Day 137 – Thursday, July 10, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

1 Corinthians 4

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. ³ 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. ⁴ For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 

(1 Corinthians 4:1–5, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul asserted that he was a servant of God, sent to deliver the mysteries of God (which he was).
• He states that stewards of the truth must be faithful.
• Then he intimates that he does not care if he has to be judged by men, because God knows the condition of his own heart. God will truly judge.

Fools for Christ’s Sake

⁶ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. ⁷ For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

⁸ You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! ⁹ For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! ¹¹ To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. ¹² And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; ¹³ being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. 

(1 Corinthians 4:6–13, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• None of us truly have a reason to boast. We are all the same.
• Paul’s disciples were blessed and honored, while the apostles were put on display, condemned to death. He says that they have been shamed, considered worthless, so that their disciples might know Christ.

Paul’s Paternal Care

¹⁴ I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. ¹⁵ For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. ¹⁶ Therefore I urge you, imitate me. ¹⁷ For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

¹⁸ Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. ¹⁹ But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. ²¹ What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? 

(1 Corinthians 4:14–21, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul made sure that the readers knew this was not to shame them, but just to warn them of the persecution to come.
• He urges them to imitate him, and to listen to Timothy, who he has sent to help them.
• Finally, Paul assures them that he is coming to visit, even though some doubted it. He warned that his attitude may be different depending on how they respond to this letter.
• Let your leaders lead with joy and do what is right.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.