Discipline in Love
June 2, 2021
Commentary
Paul portrayed his special affection for the Corinthians and his special role. To unify the church, he appealed to his relationship with them. By “father” he meant he was the church’s founder. Because he started the church, he could be trusted to have its best interests at heart. Paul’s tough words were motivated by love, like the love of a gentle father for his children. This is the third and final characteristic of a true minister.
1. He is a tender father (vv. 14-21).
The Corinthians were Paul’s beloved children in the faith, and he talks to them as a loving father would to his wayward children. Whenever we share the Gospel with someone and have the joy of leading them to faith in Christ, we become a “spiritual parent” in their life. Paul was an example to his spiritual family. He was also a good teacher. It takes both example and instruction to bring a child to maturity. He realized that if all he did was expose his readers to open shame, he would only provoke them. He was not like the modern mother who shouts at her disobedient child, “This is the last time I’m going to tell you!” He knew that he had to discipline them.
He would have preferred to come to them in meekness and talk in a gentle manner, but their own attitude made this difficult. He was not interested in making them cringe, but in offering them a chance to respond and be restored. He ends by saying, “Shall I come unto you with a rod or in love?” (v. 21). It is all up to them. Paul is giving instruction on how to handle personal relationships:
a. Proclaim confidence – We must convey some sense of confidence and love first.
b. Present a model – People will always follow what you do, not what you say.
c. Preserve liberty – Admonish; don’t command. Give liberty for making a choice.
d. Project reality – Talk is cheap but change results in fruit. Walk your talk!
Application
There is a big difference between knowing the right words and living them out. I need to let my life show that God’s power is really working in me. What am I doing, where is my fruit, and what are the results of the ministry God has entrusted me with?
1 Corinthians 4:14– 21 (NET)
14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children. 15 For though you may have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I encourage you, then, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people, but also their power. 20 For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline or with love and a spirit of gentleness?