|
||||
I Corinthians
Chapter
4 {Note: Here is the technical use of the word minister and does mean the leader of a local church.} {Note: A steward administers an estate. The responsibility of the minister is to study and faithfully teach the 'mysteries of God'.} 2~~ Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3~~
But with me it is a very petty thing
{Note:
Paul is refering to three mistakes a Pastor-teacher can make! To
actually listen when being 'judged' by man or to judge himself:
4~~
For I know nothing with regards to myself. {Note: Paul says he would not even know HOW to evaluate his own ministry.}
5~~Therefore,
judge nothing before the time {judgement day},
6~~
And these things, brethren, {Note: Remember, they were comparing Paul with Apollos with Peter etc. and he commanded them not to do this. 'We are with Peter and HE is the best Apostle' type thing!}
{Universal
ministry of the believer - 3 questions that deal with perspective}
{Note:
An analogy to the Roman Coliseum follows. Spectators represent the
believers setting in the stands and Paul and the other Apostles are
the 'last Gladiators of the day' . . . who always had the worst duty
- they fought to the death! This section is filled with Sanctified sarcasm.} {Note: This is sarcasm. Paul is saying if only they WERE Kings on earth so he could also be a King with them!}
9~~
For I have concluded that The God has placed us . . .
{Note:
In the coliseum, the last 'act' of the day was the most dramatic.
Usually it was a fight to the death. So, Paul is using this in an analogy.}
{More
Sarcasm}
{Sufferings
of the Gladiators - believers in fellowship -
12-13~~
And labor until exhausted - working with our own hands {Note; How the Apostles responded indicates great orientation to the Grace of God. The Faith Rest Technique is described here.}
14~~
I write not these things to SHAME you. {Note: Shame is just an emotional reaction with no permanent results.}
{Pattern
of the Universal Ministry of the Believer - Verses 15-21} {Note: A Paidagogos was a slave who took children to school and gave them attention. This is an analogy to the people/false teachers in Corinth trying to lead them astray with kind speech. The Paidogogos are nice and tell them they are great! But Paul tells them the truth as only a father would . . . even if it hurts. John also used 'Father' like this in I John 2:13.} 16~~ Wherefore I beseech you . . . become imitators of me. {Note: This is the imitation of Paul in his learning and applying doctrine. Whereas, the carnal believer imitates the unbeliever.}
17~~
For this reason, I have sent unto you Timothy
{Hindrances
to this pattern of growth verses 18-19}
19~~
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, {Note: Paul is saying the false teachers are talking a good fight but when he gets there lets see the power they have!}
20~~
For the kingdom of God is not in word
21~~Take
your choice . . .
|