From 1 Corinthians Chapter 4, examining 'Genuine Humanity and True Spirituality'

 

From 1 Corinthians Chapter 4, examining 'Genuine Humanity and True Spirituality'

 

1 Cor 4:21 "What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?"

 

Topic	Description	Explanation	Example	Detailed Scripture
Emotional Expression of True Spirituality	Truly spiritual people can be angry but quickly turn gentle	Spiritual people have genuine emotions but can control them swiftly	Paul in  1 Corinthians 4 is both angry and gentle	1 Cor 4:21 "What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?"
Authentic Humanity	Truly spiritual people have authentic humanity, neither hiding nor pretending	Authentic humanity includes flesh-and-blood emotions, including anger	When interacting with others, it's inevitable to offend or be offended at times	The entire 1 Corinthians 4 reflects Paul's authentic humanity
Rapid Emotional Transitions	Spiritual people can quickly transition from anger to gentleness	This quick transition demonstrates true spirituality	Interactions between sisters and husbands, among elders	Paul's attitude shift in 1 Cor 4:21
Unhidden Spirituality	Truly spiritual people don't hide emotions but express them authentically	Hiding emotions may indicate inauthentic spirituality	People who never get angry despite long-term interactions may not be genuine	Paul directly expresses his emotions in  1 Corinthians 4
Expression of Life	Authentic humanity and spirituality are full of life power	Even seemingly unspiritual expressions can be full of life	Paul's expression in 1 Cor 4:21	1 Cor 4:21 "What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?"
Foundation for Church Building	Authentic humanity is essential for building the church	Smart, manipulative people cannot truly build the church	Elders need to have authentic humanity	The entire  1 Corinthians 4 embodies the character needed for church building

 

This table summarizes the main points from the text about "True Humanity and Genuine Spirituality," including emotional expression, authenticity, ability to transition emotions, unhidden spirituality, expression of life, and the importance of these qualities for church building. Each topic is supported by corresponding descriptions, explanations, examples, and relevant scriptures.

 

*Please refer to Life-Study of 1 Corinthians, Message Thirty-Five, Stewards of the Mysteries of God (2)