1 Corinthians 4:1–5
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The word translated servants (hyperetas) in 1 Corinthians 4:1 stresses subordination and responsibility to a superior (it literally means ‘under rowers’ -galley slaves who rowed on the bottom level of a ship). Why is the fact that Christian leaders are under Christ important?
What does it say about the ways they should lead and the way we should respond to them?
2. Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 13:11 that the mysteries of the kingdom were given to
them. This means they were entrusted with some of ‘God’s secrets.’ There is a similar idea here
in 1 Corinthians 4:1. Although the focus is on Christian leaders, no doubt all Christians are entrusted with the Gospel. How should your life look if you know this? If you believe you have been entrusted with the Gospel message, what kinds of things should you do … and not do? What are some things you should spend time and money on if this is really true?
3. As stewards, ministers especially are entrusted with the mysteries of God (‘mystery’ here
refers to divine truth previously hidden). They are to teach and live them out. This means that
ministry is more than a mere profession, vocation or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship! What are some incorrect ways we can think of ministry? Inversely, how should we see
those who labor among us as leaders?
4. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Biblically, what exactly does it mean to be faithful? What does a life of faithfulness look like? What is the significance that God desires trustworthiness more than any other quality when it comes to his preachers?
5. What are a few Bible passages you can use to help you have a more accurate understanding
about what Christian ministry is and isn’t? Please write them below as well as how they can
help you think more biblically about Christian ministry:
REFLECTION QUOTE
“A popular game played by many Christians is that of evaluating pastors. All kinds of crite-
ria are used to determine who are the most successful, the most influential, the most gifted,
the most effective. Some magazines periodically make surveys and write up extensive reports,
carefully ranking the pastors by church membership, attendance at worship services, sizes of
church staff and Sunday school, academic and honorary degrees, books and articles written,
numbers of messages given at conferences and conventions, and so on. As popular as that practice may be, it is exceedingly offensive to God. … Paul makes it dear that popularity, personality, degrees, and numbers play no role in the Lord’s perspective - and that they should play no role in ours.”
SOURCE: John MacArthur, 1 Corinthians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996), 95-96.
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