1 Corinthians

Friday, 16 May 2014

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 1 Corinthians 4:3

Verse 3 begins with “but” to indicate a contrast in what he just said about being “found faithful” in the previous verse. In Paul’s eyes, “it is a very small thing that” he should be judged by anyone except the true Judge of all righteous deeds and actions. The idea of being “judged” here implies the examination one would go through preliminary to a trial being held.

Speaking to those in Corinth, to him being found in this state had absolutely no importance at all when coming from “you or by a human court.” He had already found them worldly and carnal and so noted it to them in the preceding chapter (see 1 Corinthians 3:3, 4). They had divided allegiances between individual teachers and were not focused on Christ. If this was so (and he showed them that it was), then any such inspection of his work by them would ultimately be irrelevant.

What should be noted is that the term “human court” is the Greek anthrōpinēs hēmeras – man’s day; meaning the time from sunrise to sunset. It is translated as “court” because Paul is contrasting “the day of man” to the “Day of the Lord.” This sentiment is seen in 1 Corinthians 3:13 –

“…each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”

The brevity of human life and the lowliness of our knowledge in comparison to that of God finds man insufficient to make accurate and reasonable judgments concerning such awesome matters as Paul was blessed to impart by God’s Spirit.

And so this wasn’t just the case with those in Corinth, but with any human court. If a human court were to make an investigation into Paul’s imparting of “the mysteries of God” which he spoke of in 4:1, they could never correctly investigate the matter anyway. Such information and revelation would be beyond a human court’s ability to properly discern. And to prove this he continues on with words concerning himself.

He was so sure that such an investigation would come up short, that he exclaimed, “In fact, I do not even judge myself.” In his words, instead of the word krino – judge, he uses the term ankrino – examine. In other words, he is unable to examine these things himself, even though they were relayed through him. The mysteries of God were revealed to him by the Spirit of God. As he is a creature created by God, how could he examine something which was of a higher Source than himself? It would be impossible!

As the Pulpit Commentary notes, This “verse discourages all morbid self introspection. It also shows that St. Paul is not arrogantly proclaiming himself superior to the opinion of the Corinthians, but is pointing out the necessary inadequacy of all human judgments.” He, like they, was wholly unqualified to judge such high spiritual matters through earthly investigations.

Life application: Because the Bible is surely the word of God, having validated itself throughout history – both internally and externally, we must accept what has been received without judgment upon it. We are insufficient to judge what God has spoken. We may find it difficult, not suited to our taste in certain areas, or contrary to what we desire, but we must never attempt to find fault in it. God is God and God has spoken. Let us accept His word as it is written.

Your word is so precious to me Lord. Many times I’ve seen others in distress decide to pull it out and read its contents in order to find hope and encouragement there. Me… I will never wait until the time of anxiety arrives. I intend to stay ahead of the game, keeping it fresh in my mind and secure in my heart at all times. In this, I will be ready for any day of evil which comes my way. Thank You for Your word!! Amen.

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:2

Verse 2 begins with “moreover.” This builds upon verse 1 which said, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” In addition to this, or “moreover,” Paul now notes that “it is required…” Literally, this phrase is “it is sought for” or “it is expected.” If one is a steward of another, then they are responsible to their master. Certain things must be accomplished, certain qualities are looked for, and certain standards must be maintained.

In such a state it is required “that one be found faithful.” His words here certainly reflect the mindset of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:42, 43 –

“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.'”

The logic is that 1) Jesus Christ is the Master; 2) He selects His stewards; 3) He gives His instructions for proper stewardship (these are found in the Bible); 4) He will search out our works, attitudes, and results to determine our faithfulness.

Life application: Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? If so, you have become a “steward” or “servant” of Christ. Are you learning His instruction manual? Are you executing your duties according to that manual? This is our one shot at doing these things before we stand before His judgment seat. Make sure to do them diligently and correctly!

How great, splendid, and awesome You are, O God. You placed the galaxies in the heavens and set them in motion. And yet you are aware of every bumblebee that goes about its business of collecting nectar to make honey. How can such wisdom and power be! How magnificent are Your ways. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your wondrous creation and to behold Your revealed glory with my two unworthy eyes. Amen!

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1

Paul has penned many words concerning divisions in the church, especially those based on following particular individuals. However, he understood the human proclivity toward this kind of action. And so, having shown that Christ is the foundation and every other person is merely building upon that foundation, he now goes to the task of defining exactly how individual ministers should be perceived. Though they are not to be exalted, they have a particular distinction which is of note.

And so he begins chapter 4 with “Let a man so consider us…” He is referring to Cephas, Apollos, and himself, along with any others who come to add upon the foundation. These are to be considered “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” Paul elsewhere calls himself a “bondservant of Christ.” In Romans 6, he shows that we are all slaves to something. We are either slaves to sin (as Jesus Himself noted in John 8:34) or we are slaves to God and to righteousness. Therefore, his terminology that they are “servants of Christ” is inclusive of all believers.

In this state, they are to be regarded as equals by the Corinthians. All are under one Master and therefore all owe their allegiance to Him alone. But he continues by stating that despite their common status, they are also “stewards of the mysteries of God.” They, as apostles and teachers, carry the details of the faith for instruction and building up of the body. In this capacity, they are to be noted for their efforts. However, this type of note is to be shared among all who are in such a position. There shouldn’t be unhealthy divisions within the category.

