UNROLL
A ring of plain bronze keys hanging from a wooden peg beside a heavy plank storeroom door, lit by a clay oil lamp.

The Book of

1 Corinthians 4

The Corinthians are judging their leaders. Paul answers: we are only servants, and one day the Lord will judge us all.

21 verses≈ 4 min3 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

  1. 1–4DivisionsChrist crucified, not rival leadersChapter 4
  2. 5–6A holy peopleDiscipline, lawsuits and the body
  3. 7–10Your questionsMarriage, food and freedom
  4. 11–14Worship togetherThe Supper, gifts and love
  5. 15–16Raised with ChristResurrection hope; the collection

Servants of Christ

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2

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I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. For who makes you so superior?

What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

1 Corinthians 4:7

Question

Quick question

A steward ran a household for its owner: the stores, the keys, the money. The goods were never his own.

What does Paul say is required of stewards?

Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!

Paul

When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently.

1 Corinthians 4:12–13

Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Kings or fools?

You: kings“you have becomekings”Us: last inline“at the end of theprocession”Wise“you are wise inChrist”Fools“We are fools forChrist”Honored“You are honored”Dishonored“we are dishonored”

Whiteboard

Paul sets two pictures side by side. The Corinthians feel like kings already: full, rich, wise, strong and honored. The apostles look like the last captives in a parade: hungry, homeless and mocked. Paul isn’t sneering. He is holding up a mirror, so they can see that the way of Christ still runs through the cross before the crown.

Reflect

Bless, endure, answer gently

Paul’s answer to insult was not to hit back: “When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently.” Think of someone who has spoken against you or treated you unfairly. What would it look like to bless them this week? Write down one gentle answer you could give, and one way you could do them good.

Paul’s Fatherly Warning

From PaulTo the church of God in Corinth

I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:14–15

A young traveler with a satchel and walking staff sets out alone along a coast road at dawn, seen from behind.

Therefore I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

0:15

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

MacedoniaAchaiaEphesusCorinth

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Timothy’s road to Corinth

Paul writes from Ephesus. He has already sent Timothy ahead, probably overland through Macedonia (Acts 19:22), so the letter may well reach Corinth first. Timothy will remind the church of Paul’s “way of life in Christ Jesus,” and Paul plans to follow: “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing.”

Pray

Faithful, and gentle

Thank God for the people who brought you to faith or helped you grow, your fathers and mothers in the gospel. Ask Him to make you a faithful steward of what He has given you, quick to receive correction and slow to boast. And ask for a gentle spirit toward those you lead, love or teach, so that the kingdom shows in you not as talk but as power.

You’ve experienced

1 Corinthians 4

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A verse to carry with you

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2

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