Spiritual Father, Not a Celebrity Figure: The Heart of Gospel Leadership (1 Cor. 4:14-21)

Paul appeals as a spiritual father, urging the Corinthians to imitate his Christlike example and warning them to respond in humility before he comes with discipline or love.  There has never been a shortage of “spiritual guides,” who design their teaching to appeal to maximized personal gains. Yet, authentic spiritual leadership is marked by fatherly love, gospel imitation, and gentle correction—not control, celebrity status, or worldly power. Christians should choose leaders whose teaching and lifestyle exemplify Jesus. Paul also reminds the Corinthians that he is their spiritual father, not to shame them but to call them back to Christ-centered living via imitation and humility.