1 Corinthians 4:2
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moreover--The oldest manuscripts read, "Moreover here" (that is, on earth). The contrast thus is between man's usage as to stewards (Co1 4:2), and God's way (Co1 4:3). Though here below, in the case of stewards, inquiry is made, that one man be found (that is, proved to be) faithful; yet God's steward awaits no such judgment of man, in man's day, but the Lord's judgment in His great day. Another argument against the Corinthians for their partial preferences of certain teachers for their gifts: whereas what God requires in His stewards is faithfulness (Sa1 3:20, Margin; Heb 3:5); as indeed is required in earthly stewards, but with this difference (Co1 4:3), that God's stewards await not man's judgment to test them, but the testing which shall be in the day of the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, it is required in stewards,.... Upon mentioning that part of the character of Gospel preachers, as stewards, the apostle is put in mind of, and so points out that which is principally necessary in such persons: as, that a man be found faithful; to the trust reposed in him; to his Lord and master that has appointed him to this office; and to the souls that are under his care: and then may a minister be said to be so, and which is his greatest glory, when he preaches the pure Gospel of Christ without any human mixtures, the doctrines and inventions of men; and the whole Gospel, declaring all the counsel of God, keeping back nothing which may be profitable to souls; when he seeks not to please men, but God; and not his own glory, and the applause of men, but the honour of Christ, and the good of souls: and such a faithful steward was the apostle himself.
1 Corinthians 4:2
Servants of Christ
1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Through the Bible - 1 Corinthians - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.2K56:39Through The Bible1CO 1:91CO 2:11CO 3:61CO 4:21CO 9:161CO 12:41CO 12:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of Christ. He highlights the need to do what God has specifically called us to do, rather than getting caught up in various activities. The speaker encourages simplicity in preaching, emphasizing that the gospel is meant to be understood by all, including children and those with less education. He urges believers to focus on the work of evangelism and building the church, rather than getting caught up in committees and presentations. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of love and appreciation in our interactions with others, rather than criticism.
Winning God's Approval - Part 7
By Zac Poonen2.1K52:54ApprovalGEN 1:3JHN 2:3JHN 12:31CO 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord sacrificially and unselfishly. He highlights the need for believers to listen to God and do what He tells them to do, rather than just doing what they feel like doing. The speaker shares his personal experience of God constantly telling him to listen. He also discusses the significance of expressing gratitude to God through a life of service and sacrifice, rather than just seeking personal gain or comfort. The sermon references various biblical examples, including Mary's devotion to finding the body of Jesus and her willingness to serve Him.
Listening, Unburdening and Worshipping
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:13WorshipISA 30:15ISA 30:18ISA 30:201CO 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a disciplined tongue and using words to help needy people. He encourages listeners to wake up in the morning and listen to God as a disciple. The speaker also highlights the importance of being trustworthy stewards of God's mysteries and doing what God tells us. He mentions the example of Mary sitting at Jesus' feet to listen and unburdening herself to the Lord. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power of God's word and the need to control our tongues and overcome anger.
Understanding Dead Works
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:06MAT 6:8MAT 23:8LUK 10:42JHN 5:191CO 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and following God's ways as demonstrated by Jesus. It highlights the need to listen to God, wait on Him, and do exactly as He commands without relying solely on human reasoning. The speaker stresses the significance of avoiding dead works, making needs known only to God, and following the example set by Jesus and the apostles in all aspects of life and ministry.
Paul Before Agrippa - Part 4
By Joshua Daniel1.1K08:34PSA 119:90PRO 20:6ISA 43:101CO 4:2HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, constancy, and stability in relationships, drawing parallels between human vows and God's faithfulness. It highlights the need for believers to be faithful witnesses, declaring deliverance to the captives, and not rely on false assurances or sponsors for missionary work, but on the unchanging nature of God.
Responsibilities of Mothers
By Rachel Weaver80259:16DEU 28:1PSA 32:8PSA 90:12PRO 3:6MAT 11:281CO 4:2JAS 1:5In this sermon transcript, Mrs. Tawake discusses the importance of teaching and organizing our lives while incorporating the word of God. She emphasizes the simplicity of teaching while going about our daily activities. Mrs. Tawake acknowledges that she is also learning and working on organizing her own household. She highlights the need for discipline in our lives and how it brings order and structure. She encourages involving children in various activities such as folding laundry, dictating stories, and learning memory work.
