Paul's Final Appeal In The Corinthian Divide [1Corinthians 4:6-21]

By Pastor Jason Lim

Much ink has been spilled over the division in the Corinthian church. We now come to the final appeal Paul made to the Corinthians to end their feuds. In this last segment, Paul appealed to them to look to his

1.Walk.

Paul was not someone who had all talk but no walk. He led by example. When he said to them not to be boastful or arrogant, he modeled a life of humility and servanthood. He was not "living it up", but was willing to be the refuse and scum of the world. So he says to them, "be imitators of me".

2. Warmth.

He needed to use a harsh tone and harsh words to jolt them to their senses. But he also quickly reminded them of his warm affectionate love for them as their "spiritual father". Ultimately, we know he said these tough things for their own good.

3. Warning. Paul was no softie. And he would not tolerate sin and schism in the church. Much as he'd loathe to do so, he would not hesitate to dole out discipline in the church if the prideful schisms persist when he should come.

The pastoral ministry requires a nuanced balance of firmness and gentleness.

Paul, at the end of the day, showed the great importance of exampling- "be imitators of me". And that is also what our Savior has done for us. The enduring images of His crucifixion and of His washing the feet of his disciples burn in our hearts the supreme importance of humble servanthood. May the gospel melt our stubborn pride away, and may it heal deep divides and unite the church of Jesus Christ.