1 Corinthians 4 reminds me of my wedding day. My father-in law was very sick and knew he did not have long to live. On that day, he entrusted his pride and joy to me. I believe he had confidence that I would honor and cherish his daughter. Today’s lesson is about a father’s trust. The apostle Paul continues his letter to the church in Corinth by explaining the role of an apostle. He says apostles are “servants of Christ… entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.” He continues, anyone given this trust, “must prove faithful.” They owe that to the One who chose them. Paul does not worry if they judge him as lacking; he is not trying to please man. “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” He adds an important perspective that we often miss, “judge nothing before the appointed time.” We ought not rush relationships. Sometimes we embrace or reject someone before we really know them. Paul is talking about preachers. He says to “wait until the Lord comes.” We will not fully know anything until we look back from eternity, but today we do have the Holy Spirit of God to guide us as we inspect the fruit of someone’s life. “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” People are not always what they first appear. Before getting hitched to anyone, always watch to see if their words match their actions.
Paul boldly tells the Corinthian church, “I have applied these things to myself.” He says both he and Apollos have been trustworthy, “so that you may learn from us.” Specifically, he cautions: “Do not go beyond what is written.” We are all susceptible to pride. Anything we do to feel superior to another is being done with a wrong motive. Love builds up the other person. We should “not be puffed up in being a follower”. His point is that salvation is a free gift, meant to be freely shared. Since it cannot be earned, we have nothing to boast about. He pauses to point out an example that is very common today. “You have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us!” Many equate wealth or success with God’s blessings. That is a dangerous philosophy and terrible theology. He explains, “God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena.” He sharply criticizes their selfishness: “but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong!” Paul describes the life of the apostles: “dishonored… hungry… in rags… homeless… cursed… persecuted… slandered.” He adds, they endured it willingly and always answered kindly. Their responsibility was to honor God first, and cherish His word.
Paul closes the chapter with a picture of a father’s love. He begins by explaining the purpose of his letter: “not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.” Very few people in life will take the time to invest in our future: “you do not have many fathers.” He notes: “I became your father through the gospel.” He accepts the responsibility to be a role model: “I urge you to imitate me.” He taught that followers of Christ should humbly put others first. Biblical humility involves power bowing down to help the weak. Unable to be with them personally, Paul sends “Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord.” He will “remind you of my… life in Christ.” They think they are special, but he adds, this is “what I teach everywhere in every church.” Paul points out: “Some of you have become arrogant.” Then he closes with a question designed to make them consider if they have cherished the gift they have been given. “Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” Friend, have you honored the trust God has placed in you?