Stewards of the Mysteries: Apostolic Humility and Judgement

1 Corinthians 4 shines a light on the crucial role of stewards of God's mysteries, underlining the requirement for faithfulness over any human judgment. It portrays the paradoxical nature of apostolic life – lowly in the eyes of the world but rich in spiritual blessings. Paul's fatherly affection and firm admonition present a balance between gentle guidance and the call to accountability. This chapter challenges us to reconsider our values, align our lives with the gospel, and live in the power of the kingdom, not merely in talk.

Verses 1-5: Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Paul expresses that he and Apollos should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. He emphasizes the requirement for stewards to be found faithful. He explains that human judgement, including self-judgement, is inconsequential compared to the Lord's judgement. God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will reveal the motives of hearts.

Verses 6-13: The Apostles' Suffering for Christ

In contrast to the Corinthians, Paul presents the apostles as last of all, sentenced to death, fools for Christ's sake, weak, and held in disrepute. They suffer hunger, thirst, persecution, and homelessness while laboring with their own hands. Yet they bless those who persecute them, endure slander, and become like the scum of the world.

Verses 14-21: Paul's Appeal as a Father Figure

Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is not shaming them, but admonishing them as his beloved children. He points out that while they might have countless guides in Christ, they only have one father in the faith, for he became their father through the gospel. He encourages them to imitate him and sends Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ. He warns those who are arrogant that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul presents himself and Apollos as servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. He discusses the importance of humility in leadership and the distinction between human judgement and God's judgement. Paul vividly depicts the suffering of apostles for the sake of Christ and concludes with an appeal to the Corinthians from his position as a spiritual father.

Stewardship of the Gospel
Humility in Christian leadership
Judgement from God vs. human judgement
Suffering for Christ
The fatherly role of apostlesThe role of Paul and Apollos as stewards of the mysteries of God
The importance of humility in leadership
The contrast between human judgement and God's judgement
The apostles' suffering for Christ
Paul's appeal as a father figurePaul
Apollos
The Corinthians
GodCorinth

1. How does the concept of being a steward of the mysteries of God apply to your life?

2. What do you learn from Paul's approach to human judgement versus God's judgement?

3. How does this chapter reshape your understanding of Christian leadership?

4. What does the apostles' suffering for Christ teach us about the cost of discipleship?

5. How do you react when you face suffering or persecution for Christ's sake?

6. How does Paul's admonition to the Corinthians as his spiritual children speak to you?

7. How can you emulate Paul's humility in your leadership roles?

8. What does it mean to imitate Paul as he imitates Christ?

9. How can we ensure our lives reflect the power of God's kingdom, not just words?

10. How do Paul's words about the hardships he faced influence your perspective on your personal challenges?

11. How can the depiction of apostles as the "scum of the world" impact our view of societal status and success?

12. How can we foster spiritual fatherhood or motherhood within our Christian communities?

13. How does understanding ourselves as stewards of God’s mysteries affect our approach to sharing the gospel?

14. How can Paul's teachings guide us when dealing with arrogance within our faith communities?

15. How should we respond when our faithfulness to God contrasts with the world’s standards or judgment?

16. How does Paul's description of the hardships he faced resonate with Christians facing persecution today?

17. What lessons can modern Christian leaders draw from Paul's attitude towards his role as an apostle?

18. How can we apply Paul's balance of gentle guidance and firm admonition in our interactions with others?

19. How does the contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom manifest in your life?

20. How does the theme of humility in this chapter influence your everyday decisions and interactions?