Stewardship - Part 5
By David Adams74150:58MAT 6:33ROM 13:11CO 4:21PE 2:161PE 4:10REV 2:1In this sermon, the speaker acknowledges the abundance of material to cover and the need to condense it. They emphasize the importance of being faithful stewards of the ministries God has given us. The speaker references 1 Corinthians 4 and 1 Peter 4, highlighting the need to use our gifts to serve one another and to speak the word of God. The ultimate goal is to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
The Slowness of God's Ways
By Don Currin68653:55ECC 3:11MIC 7:7MAT 21:22LUK 2:251CO 4:2PHP 4:11JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting life, urging young people to stay in the Word of God, walk in the Spirit, trust God, and guard their hearts. It highlights the revelation of dependence on God in weakness and the need for the fullness of the Holy Spirit through faith. The speaker discusses the slowness of God's ways, the need to wait on God, and the dangers of impatience and seeking worldly strategies over divine timing.
For the Care of the Monastery's Property
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 27:231CO 4:2COL 3:23St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of caring for the monastery's property by appointing trustworthy sisters to oversee tools, clothing, and other articles. The Abbess is instructed to keep a list of these items to ensure accountability as sisters rotate in their responsibilities. Those who show negligence in handling the monastery's possessions are to be corrected and disciplined according to the Rule.
Thoughts for the Quiet Hour - June 10
By D.L. Moody0FaithfulnessStewardshipMAT 25:21MAT 25:26LUK 12:48ROM 12:61CO 4:2GAL 6:9EPH 2:10COL 3:23JAS 1:221PE 4:10D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of being diligent and faithful in our service to God, as illustrated in the parable of the talents. He reminds us that God evaluates us not solely on our current abilities or possessions, but on our potential and the opportunities we have to grow and serve. The contrast between the faithful servant and the slothful servant serves as a call to action for believers to maximize their gifts and responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.
Tearing the Blanket
By Arthur Vess0PRO 3:9MAL 3:10LUK 16:101CO 4:2GAL 6:7Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of being honest and diligent in tithing, cautioning against the excuse of giving more than the tithe without proper record-keeping. He highlights the need for self-reflection and implementing a systematic approach to tithing, reminding the congregation that God keeps accurate accounts of our offerings. Vess stresses the significance of giving the correct amount to God, just as one would in any financial transaction, as God cannot be deceived or mocked.
Common Faithfulness
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 5:48LUK 16:101CO 4:2COL 3:23Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in both small and large matters, highlighting that our actions in seemingly insignificant tasks reflect our character. She challenges believers to strive for perfection in their conduct, mirroring the perfection of God the Father in heaven. Tileston encourages a life of love and selflessness, where even the smallest actions can be opportunities to demonstrate love towards others and God.
The Exhortations of the Ordinal
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0EZK 33:6LUK 12:42JHN 14:26ACT 20:281CO 4:2EPH 1:19EPH 5:25COL 1:281TI 4:16HEB 13:171PE 4:10W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches about the high dignity, weighty office, and responsibility of the Church of England ministry, emphasizing the essential idea that a minister is first and foremost a man of God, a servant of God to His people. The sermon highlights the roles of Messengers, Watchmen, and Stewards in relation to God, the Word, and the Church, respectively. It also stresses the demands on the ministry to teach, admonish, feed, and provide for the Lord's family, as well as to seek and save the lost sheep. The sermon underscores the importance of prayer, Bible study, holy living, and concentration of purpose as conditions for ministerial power and the outflow of growth, holiness, and spiritual influence.
How to Deal With Vandals
By Denis Lyle02KI 2:23PSA 105:15PSA 111:10JHN 3:36JHN 15:191CO 4:2GAL 6:7EPH 4:152TI 3:12REV 17:1Denis Lyle preaches on how to deal with vandals, drawing parallels between the church under attack in Revelation and a modern-day church facing hostility. He discusses the story of Elisha facing opposition in Bethel, highlighting the vigorous hostility, vital ministry, and vocal antipathy he encountered. Lyle emphasizes the need for Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution, maintain a faithful ministry that balances grace and judgment, and uphold reverence for God and His servants.
