I Corinthians 4:14-21

 I Corinthians 4:14-21

Paul will conclude his comments concerning the divisive state of the church and those who are causing it with an invitation and a warning. Church discipline always has as its primary objective restoration, but there is a secondary objective, which is to protect the church as a whole from these evildoers. This will become evident in the next chapter more thoroughly. While the church at Corinth may have a wealth of teachers, many of whom would have been the source of the division, there was only one who cared for them like a father. Paul said they had many “tutors” (NASV) or “guardians” (NIV). A slave most often filled the role of tutor. a reference back to under rower and steward in verse one. This slave’s life was not so demeaning as the under rower and less exalted and honored than the steward. The Greek word for tutor is a compound word that comes from the combination of “boy” and “guide”. The tutor was sort of a mammy, but also a teacher, and did have the authority to discipline; he was nevertheless only a guide for the boy. When the boy was mature, the tutor would have no authority. Paul, in contrast, is their loving father. No tutor ever came close to the father in terms of authority. Paul is calling his children to follow his example, and he is about to address those uppity teachers. First by sending them an older brother, Timothy, which they will ignore, and then by coming to them personally and directly dealing with these troublemakers.

Paul’s absence has prompted some of these teachers to become “arrogant” or literally “puffed up.” They believe they could live without a day of reckoning. They did not expect Paul to come, and if he did come, they did not expect much from him. They were betting everything on Paul’s perpetual absence. Paul warns that, with the Lord's permission, he will in fact come, and when he does, it will not simply be a verbal chastisement. While not specific about what will happen, Paul says there will be a demonstration of the power of these usurpers. He will respond with a demonstration of his power in ministry. Which will prove that these usurpers really have nothing. On two occasions, apostles had, by the power of God, confronted evil people with disastrous results for the evil persons. Ananias and Sapphira, when confronted by Peter, died, and Elymas was struck blind before Paul. When it comes to those who divide the church, way too often we cower and retreat rather than confront and call for repentance. Congregations so infected rarely recover.

“Lord, make me afraid of creating division within the church, knowing there will be a day of judgment.  AMEN”