The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

1
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Paul had shown the difference between
  spirituality and worldliness.

2
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Paul had shown the difference between
  spirituality and worldliness.
• The church was divided over favorite preachers.
  (111-13)

3
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• 1 Corinthians 111-13 - For it has been declared
  to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of
  Chloes household, that there are contentions
  among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you
  says, I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I
  am of Cephas, or I am of Christ.

4
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• In this case it was not due to things the
  preachers encouraged.

5
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Rather there were individuals who wished to use
  the love others had for these men to their own
  purposes.

6
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Rather there were individuals who wished to use
  the love others had for these men to their own
  purposes.
• Satan commonly will use good things to his
  purposes. (2 Cor 1112-15)

7
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• 2 Corinthians 1112-15 - But what I do, I will
  also continue to do, that I may cut off the
  opportunity from those who desire an opportunity
  to be regarded just as we are in the things of
  which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles,
  deceitful workers, transforming themselves into
  apostles of Christ.

8
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms
  himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it
  is no great thing if his ministers also transform
  themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose
  end will be according to their works.

9
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• The motive of those who tried to exalt themselves
  as leaders by deceit was pride.

10
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• The motive of those who tried to exalt themselves
  as leaders by deceit was pride.
• Pride is an overvaluation of ones abilities. (Gal
  63)

11
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Galatians 63 - For if anyone thinks himself to
  be something, when he is nothing, he deceives
  himself.

12
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Pride seeks the attention of men. Others who are
  perceived as in competition are viewed as
  adversaries.

13
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Pride seeks the attention of men. Others who are
  perceived as in competition are viewed as
  adversaries.
• It is in this atmosphere that false accusations
  and bitter attacks can come.

14
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• On the other hand, what is the motive of those
  who serve the Lord? (Phil 115-17)

15
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Philippians 115-17 - Some indeed preach Christ
  even from envy and strife, and some also from
  goodwill 16 The former preach Christ from
  selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add
  affliction to my chains 17 but the latter out of
  love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense
  of the gospel.

16
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Pride can be the motivation of much personal
  work.

17
The Workers of Pride (1 Cor 4)

• Pride can be the motivation of much personal
  work.
• Ex. Preachers action overseas vs. home. Actions
  after a church spilt.

18
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• The apostles were men whom God had entrusted
  with His word. (41-2)

19
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 1 Corinthians 41-2 - Let a man so consider us,
  as servants of Christ and stewards of the
  mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in
  stewards that one be found faithful.

20
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They were men under Gods authority.

21
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• As servants they were to follow orders.

22
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• As servants they were to follow orders.
• As stewards they were entrusted with great
  riches. (2 Cor 127)

23
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 2 Corinthians 127 7And lest I should be exalted
  above measure by the abundance of the
  revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to
  me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be
  exalted above measure.

24
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• In these terms there is no room for a leader over
  their own party! God comes first. Look at Pauls
  attitude verse those who would later form their
  own parties. (Acts 2027, 30)

25
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Acts 2027 - For I have not shunned to declare
  to you the whole counsel of God.

26
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Acts 2030 - Also from among yourselves men will
  rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away
  the disciples after themselves.

27
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• We also are to take care concerning our teaching.
  (2 Tim 221 Tim 416)

28
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 2 Timothy 22 - And the things that you have
  heard from me among many witnesses, commit these
  to faithful men who will be able to teach others
  also.

29
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 1 Timothy 416 - Take heed to yourself and to
  the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this
  you will save both yourself and those who hear
  you.

30
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They looked to God as their judge. (43-5)

31
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 1 Corinthians 43-5 - But with me it is a very
  small thing that I should be judged by you or by
  a human court. In fact, I do not even judge
  myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself,
  yet I am not justified by this but He who judges
  me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before
  the time, until the Lord comes, who will both
  bring to light the hidden things of darkness and
  reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each
  ones praise will come from God.

32
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Some have suggested that the word for judge in
  verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in
  order to render a final judgment.

33
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Some have suggested that the word for judge in
  verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in
  order to render a final judgment.
• Who determines the standard of judgment?

34
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Some have suggested that the word for judge in
  verses 3-4 deal with a gathering of evidence in
  order to render a final judgment.
• Who determines the standard of judgment?
• Not the Corinthians or any man. (Gal 110)

35
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Galatians 110 - For do I now persuade men, or
  God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still
  pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of
  Christ.

