The Apostles Purpose in 1 Corinthians 4

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 4

Introduction: In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul speaks to the church in Corinth about the nature of apostleship and Christian leadership, emphasizing humility, service, and the importance of judgment by God rather than humans. He speaks about the value of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God and the right perspective on suffering. Paul challenges believers to consider the source of true wisdom and to live in a way that is a witness of the kingdom of God, rather than the standards of the world. This chapter is a call to faithfulness, a reminder of God’s ultimate judgment, and an invitation to imitate Paul’s example in Christ, as good for us today in year 2024 as it was when written.

I. The Role of Apostles as God’s Servants (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 describes apostles as stewards of God’s mysteries who must be found faithful in all things Christ. We read in Luke 12:42-44 about the faithfulness required of stewards and in 2 Timothy 2:15 the Bible talks about being approved by God as a worker, a true worker of God is God called and placed. We read in Ephesians 3:8-9, Paul speaks of himself being appointed by God, called by God, and a steward of God to show the mysteries of God to the gentiles. Paul says that the main objective of their work is faithfulness in God’s judgement, not human judgment.

II. Judgment Belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
In 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, Paul says that human judgments are insignificant compared to God’s, because he is just, righteous and impartial in his judgement. Jesus spoke about judging others in Matthew 7:1-2, He warned against judging others, and in Romans 14:4, the Bible points out God’s role as the true judge. Also we read in James 4:12, that God is the only Lawgiver and Judge, once again stating, he is just, righteous and impartial in his judgments. Paul goes on to say that the Lord will bring to light what is hidden and judge the intentions of the heart.

III. Warning Against Pride (1 Corinthians 4:6-7)
Paul warns against pride and arrogance in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7. We all know what the wise Solomon said in Proverbs 16:18, it tells of the fall that comes after pride consumes the heart. We read in Romans 12:3 that believers should no think too highly of themselves, this is dangerous ground for any believer to tread upon. Paul points out the fact, that everything they have is received from God, thus they have no reason for boasting.

IV. The Irony of Apostolic Suffering (1 Corinthians 4:8-13)
In 1 Corinthians 4:8-13, Paul compares the Corinthians’ sense of doing well in the world with the apostles’ suffering, saying that they do the hardest work, and bless people when they curse them. Jesus spoke about this topic in Matthew 5:11-12, He talks about rejoicing in persecution, and the apostles were persecuted. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul lists many of the hardships he faced in his ministry. Also in Philippians 3:10, the Apostle Paul talks about sharing in Christ’s pain and sufferings. In these verses, Paul highlights the irony of their different situations to point Corinthians towards true faithful discipleship.

V. Paul’s Paternal Care for the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:14-17)
Paul  speaks to the Corinthian believers as his dear children, and how that through Jesus Christ, he has given birth to them. We read in 2 Timothy 1:2, Paul calls Timothy his beloved son in the faith, and in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Paul says he was like a father with his children while teaching the Thessalonians. Also in Philippians 4:9, Paul encourages believers to follow his example, like we do with our beloved children. He encourages them to imitate him, follow me as I follow Christ, and sends Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ.

VI. The Need for True Power, Not Just Words (1 Corinthians 4:18-21)
1 Corinthians 4:18-21 talks about the difference between empty words and the true power of God Almighty. Jeremiah 23:29 speaks about God’s word being like a fire that is in the heart, and Hebrews 4:12 about the word of God being powerful, sharper than a two edged sword, able to divide the soul and the spirit of a man. The true power of God is not in empty words, but in life changing words. Empty words are just that, empty, but God’s word are the weapons of our warfare according to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, we read of the divine power of God’s Word for destroying strongholds. Paul challenges the Corinthians to see the power of God that is present with him and warns those who are arrogant and self serving.

Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 4 is a spiritual appeal from Paul, for humility, integrity, and authenticity in the Christian life and leadership. Paul sets an example of a faithful steward, undeterred by human judgment, always mindful of God’s ultimate authority. He cautions against pride and calls for a genuine display of God’s power rather than mere empty words. True apostleship involves suffering and service, as well as the responsibility to nurture and guide the church in the way of Christ. Paul’s invitation to follow his example is a reminder to live in a manner worthy of the calling, with a focus on the eternal judgment of God rather than fultile, fleeting human approval.