1 Corinthians 4:1-7

1 Corinthians 4:1–5 ESV

1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 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. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 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.

Introduction:

On 13 January 2012, the Costa Concordia struck an underwater rock and partially sank off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Tuscany.

"It comes from the tradition that the captain has ultimate responsibility and should put the care of others ahead of his own well-being in the discharge of his duties," says David Winkler, program director with the Naval Historical Foundation.

The image of a captain staying with a sinking vessel has recurred again and again, in literature and real life. It remains so potent because of the almost mythic authority invested in ship captains, Allen suggests.

At sea, there's no question about who's in charge, so there's no doubt who is responsible for safety.

Church leadership has

A stewardship of the gospel

one who has the authority and responsibility over another persons property and or possessions.

The First Letter to the Corinthians a. Regard Ministers as God’s Servants and Estate Managers, 4:1–5

“office normally included responsibility for over-seeing a household budget, purchasing, accounts, resource allocation, collection of debts, and general running of the establishment

Responsibility

Preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)

1 ... stewards of the mysteries of God.

Authority

The analogy is that the Lord of the house has put the steward in change and given him authority to discharge his responsibility.

Accountability

1 cor 4 2-5

1 Corinthians 4:2–5 (ESV)

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

3 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.

4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

5 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.

Don’t make statues of Christian leaders before the last day.

Don’t idolize and elevate christian leaders beyond that point.

Exclusivity

1 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)

6 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.

don’t go beyond what is written.

Don’t go beyond.

Stick to the book. Stick to the gospel.

Don’t go beyond what is written!

Stick to Christ and him crucified.

Culture doesn’t dictate the gospel.

Tradition doesn’t dictate the gospel.

Opinion doesn’t dictate the gospel.

Scripture dictates the gospel.

When we talk about the scriptural mandate of the gospel we are talking about grace.

When we talk about grace we are speaking of the work of God not man.

1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV

7 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?