Introduction
Love them.
- I Corinthians 1:4 – These people were troublesome for Paul, but he was thankful for them.
- I Corinthians 4:14-15
- I Corinthians 10:14 – He loved them!
- I Corinthians 15:58
- I Corinthians 16:23-24
- The simple fact that he was writing to them shows his love for the Corinthians.
- There is nothing in the Bible that says you must have a relationship with someone before you can helm them spiritually. Paul spoke to complete strangers constantly.
Tell them what’s right and wrong.
- Paul was clear with the Corinthians:
- I Corinthians 1:10-11 – divisions among them
- I Corinthians 3:1 – men of flesh … infants in Christ
- I Corinthians 4:7 – arrogant, as though I were not coming to you
- I Corinthians 5:1 – immorality among you
- I Corinthians 6:8 – you yourselves wrong and defraud
- I Corinthians 9:11 – is it too much if we reap material things from you
- I Corinthians 11:20 – when you meet … it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper
- I Corinthians 15:12 – you say there is no resurrection of the dead
- I Corinthians 7:1-2, 10 – Paul got pretty personal!
- Imagine a doctor that won’t tell the patient what the problem is.
Minimize yourself and magnify God.
- I Corinthians 1:12-15 – Paul tried to minimize himself.
- I Corinthians 3:5
- I Corinthians 4:1-4 – Paul describes himself as a servant. We must all stand before God.
- I Corinthians 9:12, 15, 19-23
Be a good example.
- I Corinthians 4:16-17
- We should not be seeking glory.
- We already are examples.
- I Corinthians 11:1
- I Corinthians 8:13 – Paul would forego a liberty to prevent a brother from stumbling.
- I Corinthians 9:26-27
- We may not realize how much people are watching us.