Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
So far in our study of 1 Corinthians, we have discussed several times the issues this church was facing.
They were divided by their identification with various teachers.
In verses 6-7 of this chapter Paul addressed pride as one of the root causes of their division.
Paul told the Corinthian belivers not to be puffed up with pride because everything they had was a gift from God.
In our passage today, Paul is going to give them a proper perspective.
As we think about having a proper perspective, watch this short video with me.
VIDEO
Perspective matters.
From the little boy’s perspective, his mom wanted to be just like him.
From her perspective, things were very different.
Perspective matters.
As servants of Jesus Christ, we need a proper perspective.
Those in the Corinthian church were puffed up with pride.
They had an inflated opion of their own importance.
In these verses, Paul is going to correct that inflated opinion.
We need to understand our role as servants of Christ.
When we understand our role we are able to endure the trials of life.
Our endurance grabs the attention of a watching world.
Folks, the bottom line is this.
We exist to advance the cause of Christ.
That is the idea behind the verses we will consider today.
To help the Corinthian church understand their role as servants of Christ Paul makes two powerful points.
Point #1.
We are…
1. Fools On Display vv.
8-10
When we put something on display, typically our goal is to attract someone.
Right?
At the store, the display is supposed to draw you in and get you to buy something.
For example: If I saw a display of donuts, I would be tempted to buy some.
If my son Joseph saw a display of legos, he would want to buy some.
When Paul talks about himself and the other apostles on display, it is not the kind of display we might think of.
They are a display that attracts but not through beauty or enticement.
The apostles are a display of the power of God evidenced through the weakness of men.
It is this display of the presence and power of God that attracts.
The Corinthian believers were getting it wrong!
They though the Christian life was about what leader you followed, how tolerant you were, and what gifting you had.
Paul’s goal is for this church to understand the power of humility.
To that end, Paul explains exactly what it means to be an apostle.
An apostle of Jesus Christ is…
a. Displayed to instruct vv.
8-9
Here we go, 1 Corinthians 4:8.
The only way we are going to understand this whole section is by keeping the context in mind.
Paul just confronted the pride of these believers.
He just asked them why they were boasting as if everything they had didn’t come from someone else.
Here in verse 8 Paul overstates his thoughts to drive his point home.
This is sanctified sarcasm.
When I was young we had a friend who had a particular response to people when they would brag.
If someone started bragging about something, he would go way beyond what they said and make it almost embarassing or comical.
If they said, I’m really good at basketball.”
He would say, “You are good, you’re probably the best ever.
I bet if Michael Jordan or LeBrone James played you you’d beat them no problem.
They’d be crying on the floor.”
Whenever he would do this, you ended up seeing how ridiculous your boasting really was.
That’s what Paul is doing here.
They are puffed up!
They are exalting leaders to unbiblical heights!
And so Paul takes their thinking to the extreme to expose how ridiculous they are being.
The word “already” communicates the idea of “at this present time.”
He says if you are so great, you must have already experienced all these things.
You’re already full, already rich, you are already reigning as kings.
Paul is overemphasizing this point because he wants them to understand something very important.
The believer will only be fully satisfied in eternity!
Why?
Because this life is not all there is.
Look at Philippians 3:20-21.
Philippians 3:20-21
This is what we are awaiting.
To think that this life can bring fulfillment and satisfaction is simply foolish.
Paul is calling attention to the fact that they are not full.
They are not satisfied.
If we are seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in the temporary pleasures of this life we are doomed to failure and discontentment!
He continues by addressing wealth.
The believer will only be truly rich when we are with Christ!
Why?
Because riches here are temporary.
Look at Matthew 6:19-21.
Matthew 6:19-21
When we pursue riches in this life we are going after something that will not last.
Riches do not bring happiness, there is evidence of this fact all around us.
Paul wants the Corinthians to realize the error in their thinking.
Finally, to take this to the very extreme, Paul mentions reigning as kings.
As soon as he mentions this he stops being sarcastic to remind them of an important reality.
The believer will one day reign with Christ!
But that time is not yet.
Paul wishes they did reign, because that would mean Christ has returned and is seated on the earthly throne and this life is done!
We will reign with Christ, but until that time comes we are to serve with faithfulness.
We are not to be puffed up.
This life is not all there is.
True fullness, true riches, true authority will be part of eternity, not part of this life.
As Paul continues to adjust their thinking he presents some contrasting thoughts in v. 9.
Look verse 9.
There is a definite article here indicating that Paul has the office of apostle in mind.
The controversy in Corinth was their desire to attach themselves to people who had authority.
There was a desire to gain prestige through association with those who seemed to have it.
Paul is setting the record straight.
They are the last.
Displayed – ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknymi) show forth; display; attest; prove.
to exhibit v. — to display in a manner accessible to or observable by the public.
Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, singular.
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