I Corinthians 4: 1-9
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Paul is still going on about how these people have put Apollos and himself on pedestals, as though they were great men. He says, just consider them as slaves, serving Christ, and hired managers over God's secrets that He is now sharing with us.
In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
So, as God's employee, he wants to be honest and fair with his Employer's goods.
But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
It isn't at all important what people think of him, it's not for him to even evaluate his own service.
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
Paul's conscience is clear, but that doesn't mean he's innocent. He is leaving that evaluation to the Lord.
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the Time, but wait until the Lord comes
The Time is the Day of the Lord, when Jesus returns and we face His "Bema Seat" to receive whatever rewards He will give us. So don't jump the gun and judge one another now.
who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts;
Only God knows each of us intimately. He alone can assess each one of us according to the whole picture of who we are, how we think, and what we hide from one another.
and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
The "Bema Seat" is not for punishments--God put the wrath that is due us on Jesus on the Cross--but He will reward us for what we have done that will promote His program, and His Kingdom.
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written,
We need to be careful that we never add anything to what God had written in His Word. This is very important. Never approach the Word looking for what you want it to say, only to find out what it really does say. Don't leave anything out, but don't add anything to it, either. It is sufficient.
so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.
Paul says that he and Apollos are just teachers, they work for God, and they should not be compared to each other, as though one would be "better" than the other.
For who regards you as superior?
Who put you in charge?
What do you have that you did not receive?
Isn't what you have a grace-gift from God?
And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
So why are you acting like you're so much better than someone else who also received different grace-gifts from God?
You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.
You Corinthians have already been given such rich gifts from God that you are like kings in God's Kingdom. And Paul is glad of this, and looks forward to reigning alongside them in the Kingdom of God.
For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to Angels and to men.
He thinks that because the Apostles are on display so much, that it's like they're in cages, or in a window, where they are being shown off as a "coming attraction," an exhibition to entertain people and even God's Angels.
We all live in "glass houses" as Christians in the World. People are watching us to see if there really is any difference in trusting God rather than the World.
And Angels are also watching to see how we are using God's power to overcome temptations and sorrows and troubles. They are cheering us on, and moaning when we stumble, as athletic fans do in the stands. Sometimes God may even send one in to referee.
And saints who have gone on before are also in the bleachers, watching us who are still in the "game." They can't do anything else on the field, but we can know that they are there, to encourage us to do our best.
Paul doesn't want these Corinthian saints to lift him up higher than any other saint, because he's just doing what his Boss (Lord) "hired" him to do, just doing his job.
O my Father, please help us all to not think any more of ourselves than we ought, or to compare someone with someone else, to determine who is "better." Help us all to work together, to help one another, and to respect one anothers' differences, realizing that no one person can do everything.
Thank You, Father, for sending us leaders and teachers and pastors and evangelists to help us learn what we can do to help one another to get everything done in fulfilling all Your plans, Father, to usher in Your righteousness in each of our circles of influence, spreading the seed of the Gospel, and finding all of Your lost sheep who are still searching for You.
And when all the lost lambs have been found, and there is One Fold with One Shepherd, then:
Every eye shall see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord God Almighty, to the glory of Almighty God the Father.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
