1. Imitate Paul (14-17)

Paul's letter to the Corinthians was not meant to shame them. He wrote to them to warn them as his dear children. Paul genuinely loved the Corinthians. He was their spiritual father. They first heard the gospel through Paul. They became Christians because of Paul. He became the instrument of their new birth. How could they, who were liable to fall into division continue to grow in the gospel? Paul urged them to imitate him. As Paul followed Christ, they should follow Christ in the same way. For this purpose, Paul would send Timothy to help them.

2. Not a matter of talk, but of power (18-21)

Some in the Corinthian church became condescending toward Paul. Some were even speaking out against Paul and his ministry, saying he was weak (2 Cor 2:17). Paul was coming in God's power, not only to help them grow spiritually, but to deal with the arrogant talkers. So, they could either continue as they were and incur Paul's wrath or repent their division and accept Paul in love.


Application: Father, thank you for our spiritual fathers. Help us not be arrogant, but to grow in power, imitating Paul and his faith.
One Word: The Kingdom of God is a matter of power