1 Corinthians 4:14-21 - Paul's Concern For The Corinthian Believers

¹⁴ I do not write this to make you blush with shame but to give you counsel as my dear children. ¹⁵ For though you have ten thousand teachers in the Christian life, you certainly could not have many fathers. For it was I myself who became your father through your union with Christ Jesus, which resulted from my telling you the good news. ¹⁶ So I beg you, make it your habit to follow my example, ¹⁷ This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is a dear child of mine and trustworthy in the Lord's work; he will call to your minds my methods in the work of Christ Jesus, just as I teach them everywhere in every church. ¹⁸ But some of you have become conceited over the thought that I am not coming to see you. ¹⁹ But I am coming, and coming soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out, not only what those conceited fellows say but what they can do, ²⁰ for the kingdom of God does not consist in talking but in doing. ²¹ Which do you prefer? My coming to you with a club, or in a gentle, loving spirit?