1 Corinthians 4:17-21

1 Corinthians 4:17-21

Because of this I sent to you all Timothy, who is my beloved child and faithful in the Lord, who will cause you all to remember my ways – the ones in Christ Jesus – just as I teach everywhere in every church.  As some are being haughty while I do not come to you all.  But I will come to you all as soon as possible if the Lord should desire it.  And I will not find out the word of the ones who are haughty but I will find out the power.  For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.  What do you all desire?  Should I come to you all in a rod or in spiritual love and gentleness?

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Once more Paul continues the theme of spiritual parenting as he reminds the Corinthians that Timothy is his beloved child.  Of course Timothy is not his real child; we know Timothy is the son of Eunice from the city of Lystra and his father is an unnamed Greek.  But Timothy was a god-fearer who came under Paul’s tutelage.  Where Paul went, Timothy went with him.  Timothy studied under Paul, learning how to talk about God under him.  I can only imagine what Paul taught Timothy through his many journeys and imprisonments!  However, here is what makes Timothy Paul’s spiritual child.  It is not so much what Timothy could academically learn from Paul.  What makes Timothy his spiritual child is that Timothy was able to walk through life with Paul.  Biologically speaking, a parent is genetically related.  But socially, emotionally, culturally, and spiritually a parent is one who passes on culture to someone else.

How do you think Timothy felt being called Paul’s child?  Do you think it an insult or a term of endearment?  If a term of endearment, who might be your spiritual parent?

Second Thought:

Paul also tells the Corinthians that what he taught among them he also taught to Timothy and every person in every place that he goes.  Paul’s point here is fairly simple.  There is a need for consistency in the message.  What we teach in one place we must also teach everywhere.

Why is consistency important?  What does consistency say about our character?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul talks about the difference between talk and power.  Anyone can talk.  Anyone can say words and speak them.  Anyone can speak as though they know what they are doing when authority isn’t around.  But what really is telling is whether or not an effect is gained.  Words are power indeed; but evaluation comes not on the power of one’s speech but the fruit of one’s life.  The kingdom of God is not in words but in power.

What power do you have in your life?  Is your bark (words) bigger than your bite (power)?  Do you think God wants people who are all talk or who both talk and act?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5