"Under Rowers: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Introduction:

Paul is still addressing the problem of division in the church.

This division led to a bickering. disrespectful church.

There are a few problems that Paul brings up in this book and this one is a problem of attitude and is a mental emotion.

1 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Who knows what the typical word for servant is in the Greek?

Doulos

Who knows what the typical word for servant is in the Greek?

That is not the word Paul uses here.

That typically means slave, but is translated as servant.

He uses the word “huperetes” which means “under-rower...literally “the slave who rows on the lowest level of a boat.”

literally “the slave who rows on the lowest level of a boat.”

The word hyperetas literally means an “under-rower,” in the sense that someone is a rower on a big galley ship.

It is not the most lowly word for a servant, but not a prestigious position. Under-rowers serve “Christ the master-pilot, helping forward the ship of the Church toward the haven of heaven.” (Trapp)

The “under-rower” as “one who acts under direction, and asks no questions, one who does the thing he is appointed to do without hesitation, and one who reports only to the

What is a Steward?

A steward was a slave who was the manager of the household and wealth.

The idea of slavery is different than what we have in our history.

Slave’s in the ancient world, could be slaves, but have a lot of authority.

To the master they were a slave, but to the slaves they were a master.

Most master’s didn’t bother themselves with the menial tasks of buying the food, and scheduling the laundry, and such, so they would set a slave.

Th

A steward owned nothing; he was a slave who managed his master’s wealth. The pastor is a servant who is a steward. The word “minister” in vs.1 is It means to be the “under rower.” A steward’s responsibility is to be faithful to the Master, and the pastor’s responsibility is to be faithful to teach the things of the Lord, especially those truths that relate to the mystery of the church.

Mysteries of God:

And stewards of the mysteries of God: What did Paul and the other apostles “manage” in the household of God? Among other things, they were stewards of the mysteries of God. They “managed” (in the sense of preserving and protecting) and “dispensed” (in the sense of distributing) the truth of God.

i. Whenever Paul would hear criticism of his style or manner, he could simply ask, “Did I give you the truth?” As a good steward, that’s what he first cared about.

1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

The key word here is faithfulness:

A better word for faithfulness is trustworthy.

Or another word is entrusted.

The Steward did not own anything, but was entrusted with everything.

Think about that.

You don’t just let anyone have access to all of your money and possessions.

He had to be

Paul as a pastor, was a steward of the mysteries of God.

He taught the bible, trained people, and raised up new generations of leaders.

He gave it his all.

He loved to do this and serve faithfully, even though

Do you think that sometimes the steward was criticized by the other servants that were under him?

That is typically what seems to happen when people are around.

That is what happens when people are involved in anything.

Let’s take a look at Paul’s response to the Corinthian Criticism.

1 Corinthians 4:3–5 NKJV

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. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 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 cor 4:3

For Paul it was a very small thing to be judged by people...

Paul knows that people are critical and judgmental.

He didn’t let that get him down.

He didn’t care what people thought of him all the time.

Paul knew that he can’t make everyone happy, but cared about pleasing his Master Jesus Christ.

Your age group(teens and pre-teens) are some of the most judgmental and critical people in existence.

Think about it.

Some more than others.

Are there things and people you are just super judgmental about?

You need to be careful.

Because, that is only going to get worse or better in time.

Paul uses two words for judge here:

anakrino in verse 4.

* to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrongto be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one's case may be examined and judgment passed upon itto pronounce judgment, to subject to censureof those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others

The word krino in verse 5.

krino in verse 5.

2. krino in verse 5.

Means to make a verdict , to condemn.

Basically saying that you are going to hell, for their actions.

Have you ever heard the saying… “No respect…no respect at all?”

That is how Paul felt.

He was just being faithful to God, and always had tons of opposition.

That is how the ministry is.

Now we

Anyone who serves God, must realize that they will have times without respect, even though they are doing things right.

Paul was trying to establish his authority as an apostle/pastor.

He doesn’t do it in a way that he demands praise and respect, but doesn’t do it in a way that is without the right to defend himself.

This is a great example for anyone in the ministry, because we need to understand that it is going to happen.

Paul mentions 3 kinds of judgement/criticism:

People’s judgement/criticism.

