◄ 1 Corinthians 4 ►
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Summary Paul’s Fatherly Warning 1 Corinthians 4 shines a light on the crucial role of stewards of God's mysteries, underlining the requirement for faithfulness over any human judgment. It portrays the paradoxical nature of apostolic life – lowly in the eyes of the world but rich in spiritual blessings. Paul's fatherly affection and firm admonition present a balance between gentle guidance and the call to accountability. This chapter challenges us to reconsider our values, align our lives with the gospel, and live in the power of the kingdom, not merely in talk. Verses 1-5: Stewards of the Mysteries of God Paul expresses that he and Apollos should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. He emphasizes the requirement for stewards to be found faithful. He explains that human judgement, including self-judgement, is inconsequential compared to the Lord's judgement. God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will reveal the motives of hearts. Verses 6-13: The Apostles' Suffering for Christ In contrast to the Corinthians, Paul presents the apostles as last of all, sentenced to death, fools for Christ's sake, weak, and held in disrepute. They suffer hunger, thirst, persecution, and homelessness while laboring with their own hands. Yet they bless those who persecute them, endure slander, and become like the scum of the world. Verses 14-21: Paul's Appeal as a Father Figure Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is not shaming them, but admonishing them as his beloved children. He points out that while they might have countless guides in Christ, they only have one father in the faith, for he became their father through the gospel. He encourages them to imitate him and sends Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ. He warns those who are arrogant that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul presents himself and Apollos as servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. He discusses the importance of humility in leadership and the distinction between human judgement and God's judgement. Paul vividly depicts the suffering of apostles for the sake of Christ and concludes with an appeal to the Corinthians from his position as a spiritual father. Teaching Points Stewardship and Faithfulness Paul emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). Our primary responsibility is to be faithful to the calling and tasks God has entrusted to us. Judgment and Approval Paul warns against seeking human approval and judgment. But to 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 (1 Corinthians 4:3). Our ultimate judge is the Lord, and His approval is what truly matters. Humility and Perspective Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach humility. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). Recognizing that all we have is from God fosters humility and gratitude. Suffering and Apostolic Example Paul describes the hardships faced by apostles, highlighting the contrast between worldly honor and the reality of apostolic life. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong (1 Corinthians 4:10). This serves as a reminder of the cost of true discipleship. Practical Applications Evaluate Your Faithfulness Regularly assess your faithfulness in the roles and responsibilities God has given you. Are you seeking to please God above all else? Seek God's Approval Focus on God's judgment rather than human opinions. Let His Word guide your actions and decisions. Cultivate Humility Acknowledge that all your gifts and abilities are from God. Use them to serve others and glorify Him. Embrace Suffering for Christ Be prepared to face challenges and hardships for the sake of the Gospel, knowing that they are part of following Christ. People 1. Paul Paul is the author of 1 Corinthians and is addressing the Corinthian church in this chapter. He describes himself as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). The Greek word for "servant" here is "ὑπηρέτης" (hypēretēs), which implies an under-rower or subordinate, emphasizing his role in serving Christ. 2. Apollos Apollos is mentioned by Paul as another leader in the early church. Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach the Corinthians about humility and unity (1 Corinthians 4:6). Apollos was known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). 3. Timothy Timothy is mentioned as someone Paul is sending to the Corinthians to remind them of his ways in Christ (1 Corinthians 4:17). Timothy was a close companion and mentee of Paul, often entrusted with important missions to various churches. Places 1. Corinth While not explicitly mentioned in chapter 4, the entire letter is addressed to the church in Corinth. Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for moral challenges. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians to address various issues within the church, including divisions and misunderstandings about leadership. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul emphasizes the role of apostles as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). He stresses the importance of faithfulness and humility, reminding the Corinthians not to judge before the appointed time when the Lord will bring to light what is hidden in darkness (1 Corinthians 4:5). While the chapter does not list specific places, understanding the context of Corinth and the issues faced by the early church there is crucial for interpreting Paul's message. Events 1. Stewards of the Mysteries of God Paul begins by describing himself and other apostles as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). The Greek word for "servants" here is "ὑπηρέτας" (hypēretas), which implies a subordinate role, emphasizing humility and service. 