1 Corinthians 4:6-21
What was the root of the disagreements at Corinth if not pride (Proverbs 13:10)? Each one took pride in his spiritual gifts and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5), forgetting just one thing – that he had received all these things by pure grace. To keep us humble, let us constantly remember the question in v. 7: "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?"
Besides to be puffed up in this way with one’s own importance was to desire something other than "Jesus Christ . . . crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2); it was "to reign" already, when it is written "if we suffer (in the present) we shall also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:12). Paul for his part had got these things right. He willingly took his place with "the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things" . . . a place which very few Christians can accept. But realising that their true happiness is at stake, he beseeches his beloved Corinthians to follow him along such a path. He was their spiritual father (v. 15) and wished that they should take after him as children are like their father. Now, if his warnings were not heeded, he was ready when he met them to use "the rod", that is to deal severely. This fatherly responsibility he would discharge for the good of his "beloved sons" (v. 14).