![]() ![]() He knew that one day he would be called to give an account of his stewardship. It was the Lord’s judgement that mattered most to Paul. Phillips paraphrases this verse, “I don’t even value my opinion of myself…but that doesn’t justify me before God.” Paul knew that although he was aware of no wrong-doing on his part, he might be mistaken. Phillips paraphrases this verse: “But, as a matter of fact, it matters very little to me what you, or any man, thinks of me…”Įven Paul’s opinion of himself was not as important as the Lord’s. It is too easy to misread situations and misjudge people. No man can look into another man’s heart and judge his motives. There were people who were critical of Paul, but the opinions of others were not as important to Paul as what the Lord thought. We must ask, “Have I been faithful to do the work God has assigned to me?”Ĥ:3 But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court in fact, I do not even examine myself.Ĥ:4 for I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted but the one who examines me is the Lord.Ĥ:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgement before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. A steward should be more concerned about pleasing his master than pleasing other servants or members of the household. The steward was subject to audit and accountability by his master. The steward of the mysteries of God must faithfully discharge his responsibilities and make the saving message of Christ known to all men. ![]() Notice that Paul did not say it is required of stewards to be eloquent, gifted, good-looking, or popular. The most basic requirement for a steward is faithfulness, honesty, dependability, trustworthiness. Only then can we serve humbly and faithfully, knowing that we are under authority of the captain of the ship and the owner of the house.Ĥ:2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. We too, should regard ourselves in this manner. As such, he labored to serve his master and with the understanding that he would be held accountable for the condition of the household. Paul also likened himself to a steward, an individual charged with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of a household. ![]() As such, his life was devoted to the service of a higher authority. Paul likened himself to an under-rower, a galley slave who served as an oarsman at the bottom of a ship. We should regard ourselves as servants and stewards. The “mysteries of God” is a reference to the revelation of God’s plan of salvation. ![]() Paul employed the terms “servants” and “stewards” to point the Corinthians away from personalities to Christ. “stewards” – from the Greek word “oikonomos” or “house manager.” The steward of a household (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 39:4-5) supervised the affairs of a household and was held accountable for the affairs of a household by the owner or master of the house. They were generally slaves who were chained to their post and often perished when ships sank. “servants” – from the Greek word “huperatas” meaning “ under-rower.” An “under-rower” was an oarsman who served in the lowest level of a trireme or three-banked ship. Paul described himself, Apollos, and Peter as… 4:1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |