I Cor. 4
In our view of ministers, we must be cautious to not be extreme in any one way…not indifferent that we accept anybody who comes along. Not to be hypercritical. It is important we “try the spirits” I John 4:1-6 and II John. We must not grieve the Spirit as we do so.
Because of the rich field of churches, no arbitrary attendance requirements, each believer has the freedom to select by the leading of the Holy Spirit where they will attend church for fellowship with the local body. One important and critical guideline is the ministers that lead the body -- their qualifications and the life they live as a witness.
Paul describes the minister:
The Steward, Faithful – worthy of trust. 4:1-6 Ministering servants of the Christ = under rowers. Slaves who rowed the huge Roman galleys. Not the captains of the ship, but the galley slaves who are under orders…one not being greater than another.
A steward is a servant who manages everything for his master, but who himself owns nothing. The responsibility of the steward is to be FAITHFUL to his master. He may not please others but if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward. (Rom. 14:4)
A servant is constantly being judged: 1. Man’s judgment – others are often critical 2. the servant’s own self-judgment – even tho’ Paul new nothing that was amiss in his life and ministry…Paul knew that he did not know himself completely…a fine line between a clear conscience and a self righteous attitude. 3. God’s judgment…most important. God judges us through His Word Heb. 4:12 by the ministry of the Spirit and sometimes the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and confess sin Matt. 18:15-17. Final evaluation at the Judgment Seat of Christ Rom. 14:10, II Cor. 5:10.
The local church is a family and members of the family must help each other to grow. There is a place for honest, loving criticism Eph. 4:15
Paul is warning not to judge by own personal preferences and prejudices. They were not to compare ministers with one another. ONLY by the written Word. The Bible clearly reveals what kind of life and service is required of God’s ministers. There is no need for us to devise new standards. Tearing down someone else to build up someone you are prejudiced for is unworthy! Such actions promote division in the church. Paul knows that they need to examine their own hearts and get rid of the pride that was destroying the church.
God’s servants are stewards of His truth and the key test is: Have they been faithful to obey and to teach the Word of God? Not just faithful preaching, but faithful practicing as well.
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The Spectacle - Humbleness: In boasting about whose side they were on, many Corinthians had forgotten they belonged to God’s church in the first place only because they had received God’s grace. V. 7 Paul is emphasizing that we must think of men in accordance with Scripture and not to go beyond that which is written…“That no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
The opposite of being puffed up or prideful is humility which the minister of the Lord is to be an humble spectacle. Paul imagined himself and other ministers to be marched into a grand Roman arena…displayed before everyone!
Many Christians want a reputation of being wise and strong when Paul had warned of such false pretensions of self estimation and that the Lord would use the weak and foolish. They were seeking the honor that comes from men, not the honor that comes from God. They were borrowing honor by associating themselves with great men. Paul’s answer: If you associate with us, you had better be ready for suffering. We apostles are not held in honor—we are despised!
Faithfulness in service and humbleness of mind: these are 2 important characteristics of a minister of Jesus Christ. Must be willing to work and must be willing to suffer.
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Being Fatherly: Tenderness faithful to the One Who enlisted him. Paul’s intention had not been to shame the Corinthians because of their immaturity. He wanted to warn them for their own spiritual welfare. When Paul addressed them as my dear children…his love for these ornery believers is clear. 1. Paul made an emphatic statement. “I have fathered you.” He was not denying the reality that the Holy Spirit is the One who truly gives birth to believers. Leading someone to the Lord makes us a spiritual parent…no special authority…but it does create a special relationship that God can use to help the infant Christian to grow. The local church is God’s family for helping the newborn Christians develop. Christ did the saving, the father only stands by and witnesses and assists in the birth. IN Christ Jesus… Through the Gospel
Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.” Paul understood himself to be a good model for the Corinthians to follow. Little children learn 1st by example and then by explanation. Paul was a good example because he was following the greatest Example of all, Jesus Christ. Empty talk can never substitute for the power of God’s Spirit at work in an individual’s life.
Paul was also a good teacher. It takes both example and instruction to bring a child to maturity. Paul sent Timothy to remind the church of the doctrines and practices that Paul always taught. Timothy went ahead to prepare the way for the letter that Paul writes.
The basic doctrines and principles are the same for every church. Men have gone beyond “that which is written” and this has brought division into the church.
Paul was faithful to discipline the family. A parent must teach the child to control his will. Unless a colt is broken, it is dangerous and useless; but once it learns to obey, it becomes gentle and useful.
Paul had been patient with the disobedience, but now he warns them that the time had come for discipline. A faithful parent must teach, must be an example, but also must discipline when they rebel and refuse to obey. There was much sin in the Corinthian congregation and Paul was prepared to deal with it. He had written before and they refused to obey. It is a principle of life that those who will not govern themselves must be governed. Insurance companies and medical authorities urge drivers to wear seat belts, but many refuse. Government requires…if you fail to obey, you will be punished!
Paul gave the Cor. church opportunity to set their household in order.
It is not an easy thing to be a minister of Jesus Christ. As a steward, you are to be faithful to your Master no matter what men may say to you or do to you. You will be treated as refuse by the people of the world. Your own spiritual children may break your heart and have to be disciplined. God’s faithful servants deserve our love, respect, obedience and prayer support.
I can’t remember who was speaking but the message touched me. In essence, he said, “when your pastor thinks about you, does it make him smile?” Before too long my pastor’s telephone rang. And how about you, do your sp. Leaders smile when they think of you?
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