Pride and Humility in the
Church
The Problem
of Pride in Corinth
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul continues to confront the problem of pride
among the brethren at Corinth. Some were puffed up, thinking
themselves better than others because of who baptized them, who
taught them, or their own knowledge. This arrogance was leading to
strife, envy, and division in the church. Paul writes with irony in
verse 8: “You are already full! You are already rich! You have
reigned as kings without us.” His words were designed to show them
how foolish their pride was. No Christian has the right to exalt
himself above another. In the Lord’s church, there is no hierarchy
of importance among brethren.
The Apostles
as an Example of Humility
Paul then points to the apostles as an example. Far from being
exalted, they were persecuted, opposed, and often treated as
spectacles to the world. He says they were like men condemned to
death, on display in a Roman arena. Though apostles could perform
miracles—even raising the dead—that power did not shield them from
hardship. Instead, they were hungry, thirsty, beaten, poorly
clothed, and homeless (vv. 9–11). Their suffering was evidence that
following Christ is not about personal glory but about humble
service.
The
Response of True Servants
Paul describes how the apostles responded to mistreatment: “Being
reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we
entreat” (vv. 12–13). They refused to retaliate with hatred.
Instead, they showed the spirit of Christ by enduring with patience
and returning good for evil. Though the world considered them the
“filth of the world,” they persevered in the work of the gospel.
This shows us that true greatness in Christ is measured not by honor
or recognition, but by faithfulness and humility.
Paul’s
Fatherly Warning
Beginning in verse 14, Paul makes it clear that his words are not
written to shame them but to warn them as beloved children. He had
begotten them through the gospel, and like a father, he wanted to
protect them from danger. The gospel had given them new birth (James
1:18, 21), and Paul urged them to imitate him as he imitated Christ
(1 Cor. 11:1). He reminded them that his teaching was consistent
everywhere he went—he did not teach one thing to one church and
something different to another. Timothy was sent to remind them of
these same teachings.
A Choice
Between Pride and Repentance
Paul concludes by warning those who were puffed up that he was
coming to them, if the Lord willed. They would soon see not just
empty words, but the power of the gospel. He asks them in verse 21,
“Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of
gentleness?” The choice was theirs. If they continued in pride and
division, he would come with discipline. But if they repented, he
could come with love. Paul wanted to see them united in humility,
walking in the gospel, free from arrogance and strife.
Pride and
Humility in the Church Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction
-
The
Problem of Pride (vv. 8–9)
-
Christians were puffed up, considering themselves superior.
-
Irony:
“Already rich, already reigning.”
-
Danger:
Pride leading to strife, envy, and division.
-
The
Apostles’ Example of Humility (vv. 9–11)
-
Apostles
displayed as spectacles, like men condemned to death.
-
Suffered
hunger, thirst, beatings, homelessness.
-
Despite
miracles, they were despised, not exalted.
-
The
Apostles’ Response (vv. 12–13)
-
Paul’s
Fatherly Warning (vv. 14–16)
-
His
words meant to warn, not shame.
-
He begot
them through the gospel (James 1:18, 21).
-
Urged
them to imitate him only as he imitated Christ.
-
Consistency: Paul taught the same gospel everywhere.
-
Timothy’s Role (v. 17)
-
The
Coming Visit (vv. 18–21)
-
Some
were puffed up, thinking Paul would not come.
-
Paul
promised to come if the Lord willed.
-
He would
confront arrogance with the power of the gospel.
-
Choice
for Corinth: rod of discipline or spirit of love.
-
Application for Today
-
Pride
still causes strife in the church.
-
True
greatness is in humility and service.
-
Christians must imitate Christ, not exalt themselves.
-
Discipline in the church is necessary when pride persists.
Call to Action
We must examine
ourselves and remove any pride that would divide the body of Christ.
Just as Paul urged the Corinthians, we must imitate Christ in
humility, endurance, and service. Let us not think of ourselves as
better than others, but instead seek unity and love. The gospel
calls us to humility and faithfulness. Will we receive Paul’s words
with repentance and walk in gentleness, or will we persist in pride
and face discipline? The choice is ours.
Key Takeaways
-
Pride leads
to strife, envy, and division in the church (1 Cor. 4:6–8).
-
The
apostles, though empowered by miracles, lived humble and
persecuted lives (1 Cor. 4:9–11).
-
True
servants return good for evil, blessing when reviled (1 Cor.
4:12–13).
-
Paul warned
as a father, urging them to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1
Cor. 4:14–16; 11:1).
-
The kingdom
of God is not in word but in power (1 Cor. 4:20).
-
Our choice
is to walk in pride and face discipline, or in humility and
receive love (1 Cor. 4:21).
Scripture
Reference List
-
1
Corinthians 4:6–21 – Main text
addressing pride, humility, and warning.
-
Matthew
23:12 – Those who exalt
themselves will be humbled; those who humble themselves will be
exalted.
-
2
Corinthians 11:23–28 – Paul’s
list of sufferings for the cause of Christ.
-
Acts
5:41–42 – Apostles rejoiced to
suffer for the name of Christ.
-
James
1:18, 21 – New birth by the word
of truth; the implanted word saves souls.
-
1
Corinthians 11:1 – Paul urges
Christians to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
-
2
Corinthians 12:20–21 – Paul
feared finding sin and division when he visited again.
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