36
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Not Paul, even with a good conscience. (1 John
  319-22)

37
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 1 John 319-22 - And by this we know that we are
  of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before
  Him. 20For if our heart condemns us, God is
  greater than our heart, and knows all things.
  21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we
  have confidence toward God. 22And whatever we ask
  we receive from Him, because we keep His
  commandments and do those things that are
  pleasing in His sight.

38
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• God will uncover all and judge with perfection!
  (45)

39
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 1 Corinthians 45 - Therefore judge nothing
  before the time, until the Lord comes, who will
  both bring to light the hidden things of darkness
  and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each
  ones praise will come from God.

40
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Let us seek Gods praise.

41
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Let us seek Gods praise.
• The workers of pride have a different heart.

42
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They use Gods word to a different end.

43
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They use Gods word to a different end.
• They will change it when it suits them.
  (2 Cor 41-2)

44
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• 2 Corinthians 41-2 - Therefore, since we have
  this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do
  not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the
  hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness
  nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by
  manifestation of the truth commending ourselves
  to every mans conscience in the sight of God.

45
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They may have good knowledge of Gods word and
  the ability to teach.

46
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They may have good knowledge of Gods word and
  the ability to teach.
• What is their goal? You can tell by what
  motivates them!

47
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• They may have good knowledge of Gods word and
  the ability to teach.
• What is their goal? You can tell by what
  motivates them!
• They are very much involved with unrighteous
  judgment. (Matt 71-4)

48
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Matthew 71-4 - Judge not, that you be not
  judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you
  will be judged and with the measure you use, it
  will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you
  look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do
  not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how
  can you say to your brother, Let me remove the
  speck from your eye and look, a plank is in
  your own eye?

49
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be
  destroyed.

50
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be
  destroyed.

51
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be
  destroyed.
• Those who seek to build a party will praise or
  attack you on the basis of your submitting to
  their will, not Gods.

52
What is the Heart of Gods Worker?

• Their goal is to be the best. Competitors must be
  destroyed.
• Those who seek to build a party will praise or
  attack you on the basis of your submitting to
  their will, not Gods.
• Some begin looking for material to be used
  against another in the future.

53
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 1 Corinthians 46-7 - Now these things,
  brethren, I have figuratively transferred to
  myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may
  learn in us not to think beyond what is written,
  that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of
  one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ
  from another? And what do you have that you did
  not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it,
  why do you boast as if you had not received it?

54
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Paul sought to protect and build up Christians.
  (46)

55
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 1 Corinthians 46 - Now these things, brethren,
  I have figuratively transferred to myself and
  Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us
  not to think beyond what is written, that none of
  you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the
  other.

56
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Paul did not name those party leaders yet. He
  wanted their repentance.

57
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• These leaders approach will lead to strife.

58
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• These leaders approach will lead to strife.
• Paul knew that any ability he had came from God.
  (47)

59
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 1 Corinthians 47 7For who makes you differ from
  another? And what do you have that you did not
  receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do
  you boast as if you had not received it?

60
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Here there is no room for boasting. (Gal 614)

61
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Galatians 614 - But God forbid that I should
  boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus
  Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to
  me, and I to the world.

62
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• These leaders sought attention to themselves by
  the gifts of God.

63
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• These leaders sought attention to themselves by
  the gifts of God.
• Paul had a clear view of who he is before God.
  (48-13)

64
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 1 Corinthians 48-13 - You are already full! You
  are already rich! You have reigned as kings
  without usand indeed I could wish you did reign,
  that we also might reign with you! 9 For I think
  that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as
  men condemned to death for we have been made a
  spectacle to the world, both to angels and to
  men.

65
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 10 We are fools for Christs sake, but you are
  wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong!
  You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
  11To the present hour we both hunger and thirst,
  and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and
  homeless. 12And we labor, working with our own
  hands. Being reviled, we bless being persecuted,
  we endure

66
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made
  as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all
  things until now.

67
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• These leaders thought they were rich and full.
  (Rev 314-19)

68
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Revelation 314-19 - And to the angel of the
  church of the Laodiceans write, These things
  says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the
  Beginning of the creation of God 15 I know your
  works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could
  wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because
  you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I
  will vomit you out of My mouth.

