- How does one become a fool to become wise?
- What are examples of wisdom of the world? What do people tend to get puffed up over?
- Why are we not to boast about human leaders? Instead what are we to boast in?
- What are the responsibilities of a leader among believers according to 4:1-2?
- What is the best way for a leader to show faithfulness to the call of God’s word?
- Why did Paul care very little about man’s judgement or even judgement of himself? Why should this verse not be used to cultivate a self-righteous independence of other people?
- How does knowing God will bring true heart motives into the light both encourage and challenge you?
- How would you answer Paul’s question in 4:7 “For who makes you superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive?” Why is is important to remember the answers to these two questions while living life in the church?
- How did Paul describe the nature of the life of a true apostle? Considering this, what should we be willing to do when we follow Jesus and the true gospel?
- There is no place for pride in ministry. What are some examples of pride in ministry that you have observed in others and yourself?
- How can spiritual strength be the result of acknowledged personal weakness? How can self-perceived strengths actually become spiritual liabilities?
- How does Paul describe himself in relationship to the spiritual family he helped birth in Corinth? How was Paul responsible for the spiritual growth of the church and how is the local church (God’s family)responsible for spiritual growth of Christian’s today?
- What choice did Paul give the church in verse 21 and why?
Application:
1. What has God called me to be faithful in according to the scriptures?
2. By what standards am I judging the leaders in my life and do those standards align with God’s revealed word and will? Where might I be adding expectations beyond God’s word?
3. When I receive criticism, how do I respond? How does the gospel shape my response to criticism?
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