“March 22, 2024 - A Father's Admonition”

Thursday, March 21, 2024

A Father’s Admonition

Reading:  1 Corinthians 4:14-21
    
    Paul has been chiding the Corinthians for several chapters now and he acknowledges his difficult tone.  “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.  For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers.  For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel”(1 Cor 4:14).  Sometimes children (and others!) need to be sternly challenged when their behaviors and attitudes are out of line.  Paul pictures himself as the father who has this responsibility for his kids.  Along with the warmth and closeness of their relationship comes the duty to discipline.

    This delicate task is part of the reason for Paul sending Timothy “to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church”(1 Cor 4:17).  He wants Timothy to work with the Corinthians and prepare the way for his coming.  Although some accuse Paul of being afraid to come (v. 18-19), he insists that he will soon enough see them face to face.  The question is the manner of his coming:  “What do you wish?  Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?”(1 Cor 4:21).  Paul’s visit can be painful or pleasant; it is all up to them.

    All of us have points in our spiritual lives when harsher voices are needed.  Sometimes we do not see our weaknesses, bad habits, and dangerous thinking.  Occasionally those who know us well will, like Paul, challenge our understanding, behavior, or attitude.  Perhaps our study of the Bible will convict us with this type of strong rebuke.  Will we accept this instruction?

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One Thing to Think About:   Do I have anyone who can admonish me?

One Thing to Pray For:  Humility to accept correction—both the harsh and the gentle
 

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