God's Apostles (4:1-21)

1-5 They judge Paul too quickly
*many of them weren't pleased or impressed by Paul

1. They thought too highly of others (Apollos) despite the fact that Apostles are mere servants
2. They thought too lowly of Paul despite the fact that he was an entrusted steward for God

3 Things to Avoid when Judging
1. Judging by mere appearances, John 7:24
2. Judging w/hypocrisy, Matt 7:5
3. Judging those outside the the church, 1 Cor. 5:12-13
* They were certainly guilty of #1

6-13 They had pride issues

1. They were weighing things by the wrong standard (not scripture)
2. They were forgetting that they'd been GIVEN gifts
3. They were thinking and acting like they had ARRIVED
* They were on the wrong end of the Beatitudes!
** The Apostles, on the other hand, lived like there was going to be a great reversal

14-21 They were in need of a visit

1. This is a warning
2. Timothy will give them a refresher course
3. Paul will come either to rebuke or celebrate

Next, Paul will address 3 specific areas in need of discipline.