Read through this chapter several times. It may be very helpful to start with chapter 1 again, and read through these four chapters together. The repetition of themes, illustrations, and problems is best seen by reading all four together. As we launch into the more familiar issues Paul covers you will see direct and indirect ties back to these issues.
As you read through this and the preceding chapters, what doesn't make sense to you? Where are the things that Paul leaves unexplained or assumed? Jot down questions and observations you have as you read through. Be sure to bring those observations and questions to the group.
After you've read through several times, found some questions and observations, read through again with the questions below:
- From verse 1, look up the word Paul uses we translate as 'ministers' at this link. Look through the various places listed at the bottom where this word is used in the New Testament. How is this different from 'slave' or 'bond servant', words common with Paul? There are some 'synonyms' listed in Greek, like doulos (slave) and diakonos (deacon/minister). Paul wants the church to consider him with this word rather than as a slave or 'deacon'. Why do you think that might be?
- In verse 1, the other word for how the church should consider Paul is as a 'steward' or 'head butler' of a house. What sort of image does this bring to mind as you consider church leaders?
- In verse 2 Paul says that 'stewards' are supposed to be 'trustworthy' as if that were the primary quality sought in such people. What does that mean for Paul? What do you think that would look like? Trustworthy to whom?
- Verse 3 is a common verse used to prevent 'judgmental' attitudes in church. To what do you think Paul is referring here? It may be helpful to review verse 5:3 before you come to some sort of conclusion.
- Why do you think Paul wouldn't 'examine' himself? Read ahead in 11:28. Obviously Paul has something different in mind here than there. Look up the word for 'examine' from 1 Corinthians 4:3, and the word, 'examine' from 11:28. When you compare them, what do you think is the essential difference?
- The root of the word used in verse 4 turns up in verse 5 ('krino'), but also 5:3. What do you think the difference is between 'judging' here (don't do it, but wait for God), and verse 5:3 (where Paul does it without even being there)?
- If Paul is referring to 'Scripture' when he refers to 'what has been written', then what Scripture are they not to exceed?
- Considering verses 6 and 7, what is the obvious problem the Corinthians have, and how do you think this relates to the previous statements about 'judging'?
- Take your best guess, do you think Paul is serious in his assessment of the believers in verse 8? If not why is he writing this way? If so, what does he end the verse that way?
- Can you sense the continuation of the tone from verse 8 throughout 9 through 13? What do you think Paul is doing here in this part of his argument? Consider, how do you think Paul feels as he writes this? What emotion do you sense in these words?
- In verse 14, Paul states his purpose in writing as he has, what do you think of as the difference between 'shame' and 'warn' or 'admonish' (the English words)?
- Look up the two words, 'shame' and 'admonish'. What difference do you see between these? Is it the same as the English words used?
- Paul connects himself to them as 'father' to them as 'children'. Having made that claim, what is his challenge to them? Do you think that's proper or right?
- In that light (fathers and sons), he sends Timothy. What sort of reception do you imagine Timothy receiving when he arrives?
- Paul wraps up this chapter (part of the letter) stating that he intends to come. What do you see as the criteria he will use in comparing the 'arrogant' people there in Corinth and himself? What do you think verse 20 means, in practical terms? What does that look like?
