March 19, 2023
Drew McKay

Pride vs. Humility

6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
—1 Corinthians 4:6–21

God graciously warns His church about the

What is Pride?
1. Pride is self-

A plea for repentance.
1. Humility is self-

1. Has there been a time that you have recognized your own pride?
   

2. Read 1 Corinthians 4:6-21. Is there a certain part that sticks out to you?

3. Is there an area in your life that you feel like might cause you to become a little inflated?

4. What is the difference between using sarcasm as a useful tool and a hurtful sting?
   

5. What is a trial that you have gone through that you can look back on something specific that God taught you?
   

6. Read the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and discuss the comparison to the Apostles’ example in 1 Corinthians 4:11-13. How might we follow this example?

7. How does gratitude lend itself to humility?
   

8. Do you find it difficult or strange that Paul would appeal to his one example when he is rebuking the Corinthians for pride? Why do you think he can do this? Does this have any application to us?
   

9. Is there someone that comes to mind that you could try to disciple or that you would want to disciple you? What is stopping you from pursuing that relationship?
   

10. Why do you think Paul appeals to the fact that he is their spiritual father?
    

Close in prayer.