1 Corinthians 4: Worthy of Imitation

Are you more prone to exalt yourself in your own mind or beat yourself up in your own mind? In chapter four Paul addresses how Christians are to judge one another and themselves. Ultimately, only God knows a person’s heart and therefore God is the only one with the right to judge. (4b) We are exhorted to judge sin amongst believers (5:12,13) but we are not to judge who is a better servant of Christ. The arrogance (4:18) which had crept into the church was partially due to the reality that when we judge someone, we invariably consider ourselves as better – and this creates an arrogant spirit.

Paul’s self image is a curious case study. He masterfully deals with the superiority complex, having an overly bold or high view of one’s self, stating, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court.” However, Paul also deals with the inferiority complex, having an overly humble or low view of one’s self, stating, “I do not even judge myself.” In truth, only God judges him (4:4b). His conscience is clear without being innocent of sin (4:4a), and yet he urges people to imitate him (4:16). He demonstrates great boldness and great humility at the same time. How? Essentially Paul’s view of himself has been overshadowed by Christ’s view of him. Being in Christ means Paul now has a gospel view of himself. Only the power of the gospel (4:20) – that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe and more loved than we ever dared hope – is able to do a “one, two” on our ego in such a way that we are bold and humble at the same time. This gospel view of oneself is electrifying, contagious and formed through Christ’s humility and courage.

Do you struggle with judging others or being judged? Do you lean towards an inferior view of yourself or a superior view of yourself? How can you workout the implications of the gospel to gain a more Christ-centered view of yourself? If you a spiritual parent (4:15) to another believer, are you urging them to imitate you as you follow Christ (1:12)? Pray about the next best step as you follow the Spirit of Christ in you.

Posted by Eric