Becoming Humble Churches (1 Corinthians 4)

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing.

1 Cor 4:1-5 Ministers of Christ

1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

What are the ministers over us in the Lord? They are first of all, servants of Christ. Second, they are “in charge of explaining God’s mysteries.” (NLT) However, human ministers are helpless to do what only God can do, reveal God’s hidden things to the human heart.

Most pastors have an education in God’s secrets far beyond the average church member. We ought to realize that each member has specialized training in a trade or profession. So too, the overseers of the church. Their speciality is the mysteries of God, but unlike pagan mysteries which are kept secret, God’s mysteries are revealed to us through the teachers of the church and the action of the Holy Spirit.

The eastern concept of “mysteries” was later translated in the western church as “sacraments.” In one sense, we cannot limit the mysteries to just 2 or 7 sacraments, but see the sacramental nature of daily life, in that the world reveals the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Stewards manage God’s household. A doctor of theology who is a believer, is a great treasure trove of the secrets of God. But, better a lay person with bad grammar and rudimentary knowledge of the Bible who is faithful, than a thousand doctors who are unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

In many churches the Sunday roast is “roast pastor” as people criticize. Paul’s defense against this was no defense at all. He dismissed it as a small thing, not even wanting to judge himself. Paul realized that even after we have done our best, we all fall far short. He gave his short-comings to God.

1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

A clear conscience does not justify us. We all have unknown sins. We are not justified by an unreliable conscience, but by Christ. We are not qualified to even judge ourselves.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Though we must discern who tramples pearls (Matthew 7:6) and false prophets (Matthew 7:15), we ought not develop a critical spirit (Matthew 7:1). Jesus sits in judgment not us (Revelation 20:11-15).

1 Cor 4:6-13 Arrogant Pride

1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Clergy and laity alike are to be humble and not arrogant.

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

A modern translation makes this clear. “What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (NLT)

1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

These Christians deceived themselves. “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God's kingdom without us!” (NLT) A true education teaches us how much we don’t know.

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

Faithful leadership means sacrifice of personal life, being mocked, attacked, becoming the dregs of society in people’s minds. It can mean family turning against you, as Aaron and Miriam turned against Moses. Paul likens church leaders to prisoners of war, condemned to death and dragged along as the last in a victory parade.

1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.