City Life Starter

The Word (I Cor 4: 1-7)

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

By Blesson Selvanesan

Commentary:

As the Church at Corinth suffered from factionalism with people following their leaders rather than Christ, Paul was perplexed and wrote this long letter to address the problem. In these verses, he is addressing about the church leaders. Paul tells the church that the leaders are servants of Christ entrusted with various responsibilities and they have the freedom to do so within the boundary of the Word of God. It is likely that different leaders had different styles and function, people just followed certain leaders without realizing that all of them are essential of the normal functioning of the Church. He informs the church that their leaders are stewards and they are required to be faithful to men and God. They are simply doing their responsibilities that have been given to them. Paul exhorts the people to refrain from judging without knowing all facts before time and to wait until the coming of the Lord to know their real motives. He appeals to them against taking sides with church leaders. He further cautions them against becoming arrogant and boastful, rather be grateful for everything as they have received everything from the Lord.

Application:

In this era of mass media evangelism and multi-campus megachurches, it has common that many churches are revolving around personalities rather than Christ. Church hoppers and channel surfers have become couch potato theologians creating factionalism in churches and ministries. We see people traveling from city to city to see their favorite preacher with great fervor.  It is sad to see people are picking up arguments and fights over their favorite preacher or teacher forgetting that they are all stewards and God has entrusted a specific ministry to them. Further, it has become commonplace in many churches to have factions following various ministers and ministries. Although we may have a preference to be involved or interested in a certain aspect of ministry, however, one should clearly understand that God is interested in all aspects. One should be careful not to escalate interest into a certain kind of devotion leading to division.   

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for my church and my church leaders. Help us to stand with them as they obey your word to build your kingdom. Help us not to get entangled into factionalism rather let us promote unity fully understanding that You are the cornerstone of our church. Help us to respect and honor all our leaders who are entrusted with various tasks. Let us join together to build a church that will stand up for your cause, reflect your love and bring comfort for the hurting. In Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.