Introduction: Today, I want us to determine to live like Jesus everyday of our lives.

Key Sermon question: Who do we imitate?

Larger Context: Party lines are drawn around leaders in Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:12). Paul has broken these party lines down in three ways. First, by establishing the Christian identity as being God's Temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17); Second by establishing what a minister is (1 Cor. 3:5-9; 1 Cor. 4:1). Third, by stating the judgment of a ministry/minister is God's (1 Cor. 3:13; 1 Cor. 4:4).

Now: Paul will drive at the Corinthian's character, both their beliefs and their actions.

The Corinthians need an attitude correction.

What does "Do not Go beyond what is written" mean?

Option #1: All of Scripture

Option #2: Scriptures Paul has quoted so far

Option #3: The reason/tradition Paul has referenced so far in his letter.

I believe it is all three of the above. There is no reason to eliminate options when all are compatible with what is being said.

What happens because the church went "beyond what was written?" They were puffed up in favor of one against another.

How can we not be puffed up?

Paul answers this with a series of questions that results in the following: everything we have is grace. If everything is given by grace....then be humble. We did not earn anything.

In what ways did the Corinthians go beyond what was written? In some way, the Corinthians thought they already possessed everything they were going to receive in eternity. This puffed the Corinthians up against Paul because he lived as if he was not already possessing everything believers were going to receive in eternity. It was, as if, Paul’s life was defective.

Paul uses heavy irony to force the Corinthians to face reality: their way of living was directly contrasting the apostles way of life.

Paul elaborates his trials and sufferings, accentuating the difference between Corinthians and himself.

Paul loves the people at Corinth. He is their father because through his preaching of the Gospel, the LORD saved them.

On the authority of Paul loving the Corinthians and being their "father" in the gospel, Paul tells the Corinthians to imitate him.

Actions must flow from correct thinking. Paul has just corrected their thinking (1 Cor. 4:6-13) and now calls them to act (1 Cor. 16-17).

Online Bonus: 1 Cor. 4:17 is often cited by further systematic theologians as giving the "4 Marks" of the church. The church is universal (consistent across body); apostolic (following the teachings and actions of the apostles); holy (separated out for God); and one (united in Christ).

Power is the effectiveness of the gospel proclamation to change lives as God works through the preaching to transform people. It is not a "signs/miracle competition."

Ironically, in all of Paul’s weaknesses and trials, he is utterly confident that the LORD could work through him to transform lives. He is utterly confident in the power of God. The Corinthians, in their arrogance and richness, would not be nearly as confident because God works through weakness.

1) Know that all is Grace - humble yourself before God.

2) Imitate Jesus in daily life.

A) The human heart includes the "command center" of the will/person's choice; thoughts; and emotions. It is also influenced by the body.

B) The heart is also influenced by its social context.

i) Who we "hang out with" is who we will become like

ii) The voices we allow into our lives are also shaping us

C) What are the influences in our lives that we imitate?

D) Compare yourself to Matthew 5-7. What do you lack in your life?

i) Is there someone you know who you can imitate to gain that trait?

ii) How can you imitate Jesus in that trait?

iii) Transformation must be more than skin-deep - It must sink into the heart.

iv) Recall that your beliefs will affect your actions