The church at Corinth had a very sad problem. They were split on who would lead the church. There were candidates each with different twists in how to lead. These argued and when Paul heard of their problem, Paul tells them, "Be like me."
Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV)
Paul was not trying to build a following; Paul was just tired of the bickering and the immature way people were ready to follow any wind of doctrine. The Greek, Roman, and Jewish, cultures were seeping into the church by well intentioned people who thought themselves able to lead.
Remnants of various religious practices were being added to the church ways. Some Jews thought circumcision was a good practice and the keeping of traditional Jewish feasts was important. The Greeks disagreed with this.
The culture in Corinth had many other feasts based around the worship of mythical gods and many thought by joining these celebrations it would allow the Christians to have a wider acceptance by the public. It was like celebrating holidays, hoping the public would accept the church.
Paul looked for no social acceptance from the public or from the church. Paul viewed the public as needing salvation. Paul was commissioned as an Apostle by Jesus Christ to preach and teach, baptizing people in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Paul knew he would be despised, rejected, and hated for his faith. Therefore, Paul had gave up every aspect of his own desire to preach the gospel.
For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)
The sending of Timothy was an answer to many of the problems in their church and we should not give the credit to Paul's discretion, but to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
If the church at Corinth could not agree on who should lead, they would have no leader. If they would not be led by the Holy Spirit, they would be taught like children by Timothy who was a young adult.
Timothy would not teach his own doctrine, he would be used as a reminder of the teachings of Paul and the disciples of Christ. This would slap down outside influences from religious or ceremonious traditions.
Timothy was an outsider and able to be among the Corinthians without pregidous. Being the obedient servant Timothy was, he would not be subject to the peer pressure or scorn from the elders of Corinth; for Timothy would only do as instructed.
Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?1 Corinthians 4:18-21 (NKJV)
An earmark of a brother or sister which is not submitted to God shows when they become upset with leadership. They disagree with the decisions of leadership. Where it is important all to be of one accord and some careful actions are to be taken by the church, this type of motivation to disagree causes division in the body.
There were many who were puffed up; a condition of thinking to lofty of one's own self. Is this not the position a person takes when they question the direction a church is selecting?
A person wholly submitted to God is not high minded or puffed up; they are to be servants devoted to God. They are to submit to one another and embrace the movement of the Spirit of God; this includes those sent to guide and direct us.
The holy church of God is about unity; unity with each other, the decisions of leadership, and the supremacy of God. The problem is when people allow zeal to consume them and this includes the zeal to be leaders in the church.
You will find people who view the qualities of a leader as being dynamic, decisive, and motivated. People who are like this, live their life wanting others to follow them. They desire to have the popular vote and even in church settings, they promote themselves so they may satisfy their own choice to lead.
This attitude for achieving success is a model of society and not one which God chooses for His people. Yet the church has made the mistake of selecting leadership from this business oriented model of society.
A pastor, a teacher, an elder, or deacon, are to be more than studious in God's word; they are to be humbly submitted as a servant to all. They lead not by methods for accomplishment of tasks, but by surrendering to God's leading.
God is the true leader of the church and no man, woman, pastor, or saint, will ever be fit to lead. Therefore, in humility we bring our gifts to God and wait to be directed.
I have met many people who eagerly desire to work and be recognized. These are constantly yapping like a puppy, longing to eat from the table. These put on their best face when at church. They try to sit still, but are ready to pounce on positions. They submit only so they might be selected.
A true servant sees a need and runs to it. They do not look for the chief seats or the best position at church. They are quiet until God selects them.
For an eager person, this is a lot to learn. They will have to give up and let go of their desires, to wait for God to raise them up. They will be allowed to get involved where God opens the door and never kick open a door to walk through.
Humbly submitting to God and to God's leaders is not a business model, but the way God's Spirit works. God selects humble men and women who have learned their lessons well and in His timing God will tells what to do, where to go, and what to say. Timothy was this way and Timothy at a young age was ready to serve.
