Presented, July 5, 2009
STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS (15)
What Being an Apostle Really Means
1 Corinthians 4:8-13
Tonight we continue our study in the book of 1 Corinthians. We are approaching the conclusion of Paul’s initial concern – their need for unity. In this letter thus far Paul has made clear contrast between the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God and challenged them to follow after the teachings of God. ONLY when all are willing to do that will we find TRUE unity. Keep in mind that the problem of the Corinthians had resulted in a party spirit where men were exalting apostles and other leaders against one another instead of unified for the same cause.
In our last lesson (4:6-7) we found Paul’s appeal to respect the boundaries of God’s word (i.e. not to think beyond what is written). Now he turns his attention to their arrogance and seeks to humble them once and for all as he prepares to address specific issues. In these verses we find Paul using irony and sarcasm to wake them up to what they had REALLY become.
a. Some commentators believe that Paul now turns specifically to the false teachers who were causing the schism among these brethren. It would certainly apply to them, (especially in light of vs. 18-21 where he gives them an option of demeanor when he comes to them) – but in my mind there is enough blame and rebuke to address all involved.
b.
He calls them full, rich and reigning (as
kings) – as if they have achieved their goals and were prospering.
They THOUGHT they were what they ought to be spiritually.
And it is very much possible that they were doing fine within
society. BUT THIS was not a
good thing because whatever success they might have had is similar to
what we read from John in Revelation 3:14-17 where he describes the
church at Laodicea – they thought they were rich but God knew better.
They were actually spiritually bankrupt.
THIS was the direction these brethren in Corinth were headed.
c.
They were NOT any of those things!
Paul is speaking with irony. Their
bickering and infighting was based upon the wisdom of men.
And in compromise they might have put off many of the real
consequences to serving God (persecutions for standing for what is
right, loss of prestige, etc.).
They professed to FOLLOW the great leaders (many mentioned were apostles
or other great influential leaders) – again think of the prestige of
being associated with Christ’s ambassadors.
d. Paul wished that they did reign. I believe his real desire here is that they were RIGHT WITH GOD like Paul and these other apostles. Paul is saying he wants them to be in a saved condition.
e. BUT what were they willing to pay to achieve that position? If they wanted to be associated with these “great” leaders were they willing to pay the price? Paul is about to tell them what it means to be an apostle.
a.
When we think of the apostles we think of
those at the top of God’s plan for us.
They were His ambassadors.
They were to be respected for the office they held by Christians.
AND the same is true today. We have every reason to respect them.
i. To them were given the keys to the kingdom of heaven – Matt. 16:18-19.
ii. They were eyewitnesses to our Lord’s life – Acts 10:39-43, 2 Pet. 1:16-18
iii. They revealed to us the message of God’s word – truly our hope lies in the revelation of His apostles and others who were associated with them.
b.
BUT,
it was not a materialistic office of honor.
It was one that came with great human toll.
At first, when the twelve were chosen, I am convinced they did not fully
comprehend what it would involve and COST them.
Consider James and John and their desire to reign on His right
and His left (Matt. 20:21-23).
Notice the challenge Jesus issued them – will you drink the cup?
As you study the history of the apostles you find their CREDIBILITY
established in what they were willing to suffer for God.
They were no ordinary ambassadors.
Their mission was no ordinary mission.
There was no great fanfare in this world or monetary gain at all.
It has been said that work of the apostles was either telling the truth
of Jesus or a very bold lie to deceive.
The way they lived proved it was not deceit.
Consider how those in high position are usually treated.
With honor and praise.
They are given the best seats and accommodation.
BUT what about how the apostles were treated? This text gives but
one taste of what these men went through.
c. However, here they are described as:
i. The work of these apostles CONTRASTED with the Corinthians. Perhaps Paul is still speaking with irony and sarcasm. But MORE than that, their sacrifice meant glory for those who followed their teachings (if not in this life, in the next).
ii.
Displayed as last –
Remember the words of our Lord, “the
first shall be last and the last shall be first.” (Matt. 20:16).
NOTE how this is in the same portion of Matthew as the request of
James and John. ALSO see vs.
27 where Jesus said, “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him
be your slave.”
