In 1st Corinthians chapter 4 Paul continues his correction of the Christians at Corinth. Having established that to judge one leader over another is folly he goes on to establish why such opinions are foolish. In verses 1-5 he tells the Corinthians that no such opinion of a Christian leader is of any value, not even his own. Even though Paul’s conscious is clear about his service that does not mean that he is right about his service. Paul says only God’s opinion of any Godly leader is of any value because only He can judge the secret motives of the heart. Even those of us who believe we are God’s faithful servant should be on constant guard not to rely on our own self-assessment but must look to the scriptures and prayer for an accurate view. Even then the final judgment is God’s.
In verses 6-8 Paul tells the Corinthians the source of this leader exaltation is pride. They have pride in the superiority of their group as they follow what they believe to be a superior leader. Here again the cosmopolitan nature of Corinth is influencing the believers. It was common in Greek culture to boast about being a student or follower of a superior educator, philosopher, or other intellectual leader. Paul corrects this by explaining that a believer receives every aspect of their ongoing salvation through God, this includes their leaders. To think otherwise is to claim that you have already spiritually arrived as a completed work in God’s kingdom. For it is only such an exalted Christian that can consider themselves superior to Christians who would qualify to judge the fitness of God’s leader.
In verses 9-13 Paul uses sarcasm to illustrate just how foolish this idea of exalting a leader is. Paul tells the Corinthians that he wishes they were spiritually reigning in the earth and qualified to make such judgments. Paul explains the state of his life and that he, as well as the other apostles, are doing anything but reigning. In these descriptions Paul demonstrates that his life is the opposite of the prideful universally respected existence that the Corinthians aspire to and that Greek culture calls for.
In verses 14-17 Paul establishes what the Corinthian’s relationship with him as a Christian leader should be. Because Paul planted the Church in Corinth and rescued them for Christ he should be viewed as their spiritual father. Such a relationship would allow all the affection and confidence in his abilities without any of the prideful sectarianism and divisions among believers.
In Verses 18-21 Paul circles back to the original issue to deliver a slightly veiled warning. Just in case any of the leaders in Corinth were feeding into this prideful division with there own pride Paul lets them know he will certainly return to Corinth. When he returns, he will deal with any leader who is prideful because of their ability to deliver eloquent speeches. Paul, with the full authority of an apostle of Jesus Christ, will judge if these teachers are really moving in the power of God.
This lesson has much to say to us today. Pride and sectarian divisions are rampant in the Church. This is not just a denominational problem, but churches split because of this same prideful failing that was displayed in Corinth. We must understand that only God can rank his servants and that Christian leaders should be treated as spiritual parents not exalted personalities. God sees into the secret heart and motives of us all. Only His opinion of any of us matters. This truth must be followed by the Church leader as well as the follower.