1 Corinthians 4

Read 1 Cor 4:1-5

  1. According to v. 1, what two terms properly describe preachers of the gospel?
  1. Who is to be the judge of those who serve the Lord? (3-5)
  1. Why are we not qualified to judge others? (See Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 2:2-3)
  1. Why is God the perfect judge? (see Psalm 19:7-11, Romans 2:2)
  1. Paul cares very little if he is judged by the courts, others or even himself (v. 3). How should believers decide when they ought to give attention to other people’s opinions about them (See 1 Peter 2:12)?
  1. In v. 4 Paul insists, “my conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” What is the difference between a “clear conscience” and being “innocent?”

1 Cor 4:6-13

  1. In what specific ways does God’s Word form the boundary for the conduct of my Christian life?
  1. What does Paul tell us in verse 6 the reason for writing these things to the Corinthians?
  1. Pride is a theme that runs through much of Paul’s writings. How would you sum up how a Christian should view pride? (Proverbs 11:2, John 13:14-17)
  1. By asking the questions in verse 7, what does Paul want the Corinthians to realize?
  1. Compare those inflated with pride with those who have true spiritual power (1 Cor 4:6-13)

PrideTrue Spiritual Power

  1. Compare the experiences of the first Christian leaders, in 1 Corinthians 4:8-13 with Jesus’ instructions to them in Mark 6:8-11 and Mark 10:35-45. How should Christians behave when their enemies are cruel to them?
  1. Read Luke 6:22-23 and Luke 6:27-36. What will be the reward for those Christians?

1 Cor 4:14-21

  1. According to v. 14-16, what was Paul’s purpose in writing to the Corinthians?
  1. How had Paul become like a "father" to them?
  1. How does Paul’s relationship to the Corinthians as their “father” explain his tremendous concern for them (see 2 Corinthians 11:1-3)?
  1. Do I feel comfortable encouraging other Christians to “imitate me” (4:16)? Why or why not?
  1. According to v. 17, why was Paul sending Timothy to them?
  1. In verse 20, Paul writes, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” What did Paul mean by this? How can I ensure that the expression of the kingdom of God in my life is more than mere talk?
  1. Where is the power of God evident in my life? Where is it lacking?
  1. What choices did Paul leave them as to how he might come to them (v. 21)?
  1. How might we imitate the model Paul and the other apostles sought to embody in our homes, communities, churches?