Don't Get It Twisted`

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Mystery

For Paul the mystery that has been revealed is God’s plan of salvation. In Eph. 6:19 he speaks of the mystery of the gospel. Similarly, in Col. 2:2 he calls God’s mystery Christ himself.

Exploring the New Testament Purpose and Content

The central concept of the letter is that redemption must be applied to everyday situations. The believer is to remember that the new life in Christ calls for a new way of living. The appeal being made is to the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the believer (3:16, 17; 6:11, 19, 20).

The central concept of the letter is that redemption must be applied to everyday situations. The believer is to remember that the new life in Christ calls for a new way of living. The appeal being made is to the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the believer (3:16, 17; 6:11, 19, 20).

Introduction (1a)

The Message Chapter 4

Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t.

The urban dictionary defines the phrase “Don’t get it twisted” to mean “Don't get it wrong, don't be confused about it.”

“Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t.” (1a, The Message Bible)

In light of the factions, division, groups, schisms that had come up within the Corinthian church, Paul continues to clear up some this problem in the church. (case in point—it must have been a serious problem because the Apostle Paul is still addressing it in this 4th chapter) (central idea of the text)

As we leave here today, my intent is that we understand our roles as believers is to be faithful stewards in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

In so doing, we must know 1) WHO WE ARE, 2) WHAT WE ARE ABOUT, & 3) WHAT REALLY MATTERS!

I. Who We Are (1b)

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Mystery

For Paul the mystery that has been revealed is God’s plan of salvation. In Eph. 6:19 he speaks of the mystery of the gospel.

The Message Chapter 4

We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them.

Paul is really pointing out to the Corinthians who they are as leaders (they meaning Paul, Apollos, and Peter). For me, as Paul points out who they are as leaders in particular, but who all of us are in general—SERVANTS!

“We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them.” (1b, The Message Bible)

servants/subordinate n. — any person subject to the authority or control of another; perhaps connoting meniality.

Paul is really pointing out to the Corinthians who they are as leaders (they meaning Paul, Apollos, and Peter). For me, as Paul points out who they are as leaders in particular, but who all of us are in general—SERVANTS!

servants/subordinate n. — any person subject to the authority or control of another; perhaps connoting meniality.

those entrusted/administrator (supervisor) n. — one who supervises or has charge and direction of.

For Paul the MYSTERY that has been revealed is God’s plan of salvation. In he speaks of the mystery of the gospel. Similarly, in he calls God’s mystery Christ himself.

those entrusted/administrator (supervisor) n. — one who supervises or has charge and direction of.

II. What We Are About (2)

The Message Chapter 4

The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge.

“The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge.” (2, The Message Bible)

required/to be sought (state) v. — to be or become that which is looked for.

faithful/ responsible adj. — worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable. Being trusted; reliable; a person of your word

responsible adj. — worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable.

III. What Really Matters (3-5)

The Message Chapter 4

It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.

5  So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “Well done!” of God.

3 It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless.

4 I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.

5  So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “Well done!” of God.