Your self judgement/criticism.

God’s judgement/criticism

Which one matters most?

I would say what God thinks.

Do we think Paul is saying that we do what we want, and not care what anyone else says, because “only God can judge me?”

Absolutely not.

We aren’t saying that we are without standards an everyone just does what they want.

The problem with people’s criticism in the church, is it is usually about preference, and not faithfulness or things that matter to God.

It is one thing to get upset at people for their sin.

It is another to get upset because of a little thing.

We must avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating men and their ministries. On the one hand, we can be so indifferent that we accept anybody who comes along. But the other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.

We must avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating people and their ministries. On the one hand, we can be so indifferent that we accept anybody who comes along. But the other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.

Paul is speaking about people criticizing and disrespecting Pastors, but lets bring this to you.

You are all called to be stewards of the mysteries of God.

Are you being faithful?

Are you trying to please your Master?

This whole life, you are nothing but a steward.

You don’t own anything.

God has allowed you to

You are all called to ministry:

That is your personal life, and the places you should be serving the Lord.

If you are critical of any ministry: youth group, church, etc., check your heart.

If you are critical, and not involved, then that is like not voting and then complaining.

They often judge and critaccording to their own standards.

Paul is saying that we need to be careful of how we judge pastors or leaders in the church.

Paul knew that people judge themselves too leniently or too harshly.

That is why he is saying that only God will truly judge him.

That is how Paul felt.

Paul was trying to establish that he was an apostle, and therefore worthy of respect, but a servant, and being careful to not be too exalted.

He was trying to have the fine balance.

The Corinthians were being fleshy and carnal.

There is a way to do things.

Today many people leave a church for all sorts of reasons.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Be Wise about … the Christian Ministry (1 Corinthians 4)

We must avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating men and their ministries. On the one hand, we can be so indifferent that we accept anybody who comes along. But the other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Be Wise about … the Christian Ministry (1 Corinthians 4)

The responsibility of the steward is to be faithful to his master. A steward may not please the members of the household; he may not even please some of the other servants; but if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward. This same idea is expressed in Romans 14:4.

Romans 14:4 NKJV

Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Be Wise about … the Christian Ministry (1 Corinthians 4)

But a servant is constantly being judged. There is always somebody criticizing something he does. Paul pointed out that there are three judgments in the life of the steward.

There is man’s judgment (v. 3a). Paul did not get upset when people criticized him, for he knew that his Master’s judgment was far more important. The phrase man’s judgment is literally “man’s day.” This is in contrast to God’s day of judgment yet to come (1 Cor. 1:8; 3:13).

There is the servant’s own self-judgment (vv. 3b–4a). Paul knew nothing that was amiss in his life and ministry, but even that did not excuse him. Sometimes we do not really know ourselves. There can be a fine line between a clear conscience and a self-righteous attitude, so we must beware.

The most important judgment is God’s judgment (v. 4b). Certainly God judges us today through His Word (Heb. 4:12) and by the ministry of the Spirit. Sometimes He uses the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and confess sin (Matt. 18:15–17). But the main reference here is to the final evaluation when each Christian stands at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10)

There is man’s judgment (v. 3a). Paul did not get upset when people criticized him, for he knew that his Master’s judgment was far more important. The phrase man’s judgment is literally “man’s day.” This is in contrast to God’s day of judgment yet to come (; ).

One’s Own Self-Judgment (vv. 3b–4a). Paul knew nothing that was amiss in his life and ministry, but even that did not excuse him. Sometimes we do not really know ourselves. There can be a fine line between a clear conscience and a self-righteous attitude, so we must beware.

God’s judgment:

(v. 4b). Certainly God judges us today through His Word () and by the ministry of the Spirit. Sometimes He uses the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and confess sin (). But the main reference here is to the final evaluation when each Christian stands at the Judgment Seat of Christ (; )

Final Thoughts/Questions/Reflections/Challenges:

You are called to be a steward even if you are not a pastor/leader in the church.

Are you being a faithful/guardian of what God has given you?

Are you critical of other other pastors/churches/ believers?

If you are, then you need to check your heart.

If you think someone is doing wrong in the ministry, then you need to pray for them.