{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)
B. paul now establishes how church builders should be viewed : as servants and stewards (under
obligation).
{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
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
application : other-judgement
1. do not go on passing judgement before the time
balance between judging and not judging?
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