69
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 17Because you say, I am rich, have become
  wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not
  know that you are wretched, miserable, poor,
  blind, and naked18 I counsel you to buy from Me
  gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich
  and white garments, that you may be clothed, that
  the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed
  and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may
  see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
  Therefore be zealous and repent.

70
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Contrast this with what a worker for God will
  endure.

71
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• Contrast this with what a worker for God will
  endure.
• The world will praise these leaders and despise
  the other. Who does God praise?
  (2 Cor 1012, 17-18)

72
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 2 Corinthians 1012 - For we dare not class
  ourselves or compare ourselves with those who
  commend themselves. But they, measuring
  themselves by themselves, and comparing
  themselves among themselves, are not wise.

73
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• 2 Corinthians 1017-18 - But he who glories,
  let him glory in the Lord. 18For not he who
  commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord
  commends.

74
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• We need to be careful in how we recommend
  preachers. When we give emphasis to ones
  speaking ability are we appealing to the world or
  to God?

75
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• When we think of ourselves as thinking and
  others as traditional we may be walking in the
  pathway of pride.

76
Gods Worker and the worker of Pride (46-7)

• When we think of ourselves as thinking and
  others as traditional we may be walking in the
  pathway of pride.
• Because pride is essentially competitive then the
  one who possesses pride is often first to see it
  in another. They will be quick to judge another.

77
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Paul genuinely cared for them. (414-17)

78
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 414-17 - I do not write these
  things to shame you, but as my beloved children I
  warn you. 15 For though you might have ten
  thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not
  have many fathers for in Christ Jesus I have
  begotten you through the gospel.

79
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this
  reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my
  beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will
  remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach
  everywhere in every church.

80
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was
  not just trying to hurt them.

81
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was
  not just trying to hurt them.
• He considered his love like that of a father.

82
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• He allowed them shame in order to warn! He was
  not just trying to hurt them.
• He considered his love like that of a father.
• He sent Timothy to them to build them up in Gods
  word.

83
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Paul was willing to confront and defeat those who
  would not repent. (418-21)

84
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 418-21 - Now some are puffed up,
  as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will
  come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I
  will know, not the word of those who are puffed
  up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is
  not in word but in power. 21 What do you want?
  Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a
  spirit of gentleness?

85
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• He would never seek peace at any price. There is
  a time to stand.

86
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• He would never seek peace at any price. There is
  a time to stand.
• Why were the brethren becoming puffed-up
  against one another? They had
  learned it from these proud men. (46, 18)

87
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 46 - Now these things, brethren,
  I have figuratively transferred to myself and
  Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us
  not to think beyond what is written, that none of
  you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the
  other.

88
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 418 - Now some are puffed up, as
  though I were not coming to you.

89
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Paul was willing to give these men time. If they
  would not repent then they had to be dealt with.
  In the next chapter we will learn more about the
  attitudes that spring from pride. (1 Cor 52)

90
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 52 - And you are puffed up, and
  have not rather mourned, that he who has done
  this deed might be taken away from among you.

91
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• The workers of pride will run over people that
  get in their way. (3 Jn 9-10)

92
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 3 John 9-10 - I wrote to the church, but
  Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence
  among them, does not receive us. 10Therefore, if
  I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he
  does, prating against us with malicious words.
  And not content with that, he himself does not
  receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish
  to, putting them out of the church.

93
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Their first goal is to take out the leadership.

94
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Their first goal is to take out the leadership.
• Why then do you suppose they concentrated their
  efforts in attacking Paul?

95
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Their first goal is to take out the leadership.
• Why then do you suppose they concentrated their
  efforts in attacking Paul?
• What kind of worker are you?

96
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Their first goal is to take out the leadership.
• Why then do you suppose they concentrated their
  efforts in attacking Paul?
• What kind of worker are you?
• When we know who God is and who we are then we
  can be used by the Lord to accomplish His work.
  (1 Cor 47)

97
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 47 - For who makes you differ
  from another? And what do you have that you did
  not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it,
  why do you boast as if you had not received it?

98
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• How do you view yourself and your brethren? Are
  you a steward or a ruler? (Mt 2025-28)

99
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• Matthew 2025-28 - But Jesus called them to
  Himself and said, You know that the rulers of
  the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are
  great exercise authority over them. 26Yet it
  shall not be so among you but whoever desires to
  become great among you, let him be your servant.
  27And whoever desires to be first among you, let
  him be your

100
Gods Workers will Influence Others for Eternity

• just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
  but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for
  many.