Greetings to all of you, dear brothers and sisters. We continue our study of the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Last time, we spoke about how everything spiritual is a gift from God, and therefore a believer has no reason for pride. Paul asked the Corinthians a sobering question: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7).
Continuing today from verse 8, Paul moves from theology to life, from theory to practice. And the central theme of our passage will be Paul’s call: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
I. The Contrast Between the Corinthians and the Apostles
Paul begins with a sharp but loving rebuke:
“Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death…” (1 Cor. 4:8-9).
Here Paul uses irony. The Corinthians behaved as if they had already reached the spiritual heights, had become “kings,” and were satiated with all good things. They considered themselves wise and strong.
But what about the apostles? Paul describes their life quite differently:
- They are like men sentenced to death.
- They have become a spectacle to the world.
- They are “fools for Christ’s sake,” “weak,” and in “disrepute.”
The apostles gave everything for the sake of the Gospel. They went to the Gentiles, to the places where no one else wanted to go. Paul came to Corinth — a city steeped in debauchery — not for glory, but for the salvation of souls. He did not want to appear as a wise man to gather followers. He wanted to be faithful to God.
For Paul, to be faithful is not only to speak the right words; it is life itself. If Christ had only preached and performed miracles but had not remained faithful in His life to the end, He could not have become that Lamb without spot or blemish who offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
II. The Life of an Apostle: Not Words, but Deeds
Paul lists the real difficulties he faces in his ministry:
“To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become… like the scum of the world…” (1 Cor. 4:11-13).
This was not a theoretical sermon; it was his everyday life. The Corinthians saw this for a year and a half while he lived among them. They saw him working with his own hands so that no one could reproach him for self-interest. They saw how he loved and how he endured. That is why he has the right to say: “Be imitators of me.” Christianity is a life in plain view of everyone.
III. Guides and Fathers
Why does Paul write all this? Not to humiliate the Corinthians.
“I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:14-15).
Paul is their spiritual father. A guide can give advice, but a father gives his life for his children. Paul suffered for them, prayed for them, and taught them. His motive is love.
Therefore, he urges: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Scripture often calls us to imitate the faith and humility of our leaders. Not their character or manner of speech, but their faithfulness to God.
And this poses a question for each of us: can I say to someone, “Imitate me”? If the whole church were like you — what would it be like?
This is not for condemnation, but for reflection. Look at those qualities in brothers and sisters that they do better. If you are stingy — imitate the generous. If you are not hospitable — learn this from those who open their homes to others. We have something to learn from each other.
Young people, this also applies to you. Do not imitate the world and the “fake” heroes from social media. Imitate real people whom you see every day — believers who work and faithfully serve God with their lives.
IV. The Kingdom Is Not in Talk but in Power
Paul warns those who have become arrogant:
“…I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (1 Cor. 4:19-20).
Christianity without power is just a religion. But the Kingdom of God manifests in power that changes life, stops sin, gives love, patience, and holiness.
In the end, Paul asks: “What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Cor. 4:21). He, as an apostle, has the authority to discipline, but he gives them a chance to repent.
Conclusion
Do we want Christ to come to us with a rod or with love? While we have time, let’s repent and change our lives.
May our church be a place where the Gospel is not only heard but seen. Where every member of the church, in sharing the good news with others, can sincerely say: “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”
Amen.