Summary:
Constable: “The apostle now returned to the subject of himself and the other teachers of the Corinthians as servants of God. He did so to say more about what it means to be a servant of God. In this section he clarified the essential features of an acceptable servant of God. He did this so his readers would appreciate them all more and so they would follow Paul’s example as a servant themselves. However, Paul stressed his authority too since the factions in the church that favored Apollos, Peter, or Christ really opposed Paul.
“Throughout 1 Corinthians 1-4 Paul is primarily concerned to address the factionalism that was tearing the church apart with squabbles, jealousy, and one-upmanship. But because not a little of this quarreling arose from the habit of different groups in the church associating themselves with various well-known Christian leaders (’I follow Paul,’ . . .), Paul found it necessary to address several Corinthian misconceptions regarding the nature of genuine Christian leadership. These believers were adopting too many models from their surrounding world.” [Note: Carson, p. 93.]
“What Paul is trying to do above all else is to get the Corinthians to enter his orbit, to see things from his eschatological perspective. Therefore, it is not simply a matter of his being right and their being wrong on certain specific issues. It has to do with one’s whole existence, one’s whole way of looking at life, since ’you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.’” [Note: Fee, The First . . ., p. 157.]
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (WEL) People should think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me, it is insignificant that I should be judged by you or by human judgment. I don’t even judge myself. 4 For I’m not aware of anything against me, but that doesn’t mean I am innocent. He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, don’t judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light both the hidden things of darkness and make clear the motives of the hearts. Then, everyone will have praise from God.
V1 People should think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.
God’s mysteries refer to the Gospel and the Christian worldview, lifestyle, rules, etc. that were not known until God revealed these principles to the Apostles. They exist in the Old Testament but were not understood.
All Christians are bondservants of our Lord Jesus Christ.
V2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.
We Christians are all stewards, too. God has given us a mission to which we must be faithful and grace to accomplish it—Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:11, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. God has given each Christ-follower a gift that we must be using to serve our Lord Jesus. Compare Matthew 25:14-30.
V3 But with me, it is insignificant that I should be judged by you or by human judgment. I don’t even judge myself.
Paul considers their judgment of him to be of little importance or influence. He serves Jesus Christ, the Lord. This is a principle for all Christians. We must consider what others tell us or say about us, but the standard is the Bible and the Judge is our Lord Jesus at the Bema Seat, which is judgment concerning faithfulness and service.
Others may think and judge us to be unfaithful, ineffectual, outdated, etc., but God is our judge. If God has commissioned us, we must be faithful. He gives us assisting grace to be faithful—2 Corinthians 12:9. It is okay to examine ourselves but not to judge ourselves. Examining ourselves has to do with such questions as 1) is Jesus and His kingdom our first love, 2) am I reading, studying, and living the Bible, 3) am I praying every day and more, 4) am I fellowshipping with other believers when able, 5) is my daily life a Christian life with my spouse, my children, my neighbors, etc., 6) and forgiving or asking forgiveness when appropriate.
V4 For I’m not aware of anything against me, but that doesn’t mean I am innocent. He who judges me is the Lord.
Paul examines himself by God’s standards and concludes that nothing can be found against him; nevertheless, I still may be guilty. God is the judge and will judge. God can and does judge in this present life, which is known as chastening (Hebrews 12:5-11). He also judges in the future, which is the Bema Seat Judgment for rewards, not salvation (Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–4:5, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10).
V5 Therefore, don’t judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light both the hidden things of darkness and make clear the motives of the hearts. Then, everyone will have praise from God.
When Jesus judges, He not only uses evidence from our outward public life but also our private life. He also examines our motives, intents, and thoughts.
We learn:
- We must be faithful in our service to God.
- God does judge.
Questions:
- Since God commissions all Christian believers, are you being faithful to it?
- Have you lost your first love?