The ministry of the Apostles
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1 Corinthians 4:1-21
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ clearly was teaching the difference between man’s view of a steward verse God’s way.
Though we acknowledge in both man’s and God’s that a steward be proved to be faithful! Paul reminds us that Christian’s await the final and true test, the great judgement day of the Lord!
On the great judgement day of the Lord, Jesus Christ will judge righteously, justly, and fairly!
The Bible reveals that one day the righteous judge will appear to reveal what sort of actions have taken place 1 Corinthians 3:13
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Paul focuses his attention on revealing the proper view of ministers within the local church!
This is clear when the in 1 Corinthians 4:1
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
This is how a person should reckon “logizomai” - when you are considering the work that we do this is how you should consider us:
As servants of Christ! The word servants in the Greek is hyperetas which communicates an under-oarsman!
Our job is to serve Christ, not man! If our job was for the world we would cater to the world! Whatever its message is, we must communicate and do!
But since our work is of Christ we are to work in His field, His building, His Church! We are to do all of this His way!
As stewards of the mystery of God!
Literally the Greek word is Oikovomas - which means to be an overseer, or a fiscal agent! Paul reminded this church we stand as not simply as governor of the gospel, but as a treasurer that has the sacred trust of guarding the gospel! Preserving the message and it’s truth!
Since the Apostles were the fiscal agents of the gospel they were to entrust that same gospel to dependable ones! Preservation of its truths and committed to give it’s truths to dependable ones!
3623. οἰκονόμος ŏikŏnŏmŏs, oy-kon om´-os; from 3624 and the base of 3551; a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extens. a fiscal agent (treasurer); fig. a preacher (of the Gospel):—chamberlain, governor, steward.
Again Paul repeats His statement that Paul is looking for faithful stewards of the gospel!
Stewards meaning: we are the dispensers of the word of God! God is the depositor of grace! God gives the increase!
We are to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth laborers into the harvest! Why pray for laborers? Because God is already Lord of the harvest!
Must we must be praying for souls? Yes! But more so pray for workers to enter the harvest field!
Pray, because of the work that is clearly too much for any one person to accomplish!
Pray, because we are just stewards of the gospel! God is Lord of the harvest!
As stewards of the mysteries of God!
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
How can we both be a administrator and a servant?
Pastors are overseers of this gift of the gospel of Christ! Meaning we are suppose to efficiently, effectively, and consistently share the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Pastors are servants of Christ! Our goal is to obey Christ’s commands to move the water for Christ! He gives the increase! Not a manipulation of man, but serving Christ Jesus our Lord!
The stewardship of the mystery of God - stewards One has said “Not the depositories of grace, but dispensers of it! Luke 12:42 we know today of His divine secret! He has revealed it unto us! Believers today have been or are being discipled in the faith!
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Reflect on the life of David, who, as a shepherd, cared deeply for his flock. When a lion or bear threatened, he didn’t run away; he fought back, showing his faithfulness and dedication to serving those entrusted to his care. Similarly, we are called to be good stewards, facing challenges head-on, not just for our good, but for the benefit of those around us. God desires dedicated servants who will protect and nurture those He has placed in our lives, just as David did for his sheep.
(“rightly dividing” or dispensing it), so far as God gives us it, to others. The chazan, or “overseer,” in the synagogue answered to the bishop or “angel” of the Church, who called seven of the synagogue to read the law every sabbath, and oversaw them. The parnasin of the synagogue, like the ancient “deacon” of the Church, took care of the poor (
The church then is not the appendage to the priesthood! But we are the ministers as the stewards of God to the church!
Man shrinks from too close contact with God; hence he willingly puts a priesthood between, and would serve God by deputy.
It is sad that so many churches’ goal is the opposite of what God intended! Their goal seems to be to conceal the truth!
Just like in the Old Testament the closer the people of Israel drew to God, the more they put distance between them by putting a priest in the place they should be.
Man shrinks from too close contact with God; hence he willingly puts a priesthood between, and would serve God by deputy.
The pagan (like the modern Romish) priest was rather to conceal than to explain “the mysteries of God.”
The minister’s office is to “preach” (literally, “proclaim as a herald,”
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
The word moreover or the oldest manuscripts says, “Moreover here” meaning clearly on this earth or while you are alive on this earth our number one job is to proclaim Christ Jesus our Lord to the glory of God the Father in our roles that God has called us to be and do!
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
This job might sound like a daunting task!
But I want to encourage you just like the Apostle Paul said in verse 3 “It is a very small thing! Literally it is a small matter!
Clearly Paul knew that he was not the center of life!
Paul wasn’t despising the judgement of the church of Corinth! Nor was Paul an arrogant man to think of himself more than what he aught to think!
Paul was simply staying on course in reference to 1 Corinthians 3:13
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Again what did God require of Paul? His life to be given for His purpose and His alone!
For earthly stewards we must be found faithful! Hebrews 3:5
The Old Testament was written for our example! Moses was a faithful steward acting on behalf of the words of the Lord! Proclaiming the words of the Lord boldly! The New Testament even reflects on this Biblical truth!
Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,
Paul was waiting for the judgement of God and not worried concerning the judgement that might come from the local church!
Paul was aware of what the judgement of God would look like and He was determined to fulfill the will of the Lord Jesus Christ that sees all things!
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.
Or as in 1 Thessalonians 5:4
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
Therefore or because the Lord
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ sees everything you do and who you are! We are His Child and not ourselves. We have been bought with a price! So glorify God with your body, your mind, and your soul!
This last week while I was away a pastor that many of you have listened to on the radio has past away!
Pastor John MacArthur in His messages of a singular focus through expository preaching has reminded us of the responsibility we all hold in our hands, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ unashamedly to the glory of the Lord!
We are to be His stewards, those that dip the paddle into the water, so to speak, touching the grace that has been given to us from our Lord Jesus Christ!
Will you enter the mission field with me?
Some might with their giving, some with their time, some might recognize the calling of God in their life!
Many are called but few chosen?
So pray ye the Lord of the harvest that we would see more stewards of the gospel going forth into the harvest field!
