Outline: The Steadfast Steward

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Introduction:

Many criticized the apostle Paul, and Paul invited those to examine his life and evaluate his motives.  As a good steward he lived unto God and not unto men; therefore he lived with a clean conscience.

I. The Accountability of Paul the Steward (v1-2)

A. A Steward Holds a Ministry–

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ”

B. A Steward Heralds a Mystery–

“…and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

C. A Steward Has a Mandate–

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

II. The Analysis of Paul the Scorned (v3-4)

A. The Criticism of Paul’s Ministry-

“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.”

B. The Clarification of Paul’s Ministry–

“For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”

III. The Advice of Paul the Servant (v5)

A. There’s a Period of Judgment- and it is Not Yet-

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come”

B. There’s a Person of Judgment- and it is Not You-

“…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.”

Conclusion:

Every minister who lives right before God should not fear the judgment of others.