STEWARDSHIP BIBLE STUDY

Well, we've been learning about the esteem that people hold for other people. Now, what about lifestyle. The Corinthians, in their big city with all their worldly things probably thought they were rich ... In certain ways.

Now you are full, now you are rich, you have reigned as kings without us:
and I wish to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
For I think that God has set forth us the Apostles last, as it were appointed to death:
for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak,
but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are despised.
Even until this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked,
and are battered, and have no certain home, and we labor, working with our own hands.
Being criticized, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it, being disgraced, we encourage.
We are made as the filth of the world, and are the outcasts of all things until this day.
I don't write these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers:
for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.
Therefore, I beg you, be imitators of me.
For this reason have I sent Timotheus to you, who is my beloved son,
and faithful in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways which are in Christ,
as I teach every where in every church.

(Timotheus also known as Timothy, is not Paul's biological son, but is like a son to him.)

Now some are puffed up (scornful), as though I wish not to visit you.
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and you'll know,
not the words of them which are puffed up, but the power.
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
What do you prefer? shall I come unto you with a rod,
or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?