1 Corinthians Bible Study Message 11 1 Cor. 4:1-5

Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

We never graduate from the study of God’s Word. The Word meets us where we find ourselves this day. Amen. And, the word provides direction to His people. Let’s continue tonight as we studied prior that we are God’s building. We bring the church to the people. Amen.

1 Cor. 4:1-5

1 Corinthians 4:1–5 NKJV

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

Message

As we have moved through the first three chapters, Paul addressed the subject of “wisdom” 26 times.

There is a continuation from the prior chapter as to how one should regard ministers in the church from 1 Cor. 3:5-17.

We studied in our later times together that we are all builders of the Kingdom of the Lord. We discussed what type of building that we should desire to be. What types of materials will we used in building.

Luke 6:47–49 “47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.””

Will we use perishable or permanent materials? We discussed the idea that we need to build in such a way that those who come behind us will find our structure sound-we have discipled others in sound fashion and provided sound theology, a steadfast walk to emulate, and been a positive influence in the lives of others for the kingdom.

Remember that I used the illustration of the teacher with a bad reputation, who did not prepare her class for next year’s higher level of learning.

Tonight, Paul addresses that rather than take sides and make selection of camps you will follow is to realize that we are servants on the same team. We are working for the same employer. We are working to the same end goal of glorifying Jesus and expanding His kingdom.

Oh dearly beloved as we approach our election in November all other elections that will come about, oh could our elected officials remember we are all on the same team here in America. The government should be as one.

We are Managers of God’s Kingdom

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 NKJV

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

In God’s Word, Paul writes as:

Let us reflect on the fact and he uses two terms: servants and stewards.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary Servant

noun a person who performs duties for others, especially one employed in a house to carry out domestic duties or as a personal attendant.

Firstly, We are submissive to the will of the Lord in our lives. Our lives are to be instruments to His discretion.

Secondly, we are stewards or managers of the mysteries of God.

As the church, our aim is to seek to be more like Christ, to submit to His will for our lives.

And, how can we as a people called the church manage that gift, the good news that we have been given? There is an aggregate responsibility and an individual responsibility. How can we administer the good news in the most effective way?

I combine those words to say that God has called us ministers, but in fact are we not all ministers? Have we not all be called to be His ministers?

We are ministers and manager of Christ and His kingdom. He further states that we in our managing, in our stewardship, we are “to be found faithful.”

Luke 12:41–48 NKJV

41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Luke 16:1–8 NKJV

1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ 3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.

Matthew 25:14–29 NKJV

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Understanding the Role of Managers

1 Corinthians ((3) Faithfulness as the Criterion of Judgment (4:1–5))

Thiselton translates oikonomos as “estate manager” and comments, “This office normally included responsibility for overseeing a household budget, purchasing, accounts, resource allocation, collection of debts, and general running of the establishment, but only as instructed within guidelines agreed by the employer or the head of the house.”

Definition and Scope:

Definition: Managers are individuals responsible for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources (human, financial, material, informational) to achieve organizational goals.

Scope: Their roles can vary from frontline managers to middle managers and senior executives, each with different responsibilities and areas of influence.

As He asked us to consider, understand this important truth. I am not a servant and a steward of Mt Zion Baptist Church. I’m not on Mt Zion’s payroll. I am a servant and steward of Jesus Christ.

As you consider that, how should that motivate you as a vocationally called person here at church? How should that motivate you as Nominating will be calling you to serve again.

These four aspects of being a manger or steward for the Lord and His church.

Planning

What does God’s Word say about planning?

Proverbs 16:9 “9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21 “21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”

Proverbs 20:18 “18 Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.”

Proverbs 21:5 “5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

How can you be a better planner for the Lord?

To administer a plan, we must know the plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Organizing

Leading

Controlling Resources

The Bible provides numerous scriptures that guide how we should think toward God, emphasizing attitudes of reverence, trust, love, gratitude, humility, and awe. Here are some key verses:

Reverence and Awe

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV):

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

This verse highlights the importance of reverence for God as foundational to wisdom.

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV):

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

This passage calls believers to approach God with reverence and awe.

Trust and Faith

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV):

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

This scripture emphasizes trusting in God wholeheartedly.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV):

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

It encourages continuous trust in God, resulting in peace.

