Don’t Talk About It, Be About It

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Theme: Kingdom of God

Point: Proactive

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Introduction

Apostle Paul’s authority in Corinth (1Cor 4:14-15)

1. Paul instructs the (Apostles), admonishes others 

2. Paul delegates 

3. Paul administrates from (incarceration, infirmity, challenge, a dark place) and compromising position  

4. Paul exhorts the church at Corinth 

5. By the power of God through the authority of Jesus Christ our Lord, love for (church) believers, and admonition that believers remember their call to love, obedience, faith, and commitment to ministry excellence…

Influence (1Cor 4:15-17)

A. The capacity to have effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself 

1. 1Cor 4:14 I am writing these things to you not to put you to shame but to admonish you as my beloved children. 

2. 1Cor 4:15 For if you have thousands of guardians in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for it was I who begat you in Christ Jesus by means of the gospel. 

3. Paul deals with the reality aspect of there being many people who make up the kingdom of God, placed in positions to teach (instruct), but are NOT ordained (nurturers, coverings, moral leaders of men, builders, developers) FATHERS…

4. Reference: ACTS 18:11 and he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 1 Cor 4:16 wherefore I beseech you, are ye followers of me. Reference: 1Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 1Thes 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 

Authority (1Cor 4:17-19) 

1. the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

2. a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere

3. 1Cor 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, 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. 1Tim 1:2; 11:2*7:17; 14:33

4. 1Cor 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. Reference: 1Cor 5:2 And ye are puffed up and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 2Cor 7:7 

5. 1 Cor 4:19 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.

Power (1Cor 4:20)

1. the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality

2. the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events

3. 1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in the word, but in power. 

4. Reference: 1Cor 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Reference: Romans 5:19

5. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. Reference: 2Corinthians 6:6; Hebrews 2:3   

Conclusion (1Cor 4:21)

1. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit? 1 Corinthians 4:21 

2. Paul ends his point by saying in NO uncertain terms… 

3. “What will ye.”

4. Shall I come unto you with a rod,

5. or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?