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Priscilla: I Corinthians 4:14-21
Admonition on Obedience

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

[King James Version]

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I offer You my reflection on the Word of God in 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 today. I pray that You will guide me as I read and meditate on the Word of God, and that You will help me understand Your admonition on obedience.

I understand that verses 14-15 mean that the Apostle Paul saw the people of Corinth as his own spiritual children in Christ. He used the truth of the Gospel to lead them to be born again into the Church of God. Therefore, he did not hesitate to point out their wrongdoing. His purpose in doing so was to truly uplift them, to help them live according to Your Word, and not to shame them.

I understand that verses 16 and 17 mean that the Apostle Paul calls on the people of God in Corinth to imitate him and live a new life in love, holiness, and righteousness, just as Christ did. The spiritual condition of the people in Corinth is very reprehensible. They still live according to their sinful nature, which causes envy, quarrels, and divisions within the Church. Therefore, Paul sent Timothy, a faithful servant of God, to Corinth to remind the people of the ways of life that Paul lived in Christ and what he had taught them about Christ.

I understand that verses 18-20 mean that the Apostle Paul is referring to the arrogant people who are creating factions in the Church in Corinth. They may think that Paul will not return to Corinth because he is busy with his work elsewhere. But Paul makes it clear that if God opens the way, he will soon come to the Church. Paul states that when he arrives, he will see whether these arrogant people have any real power, as the kingdom of God is built on the power of God, not on boasting and arrogance.

I understand that verse 21 means that the Apostle Paul warns the people of God in Corinth that if they repent, obey, and live holy lives according to the Word of God, he will treat them with love and a gentle spirit. But if anyone opposes him, does not obey, and does not live according to the Word of God, he will bring a rod, which means he will use strict rebuke to correct them.

May the Holy Spirit grant each person of God the power to live according to the Word of God, to obey their shepherds and elders, and to love and serve one another in the Church. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
04/28/2023