Responsibility
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 28:20MAT 25:21LUK 16:101CO 4:2COL 3:23Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in stewardship, highlighting the need for individuals to be dependable, keep their promises, pay debts promptly, and be punctual in appointments. She contrasts those who are faithful in little things with those who have small failures, stressing the impact of a consistently faithful life that honors Christ and blesses others. Tileston also underscores the idea that duties withdraw from those who neglect them, and encourages aligning great thoughts with common duties as part of a ministry of love.
Faith + Faithfulness = Strength
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 7:13LUK 13:22LUK 16:101CO 4:2HEB 11:6JAS 2:17REV 3:20Richard E. Bieber challenges the common belief that everyone will ultimately make it to heaven, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in maintaining a relationship with God. He highlights that while Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, salvation is a gift that requires acceptance and ongoing commitment. Using parables and teachings from Jesus, he stresses the significance of staying faithful to the vision of Christ and living a life that reflects that faithfulness.
The Good Steward
By John Wesley0StewardshipAccountabilityECC 12:14MAT 6:19MAT 25:14LUK 16:2ROM 14:121CO 4:22CO 5:10COL 3:23JAS 1:171PE 4:10John Wesley emphasizes the concept of stewardship in his sermon 'The Good Steward,' urging believers to recognize their role as stewards of God's gifts. He explains that everything we possess—our souls, bodies, talents, and worldly goods—are entrusted to us by God, and we are accountable for how we use them. Wesley warns that our time as stewards is limited, and we must prepare to give an account of our stewardship when we stand before God. He encourages the congregation to use their gifts wisely and in accordance with God's will, as this is essential for true happiness and fulfillment. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a life dedicated to glorifying God through every aspect of our being.
William Edwy Vine
By John Bjorlie0PSA 25:9ISA 49:21LUK 17:101CO 3:131CO 4:2EPH 6:7John Bjorlie preaches about the life and legacy of William Edwy Vine, the author of the Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Vine, unlike many detached scholars, was a practical Christian who valued family, physical health, and spiritual habits. Through his personal experiences and spiritual discernment, Vine exemplified a life guided by faith and obedience to God's leading, especially in his missionary work and literary contributions.
The Reformed Pastor - the Oversight of Ourselves
By Richard Baxter01SA 2:302SA 12:141CO 4:21TI 4:16JAS 3:1Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of ministers taking heed to themselves, emphasizing the need for self-examination and personal holiness. He highlights the dangers of hypocrisy, the temptations that come with leadership roles, and the greater accountability that ministers face due to their position. Baxter urges ministers to be diligent in their spiritual walk, to avoid falling into sin, and to prioritize their own sanctification in order to effectively fulfill their calling and bring honor to God.
Give Me Souls, or I Die
By George Kulp0PRO 11:30ISA 53:2EZK 18:20MRK 8:36ROM 8:18ROM 10:131CO 4:21TI 4:16HEB 13:17JAS 5:16George Kulp preaches on the importance of faithfulness, the consequences of sin, the wisdom in winning souls, the accountability of watching over others' souls, and the priceless value of a soul. Through stories of evangelists like Harry Morehouse and Mr. Smith, he emphasizes the urgency of seeking salvation, the power of prayer, and the need to justify God's willingness to save. Kulp highlights the transformative encounters with God that lead to repentance, conversion, and a life dedicated to serving the Lord.
Biblical Principles of Christian Giving
By Colin Peckham02CH 31:21MAT 6:3MAT 25:21MRK 12:441CO 4:21CO 16:22CO 5:102CO 8:122CO 9:72CO 9:15EPH 5:3Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christian giving is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God, reflecting the believer's devotion and loyalty. The sermon highlights the importance of giving systematically, proportionately, individually, cheerfully, wholeheartedly, sacrificially, willingly, purposefully, faithfully, responsibly, generously, secretly, honestly, gratefully, and accountably, stressing the need for genuine motives and heartfelt surrender to Christ in stewardship.
