Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing.
1 Cor 4:1-5 Ministers of Christ
1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
What are the ministers over us in the Lord? They are first of all, servants of Christ. Second, they are “in charge of explaining God’s mysteries.” (NLT) However, human ministers are helpless to do what only God can do, reveal God’s hidden things to the human heart.
Most pastors have an education in God’s secrets far beyond the average church member. We ought to realize that each member has specialized training in a trade or profession. So too, the overseers of the church. Their speciality is the mysteries of God, but unlike pagan mysteries which are kept secret, God’s mysteries are revealed to us through the teachers of the church and the action of the Holy Spirit.
The eastern concept of “mysteries” was later translated in the western church as “sacraments.” In one sense, we cannot limit the mysteries to just 2 or 7 sacraments, but see the sacramental nature of daily life, in that the world reveals the presence of God.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Stewards manage God’s household. A doctor of theology who is a believer, is a great treasure trove of the secrets of God. But, better a lay person with bad grammar and rudimentary knowledge of the Bible who is faithful, than a thousand doctors who are unbelievers.
1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
In many churches the Sunday roast is “roast pastor” as people criticize. Paul’s defense against this was no defense at all. He dismissed it as a small thing, not even wanting to judge himself. Paul realized that even after we have done our best, we all fall far short. He gave his short-comings to God.
1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
A clear conscience does not justify us. We all have unknown sins. We are not justified by an unreliable conscience, but by Christ. We are not qualified to even judge ourselves.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Though we must discern who tramples pearls (Matthew 7:6) and false prophets (Matthew 7:15), we ought not develop a critical spirit (Matthew 7:1). Jesus sits in judgment not us (Revelation 20:11-15).
1 Cor 4:6-13 Arrogant Pride
1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Clergy and laity alike are to be humble and not arrogant.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
A modern translation makes this clear. “What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
These Christians deceived themselves. “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God's kingdom without us!” (NLT) A true education teaches us how much we don’t know.
1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Faithful leadership means sacrifice of personal life, being mocked, attacked, becoming the dregs of society in people’s minds. It can mean family turning against you, as Aaron and Miriam turned against Moses. Paul likens church leaders to prisoners of war, condemned to death and dragged along as the last in a victory parade.
1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Paul writes ironically. “Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.” (NLT) Church leaders must be willing to follow Christ to a cross of contempt, rather than the popularity of preaching heresies. What extra special difficulties do missionaries face?
1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
The word “naked” is more accurately rendered “poorly clothed.” This is the life of a missionary, a true hero of the faith. How do many missionaries raise funds?
1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Paul often provided for his own ministry as a tentmaker, but sometimes with aid from a church such as Philippi (Acts 18:1-3; 20:33-35; Philippians 4:14-16).
Paul does not take vengeance on his mistreatment by church members, but rather blesses those who abuse him and resigns himself to being harrassed. What reputation do many missionaries endure?
1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Christians face severest persecution in North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India. However, in the west it is more and more popular to use Christianity as a whipping boy in the press, and roasting a pastor is still the bad habit of many churches. All pastors must be willing to sacrifice their own egos and be as offscouring, refuse or wiped-off filth in order to serve the church. What did Paul want to say about this?
1 Cor 4:14-21 Admonishment
1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
Paul’s motive was not vengeance for the shameful way he had been treated, but to gently admonish them. What title did Paul give himself?
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Paul and Abraham are called fathers in the Bible. This does not contradict Jesus’ hyperbolic instruction not to call anyone “father” or “teacher” (Matthew 23:9-11). Like “hating” our parents (Luke 14:26) in context means to love less by comparison, so too are our human fathers and teachers so much less than our heavenly Father by comparison. Then should we follow any man?
1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
It is natural to follow somebody human, a hero. We do not put them ahead of God. How should we follow a man?
1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Ministers are to set an example to be followed, and where we see their way of life in Christ, we follow them. Are people in churches sometimes arrogant?
1 Corinthians 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
Some grew insolent towards Paul, thinking that because he sent Timothy, he was afraid to come and face his detractors. Was he planning to come?
1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
Then Paul would “find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power.” (NLT) How do we know Paul was speaking of God’s power?
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
The power of the kingdom of God is far greater than idle church parking lot talk. What happens beyond a preacher’s human words is the true power of God working in unseen spiritual ways. What kind of preaching do we want?
1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
If Corinth will listen, then Paul’s visit can be a pleasant one. It’s their choice. Every loving parent would prefer not to have to discipline a child.
Every church seems to have an unofficial parking lot committee of critics, who nitpick over trivia. If it were a serious sin that broke one of the Ten Commandments, such as an adulterous affair, or stealing church funds, that would be something important to bring to the church’s attention.
Most often though, it is trivial pursuit, a knowitall attitude of arrogance over matters too unimportant to mention. Instead of ripping each other apart with vicious words, or worrying about the foolishness of preaching, we Christians need to look beyond our common imperfect humanity to the power of God in our midst.
