The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church as a spiritual father speaking to his spiritual children, 1 Corinthians 4:14 - 21

• Paul doesn't shame or humiliate them, but rather warns them because of his love for them; his words are those of love and endearment for his spiritual children, v. 14
• Though the Corinthians may have many instructors, they only have on spiritual father; there's a special relationship that Paul has with the church because he planted the church and the Believers came to know Christ through Paul's ministry, v. 15
• Paul learned his love for them from the love that was shown to him from Christ; Jesus is a great example for fathers to follow
• Matthew 3:16 - 17 (Attention, Affection, Affirmation)
• Paul urges the Corinthians to imitate him, they should imitate his life and passion for the Gospel as described in verses 9-13, v.16
• Timothy is the product of Paul pouring his life into him, he's Paul's spiritual son, v. 17
• Paul addresses those who speak against his arrival, but declares that their talk is nothing , but that the Kingdom of God is about power, v. 18-20

Scriptural references : 1st Corinthians 4 : 14-21, John 3:16-17, Matthew 3:16-17, Romans 5:8