MDB 33: I Cor 4

In this chapter Paul addresses the arrogance of the Corinthians and what should be the priorities of the church. The Corinthians are apparently incredibly smug. We learn later of the spectacular phenomena which characterize their church life; and we have already noted their focus on outward technique and aesthetics. In contrast to these things, Paul parades his own weakness before them both to admonish them concerning their skewed priorities and to set before them an example of godly church leadership. He reminds them that all that they are and have is the result of God's grace and that this should shape their entire attitude to life.   They may look down on Paul; but that is absurd, given the fact that they have only been taken from the gutter by the sovereign act of God.

This chapter is surely one of the most painful for any Christian to read because here we surely see ourselves addressed. The tendency of us all is to make God in our own image, to assume that he is rather like us, only perhaps a little bigger and a little better. The whole thrust of these early chapters in 1 Corinthians is on the otherness of God, on the mysterious contradiction of human expectations that is the cross of the Christ and the church that rests upon him as her foundation. Think on this chapter and reflect on how you see yourself, your aspirations, your biases, your convictions, reflected in the attitude of these Corinthian Christians.