Effectual Preaching
By Anton Bosch0JHN 3:30ROM 1:16ROM 8:29ROM 10:141CO 1:171CO 2:11CO 2:51CO 4:2Anton Bosch challenges the common notion that successful preaching relies on eloquence, charisma, and persuasive abilities, emphasizing that a preacher's focus should be on delivering the Gospel with simplicity and faithfulness, allowing the power of God to work in the hearts of the listeners. Drawing from Paul's example, Bosch highlights the danger of relying on human wisdom and clever presentation, which can hinder the true impact of the Gospel message. He underscores the importance of preachers humbly stepping aside to let God's transformative power work in the lives of the hearers, rather than seeking personal recognition or impressive results.
Faithfulness
By A.W. Pink0FaithfulnessLoyalty to GodNUM 12:7PSA 31:23PRO 13:17JER 23:28DAN 6:41CO 4:21CO 4:17GAL 3:91TI 1:12REV 2:10A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highlights that true faithfulness involves loyalty to Christ, unwavering commitment to preaching the truth, and the courage to stand firm against popular opinion. Pink illustrates this with examples from Scripture, noting that faithful servants like Abraham, Moses, and Paul were marked by their steadfastness despite personal costs. He warns that in a world rife with disloyalty and compromise, ministers must rely on God's promises to sustain their faithfulness. Ultimately, Pink calls all believers to embody this virtue, reminding them that faithfulness is essential for both ministers and the wider church community.
The Faithfulness of the Common Man
By Phillips Brooks0MAT 25:25LUK 16:101CO 4:2COL 3:23Phillips Brooks preaches about the importance of faithfulness in using our talents, emphasizing that the world will be enriched not just by the extraordinary achievements of a few gifted individuals, but by the consistent faithfulness of ordinary people in their daily tasks. He highlights the idea that common tasks are often the hardest, yet they hold the power to bring about significant change and transformation. Brooks encourages his listeners to see the dignity and importance in their seemingly mundane lives, as their faithfulness in small things can have a profound impact on the world.
Faithfulness
By J.R. Miller0CommitmentFaithfulnessPSA 15:4PRO 12:22MAT 25:21MRK 14:7LUK 16:101CO 4:2COL 3:232TI 4:7JAS 1:12REV 2:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the paramount importance of faithfulness in our lives, asserting that the highest commendation one can receive is to be called a 'good and faithful servant.' He explains that God does not require grand achievements but rather faithfulness in the small tasks and responsibilities assigned to us. Miller illustrates this through the example of Mary, who, despite her seemingly small act of devotion, provided immense comfort to Jesus. He stresses that faithfulness applies to all vocations and promises, urging individuals to uphold their commitments and perform their duties with excellence. Ultimately, he concludes that true faithfulness leads to divine approval and joy in the presence of God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moreover--The oldest manuscripts read, "Moreover here" (that is, on earth). The contrast thus is between man's usage as to stewards (Co1 4:2), and God's way (Co1 4:3). Though here below, in the case of stewards, inquiry is made, that one man be found (that is, proved to be) faithful; yet God's steward awaits no such judgment of man, in man's day, but the Lord's judgment in His great day. Another argument against the Corinthians for their partial preferences of certain teachers for their gifts: whereas what God requires in His stewards is faithfulness (Sa1 3:20, Margin; Heb 3:5); as indeed is required in earthly stewards, but with this difference (Co1 4:3), that God's stewards await not man's judgment to test them, but the testing which shall be in the day of the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, it is required in stewards,.... Upon mentioning that part of the character of Gospel preachers, as stewards, the apostle is put in mind of, and so points out that which is principally necessary in such persons: as, that a man be found faithful; to the trust reposed in him; to his Lord and master that has appointed him to this office; and to the souls that are under his care: and then may a minister be said to be so, and which is his greatest glory, when he preaches the pure Gospel of Christ without any human mixtures, the doctrines and inventions of men; and the whole Gospel, declaring all the counsel of God, keeping back nothing which may be profitable to souls; when he seeks not to please men, but God; and not his own glory, and the applause of men, but the honour of Christ, and the good of souls: and such a faithful steward was the apostle himself.