Sermon November 23rd – 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
“This week our Sermon was from 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Who was your role model growing up? IF YOU HAVE THE WRONG ROLE MODEL YOU’LL END UP TAKING THE WRONG PATH. ITS IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ROLE MODEL. Paul is a spiritual father to the Corinthian Church. In the same way that good fathers often produce healthy children and poor fathers often produce children with life-long wounds, Paul’s admonishment is to be careful who we follow. Pastors often function as spiritual fathers to their congregation. Pastors must be humble, keeping in mind that they have a job to do just like everyone else in the congregation. We are all servants of the Lord. Pastors also have a special calling to give the People of God what they need. We must find a healthy balance: Pastors should receive Reverence but not Awe. Pastors are nothing special but we are called to do a special work. Following Jesus means following in the footsteps of the suffering servant. CHARACTER IS KING. Who is qualified to lead? Those who demonstrate a commitment to serve. Pastors and Elders who are qualified to lead pick up chairs and mop floors. In verse 16 Paul concludes, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” Who should be your role model? Who should you follow? Who should you imitate? People whose lives look like the Scriptures… Like Jesus: REAL. RIGHT. HUMBLE.
Discussion Questions
1. What was your own experience like with your father? Was he a good role model, a poor one or a mixed bag? How has his legacy left a mark on your life today in both good and bad ways?
2. What qualities do you look for in a leader? Are they consistent with the Biblical model established by Jesus? Why are there so many Christians who look for leaders with larger-than-life personalities and mega-ministries? What does this produce?
