Episode 18 "1 Corinthians 4:6-5:13"

1 Corinthians 4:6 -  5:13

Paul’s Conclusion on Dealing with Division

The Corinthians clearly thought they were something special and it is indicated (especially in 2 Corinthians) that they did not regard Paul as being “up to their standards.” They apparently saw Paul as less than Apollos, Peter and others. This is why in 3.21 Paul writes, “Let no one boast in men,” and again in 4.5 - “Do not go on passing judgment.” 

But now we come to V.6, “Now these things I have “metaschematizo” (Which literally means to appear like something else.) It denotes an outward change. “Metamorphos” denotes an outward change. Paul only uses this word 5 times, but 4 of those times it was to the Corinthians. (The other is in Phil 3.21) 

2 Corinthians 11.13 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, “masquerading” as apostles.” 

So here he uses “metaschematizo” to describe people who are putting on a front. In the next verse, he uses the word in saying Satan pretends to be what he’s not.  

2 Corinthians 11.14-15 “And no wonder for Satan “masquerades” as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, of Satan’s followers “masquerade” as servants of righteousness.” 

Metaschematizo” comes from the words:

“Meta” and “schematizo”

Meta means to change. 

Schematizo is appearance. So metaschematizo means to change your appearance. 

Paul was not a beautiful person in appearance. In fact, history tells us he was short, could not see very well and was not a great orator. The apocryphal text, “The Acts of Paul” describe him as a man of small stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked.” In another it says he had “a red, florid face.” Several writings say he was 3 cubits tall meaning he was 4 ½ feet tall.  

Thus he says he wrote of a “change of appearance (metaschematizo) to himself and Apollos for their sake, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written.” (i.e. the Old Testament) 

Paul wanted the Corinthians to pay attention not to him or Apollos in appearance, but in the scriptures. “I’m older that no one of you might become arrogant and divisive.” 

That’s why he calls himself an under rower and steward. He does not want them worshiping men. He wants them worshiping God and realizing they are not superior.

V 7-8

“For who regards you as superior?” Everything we have is a gift (charis) of God. 

Look at Ephesians 4.11-13.

He gave positions for a purpose, but the main purpose was to attain unity. 

Above all, Paul wanted the Corinthians to be unified and not boastful. 

V 9-10

He says the apostles were a spectacle to the world and tools for Christ. 

But the Corinthians thought they were not fools, but wise. They were not weak, but strong. They were not without honor, but honored.  

V 11

He then goes on to describe how he and Apollos are both hungry, poorly clothed & roughly treated. Even homeless! 

V 12-13

But even so, when reviled, they bless. When persecuted, they endure . When slandered, they are conciliatory. He even says they are like the garbage of the world.  

What Paul is saying here is anything we have is what God gave us. Because according to the Scripture “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts.” “There is none righteous no not one.” “Present your cases says the Lord, bring forth your arguments. Declare what is going to happen, that we may know you are gods.” 

In other words, the Scripture tells us we are without Him, like the dregs of all things. Of course, Paul is being pretty sarcastic here saying what he says here , but he comes to the point in verse 14 “I do not write this to shame you but admonish you as I would my beloved children.” 

V 15 - 16

He goes on to say he became their father in the gospel! And like any good father would tell his son, “Be an imitator of me!” In other words, Paul is saying, be in unity. Do what I do. Mimic Me. (Mimetes) (see 1 Corinthians 11.1) 

V 17

That’s why I sent Timothy in my stead - to teach but some are being divisive by saying “I am not coming back.” 

V 19 - 21

But Paul says he will come if God wills it. However, they have a choice - he can come with a rod (Disciplining them like kids) or with love and spirit of gentleness (Treating them like adults). 

1 Corinthians 5. 1-13

Rebuking Immorality

Remember there is no chapter break!   

He finishes his thoughts on division saying he is coming back and then writes to them about specific challenges that have been reported back to him - Namely that someone is sleeping with his father’s wife, his stepmother which was unlawful even in Greek/Roman law! 

On four occasions here, Paul says don't be “puffed up.” some versions say arrogant. The Greek word is “physioo” which we get psyche from. But it means to be proud. 

So here he says, you heard about this (v1) and you became “Physioo” (v2) and did not deal with it. Look this is the staff that causes division - so deal with it and get this guy out of your congregation! Do not let immorality corrupt the church.  

In Verse 5, he says “Deliver such a one to the devil that even though his earthly body might die, his Spirit can be saved!” 

It's Interesting that in the 2nd letter to Corinth, we see this guy restored to fellowship - which is very cool! But, here, Paul is not happy and tells them how to deal with this.

The real message is in verse 6. Your boasting (pride) is not good - for a little leaven (Yeast) leaves the whole lump - clean out the leaven! 

Paul is more concerned with the health of the Church than the failure of the man. The issue is endorsing sexual sin as being acceptable, which it is not, because when sin is tolerated in one little area, it can “leaven” every other area. 

V 8  

Celebrate sincerity and truth. We all sin. When sin is evident address it and bring the person to repentance.  

V 9  

Paul evidently had written a previous letter where he said not to associate with immoral people.  

V 10-13

He was not talking about witnessing to unbelievers. What he was saying is when a so-called brother is acting inappropriately - call them to repent and if they continue do not have anything to do with them.  

God will take care of those who are unbelievers, but He wants to address sin in the camp.  

(See example in Joshua 7) 

God could not bless Israel until the sin was addressed. 

The reason we need to ask those who are revilers to leave is because we love those who want to serve God. 

Division needs to be addressed, but not like a Pharisee, but in sincerity and with spirit of gentleness, because God wants unity in the Church (Psalm 133.1) 

That’s why Paul uses the expression “For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed."  Passover is the time in Judaism when the Jewish people repent and reconciliation takes place. 

The point of this section is to advise us not to allow the Church to be like the world. He goes on in the next chapter to not act like unbelievers! That is the basic point of the entire chapter of 1st Corinthians.