2. Requirement of Faithfulness Paul emphasizes that it is required of stewards to be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). The Greek term "πιστός" (pistos) is used for "faithful," highlighting the importance of trustworthiness and reliability in their role. 3. Judgment by the Lord Paul states that he cares very little if he is judged by others or by any human court, as he does not even judge himself (1 Corinthians 4:3). He underscores that the ultimate judgment comes from the Lord, using the Greek word "ἀνακρίνω" (anakrinō) for "judge," which means to examine or scrutinize. 4. Awaiting the Lord’s Judgment Paul advises not to judge anything before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5). The Greek word "φωτίσει" (phōtisei) means "will bring to light," indicating divine revelation and judgment. 5. Apostolic Example and Humility Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach the Corinthians not to go beyond what is written, so that none of them will be puffed up in favor of one against another (1 Corinthians 4:6). The Greek term "φυσιόω" (physioō) means "puffed up," referring to arrogance or pride. 6. Rhetorical Questions on Boasting Paul asks rhetorical questions to challenge the Corinthians' boasting, reminding them that everything they have is received from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). This emphasizes humility and gratitude, as the Greek word "λαβόντες" (labontes) means "received." 7. Contrast of Apostolic Hardship and Corinthian Pride Paul contrasts the hardships faced by the apostles with the Corinthians' sense of being "full" and "rich," using irony to highlight their misplaced pride (1 Corinthians 4:8-13). The Greek word "κορεσθέντες" (koresmoi) means "full," indicating self-satisfaction. 8. Paul’s Fatherly Admonition Paul expresses his paternal care for the Corinthians, stating that though they have many guardians in Christ, they do not have many fathers, for he became their father through the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). The Greek word "παιδαγωγοὺς" (paidagōgous) refers to guardians or tutors, emphasizing his unique role. 9. Call to Imitate Paul Paul urges the Corinthians to imitate him, as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16). The Greek word "μιμηταί" (mimētai) means "imitators," suggesting a model of behavior to follow. 10. Sending of Timothy Paul informs the Corinthians that he is sending Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ, which he teaches everywhere in every church (1 Corinthians 4:17). The Greek word "ἀναμιμνῄσκων" (anamimnēskōn) means "remind," indicating the role of Timothy as a faithful messenger. 11. Warning Against Arrogance Paul warns some of the Corinthians who have become arrogant, as if he were not coming to them (1 Corinthians 4:18). The Greek word "ἐφυσιώθησαν" (ephysiōthēsan) means "have become arrogant," highlighting their prideful attitude. 12. Promise of Coming with Power Paul assures them that he will come to them soon, if the Lord wills, and will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people but their power (1 Corinthians 4:19). The Greek word "δύναμις" (dynamis) means "power," referring to the true spiritual authority. 13. Kingdom of God in Power Paul concludes by stating that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (1 Corinthians 4:20). This emphasizes the transformative and authoritative nature of God's kingdom, with "δύναμις" (dynamis) again underscoring the concept of divine power. 14. Choice of Approach Paul gives the Corinthians a choice regarding his approach when he visits: with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness (1 Corinthians 4:21). The Greek word "πραΰτητος" (prautētos) means "gentleness," indicating a preference for a loving and gentle correction. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ This verse underscores the reward for faithfulness. Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. This verse reinforces the importance of seeking God's approval. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. This verse complements the call to humility found in 1 Corinthians 4. Prayer Points Pray for Faithfulness Ask God to help you remain faithful in all areas of your life and ministry. Pray for Right Focus Seek God's guidance to focus on His approval rather than the opinions of others. Pray for Humility Request a humble heart that recognizes God's sovereignty in all things. Pray for Strength in Suffering Ask for strength and perseverance in the face of trials and challenges for the sake of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of being a steward of the mysteries of God apply to your life? 2. What do you learn from Paul's approach to human judgement versus God's judgement? 3. How does this chapter reshape your understanding of Christian leadership? 4. What does the apostles' suffering for Christ teach us about the cost of discipleship? 5. How do you react when you face suffering or persecution for Christ's sake? 6. How does Paul's admonition to the Corinthians as his spiritual children speak to you? 7. How can you emulate Paul's humility in your leadership roles? 8. What does it mean to imitate Paul as he imitates Christ? 9. How can we ensure our lives reflect the power of God's kingdom, not just words? 10. How do Paul's words about the hardships he faced influence your perspective on your personal challenges? 11. How can the depiction of apostles as the "scum of the world" impact our view of societal status and success? 12. How can we foster spiritual fatherhood or motherhood within our Christian communities? 13. How does understanding ourselves as stewards of God’s mysteries affect our approach to sharing the gospel? 14. How can Paul's teachings guide us when dealing with arrogance within our faith communities? 15. How should we respond when our faithfulness to God contrasts with the world’s standards or judgment? 16. How does Paul's description of the hardships he faced resonate with Christians facing persecution today? 17. What lessons can modern Christian leaders draw from Paul's attitude towards his role as an apostle? 