Think of us as Servants of Christ

The life a pastor lives is under a microscope to many. The ministry I serve at will always be observed by those on the inside, and outside. it is no small task that we have been given it is not a miniscule matter, or a subject we should discredit. there is a certain high calling that God has brought us into as his chosen people, and as the sheep of his pasture. All believers are Gods children, they are children of grace, mercy, of love and compassion.

The text that we read tonight, deals specifically to the called ministers, elders, and pastors. As always, when reading scripture, we must understand that not every passage is written to you, but can most definitely be for you. And when considering a text that deals with an individual that holds an office in the church, you need to understand it, know it, and know what to expect of those that govern the church and feed its members.

Paul addresses the church in Corinth regarding the proper type of church leadership. He claims that the leader must be a Godly servant, not just a passionate or persuasive speaker. He emphasized the necessity of a humble nature and a pure conscience. Christ-honoring servants are not only identified as stewards (that is, managers) of the mysteries of God, but also as caring and committed spiritual fathers.

Verse 1 Servants of Christ

notice with me the first phrase in this verse “as ministers of Christ” and

we have in our mind what a minister is, but I want you to know what Paul thought he was. - to minister for us, may simply mean to help. to others it may mean to be involved in the ministry. or we may even understand it in its proper since- to serve.

Minister in most cases means ‘servant’ as we know and have the understanding that one involved in the ‘ministry’ is involved in Christian service, we are to understand this passage the same way. Paul is telling you to view the pastor as a servant of Christ.

“Doúlos” means “a person owned as a possession” or “a slave.”

Doulos is not used here.

Deaconos is not used here.

are yall ready for this- what word is used here in the greek?

it is Hyperetes "Paul expresses his humility in verse 1 by using a word literally meaning “under rowers,” a class of slave that is lower than most ordinary bond servants.

Paul is saying ‘ think of us as the under rowers to the ship of Christ.’

(play the under rower scene from Ben Hur)

talk about what we just watched.…

there is a movie scene in Gladiator 2 that has underowers taking a ship towards enemy territory- as the slave master starts the cadence to which everyone rows, he claims that all they do is for the Glory of Rome!

As we row our ship, we too claim - the Glory is for Christ.

We row not for the glory of man, but for the glory of Christ Alone.

not for self, man, church, fame, or Rome — but for Christ alone.

Verse 1 Stewards of God

the next phrase Paul uses is “and stewards” “of the mysteries of God”

What are the mysteries of God? - they are the secrets revealed by God.

This is a constant theme in Corinthians, -

God reveals the hidden things to the flesh so that the flesh may become spiritual, and then the spiritual can be used of Christ.

in romans 12:6 Paul is addressing the church at Rome, and in his call to service, there are specific gifts he mentions that are given to those in Christian service.

Romans 12:6–7 KJV 1900

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Stewards of Prophecy- these are called to speak forth or proclaim the living word.

Think of it as a Harold, a man in the kings court yelling the already given word of the King.

The forthtelling of the already given and revealed word of God. -

- 1 Corinthians 14:3

1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV 1900

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

preaching as 1 cor. 14: 3 describes it, is for the purpose of build up, to encourage, and to bring peace.

this differs from prophecy in its other tense, one where a prophet proclaims the future. (special revelation)

Stewards of Ministry - Refers to a ministry or service; either waiting on others or a ministry in the church.

“This word is used to describe several different actions. In its most basic form, the word can refer to the simple servitude that a person would provide when someone was visiting his or her house. In Luke 10:40, Martha was worried with a great deal of serving”

- Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

Stewards of Teaching - are to give information and interpretation.

A teacher is to expose the meaning of the text, dissect its application, and show how it can be rightly understood in its context. A teacher draws out, they will encourage thought, they will humbly show their students what it is they are relaying. Lecture. Rhetorical questions, visualization, hands on.

Verse 2 Faithful Stewards and Under Rowers

the word ‘and’ in verse 1 ties ministers of Christ to stewards. so, in verse 2 we conclude the the ‘minister’ under rower and the steward must remain faithful.

International Standard Version Chapter 4

Now it is required of servant managers that each one should prove to be trustworthy

the word trustworthy is the word Pistis(the same root for the word faith, and the word believing. in this since it is an adjective, and exhibits the quality of trust.

The world should say of me- you can trust him. it should say of Zach- you can trust him.

for all of us as Christians, the world should see you as trustworthy.

show the practice rowing scene(Lucius in gladiator 2)

now, you may not know what this movie clip has to do with being trustworthy, but I think it will make since in a minute.

let me ask a few questions...

Should you trust a man who doesn’t practice what he teaches? Should you follow one who refuses to submit to Christ? Should you put confidence in someone who mishandles what belongs to the Lord? Should you give ear to one who uses the mysteries of God for self-promotion rather than God’s glory? Should you rely on a man who seeks applause from people rather than approval from God? Should you listen to one who twists Scripture to fit his own agenda? Should you entrust yourself to a leader who is careless with his own soul?

With a resounding No! We cannot place trust in one who is not faithful to the mysteries of God. The servant is called not to brilliance, not to eloquence, not even to popularity — but to faithfulness

The servant is one who is called not to brilliance, not to eloquence, not even to popularity, but to faithfulness.

the steward must remain faithful because why?

you may not see this in the text at hand, but the overwhelming consensus of scripture, is that because of Christ’s sacrifice and purchase of you, it is now our obligation to surrender to him.