1 Corinthians 4:1-7

1: Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2: In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
3: But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4: For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5: Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.

6: Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.
7: For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

*** 

In keeping with the thought that all things belonged to them, even the ministers of God such as Paul and Apollos, Paul said to regard them as such—as servants of Christ and stewards of His mysteries. A steward must be trustworthy, not in the eyes of man, but of God. Paul said he didn’t even examine himself, meaning he was not the one to decide whether he was trustworthy, the Lord is.

Paul wasn’t looking for approval from man or even to justify himself but knew that the only approval that mattered was from the Lord. When the Lord comes, He will reveal the motives of every man’s heart. Their praise will come from God alone.

Paul said he used himself and Apollos as examples to show the Corinthians not to add more to Scripture than what was there. That caused arrogance which turned one against another. Every one of them had received their place and gifts from the Lord. There was no room to boast, for no one had made themselves into who they were apart from the Lord. Sticking to the accuracy of Scripture will keep us stable in our thinking. We don’t build on speculations or personalities, but follow the Lord and seek truth.




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