This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.  Here, Paul builds on 1 Corinthians 3 where he is admonishing the church in Corinth for their divisions and conflict based on a "cult of personality." He, and Apollos and Cephas (Peter), are the subjects of such "cult of personality," but Paul moves on from discussing how he or any of the other church preachers/leaders should not be worshiped and put on a pedestal (instead Christ alone (the Creator) should be worshiped).  Now, building on the final verses of chapter 3 (where the leaders are fellow laborers for Christ) he continues discussing his role in the affirmative indicating that the church leaders/preachers should be regarded as "servants of Christ" and "stewards of the mysteries of God" (v1). The hope is that they are faithful stewards (v2).  Yet Paul is not worried about being judged, sharing that God alone is the judge (v4), and that when Christ returns all things unknown will be known and all will be judged according to their heart and what they have done (v5).  All of the petty conflict within Corinth is put into perspective and how it is deemed unimportant quarrels - we should all focus on Jesus and His mission, understanding that God expects this of us and ultimately we will be judged on how we did He expects of us. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and love for me - providing mercies that are new every morning and providing for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love grace and blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. v22

Paul writes to Timothy, who by most accounts is younger than many other church leaders at the time - perhaps easily swayed by others the same age pursuing earthly influences.  This of course strikes a chord given Zach and Dustin's age and my role.  I continue to encourage both of them to "[f]lee the evil desires of youth".  Yet in Paul's message there is of course guidance for us all. 

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. v23-26

I often find myself in "foolish and stupid arguments", being "quarrelsome" and I am reminded to "gently instruct" those who I desire to lead "to a knowledge of the truth".  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me truth and wisdom - I know You are not done with me, yet I am grateful for what You have done for me and continue to do for me.  Thank You Jesus for the blessings You pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2 Timothy 2

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. v23-26

What comes out of our mouth is a sign of what is in our heart so if we are quarreling, we have a heart issue.  Additionally, quarreling is not Godly per Paul in his words to Timothy.  

See also

• Ephesians 4 
• James 3 

My Prayer: Lord what an awesome God You are that You created language that we can communicate in sophisticated ways - writing, songs, movies, speaking, etc.  How awesome are You that provide all of this and You do it for Your glory!  You have gifted me with words - sometimes I use it for Your glory but sometimes I don't but instead am harsh with my words.  Thank You for blessing me with such gifts, but please forgive me if I fail to use them for Your glory!  Help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me glorify You by using words to encourage and bring others to You.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.