They hadn't eaten what they'd received,

4. How do we know? They hadn't grown any bigger, still Babes.

What characteristics did they have that gave them away?

arguing about who is better.

5. What principles of the gospel does Paul present in 3 and 4 that they should have understood which would stop such arguing?

Ch3--God's attitude as long as on the foundation

ch4 God alone is judge

ch4 Gospel is gift

Who can sum up the principle of growth, (teaching and learning) that Paul is referring to? Can't force-feed.

What does that say about God! He doesn't force feed us!

Application:

1. What are some things that prevent us from growing spiritually?

self-satisfaction

Not applying what we know

distractions from what's important

2. Do you know anyone who hasn't matured much in the last several years? Could you say that of yourself?

They thought they were rich. Were they? But who could convince them otherwise? If no one convinced them, how could they grow? Why does Paul use the analogy of food for spiritual knowledge? What good does it do to have food if you don't eat it? What happens if you have food and don't eat it? to the food, to you? What happens to the food if you do eat it? becomes part of you, to you? Growth, strength, rejuvenation

What does Paul do to attempt to make them hungry again?

What does this have to do with us? Do we ever try to explain too much to people? children? Grown-ups? Have you ever been on the other end of such? How does it work between us and God? Does God ever explain too much for us? No? He gives it to us when we are ready. How does He know when we are ready? What do we do that keeps us from being ready? What does He allow to help us become ready? What does that say about God? What does this say about going to church and ignoring what we hear?

Already you have all you want! What's wrong with that. What principle of the gospel is Paul pointing out? What danger is he trying to save them from? They were full already; satisfied; not hungry anymore. He wanted to address them as mature, but could not. Now he wants to feed them more, but they're not hungry. He wants to give them the riches of Christ, but they think they're already rich--independently wealthy in fact. They didn't need him to get rich. Already they think they are kings! Paul says, you will be kings someday. I wish that day was already here, but it's not, and now I can't bless you with anything more, for you think you have it all! Boasting in one man over another is a sign of what spiritual sickness? (fullness, having all you want, but being immature, unspiritual) Why might unspiritual people boast in their wisdom? Whereas spiritual ones would not? Still live by framework of the world's wisdom. They don't want anyone to see their motives. They're barely keeping a lid on their behavior, so they must have distractions, other things to talk about. They don't know Jesus, so in order to appear religious they must talk about religious men.

What characteristics of the rich and of kings were the Corinthians exhibiting that led Paul to describe them this way?