Faithful Stewards of Christ | Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4 (Part 2)

'So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord’s work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him. 'I have used Apollos and myself as examples to illustrate what I have been saying: that you must not have favorites. You must not be proud of one of God’s teachers more than another. What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own? 'You seem to think you already have all the spiritual food you need. You are full and spiritually contented, rich kings on your thrones, leaving us far behind! I wish you really were already on your thrones, for when that time comes you can be sure that we will be there, too, reigning with you. Sometimes I think God has put us apostles at the very end of the line, like prisoners soon to be killed, put on display at the end of a victor’s parade, to be stared at by men and angels alike,' (1 Corinthians 4.5-9, TLB). In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the issues of pride, division, and spiritual arrogance within the Corinthian church. He reminds believers that church leaders are not celebrities to be ranked or compared, but servants of Christ and stewards of God’s truth. The primary requirement for a steward is not popularity or human approval, but faithfulness. Paul urges the Corinthians to think of him, Peter and Apollos as mere servants of Christ entrusted with the secret things of God. A servant does what his master tells him to do. We must do what God tells us to do. We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right. Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/1B7z2hNDz88  For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk