1 Corinthians: Not in VainSýnishorn

What do you expect the Christian life to feel like? 

Having explained how he is seeking to live for God’s praise, the apostle Paul now turns the spotlight onto his readers. He explains that the reason he’s been talking about himself is actually for their benefit (v. 6). In effect, he’s been trying to highlight the great gulf that lies between his priorities and their priorities. And at the heart of this chasm has been the difference in the timeline we are living by. 

This is brought home by Paul’s stinging remarks in verse 8. The emphasis is on the repeated word, ‘already’: rather than living for God’s eternal praise, the Corinthians have been living for the praise of this present world. They have fame and reputation ‘already’, because they’ve modelled their leaders and church on what looks wise and powerful in the eyes of the world. But tragically they’ve lost sight of God’s perspective, and become proud and puffed up, forgetting that there’s nothing that they did not first receive from God (vv. 6–7). 

In response, Paul gives them another insight into his life and ministry. He paints a startling picture of a Roman emperor’s victory parade, with all its pomp and splendour. And yet rather than his apostolic ministry being about glory and renown now, it is shocking to see where Paul places himself in the procession. He’s not at the front, but right at the end, amongst the slaves, condemned to death at the hands of wild beasts or brutal gladiators (v. 9). The Christian life this side of eternity will feel like being ‘a spectacle to the whole universe … the scum of the earth’ (vv. 9, 13). It is the cross now, glory later. 

All this is served up to us as a warning and a reality check, but it flows out of Paul’s love for the Corinthians (vv. 14–15). The encouragement is that he is not calling us to something that he isn’t first putting into practice himself. He’s also clear that this pattern and perspective is what he expects in every church (v. 17).

Reflection

What are your expectations for what being a Christian will be like over the course of your life?

Have you realised that following Jesus will mean a way of life that will look foolish and weak to the world, this side of Jesus’ return?