The True Minister is the Father of His Flock
J. Lyth, D. D. 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.… I. HIS RELATIVE POSITION. 1. Not a mere instructor, but the instrument of communicating new life. 2. This cannot be accomplished by severity, but by a loving proclamation of the truth. II. HIS INFLUENCE — 1. Depends upon example (ver. 16). 2. Supposes that he is in Christ (ver. 17). 3. Will generally succeed where precept and example are combined. (J. Lyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. WEB: I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.