18. How can we apply Paul's balance of gentle guidance and firm admonition in our interactions with others? 19. How does the contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom manifest in your life? 20. How does the theme of humility in this chapter influence your everyday decisions and interactions? Topics 1. Stewards of the Mysteries of God Paul begins by describing himself and other apostles as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). The Greek term for "stewards" (οἰκονόμους, oikonomous) implies a manager or overseer, emphasizing the responsibility to faithfully manage the divine truths entrusted to them. 2. The Requirement of Faithfulness Paul emphasizes that "it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). The Greek word for "faithful" (πιστός, pistos) underscores the necessity of trustworthiness and reliability in handling God's mysteries. 3. Judgment and Accountability Paul discusses the limited value of human judgment, stating, "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court" (1 Corinthians 4:3). He highlights that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord, who will "bring to light what is hidden in darkness" (1 Corinthians 4:5). 4. The Example of Humility Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach humility, urging the Corinthians "not to go beyond what is written" (1 Corinthians 4:6). This instruction is rooted in the Greek concept of humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosyne), which involves a modest view of one's importance. 5. The Contrast Between Apostles and Corinthians Paul contrasts the hardships faced by apostles with the Corinthians' perceived status, saying, "We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ" (1 Corinthians 4:10). This irony highlights the apostles' suffering and dedication compared to the Corinthians' complacency. 6. The Apostolic Suffering and Endurance Paul details the apostles' sufferings, including being "hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and homeless" (1 Corinthians 4:11). This description underscores the Greek concept of endurance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) in the face of trials. 7. Paul's Fatherly Admonition Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthians, saying, "For in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15). The Greek term for "father" (πατήρ, patēr) conveys a sense of authority and care in guiding their spiritual growth. 8. The Call to Imitate Paul Paul urges the Corinthians to "be imitators of me" (1 Corinthians 4:16), emphasizing the importance of following his example as he follows Christ. The Greek word for "imitators" (μιμηταί, mimetai) suggests a close emulation of his conduct and faith. 9. Timothy's Role as a Faithful Messenger Paul mentions sending Timothy to remind the Corinthians of his teachings, describing him as "my beloved and faithful child in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:17). This highlights Timothy's role in reinforcing Paul's instructions and the continuity of apostolic teaching. 10. The Warning of Paul's Coming Visit Paul warns that he will come to Corinth soon, if the Lord wills, to address issues personally, stating, "I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing" (1 Corinthians 4:19). This reflects the Greek understanding of divine sovereignty (θέλημα, thelēma) over human plans. 11. The Kingdom of God in Power Paul concludes by asserting that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" (1 Corinthians 4:20). The Greek term for "power" (δύναμις, dynamis) emphasizes the transformative and authoritative nature of God's reign, beyond mere words. Themes 1. Stewardship and Faithfulness In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul emphasizes the role of apostles as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." The Greek word for "stewards" (οἰκονόμους, oikonomous) implies a manager or overseer, highlighting the responsibility and trust placed in them. Faithfulness is paramount, as "it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." 2. Judgment and Accountability Verses 3-5 discuss the theme of judgment, where Paul states, "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself." The Greek word for "judge" (ἀνακρίνω, anakrino) suggests a thorough examination. Paul underscores that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord, who "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness." 3. Humility and Boasting In verses 6-7, Paul warns against pride and boasting, asking, "What do you have that you did not receive?" The Greek term for "boast" (καυχάομαι, kauchaomai) conveys a sense of self-glorification. Paul encourages humility, reminding believers that all they have is received from God. 4. Apostolic Suffering and Example Verses 8-13 contrast the Corinthians' perceived status with the apostles' reality, describing the apostles as "fools for Christ" and "the scum of the earth." The Greek word for "scum" (περικαθάρματα, perikatharmata) refers to something discarded or worthless. This theme highlights the apostles' suffering and their role as examples of endurance and faith. 5. Spiritual Fatherhood and Instruction In verses 14-17, Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthians, saying, "For in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." The Greek word for "father" (πατήρ, pater) emphasizes a nurturing and guiding role. Paul urges them to imitate him, reinforcing the importance of spiritual mentorship and instruction. 6. Authority and Power in the Kingdom of God Verses 18-21 address the theme of authority, where Paul challenges those who are arrogant, stating, "The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." The Greek word for "power" (δύναμις, dynamis) signifies divine strength and authority. Paul asserts that true authority in the kingdom is demonstrated through God's power, not mere words. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions