The Set-Up
Throughout this summer, I’ve spent a lot of time with the daughter of one of my best friends. Sometimes, we all hang out together for a “girls' day,” and other times, it’s just the two of us while her mom is at work.
The two of us have a great relationship. Since I don’t have kids or any nieces/nephews of my own, I think of her as my “adopted kid.” It makes me so happy to get to do all the fun aunt-type activities with her - ice cream for no reason, trips to the zoo, making messes for Mom to clean up later, etc. I’m a safe person for her: I’ve snuggled her when she’s upset or applied the magical “fix-all” bandaid when she’s hurt; I’m someone she asks for when she’s scared or nervous. But, there are times when she just needs Mom. While I am an authority figure for her and someone she loves, her mom is her ultimate authority and comforter. She knows that Mom will make something better or fix an issue.
As we’ve discovered through this series, we know the Corinthian believers had a lot of issues. Through it all, they’ve had other people step in and guide them in spiritual matters. They’ve had other teachers instruct them about Christ and the gospel. However, they had reached a point when they needed a greater authority to help straighten them out. They needed a “parent” to point them in the right direction.
That’s where Paul comes in, and it’s one of the main reasons for writing this letter. Having started the church in Corinth, Paul had a special relationship with the believers there. He cared about them as sons and daughters. Because Paul loved them like they were his own children, he needed to challenge their thoughts and beliefs in order to help them grow spiritually – even if it was uncomfortable or painful.
Like the believers in Corinth, we all have our issues. We all deal with things we can’t get past on our own. Whether a sin struggle or just life in general, there are times when we need another person to help point us back to our true focus: Jesus Christ.
Passage to Read
Reflection Questions
Why was there a difference between the authority of the other teachers (verse 15) and Paul? Do you think that made a difference in how the Corinthians might have accepted Paul’s letter?
Has there ever been a time when you needed another person to lovingly help you get back on track spiritually? What was that experience like?
In verse 14, Paul says, “I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.” What do you think he is warning them about?
In this section, Paul says that he plans to come and visit Corinth if God allows, and he asks the Corinthians if they’d rather him come with a rod to punish or a gentle and loving spirit. What do you think Paul means by this?
Prayer Idea
Thank God for putting people in our lives who care enough about us to help us grow spiritually, even when it’s uncomfortable or awkward. Ask God to show you if there is a specific area of concern in your spiritual life where you need help growing. Prayerfully consider going to a trusted person who is more experienced in that area than you and asking them to help you.