sf167 - The Measure Of A Minister (1 Corinthians 4 1-5)

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Introduction

The focus in this passage is on the nature and marks of God’s ministers.

Paul makes it clear that popularity, personality, degrees, and numbers play no role in the Lord’s perspective.

Where there is sound doctrine and personal holiness there is no justification for ranking God’s servants.

1A. The Biblical Identity of the Minister (4:1)

Us, refers to all ministers

A man, is any person, believer or unbeliever

1B. We are to be servants of the Master.

Our position

Servants (huperetes); under rowers, galley slaves

Our priority

Ø We are to be servants of Christ.

Ø We are to subordinate and subject ourselves to Christ.

Ø We cannot serve Him unless we submit to Him.

Ø We cannot serve others until we serve Christ.

Our place

Ø As galley slaves have no rank or position.

Our privilege

Ø To serve

Luke 1:2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,

Ø To suffer (2 Corinthians 6:4-10)

2B. We are to be stewards of God’s mysteries

Our character

Steward (oikonomos) one put in charge of a household or estate, a manager

1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

Our calling (Acts 20:20-21; 27)

2A. The Key Requirement of the Minister (4:2)

1B. Faithfulness is essential

God does not require that we be clever, smart, or original.

He requires that we be trustworthy!

Faithfulness is linked to believability

2B. Faithfulness is non-negotiable

A servant and a steward must be trustworthy. (Matthew 24:24-25)

Ø The work is demanding but it is basically the faithful preaching of God’s Word!

3A. The Proper Evaluation of the Minister (4:3-5)

1B. The evaluation by others (4:3a)

Outward sin is to be judged and dealt with. (1 Timothy 5:19-21)

Judged (anakrino) to investigate, question, evaluate

Human court, a day in human court.

We are not to take other’s criticism or compliments too seriously.

Ø Our focus is to be Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Ø No minister can remain faithful to his calling if he lets others decide how true his motives are or whether he is working in the Lord’s will.

2B. His own evaluation (4:3b-4)

The mature minister does not trust his own judgment of himself.

Ø Spiritual introspection is dangerous.

Paul knew of no un-confessed sin in his life.

Ø However this did not acquit him.

Ø His own evaluation made not difference in his standing with God.

The only evaluation that makes a difference is the Lord’s. (Matthew 25:14-30)

3B. The evaluation by God (4:5)

Will take place at the right time (4:5a)

Will reveal the real truth (4:5b; Psalm 139)

Ø Nothing is hidden from God (Psalm 139:1-18)

Psalm 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.

Ø Our motives will be tested (Psalm 139:23-24)

Will result in righteous praise (4:5c)

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

1A. The Biblical _____________ of the Minister (4:1)

1B. We are to be __________________ of the Master.

Our _______________________