Verses 1-5
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We are called to serve God and be faithful managers of the life that He has given us.
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God knows whether we're a faithful servant of His or not, and He judges based on our actions and the condition of the heart—something that people don't always see fully.
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Are you faithful? What other people think of you does matter, but what matters infinitely more is what God thinks of you. At other times, we might think about ourselves that we're doing well, but this also matters only a little, because even our estimation of ourselves can be wrong.
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Therefore, work to do right in the eyes of others, but most importantly be blameless before God (1 Thessalonians 2:10). Don't consider yourself faithful merely because people say that you are. Compare yourself to the Word, and always strive to become more obedient to it.
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And don't make judgments about others too quickly—to determine if they're right with God or not. Ultimately, we all wait until the end, when God will declare the full truth about everyone, revealing secrets we don't see (Matthew 10:26).
Verses 6-7
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A simple truth is taught here. “Do not think beyond what is written.”
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In other words, if you can't find it supported in the Bible, don't think it, don't believe it, and don't entertain it. And in this specific context, Paul teaches that we should not criticize leaders based on unbiblical standards or opinions, but only on the Word. Think and judge based on the Word.
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If you think biblically, you “won't be proud of one leader at the expense of another” (verse 6, NLT). You won't favor one leader and subjectively criticize another if you are thinking biblically.
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The issue is pride. Pride causes this harsh criticism and division amongst Christians. Paul teaches these things to humble us: 1. If we differ in any way (in giftings or strengths), it is because of God's unique work in all of us, so there's no reason for pride. And 2. Everything we have comes from God, so there's no reason to boast that anything is your own achievement.
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Verses 8-17
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Verses 8-14. The Corinthians became eased and comfortable. They saw themselves as distinguished and wise, with high status, and they reveled in it! Sarcastically, they had it all! But Paul, a Christ-like and fatherly leader who gave them an example to follow, was suffering, despised by the world, and persecuted. This made the Corinthians think less of him and more highly of themselves. Paul writes to rebuke their pride and urge them to imitate his godly conduct, in spite of the hardships that come with it, because it's biblical.
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Verses 15-17. Conclusion: True leaders are those whose lives are worthy of imitation—whose teaching and conduct align and are consistent everywhere. Find leaders you can imitate. Follow the example of leaders who are living like Christ (Hebrews 13:7, 1 Corinthians 11:1).
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You will know them by their godliness in the midst of hardship and mistreatment, but not by their popularity, as they will not be popular to the world.
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Verses 18-20
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The Corinthians were puffed up in their words, but their lives lacked God's power. This was hypocrisy. Paul was coming to them to test whether they had God's power, not just lofty words.
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His point? The truth is not seen in mere words, but in the power of God to bring repentance, salvation, and gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:18, Romans 1:16).
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Don't follow words or teachings just because they seem smart, eloquent, or attractive. Follow teachings that actually produce change—the power to bring about real repentance and growth, not momentary astonishment.
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Verse 21
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In bringing correction to people, there are times to be stern and sharp, and there are times to be gentle and soft. How we behave shows what kind of correction we need.
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A good rule of thumb about bringing correction:
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Wherever possible, build a trusted relationship with a person first (Proverbs 27:6). People will trust rebukes when they know the rebuker loves them.
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If you need to correct them on something, the first correction should be gentle and soft. Do not desire to be harsh (2 Corinthians 10:2).
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But if they do not change, certainly by the third correction, because you must, be harsh (2 Corinthians 13:1-2).
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