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"You are already rich!"

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:8

GREATLY GIFTED

Paul was a very gifted apostle. His understanding of theological truths was particularly astute. He was also highly skilled as a writer. He was capable of using a wide variety of literary skills for effective communication.

“You are already full! You are already rich!
You have reigned as kings without us-
and indeed I could wish you did reign,
that we also might reign with you!”
1 Corinthians 4:8

1. “You are already full”

a) The word “full” describes a person who is satiated with food.

b) This verse was written with heavy sarcasm.

c) The Corinthians displayed an attitude that suggested that they were so spiritually well-fed they did not need any more of Paul’s teachings!

2. “You are already rich”

a) This is a reference of great spiritual wealth.

b) The Corinthians felt that they were already very spiritually rich.

c) There was nothing more that Paul could give them to add to their spiritual wealth.

d) Again, Paul used heavy sarcasm as he wrote this phrase.

3. “You have reigned as kings without us”

a) The Corinthians felt that they were so spiritually authoritative they were like spiritual kings.

b) They were like kings who reigned in the spiritual realm.

c) Paul’s ministry as an apostle was nothing compared to their spiritual power and authority.

d) Once again, heavy sarcasm was employed; this spiritual state was, of course, untrue.

4. “And indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you”

a) Did the Corinthians think that they had become spiritual masters?

i) If only that was true!

ii) It is always good to see believers reach great spiritual heights.

iii) But that was not true as far as the Corinthians were concerned! Over whom did they reign?

b) “That we also might reign with you”

i) With heavy sarcasm Paul “wished” that he and his fellow workers might reign together with the Corinthians.

ii) But the mighty Apostle had always seen himself as a mere bond-slave, and never as a king! If anyone had any right to claim greatness in spiritual matters, Paul would be that one! He never did!