Love and Devotion

Matthew 22:37 (ESV):

"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'"

Jesus commands total love and devotion to God.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV):

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

This commandment underscores complete love for God.

Gratitude and Praise

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV):

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Paul instructs believers to maintain a constant attitude of gratitude.

Psalm 100:4 (ESV):

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"This verse calls for a heart of gratitude and praise toward God.

Humility and Submission

James 4:10 (ESV):

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

James encourages humility before God.

Micah 6:8 (ESV):

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

This verse highlights the importance of humility in our relationship with God.

Seeking and Knowing God

Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV):

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

God promises to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV):

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

This verse encourages stillness and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Meditation and Reflection

Psalm 1:2 (ESV):

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."This verse speaks to the importance of meditating on God's Word.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV):

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Paul instructs believers to focus their thoughts on things that reflect God's nature and goodness.

These scriptures collectively guide believers to think toward God with reverence, trust, love, gratitude, humility, and a constant desire to seek and know Him.

1 Peter 4:10 “10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Focus on the Majors of the Mission

1 Corinthians 4:2 “2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Faithful

A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (4103. πιστός)

4103. πιστός pistŏs, pis-tos´ obj. trustworthy; subj. trustful:—believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.

Our focus is to be consistent, committed, and true blue. Not caught up in the criticisms.

By the fact was not going to be defined by other people’s thoughts, did that mean Paul was so arrogant that He could not fall short of his calling and be susceptible to correction?

1 Timothy 4:16 “16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

We need to have a soberness to our own actions. Do you know the greatest cause of waywardness without awareness to our actions? Losing touch with the Word of God, prayer, worship and service to Him. The Word of God is the mirror of our lives.

Matthew 18:15–20 “15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””

This is stronger medicine for the Pastor. Why?

James 3:1 “1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”

1 Timothy 5:19–20 “19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

Matthew 20:1–16 NKJV

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ 8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

1 Corinthians 4:3–4 NKJV

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

Paul writes to us tonight to remind us to major on the majors-be found faithful. Do not have a critical spirit or a judgmental attitude toward others, but to focus on yourself and whether you are keeping your end of the bargain in Christ Jesus.

The One we need to worry about pleasing is Jesus.

Our Motivation Should be Impressing the Lord

1 Corinthians 4:5 “5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”

1 Corinthians 4:5 highlights a significant aspect of Christian life, which is the ultimate judgment and recognition by God. This verse states, "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."

Commentary

The Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to judge their leaders and fellow believers prematurely. He admonishes them to refrain from making judgments before the appointed time of the Lord’s return. Paul emphasizes that human judgment is limited and often flawed, as it cannot discern the hidden motives and intentions of the heart. Only God possesses the omniscience to bring to light the hidden things and reveal the true counsels of the heart. This eschatological perspective shifts the focus from seeking human approval to living in a manner that seeks to please God, who will ultimately evaluate each person's service and motives.

Insightful Perspectives

John Calvin

Calvin emphasizes that Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians is rooted in the understanding that God alone has the authority and ability to judge righteously. Calvin points out that human judgments are often clouded by partiality and ignorance, whereas God’s judgment is perfect and comprehensive. By bringing to light the hidden things, God exposes not only actions but also the secret intentions behind them. This divine disclosure ensures that each person’s true character and faithfulness in service will be revealed. Calvin encourages believers to live with integrity and sincerity, knowing that their ultimate commendation comes from God, who sees and rewards true faithfulness and purity of heart.

Gordon D. Fee

Fee explains that Paul's instruction in this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the final accountability all believers have before God. The hidden things refer to the inner motivations and intentions that are not visible to others. By disclosing the purposes of the heart, God ensures that every deed, whether good or bad, is evaluated in its true light. Fee underscores that this divine judgment is both a comfort and a challenge for believers. It comforts those who serve God with pure motives, as their often unrecognized and unseen efforts will be acknowledged by God. Conversely, it challenges those who may be performing righteous acts for the wrong reasons, highlighting the importance of aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s will.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 4:5 calls believers to focus on God’s ultimate judgment, which will bring to light all hidden things and reveal the true intentions of the heart. This divine assessment encourages living a life of integrity and sincerity, aiming to please God rather than seeking human approval.