1 Corinthians Chapter 4

Attitude Toward Christ’s Ministers

¹ People should consider us ministers of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. ² A steward must be reliable, ³ but it’s not important to me that you or any human court would try to evaluate me; I don’t even try to evaluate myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t make me right. The Lord’s the One that evaluates me. ⁵ So, don’t rush to judgment before the Lord comes. He’ll bring to light what darkness hides and reveal the motives in people’s hearts. Then God will do the complimenting.                                    

1 Cor 4:1-5

⁶ I’ve applied these matters to me and Apollos to teach you not to go beyond what scripture says, so none of you will get conceited. ⁷ Who makes you^sg superior? What do you^sg have you didn’t receive? If you received it, why act proud as if you didn’t. ⁸ You’re^pl full! You’re rich! You’ve become kings without us! I wish you had become kings so we could reign with you. ⁹ I think God has placed us apostles last as sentenced to death. We’ve become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to people. ¹⁰ We’re fools for Christ; you’re wise in him! We’re weak; you’re strong! We’re disrespected; you’re respectable! ¹¹ To this day we’re hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, harassed, homeless, ^12-13 and do manual labor. We bless in return for insult and encourage in return for slander. We’re patient when persecuted, and still treated like trash—like the scum of the earth.      1 Cor 4:6-13

¹⁴ I’m not writing this to make you feel bad, but to warn you like children I care about. ¹⁵ You may have countless instructors in Christ, but not lots of fathers. I became your father in Christ through the good news. ¹⁶ So follow my example. ¹⁷ That’s why I’m sending Timothy, my dear friend, reliable child in the Lord. He’ll remind you about my ways in the Lord like I teach everywhere in every church. ¹⁸ Some of you proudly claim that I won’t come to you. ¹⁹ But I’ll come soon, Lord willing, and I’ll find out, not the talk of the proud, but their power. ²⁰ God’s kingdom is not in talk but in power. ²¹ What do you want me to do, come with a rod or with love and a gentle spirit?             

1 Cor 4:14-21