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"We are fools for Christ's sake..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:10

DESPISING OF THE APOSTLES

Paul was well aware of the attitudes of some of his detractors. He addressed these problems directly.

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!
We are weak, but you are strong!
You are distinguished, but we are dishonoured!”
1 Corinthians 4:10

1. A sharp contrast

a) Paul and his fellow-workers

b) Some of the Corinthian detractors

2. How Paul and his fellow-workers were viewed

a) Fools

b) Weak

c) Dishonoured

3. How the Corinthians saw themselves

a) Wise

b) Strong

c) Distinguished

4. How may we understand these totally contrasting perspectives?

a) Paul’s explanation

i) For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ

ii) For the sake of the Gospel

iii) For the sake of the ministry

b) Much had to be sacrificed

i) Wealth

ii) Fame

iii) Advancement in life and career (Philippians 3:4-9).

c) Paul counted all things loss for the sake of knowing Christ and His power.

d) The Corinthian detractors

i) They grew in worldly advancements.

ii) They despised the apostle Paul and fellow-workers for their pursuit of spiritual things.