Thus should one regard us:
as servants of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Now it is of course required of stewards
that they be found trustworthy.
(1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
We are servants of Christ. This means adopting a posture of humility and service in all we do. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own and serving with a heart that seeks to honor God. We are entrusted with various responsibilities and gifts. It is important to be faithful stewards of what God has given us. This includes our time, talents, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts wisely and for God’s glory, not for personal gain or recognition.
Human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on pleasing God. His judgment is what ultimately matters, and He sees the true intentions of our hearts. We are encouraged to refrain from making hasty judgments about others. Only God knows the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for God’s judgment, we practice patience and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.
Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before God.
Servants of Christ
In humble service, we stand tall,
With hearts that heed the Savior’s call.
To place others’ needs before our own,
In every act, His love is shown.
Entrusted with gifts, both great and small,
We strive to be faithful, giving our all.
Time, talents, and resources we share,
For God’s glory, with utmost care.
Human judgment, flawed and blind,
In God’s approval, peace we find.
His gaze sees the heart’s true intent,
On pleasing Him, our focus is bent.
Refrain from haste in judging others,
For only God knows what each heart covers.
In patience, we trust His perfect plan,
His wisdom guides us, hand in hand.
Genuine faith, in actions pure,
Not for show, but to endure.
Living true to our divine call,
Authentic before God, we give our all.
Prayer for Servants of Christ
Heavenly Father,
We come before You as humble servants of Christ, seeking to adopt a posture of humility and service in all we do. Help us to put others’ needs before our own and to serve with hearts that seek to honor You.
You have entrusted us with various responsibilities and gifts. Grant us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of what You have given us—our time, talents, and resources. May we use these gifts wisely and for Your glory, not for personal gain or recognition.
Lord, we acknowledge that human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, help us to focus on pleasing You. Your judgment is what ultimately matters, and You see the true intentions of our hearts.
Teach us to refrain from making hasty judgments about others, for only You know the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for Your judgment, we practice patience and trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom.
Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II. Disorders in the Corinthian Community
PAULS LIFE AS PATTERN
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
First Reading | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
Background:
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is part of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of leadership, judgment, and faithfulness.
Historical Context
Corinth was a wealthy and cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece, known for its commercial prosperity and diverse population1. Paul established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and spent about 18 months there. The city was a hub of various cultural influences, which often led to moral and spiritual challenges for the early Christians.
Key Themes in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Servanthood and Stewardship: Paul emphasizes that apostles and ministers should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. This highlights the humility and responsibility required in their roles.
Faithfulness: Paul stresses the importance of being faithful stewards. It’s not about seeking human approval but being faithful to God’s calling.
Judgment: Paul addresses the issue of judgment, stating that human judgment is insignificant compared to God’s judgment. He encourages the Corinthians to refrain from premature judgments and to wait for the Lord, who will reveal the true intentions of the heart.
Practical Application
Paul’s message in these verses encourages believers to focus on faithfulness and humility in their service to God. It’s a reminder that ultimate judgment belongs to God, and we should trust in His timing and wisdom.
Learning Lessons:
1. Embrace Servanthood. Paul reminds us that we are servants of Christ. This means adopting a posture of humility and service in all we do. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own and serving with a heart that seeks to honor God. Approach your roles and responsibilities with a servant’s heart.
2. Be Faithful Stewards. We are entrusted with various responsibilities and gifts. Paul emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has given us. This includes our time, talents, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts wisely and for God’s glory, not for personal gain or recognition. Use your gifts and resources wisely, always aiming to honor God.
3. Seek God’s Approval. Paul points out that human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on pleasing God. His judgment is what ultimately matters, and He sees the true intentions of our hearts. Focus on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval.
4. Avoid Premature Judgments. We are encouraged to refrain from making hasty judgments about others. Only God knows the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for God’s judgment, we practice patience and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.Trust in God’s timing and refrain from making quick judgments about others.
5. Focus on Inner Authenticity. Paul’s message encourages us to be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before God. Strive to be genuine and true in your faith journey.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot