Paul: Apostle and Father - 1 Corinthians 4

As Paul was dealing with the Church in Corinth, he came to them as a spiritual father, not a judge or superior to them. Many things were infecting the lives of the believers in the church: complacency, spiritual lukewarmness, worldliness negating biblical convictions, and sexual looseness in hearts. As a result, the church lost its spiritual influence in Corinth's pagan culture. The Word given to us by Christ and the Apostles corrects us of error and gets us back on track so we can repent and get right with God when we fail. Everyone has times of losing their way with God, and the Scriptures, if listened to and applied to our conditions, can bring us to victory and power in Christ. As a pastor, I need the correction that comes from the Holy Spirit through the Apostles. Without the influence of the Word, sin overpowers us and we fail. Paul had to press upon the church its need to be taught Truth and not let it self-destruct because of pride and living by the world's standards. Lord Have Mercy upon your church, leaders, and body, we know we need your correction.