And there are many categories within the faith. Paul gives several lists throughout his writings, such as one which is coming up in 1 Corinthians 12:27, 28 –

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

Life application: The Bible asks us to give honor where it is due. In 1 Timothy 5:17, for example, elders are to be given “double honor” for their service. However, this is a form of respect, not a point of exaltation and division within the body. Be careful to keep the integrity of the body through the exaltation of Christ alone.

There is a place where I can go
At any time of day or night
When my soul feels worn down
And I need the Lord to make things right

Heavenly Father, because of Jesus, I know that I have continuous access to Your throne of grace. Help me to use this glorious blessing always, never forgetting that You are with me in the trials as well as in the times of joy. Thank You for the bubbling-over fountain of life and love that I have available to me. Thank You for Jesus.  Amen.

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 1 Corinthians 3:23

To finish out his current thoughts concerning our allegiances and also to close chapter 3, Paul notes that “you are Christ’s.” We don’t belong to Paul or Peter, nor to any other individual, sect, or denomination. We don’t belong to a pope, pastor, or priest. Instead, we belong to Christ. He died for us, was resurrected proving that His work was accepted by God, and we have called on Him for salvation. We are His and to Him alone belongs our allegiance.

Understanding this, Paul finishes with “and Christ is God’s.” Christ is a member of the Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because we belong to Him, we belong to God. Jesus is our Mediator to God; no one else can satisfy that role. If we belong to Christ, and He to God, then we are accountable to God and owe Him our allegiance through Christ.

Paul’s order of argument and his logic have been exactingly laid out to keep us from misguided allegiances and distractions. And yet, we in the church have continuously failed to heed his words. We throw our trust behind a given pastor as if he were the ultimate authority over us in all matters. Some, like Jim Jones, have even taken their flock to their deaths. All of this tragically occurs because we fail to simply heed the words of the Bible.

Life application: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Lord God, thank you for those pastors and teachers who have instructed me in my walk. But Lord, help me to remember that they are just men doing their job and not the objects of my allegiance. In Christ alone will I trust. I know that any person can falter or let me down, but Jesus never will. Thank You for my ever-faithful Lord! Amen.

Monday, 12 May 2014

…whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.1 Corinthians 3:22

This verse is dependent on, and explains, the preceding verse which said, “Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours…” Included in “all things” is the list he now gives beginning with, “whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas.” Interestingly, Cephas (Peter) hasn’t been mentioned since 1 Corinthians 1:12, 13 when Paul said –

“Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

In the interim verses, he speaks about the work of Apollos and himself, but not Cephas. The reason why is clear when one understands that the Corinthian church is a predominantly gentile church. Whatever effect Cephas had on it was directed to the Jews as he is the “Apostle to the Jews.” However, Paul laid the foundation of the church at Corinth as a gentile entity and Apollos then continued on in that respect.

Cephas did his part, Apollos, did his part, and Paul did his part, but those in the church are the recipients of all of their labors which were united on the proclamation of Christ. The division of these into differing factions is pointless. And as the work of these three all belong to those at Corinth, so do –

1) the world, meaning all the created order that we can experience and search out in our attempts to know our Creator better;

2) life, which is speaking of the fullness of life in Christ rather than the vain and empty pursuits of life separate from Christ. Solomon, long before Paul, noted that “all is vanity” apart from God. Life ultimately has no meaning or purpose without Christ, but in Him there is the richness of  knowing that we are but pilgrims on a journey to a far better place. It is a place which transcends even….

3) death, the termination of this earthly existence is not a foe to the believer, but rather it is a part of assuming our inheritance. As Paul says in Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Peter explains it as “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3, 4);

4) things present, is the life we have been given. This is parallel to “life” noted above. Parallelism is used to reinforce a thought and asks the reader to reflect on it a second time. We are living in our present reality, but we have a hope in this reality which is beyond what we can fully grasp. And that will be revealed in the…

5) things to come, which is our heavenly inheritance and the fullness of eternal life granted by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Without this hope, all life is futile and factions are the norm. But in Christ, there should be no such divisions. All these things are united in Him for our benefit and in anticipation of that great Day.

Paul says that “all are yours” and as we are also the recipients of his letter to the Corinthians, we also are included in the promises found in Christ. This is the wonder of our state and it shows the absurdity of clinging to single teachers or dividing the fellowship in unnatural ways. Our eyes and thoughts are to be focused on the goal; on the prize; on Christ.

Life application: We have a heavenly inheritance, but we also have to work out our earthly existence. Let us therefore do the latter with the former firmly entrenched in our duties and attitudes, to the glory of God.

Lord, how good it is to arise and see the world unfold anew each day. As I see the little animals going about their lives, the birds flittering through the skies, and the plants and trees reaching toward the sunshine, I know that Your gracious hand has given these things for our enjoyment and care. Help me to be responsible as a part of this world, but ever-living with the notion that You have something even more wonderful in store for me as I wait upon that Day when Jesus takes me to my true home. Amen.