1 Corinthians 4

Last week we closed with Paul’s proclamation of Christ’s possession of the people of God. After illustrating who the church is through the analogies of a field, a building, and the temple he closes the chapter with these words,

1 Corinthians 3:21–23 ESV

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Paul’s point in chapter 1:10 - 3:23 was to make sure the church at Corinth understood

Christ is the proclamation of the church,

Christ is responsible for the production of the church,

Christ is the foundation of the church,

Christ is in possession of the church.

I. Consider the Servants of Christ.

A. Christ’s Servants are Stewards of the Mysteries of God. (4:1)

1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

The New King James Version Chapter 4

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

B. Christ’s Servants are Required to Remain Faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

C. Christ’s Servants are Judged by the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:3–5 ESV

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 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.

II. Consider Christ’s Work

A. Christ’s Work Humbles His People

1 Corinthians 4:6–8 ESV

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!

B. Christ’s Work Humiliates His Servants.

1 Corinthians 4:9–13 ESV

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1. God displayed the apostles as men condemned to death.

2. The apostles were fools for Christ’s sake.

3. The apostles were weak, dishonored, hungered, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless, labored with their hands, reviled, persecuted, defamed, and made as filth of the world, offscouring of all things!

III. Consider Paul’s Paternal Care.

A. He wrote to warn his beloved children.

B. He sent Timothy his son in the faith.

C. He is coming to them soon to correct them.