I.
In this passage Paul asks the Christian community at Corinth to think of himself, Apollos and Timothy as –

“… servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.”

What do you hear Paul telling you about “servants” and “stewards”?

II.
1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21 (NRSVue)

Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 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 commendation from God.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another.

For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. But some of you, thinking that I am not coming to you, have become arrogant. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

III.
As I read this, I wonder why verse 15 was not included in this week’s reading.

“For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers.”

He would have them consider “servants of Christ,” “stewards of God’s mysteries,” “guardians” and “fathers” in the faith.

Take some time to think of those individuals and communities who have helped birthed you into the life of disciples of Jesus.

Who are they? When were they there for you? What have you taken from them? What path did they direct you on?

How have they encouraged you to become “servants of Christ,” “stewards of God’s mysteries” and spiritual parents to others?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}