1 Corinthians 4
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Let them look at you as one of Christ Jesus. Let them see Him in all you do. Don't hide it, let The Light shine†
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Can others count on you? Will you be there in their time of need? As the body, do you do your part?
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
It really doesn't matter if someone judges you good or bad. What does matter is how our Father judges you. Do your best as part of the body of Christ.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
As we should be there for people in need, our goals aren't to please people, but our Lord. Christian = Christ like.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Face it, some just can't be reached. Let them go their way. The day is fast approaching us all when we are face to face with The Lord. They'll see it as you do that day.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
It's not about the Pastor speaking, but God's Words being spoken. That's if you're blessed to have a church that teaches God's Word Chapter by Chapter and Verse for Verse.
7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
We are not above another person. We don't look at someone as higher than another, but instead one sent with another gift from God. Every believer makes up the body. Each has their place. Praise God, not humans!
8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
They think of themselves as gods. They look down at the congregation as though they're all sinners and they themselves live on a different plain. They believe they are the gift, born with abilities. They ignore the fact, all gifts come from God.
9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
The fakes are one thing, but in this flesh age, TRUE Christians will be hated of all humans and even the fallen angels. They're going to make fun and twist things on us. Doesn't matter!
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
We are just like other humans. We hunger, thirst, need clothing, hated for what we teach and have no real place to call home.
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Paul is telling the Corinthians, we don't beg for those things they have, we work for it.
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Paul lets them know how to handle what the world does to them. They come looking for a fight, bless them with The Truth. Plant and pray! Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
Being a Christian isn't going to be easy, but it sure will make you into someone that you yourself could never make. Christians ARE CAN DO children of God. I hope your church isn't full of a bunch of wimps, conforming to the ways of the world. I've found that to be the norm today.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Paul started the church in Corinth and the foundation of it was built on The Truth of Christ. They grew from Paul's teachings, which came from The Father, Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
As Paul followed Christ, Paul calls on the Corinthian Church to follow his example. Remember Who our foundation is. He is who we build the church on.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Timothy is coming to you to remind you of The Ways of Christ.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
Some of those in the church aren't expecting Paul to return and have let what they perceive as power, go to their heads. They think they're above others.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
Paul's coming to make straight those that think they're lifted above others, he comes with the power of The Holy Spirit.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Words are one thing, but actions are always louder than words. Paul threatens to take action.
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
In what manner do you want me to come to you? The choice is theirs.