“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!”
Paul continues his argument against Corinthian pride by showing three contrasts between the apostles and the Corinthian church. Each contrast is a striking blow against their pride.
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!
The apostles were fools for Christ’s sake, but the Corinthians were sagacious and had wonderful powers of judgment.
We are weak, but you are strong!
The apostles were infirm Christians, but the Corinthian church was strong spiritually.
You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
The Corinthians were held in high honor, but the apostles were without repute and viewed as outcasts.
PRINCIPLE:
Pressure is necessary for spiritual growth.
APPLICATION:
Pressure and duress are necessary for spiritual growth. The Christian under pressure quickly finds out what his scale of values is. Human props do not withstand the pressures of a spiritual gladiator. Those oriented to God through the Word of God can withstand the ultimate pressures of life because a mature Christian has a strong set of values. The martyred missionary Jim Elliott wrote in his diary: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
