The Servant Leader: is the hero of this text.  And the example, par excellence, is the Apostle Paul. He has never shied away from holding himself up as a person to be imitated, as a disciple to be duplicated, as a leader to be lovingly followed.  (I Cor. 11:1, “Follow by example as I follow the example of Christ.”  Phil. 3:17, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take not of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” 2 Thes. 3:7  “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.”) 

Though not openly stated, the invitation to be like Paul is implicit throughout this letter, and, especially, in this passage.  It is understandable Paul would be so clear, even repetitive, (1:3-7,  1:12-17,  4:7-12,  5:1-4,11:23-33) because his reputation has been severely smeared, assaulted, and challenged by his foes and false apostles (10:12-13,  11:3-6).

In the last half of chapter 5, Paul has made the case that all who have received the reconciliation with the Father are now the Father’s ambassadors saying, “Be reconciled to God” (5:20).  Paul then calls the Corinthians “fellow workers” and urges them not to accept God’s grace in vain, or casually, but to accept it with enthusiasm as it is so timely delivered.  It’s as if he is saying “Take this seriously, don’t procrastinate.”

Paul then writes this beautiful, almost poetic, description of his own ministry.  (verses 3-10)

These words can be divided into three sub-sections: suffering, character, paradox.  He is loath to hinder anyone, or cause anyone to stumble because of who he is.  Rather, he is not ashamed to commend himself and his work.  He then strings together 16 phrases of how he is to be emulated.  One cannot but hear the echo of his voice, “Here is what I have done, now you go and do likewise.”

The detailed list of Paul’s behavior reveals his commitment to honesty, openness, and frank talk.  Yet, they have not reciprocated, rather have acted like stubborn children.  So he makes a deal, “I’ll be open, and you too open wide your hearts. (6:13)

Ideas and themes to be explored:

• Procrastination (6:1-2) can be a deadly disease in the life of the individual and the life of the church.  Explore the causes and the cures.
• God’s timing (6:2, Isa 49:8) is always perfect and yet so mysterious.  Why?
• Servant (6:4)  is the most critical and sure adjective to describe not only the life of our Lord, the life of Paul, and what every believer is to become.  (Phil. 2:1-11)
• Being rich and possessing everything (6:10) is life in the Kingdom of God.  How does this contrast with life in the world?
• Being a model to be copied is the life of a leader, and should be the goal of all believers.  Discuss varying roles between disciple/teacher, player/coach, apprentice/craftsman.
• Always rejoicing (6:10) is the call to the church in contrast to the ways of the world.

Contemporary Angle to Preaching:

Without a doubt, seldom will the words “live life the way I do” be heard from any pulpit.  Too brazen, too bold, too egotistical, not meek, mild and kind, not politically correct.  Yet how is the disciple of Christ to live, who will show us the way, who will be our guide?   Who is the mentor to would-be pastors, ministers, teachers, elders, deacons?   Who should our children emulate and desire to become?  How is the next generation to be trained in godliness and servanthood.

Whether we like it or not, being a shepherd means having a flock that follows you. If we shy away from that calling, we leave our sheep in a state of disarray and disorientation. Perhaps this is why as a shepherd, we ought to regularly acknowledge when we make mistakes and hurt the body of Christ. Just as a parent needs to apologize to a child when they act in anger or by using a harsh word, so too should the pastor acknowledge where they fall short. With that said, the pastor ought to seek out the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit for his or her flock, and, like Paul, never shy away from where the Spirit is leading.