Humble Leadership

Introduction:

· This will hurt me more than it hurts you … yeah right?

LET’S LOOK AT GOD’S VISION FOR HIS PEOPLE, HOW GOD’S JUDGMENT DEFINES US AND HOW HIS GRACE HUMBLES US.

I) God’s Vision For His People

A. God Disciplines us as A Father

i. A Pattern: Like Paul, God cares enough to discipline

1. Many guides but one Father who cares enough to discipline(vv. 14-17)

2. Would Corinth respond to Pauls’ word, or a stern visit? (vv. 18-21)

ii. Therefore:

1. We desire “authenticity” w. God, but loathe correction àFAKE!

2. However: He will discipline, he will allow adversity but never to shame

B. God Appoints us As Stewards

i. Two Metaphors for Ministry:(vs. 1)

1. Not “DOULOS” but UPERETAS: a “bailiff” acting on lawful authority

2. A STEWARD of the gospel, carrying out the master’s plans

ii. Jesus applies this same idea to His Followers (Lk. 12:42)

1. God entrusts followers of Jesus w. time, opportunities, gifts, etc…

2. Talking about “privilege”? Better: how are you stewarding what you have

PAUL USES THIS IDEA TO TRANSITION INTO THE HEART OF HIS MESSAGE.

II) God’s Righteous Judgment Defines Us (vv. 2-5)

A. The Judgment of the World Will Crush Us (vv. 2-4a)

i. When we feel judged by the “human court”

1. As a steward Paul isn’t concerned for how others “judge” his ministry

2. We all feel “put on trial” in the court of human opinion (vs. 3)

3. EXAMPLE: Parental approval; neighbors? Peers… and: Ourselves

ii. Different ways of responding (vv. 3b-4)

1. WE build our identity on what others think: (pride/despair w. criticism)

2. OR we Dismiss, defend, deny (which Paul will NOT do)

B. The Judgment of God (in Christ) Liberates Us (vv. 4b-6)

i. The Lord has already judged us in Christ

1. God is the one judge who matters more than anything

2. He could judge (thought, word, desire, action) but pardons (Rom. 8:33-34)

Romans 8:33–34 ESV

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

3. APPLICATION: To “Mary Hume” perfectionist, the gospel liberates!

ii. The Lord will judge us graciously in the future (vv. 5-6)

1. On “the Day” we will give an account: but God will judge our hearts

2. APPLICATION: A single woman, never married, volunteers her time…never recognized, but a heart of love and service

THE CORINTHIANS HAD FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT THIS.

III) God’s Abundant Grace Humbles Us (vv. 7-13)

A. Seeking Worldly Acclaim Leads us to Boast in Self

i. When we value the world’s judgment, we pursue the World’s goals

1. Paul’s sarcasm: If Living for Today, àpursued wealth, power

2. If we’ve secured heaven on earth, we no longer long for it (vv. 8ff)

ii. When we value the world’s judgment we boast in our efforts

1. When we seek success in the eyes of other: We will boast in ourselves

2. EXAMPLE: Financial success (“hard work”); Sports (“I’m good”) etc.

B. Defining ourselves by Grace Leads us to Gratitude

i. Everything we are and have is by grace (vs. 7)

1. God defines us entirely by grace sow e can take no credit

2. EXAMPLE: If you were born in a different time/place

ii. The pursuit of God’s goals promotes a life of sacrifice for Him

1. How will you take up a life of serving, sacrifice? Hardship?

2. Grace keeps you living as a steward, anticipating Christ’s return!

Transition:

Conclusion