In Chapter 4 we see Paul telling the Corinthian Church that hand others are servants of Christ and in this capacity Faithfulness does matter and God will judge their work in their end -----So Paul is not concerned with how this Church sees Paul as they are not his judge ----he even says he does not judge himself --so they should not want to puff themselves up by judging anyone --as when personal opinions come into play that is what starts the bickering and division ---
Paul shows the difference between Apostles lives and a self seeking status Church ---and says the world sees the Apostles as week and fools ---but you see yourselves as wise --the Church here wishes to be respected and present themselves as a strong Church ---He says for Christ's sake we have gone hungry and thirsty wear one undergarment and are knocked about and persecuted homeless at times ---
I say ---Paul is really laying it out bear what it means to serve Christ ----he is laying it on thick and heavy as what their life is like -------I wounder when hearing all this what the Church is thinking about this stark revelation ?????
Then wee see Paul saying he is not writing this for the Corinthians to feel bad about the way they are living --going after -status --wealth etc ---he is hoping that his stark words help them change their behaviour and life style -----
Paul feels since he was the one that brought them to Christ that he has a responsibility to correct them when they are going down the wrong Path -----and to bring them back to serve Christ and not themselves -----
I say----- Paul is exercising his Righteous Judgment here as God approves believers judging other believers who are going astray ----if believers allow a brother or sister in Christ who they see is behaving as though they are still sinners in this world and do nothing then we are is bad as they are as we know the difference and will be judged by God on that wrong we are doing ---so we are to exercise this Righteous Judgment and if the person refuses to come back to the Fold ---we are to wipe our feet and move on ------
Paul says in the last part of this Chapter that he will come soon and deal with these problems face to face so he can understand and perceive not what words these Spirits speak in their talkthing but what power the have over his Church ---
I say ---so we see Paul recognizing that Satan has influenced his Church and Talk is tough when the person is not there to confront it ----But when the person actually shows up in person ---how much power will be shown then when confronted ----
So here lastly Paul gives them as choice to think about --- ----Verse 21 AMPC B
21
Now which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of correction, or with love and in a spirit of gentleness?
This last part here is very important ---as Satan has access to very Church today ----and he is a master at causing division ---strife and conflict among the True Church -----
We are in a Sritual War ----and you win or loose that Battle in your mind ----Paul is so aware that this is what is happening in his Corinthian Church ------
AI ---Satan has a big foothold in this world today
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The phrase "you win or lose the battle in your mind" means that the outcome of any challenge, whether physical or mental, is largely determined by your mindset and attitude;
your internal thoughts and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping your success or failure.
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