Introduction

Hey Church Family! Today, we are going to dig into 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. As we begin, I want to share a quote with you from John Piper, "It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about himself." As we serve God and strive to be faithful stewards, our focus must always be on the greatness of God, not on our own abilities.

The Calling

The apostles were a unique group of individuals who were called by Jesus Christ Himself to be His witnesses and to carry out His mission on earth. This calling was not only a great honor but also a great responsibility, as they were entrusted with the task of sharing the gospel and establishing the foundation of the church.

The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one who is sent out." This term is used to describe those who were sent out by Jesus to spread the good news of His life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His representatives on earth, and they were given the authority to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons in His name. This calling was not based on their own merit or abilities, but rather on the sovereign choice of God.

In the context of 1 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul is addressing the issue of divisions within the church at Corinth. Some members of the church were elevating certain apostles above others, causing strife and disunity. Paul reminds the Corinthians that all apostles are servants of Christ, and their primary responsibility is to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God. They are not to be exalted or idolized, but rather, they are to be regarded as humble servants who have been entrusted with a sacred task.

In the Gospels, we read about Jesus calling His twelve disciples, who would later become known as the apostles. Jesus chose these men from various backgrounds and professions, demonstrating that God's calling is not based on human qualifications or social status. The apostles were ordinary men who were transformed by their encounter with Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out their mission.

The apostles were responsible for laying the foundation of the church by proclaiming the gospel and teaching the doctrines of the faith. They were also given the authority to establish churches, appoint leaders, and provide guidance and direction for the growing Christian community. The apostles were the primary source of truth and authority in the early church, and their teachings and writings continue to shape our understanding of the Christian faith today.

They faced persecution, hardship, and even death as they carried out their mission. They were called to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, regardless of the cost. This level of commitment and sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of the apostolic calling and the high standard of faithfulness required of those who serve as Christ's representatives.

In addition to the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, the Apostle Paul is also considered an apostle due to his unique encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul's calling as an apostle was a dramatic example of God's grace and power at work in the life of a former persecutor of the church. Paul's transformation from a zealous Pharisee to a devoted follower of Christ demonstrates that God can use even the most unlikely individuals to carry out His purposes.

The calling of apostles is not limited to the twelve disciples and Paul, but also extends to other individuals in the New Testament who were sent out by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel and establish churches. These apostles, such as Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy, played a significant role in the expansion of the early church and the spread of the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire.

While the specific office of apostle is no longer active in the church today, the principles and responsibilities associated with their calling still apply to all believers. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the good news of the gospel and making disciples of all nations. We are also called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, diligently studying and applying the teachings of Scripture to our lives.

In light of this, it is essential for us to cultivate a deep sense of humility and dependence on God as we seek to serve Him and carry out our calling. We must recognize that our abilities and qualifications are not what make us effective in ministry, but rather, it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through us that enables us to fulfill our God-given purpose.

The Responsibility

In examining the responsibility of a faithful servant and steward, we must first understand what it means to be a servant and a steward ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO