Warning!!

Alba 4-13-2025

WARNING!!

I Corinthians 4:14-21

If there is danger ahead, it is good to have a warning. And it is wise to pay attention to the warning, whether it is a tornado siren, or a sign that says “Bridge Out”. But some warnings are worthless, ridiculous really, almost a joke. For example, here are some that accompanied various products:

A sleeping aid that warns, “May cause drowsiness.

A propane torch that cautions, “Never use when sleeping.”

A printer cartridge that states, “Do not eat toner.”

An iron label that reads, “Never iron clothes while they are being worn.”

A three-hook fishing lure declaring, “Harmful if swallowed.”

House-slippers warning, “Do not eat.”

And a toilet cleaning brush that warns, “Do not use for personal hygiene.”

Many warnings are ridiculous, but there are also many that, if heeded, could save our lives. Like taking cover when a tornado hits, or turning around when the bridge is out. There are other warnings that are very important as well, and if not heeded will cause lasting hurt to our spiritual lives. The Bible has many such warnings. And if we are wise, we will pay attention to God’s warnings. If we do not, there could be eternal consequences. The warnings God gives us come from His love and concern.

With that same concern, the apostle Paul often gives warnings to those that he brought to faith in Jesus. He knew the dangers and pitfalls that were ahead if they were not careful. When Paul went to Corinth, he was able to preach the gospel and a church was begun. Paul stayed in Corinth at least 18 months (Acts 18:11). After leaving Corinth, he heard some discouraging information about what was going on in the church there. So he writes his letter of First Corinthians to give them warning about the bad direction they were headed. When he was with them, Paul had taught by word and example what it means to be a Christian, a Christ-follower. So now he warns:

Be Careful Whom You Imitate

In I Corinthians 4:15-16 he says, “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”

We follow people we admire, like successful sportsmen or famous celebrities. Whether it is television, movies, rock concerts, or the actions of co-workers or classmates, we tend to imitate what we see. Many youth today like to imitate their favorite idols or celebrities, copying the way they sing, dance, and dress. They imitate their style, fashion, attitude, language, and physical appearance.

There are many things and many people that it would not be wise to imitate. Though the Corinthians had become Christians, they had a lot of growing up to do. So the apostle Paul offers himself as a model that the church could and should follow. Paul was living a life close to Christ, so he could say, “Do what I do. Imitate me”.

The Corinthian believers were Paul’s children in the Lord, because he had preached the Gospel that led them to faith in Jesus Christ. He loves the Corinthian believers as a father loves his children. He tells the Corinthian's that though they might have an unlimited number of instructors and teachers, he alone was their spiritual father. He was the one who brought them to Christ Jesus, and gave birth to the church. And God was using him to oversee the growth of the church.

So he does not shame, but he warns his people as children to be careful whom they imitate. We should imitate others when their behavior models the Savior. Who are the great examples God has put into your life? Likely there are many wonderful examples. Make it a goal to follow in their footsteps.

Paul knows he’s not perfect, so later in this letter (1 Cor. 11:1) he says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” He is telling these believers to follow his lead in doing their best to imitate Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Our ultimate aim is not to be Paul-like, but to be Christ-like.

I Peter 2:21 says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” And why should we follow Him? The next verses (I Peter 2:22-23) tell us that He, “'Committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” And then verse 24 tells us this amazing thing: “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” We have a wonderful Savior. We are called to “follow His steps”.