teaching notes : 1 cor. 4:1

{we are} servants and stewards

1Cr 4:1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1Cr 4:2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

paul is establishing the correct view of church leadership
A. us here most likely refers to the apostles (apollos included)

us could refer to all christians, but he seems to be discussing how christians should be viewed...
even more significantly is that in 3 (esp 22, 2nd last verse) he was discussing their factionalism (of paul, apollos, etc)
finally, in v.9, he says "For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all"

B. paul now establishes how church builders should be viewed : as servants and stewards.

1. paul (in chap.1-3) established the foolishness of factionalism by demonstrating that christians live before christ, not men

- 1Cr 3:21 So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, 1Cr 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas
the corinthians were confusing the role of christ and the church builders

they were adhering to apostles rather than to christ (we are but men like yourselves).

2. paul reinforces a correct view of the church builders by describing them as servants and stewards

a. the terms focus on the obligation and responsibility of the office

(both of these terms seem to be applied to christians in general servant : one who takes orders, who does what he is told)
steward : a servant, with added emphasis on responsibility.

one who is entrusted with something...
think of the parable of the talents (matt 25; though that parable uses doulos instead of oikonomos)

other uses of the word :

luke 16 parable about the dishonest but clever manager...

1 pet. 4:10 According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.

titus 1:5-7 I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you; [6] if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior. [7] For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;

rom 16:23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.

(treasurer is the word for steward)
both terms center around the concept of obligation to a master

b. notice that paul reemphasizes the 'responsibility' of stewards in v.2
c. the responsibilities (between church builders and 'regular' christians) are different, but the concepts are the same d. church leadership (of all sorts) can not be done for personal gain

church leadership is not a job taken for personal gain
this contrasts with the corinthian/roman idea of patronage (reciprocal gain)
this idea extends throughout christianity... personal gain is not generally a biblical motive.

{we are} resposible to god, not man

1Cr 4:3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by {any} human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. 1Cr 4:4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. 1Cr 4:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, {but wait} until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of {men's} hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

application : self-judgement

1. the one who examines me is the lord

(note : this refers to final judgement, as is clear from v.5; some translate judge instead of examine...)
ultimatly, we are not judged by each other or by ourselves - only god's judgement counts
dealing with the judgement of others :
Pro 8:33 "Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect {it.}
Pro 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Pro 15:31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. Pro 15:32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

1. the opinion (esp. criticism) of others should be valued and listened to.
2. it should be used as a guide for self-analysis.
3. it should not be taken as binding. much of insecurity happens here

properly judging ourselves
paul does evidence self-examination, as he states "i am conscsious of nothing against myself.
paul does not count his own examination as final however; "i am not by this acquitted"

opinion : much of insecurity is a failure to understand this
insecurity can stem from an over concern of what other's think. rather than that concern, the primary

application : other-judgement
1. do not go on passing judgement before the time
there seems to be a balance here...
paul in philippians 1:15-17 seems to pass judgement on others motives
Phl 1:15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; Phl 1:16 the latter {do it} out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; Phl 1:17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
further, such judgements would also seem a requirement for the appointing of deacons/elders.
but there definitely is a balance, as is made clear here.
principles for determining when to judge and when not to :
1. acknowledge

our primary concern : the coming true judgement
1. the judgement of god is immenint
2. the judgement of god will reveal all things hidden and disclose the motives
this is what we should concern ourselves with.