Middle Managers of Mystery

Introduction

We are continuing our series this morning called Jesus Changes Everything. We walking through Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth.

The Corinthian church was wildly successful, wealthy, powerful, smart and influential—or at least they talked that way.

Paul redefines success as a new creation of Christ. All of life is now reoriented around the cross. We are formed by it. We are shaped by it. Jesus reorients desires and pursuits, purpose, hope, power. Since the moment Adam and Eve decided to go it alone, humanity has sought to bend the will of the world to its ways. But now, as God himself left his throne and descended to the depths of the earth for our sake, the world is being straightened out once more, one faithful follower at a time.

This new orientation is not popular. In fact, I was reading a story of a missionary to Somalia yesterday, and he tabbed the mission of Christ, as insanity. It’s a crazy thought, to go into the dark parts of the world, where drug trafficking and evil seem like the only way to freedom and then preach a gospel of self-denial and obedience to middle-eastern rabbi who was killed on a wooden cross.

What does it mean to be “successful” as a Christian? What does it mean to reach maturity as a believer? Paul is going to point out four distinct roles that the mature believer possesses. In each role, he will contrast the current state of the church—not to criticize, th

Servants

1 Corinthians 4:1–5 CSB

A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

In each one of these instances, Paul is going to contrast his life and attitude with that of the Corinthians. First, Paul call

Examples

1 Corinthians 4:6–7 CSB

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?

Sufferers

1 Corinthians 4:8–13 CSB

You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

Fathers and Mothers

1 Corinthians 4:14–21 CSB

I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?