Imagine being judged not just by what you say, but by the hidden motivations in your heart. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul unfolds the depth of true judgment and the importance of faithfulness - a topic that hits home even today.
The Reading: 1 Corinthians 4
World English Bible1 So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries.
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2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful.
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3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.
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4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.
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5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
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6 Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
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7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
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8 You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
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9 For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
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10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
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11 Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
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12 We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
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13 Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
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14 I don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
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15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.
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16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
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17 Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
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18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
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19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
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20 For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
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21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Servants and Stewards
In this chapter, Paul asks the Corinthians to see him and his fellow apostles as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. He emphasizes that what truly matters is faithfulness, not public opinion. Paul suggests he doesn't mind being judged by the Corinthians or anyone else because he knows that the Lord is the ultimate judge.
Hidden Truths
Paul points out that we should not rush to judge others or even ourselves. Instead, we should wait until the Lord reveals everything in His time. When that moment comes, the true intentions and hidden things will be exposed, and everyone will receive praise from God.
Humility Over Pride
He uses himself and Apollos as examples, urging the Corinthians not to think too highly of themselves. He reminds them that everything they have - wisdom, gifts - are given by God. So, boasting about it is pointless. Paul, in a rather cheeky way, mentions that while the Corinthians see themselves as rich and reigning, he and the apostles are viewed as fools and weaklings. They're often enduring hardship, hunger, and insult, which starkly contrasts with the prideful attitude in Corinth.
A Father's Love
Paul writes as a father figure to them, not to shame them but to guide them. He longs for them to imitate his example of humility. To reinforce this relationship, he sends Timothy, who will remind them of Paul's ways in Christ. However, Paul senses some arrogance among them and hints at coming to correct their attitudes, stressing that the Kingdom of God is more about power than empty words.
Why It Matters
The Power of Faithfulness
In a world that often values appearances over substance, Paul's message on faithfulness is refreshing. We are reminded that our worth is not in how others perceive us but in how we serve God with integrity.
Avoiding Comparison
Paul's emphasis on humility challenges us to put aside our tendencies to compare ourselves with others. Recognizing that every good thing we have is a gift can help us cultivate gratitude instead of pride.
Embrace Accountability
The chapter also encourages us to seek accountability in our lives. Just as Paul sends Timothy to remind the Corinthians, we need trustworthy friends or mentors who can guide us in our faith journey. Staying connected to a community is vital, and if you're looking for one, consider finding a church near you.
Remembering Our Roots
Finally, Paul's role as a spiritual father illustrates the importance of nurturing relationships in our faith. It's a reminder that while we may have many teachers, true mentorship comes from those who genuinely care about our growth in Christ.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 5
As we continue this journey in 1 Corinthians, the next chapter dives into a serious issue of immorality in the church. Stay tuned for Paul's bold guidance on how to handle such matters!