1 Corinthians 4
BSB1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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? 8 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! 9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. 14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 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. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 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. 18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 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. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4
- Themes from 1 Corinthians 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul responds to criticisms from the Corinthian church, emphasizing his role as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. He reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. Paul warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. He also defends his ministry, noting that he has been faithful in his service to the Lord. The chapter concludes with a warning against pride and a call to humility, as Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the apostle Paul's response to criticisms from the Corinthian church. The church had been divided into factions, with some members following Paul, others following Apollos, and others following Cephas. Paul responds to these criticisms by emphasizing his role as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. The chapter is part of a larger section in which Paul defends his ministry and warns against judging others.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of humility and faithfulness in serving the Lord. As servants of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, and to trust in the Lord to give the increase. We are also warned against judging others, and reminded that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter reminds us that as servants of Christ, we are called to be faithful and humble. We are not superior to others, but are rather servants of the Lord. The chapter warns against judging others and reminds us that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in the Lord and being faithful in our service to Him (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
Voices from the Church
“The true minister of Christ is a servant, not a master. He is a steward, not a lord.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden, and will reward each one according to their works.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Role of Ministers (1 Corinthians 4:1-5) — The apostle Paul emphasizes his role as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. He reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase.
- The Danger of Judging Others (1 Corinthians 4:6-7) — The chapter warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden.
- The Importance of Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:8-13) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- The Warning Against Pride (1 Corinthians 4:14-17) — The chapter warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
- The Call to Humility (1 Corinthians 4:18-21) — The chapter concludes with a call to humility, as Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Role of Ministers
- This chapter teaches that ministers are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. They are called to be faithful and humble in their service to the Lord.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- The Danger of Judging Others
- The chapter warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden.
- The Warning Against Pride
- The chapter warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4
- The Importance of Humility — This chapter reminds us of the importance of humility in serving the Lord. As servants of Christ, we are called to be faithful and humble in our service to Him.
- The Danger of Judging Others — The chapter warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- The Warning Against Pride — The chapter warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
- The Call to Humility — The chapter concludes with a call to humility, as Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
Themes from 1 Corinthians 4
- The Role of Ministers — This chapter teaches that ministers are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. They are called to be faithful and humble in their service to the Lord.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- The Danger of Judging Others — The chapter warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden.
- The Warning Against Pride — The chapter warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
- The Call to Humility — The chapter concludes with a call to humility, as Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be a servant of Christ, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How can we avoid judging others, and what are the consequences of doing so?
- What is the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, and how can we cultivate this in our own lives?
- How can we avoid pride, and what are the consequences of allowing pride to take root in our lives?
- What does it mean to be a steward of the mysteries of God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Role of Ministers (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
| 1 Corinthians 4:1 | The apostle Paul emphasizes his role as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:2 | Paul reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:3 | Paul warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:4 | Paul reminds the church that he is not conscious of anything against himself, but that does not justify him. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Paul warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
2. The Danger of Judging Others (1 Corinthians 4:6-7)
| 1 Corinthians 4:6 | Paul warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:7 | Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. |
3. The Importance of Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:8-13)
| 1 Corinthians 4:8 | Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:9 | Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:10 | Paul warns against judging others, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:11 | Paul reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:12 | Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:13 | Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. |
4. The Warning Against Pride (1 Corinthians 4:14-17)
| 1 Corinthians 4:14 | Paul warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:15 | Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:16 | Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:17 | Paul reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. |
5. The Call to Humility (1 Corinthians 4:18-21)
| 1 Corinthians 4:18 | Paul warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:19 | Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:20 | Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:21 | Paul reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a servant of Christ?
To be a servant of Christ means to be a faithful and humble servant of the Lord, recognizing that He is the one who gives the increase. As servants of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1).
How can we avoid judging others?
We can avoid judging others by recognizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. We should not judge others, but rather trust in the Lord to bring about justice and righteousness (1 Corinthians 4:5).
What is the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord?
Faithfulness in serving the Lord is crucial because it recognizes that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. As servants of Christ, we are called to be faithful and humble in our service to Him (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 4:1 → Matthew 25:14-30 | The parable of the talents reminds us that we are all stewards of the gifts and abilities that God has given us, and that we will be held accountable for how we use them. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 4:2 → Luke 12:42-48 | The parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants reminds us that we are all called to be faithful in our service to the Lord, and that we will be rewarded or punished accordingly. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 4:3 → Romans 2:1-5 | The warning against judging others reminds us that we will all be judged by the Lord, and that we should not judge others lest we be judged ourselves. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 4:4 → Psalms 51:1-4 | The reminder that we are not justified by our own works reminds us that we are all sinners in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 → 1 Peter 4:10-11 | The warning against judging others reminds us that we should not judge others, but rather trust in the Lord to bring about justice and righteousness. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:6 → Proverbs 24:23-25 | The warning against pride reminds us that pride goes before destruction, and that we should humble ourselves before the Lord. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 4:7 → Isaiah 66:1-2 | The reminder that we are not superior to others reminds us that we are all equal in the sight of God, and that we should not exalt ourselves above others. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 4:8 → 2 Timothy 4:1-5 | The emphasis on faithfulness in serving the Lord reminds us that we are all called to be faithful in our service to Him, and that we will be rewarded or punished accordingly. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 4:9 → Hebrews 13:17 | The reminder that we are all accountable to the Lord reminds us that we will all be judged by the Lord, and that we should strive to be faithful in our service to Him. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 4:10 → 1 Peter 5:1-4 | The warning against pride reminds us that pride goes before destruction, and that we should humble ourselves before the Lord. |
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib |
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"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.1:1-1:24 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of appreciating the good in other believers while also acknowledging their faults. He emphasizes that believers should not onl |
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Kingdom of God Is Not in Words by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians. He emphasizes that ministers of Christ should be seen as stewards of the mysteries of God and that fait |
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Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the |
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Holy Ground by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it |
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The Kingdom of God - Part 1 by B.H. Clendennen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again to truly experience the kingdom of God. It highlights the need for a genuine transformation where Christ is birthed in ind |
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The Voice of Gods Judgement by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He emphasizes that each person is given different abilities and resources according to their own |
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Apostleship - Part 1 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of missions and the willingness to face opposition and even death for the sake of spreading the word of God. He refers to the |
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"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4
In this chapter, the apostle Paul defends his ministry and warns against judging others. He reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants of Christ, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase. Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. The chapter concludes with a warning against pride and a call to humility, as Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The ministers of Christ are not to be judged by their success, but by their faithfulness.' (1 Corinthians 4:2). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Humility of Paul
The apostle Paul is remarkably humble in this chapter, emphasizing his role as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. He reminds the church that he and Apollos are merely servants, and that the Lord is the one who gives the increase.
The Danger of Pride
The chapter warns against pride, emphasizing that the Lord will bring to light the things that are hidden. Paul reminds the church that they are not superior to others, but are rather servants of Christ.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in serving the Lord, highlighting the role of ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.