The counsel to the faithful: (4:14-17):
Apostle Paul is admonishing the Corinthians and treating them as children. When a father gives warning the children must not feel shy but take the warning to their heart. Paul says: although Corinthians may have many guardians or trainers, Paul was their father, because he had begotten them in the gospel. In other words they were converted through the teaching of Paul. He sincerely asks them to imitate Paul as Paul is imitating the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as a child imitates his father, Paul is asking them to imitate him until they become mature and adults. They must imitate Paul’s humbleness, sincerity and should not be troubled by the coming persecutions. They must not go after to imitate trainers or guardians which result into factions and groups. Further Paul is sending Timothy his spiritual son to teach them and guide them. Timothy would not have arrived before the letter reaches them because his journey would be round by land. Timothy would also teach of them of Paul’s conduct and spiritual life.
The counsel to faithless stewards: (4:18-21):
Some people talk a lot about faith. They use all kinds of good words and please the people and give an impression that they are very spiritual who can guide others. Paul says: “that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” The kingdom of God must be lived. There is a big difference between knowing and living into it. Paul was saying that there are many such arrogant people living in Corinth. Further he says that when he comes he does not want to come with rod but with love and gentle spirit. It is true of every good father, when a child strays away, he disciplines him. In the same way Paul was trying to discipline the Corinthian believers. In the same way in our churches too there are many such arrogant people and spiritual leader or Pastor must discipline the people with the Word of God. He must teach them and tell them the consequences of not following the word of God. The preaching must be based on the Word of God rather than likes and dislikes of congregation. It is a warning to all of us that we must live in the Word of God.