How to assess and regard preachers – here are the apostle’s standards. The problem of cliques, their causes and cure; also the simple, reasonable lifestyle of God’s servants demanded by the apostolic example, and the contrast seen today in ‘celebrity’ preachers.
Paul warns against being ‘puffed up’, vaunting earthly accomplishments or gifts, and being satisfied and overconfident. Consider Gospel workers, says Paul, their humility, selflessness, sacrifice, and acceptance of persecution. Live for spiritual and eternal aims, striving for sanctification and witness – whatever the cost.