The “glory” of the apostles resulted in them being rejected by the
majority of the world, and especially those in high places who had power
to make their lives miserable and they did.
NOTE: IF you desire to be a leader in the Lord’s church, don’t do it for
the glory of men!
True leadership in the Lord’s body
is about service and sacrifice.
iii.
Men condemned to death – a
spectacle to the world. (9)
There are at least two possible references to death here -
The triumph – where after battle the general displayed the spoils
of victory including parading captives doomed to death shortly
thereafter
OR those killed for sport in the arenas of death by wild animals
or gladiators.
Tradition holds that all the apostles but one were put to death as
Martyrs (John being the exception and we know he suffered being exiled,
etc.)
Acts 12:1-2 records the execution of James and attempt to execute Peter
(3-4) believing that such would crush this movement.
iv.
Fools for Christ’s sake, but you
are wise in Christ -
Paul was despised by the Jewish leaders as a troublemaker.
And he was thought of as foolish by the worldly wise – called a babbler
in Acts 17:18.
We find, even in the Corinthian letters that some of their leaders
failed to show Paul respect and made false charges against him.
“You are wise…” – think of the wisdom we have because of what the
apostles went through to reveal God’s message to us.
v. Weak, but you are strong – the work of the apostles had taken a toll on them in every way. As we learn from their example, perhaps it will embolden us to be strong – cf. Phil. 1:12-14.
vi.
Dishonored, but you are
distinguished – they did NOT receive the respect they deserved
for their work. I am reminded of
the sacrifice that innovators sometimes have to make as they pave the
way to better things (i.e. our forefathers sacrificed for the freedoms
we now enjoy in this country).
In love, these apostles endured many things to make the path easier and
straighter for us.
NOTE: At times this lack of respect was from their brethren, as here in
Corinth.
vii. Lacking in human needs – food, clothing & homeless. They physically suffered lack at times as they stood for what is right! They were physically hurt as they stood for what is right (cf. 2 Cor. 11:22-28).
viii. Having to work with their hands – not sitting at the head of the church drawing a paycheck while everyone else below did the labor. At times, they had to engage in manual labor to support themselves. Paul went out of his way to make sure he didn’t leave the impression he “was in it for the money.” (2 Cor. 11:8-9, Acts 18:3).
ix.
Reviled, persecuted, and defamed
– a summary of what we have been talking about.
Yet, rather than retaliating or quitting – they turned it around.
They blessed, endured and
entreated. NOTICE their godly attitude even when mistreated.
x.
Made as the filth of the world
– they were perceived in many instances as the scum of society.
Words only found here that
describe the dust that is swept up off the floor, or even worse, the
debris left over after the bloody games in the coliseum to be carried
out and disposed of.
To the world the apostles were
undesirables that they wanted to get rid of.
What impressive credentials!!!!
When you look at what these men endured – their integrity is
clear! Creators of man-made
religions would NEVER endure such things.
NOTE: I can’t help but wonder if Paul felt this way considering how he
was being treated by these brethren.
Is NOT their behavior toward his word and work with them similar
to this? BRETHREN, be careful before you reject the message of God’s
word for some personal gain.
d.
Lesson: God’s view of
success is NOT the same as man’s view of success.
God looks at the heart! God
looks at your love! God
looks at your loyalty to Him.
1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said
to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature,
because I have refused him.
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
He looks at the treasures you have laid up in heaven – Matt. 6:19-10
Consider this among the godly as well.
Do you want true honor from the godly?
It won’t come by compromising the truth.
It will come with a humble heart willing to sacrifice and suffer
for the cause of Christ. It
will be one who TRULY puts God and His people first.
We live in relative peace today as Christians.
We don’t suffer all that much.
But even in our midst, those who are truly honored have the
humble attitude as they serve His cause.
e.
Question: What am I
willing to endure for Him?
James 5:11 says, “Indeed we count
them blessed who endure…”
Jesus said more than once, “But he
who endures to the end will be saved” (Mt. 10:22, 24:13)
We may not be apostles today, but there are certainly lessons to learn from them. Let us cherish their efforts and let us honor them by being willing to imitate them. The world needs more of this attitude.
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