Introduction

• I Corinthians 1:1-3

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.