"Mysteries" refer to those truths of God which cannot be discovered by man but must be revealed by God (cf. Eph. 3:3).

Transcription

1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview June 13, 2010 "Three Ideas for Encouraging Church Leaders" Background: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Lesson: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, 9-20 Motivation: How can we encourage church leaders? Paul told the Corinthians to accept him as a servant and a st eward, to imitate his Godly example, and then to exhibit the kingdom of God in power, not just in words. Examination: I. Being Faithful (4:1-5) Believer's Study Bible, p. 1626: 4:1 "Ministers of Christ are "stewards" of the mysteries of God. Th e word "steward" ( oikonomos, Gk.) literally means "one who is the law of the house" or "custodian." "Mysteries" refer to those truths of God which cannot be discovered by man but must be revealed by God (cf. Eph. 3:3). Therefore, a minister's responsibility is to serve as the custodian of God's revealed truths." 1 / 8

2 A. Our Role "servants and stewards" (1) Among the many Greek words for ser vants, Paul uses huperetes here, its only use in his writing. Huperetes refers to the slaves pulling the great sweeps on the lowest tier of Roman triremes. It translates "under rower" and brings to mind exhausting and continual labor under the direction of a Master pilot. In contrast, stewards were managers, often well educated with a great deal of responsibility and privilege, but always accountable to a master. B. Our Message "the mysteries of God" (1) Mystery religions were popular in Paul's day. As one progressed through various levels of the religion, the devotee would gain access to more mysteries, or hidden knowledge. As Christians, we are the trustees of God's good news. To the world, these truths may appear as "foolishness" (1:18), or as mysteries; but, we have the joyous responsibility of being God's ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). C. Our Judge "He who judges me is the Lord" (4b). Factions in Corinth resulted in part by church members acting as judge and jury regarding Paul's work (3:18-23). Paul was not concerned with human opinion, legal opinion (Acts 18:12), or even his own conscience (because we are not infallible!) The only opinion that counts is God's (5). 2 / 8

3 II. Being Humble (4:6-13) A. Don't be "Puffed Up" (6) In Texas we say someone is "full of hot air." In the animal kingdom, we see animals that, when threatened, try to make themselves appear larger than they really are. Pride compels us to present a false image, making us appear bigger and more important than we are. It is the antithesis of humility. B. Understand Grace "And what do you have that you did not receive?" (7) Augustine referred to this as the whole doctrine of grace. Pride wants to declare "Look at me!" Humility demands that we look at God. C. Whose Fool Are You? "We are fools for Christ's sake..." (10) Paul demonstrates a fairly impressive display of unbridled sarcasm in contrasting himself to those puffed up, judgmental church members in Corinth. Paul Corinth 3 / 8

4 Servant (1) Kings (8) Fools for Christ (10) Wise in Christ (10) Weak Strong (10) Dishonored (10) Distinguished (10) Hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless (11) Rich (8) 4 / 8

5 Defamed (13) Full (8) Puffed Up (6) Obviously, Paul used hyperbole to demonstrate his point. Much like the church at Laodicea, the Corinthians thought they were rich and wealthy when in God's eyes they were "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked" (Rev. 3:17). III. Being Fatherly (4:14-21) A. Unique Role "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" (14) One of the sources of strife and confusion in the Corinthians church was their willingness to listen to false teachers (2 Cor. 11:3-4). Much like the "tolerance" culture of 21 st century America, the first century Corinthians accepted every teacher and all truth on an equal basis. Paul implored them to listen to him as their spiritual father. B. Godly Example "Therefore I urge you, imitate me" (16) Paul's spirit-filled lifestyle and purity of commitment shine through this statement. Too many teachers (and parents) communicated "Do as I say, not as I do." 5 / 8

6 However, Paul wrote to the Corinthians to imitate him. As teachers, are we comfortable in saying "pray, love, give, witness, serve and study as much as I do and you'll be approved in God's sight?" C. Ready Resources "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." (17) Believer's Study Bible, p. 1627: 4:17 "Tendencies within the Corinthian congregation to drift into questionable doctrine and to dissipate their energies in internal strife were the factors which caused Paul to write the two letters which are preserved for us as 1 & 2 Corinthians. There were also other letters which were not preserved. The purpose of the letters was to urge the Corinthians to follow him (v. 16) as he followed Christ (11:1). This was also the reason for sending Timothy, and later Titus, as personal emissaries to remind the Corinthians of Paul's teachings." D. Spiritual Focus "For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power" (20) Jesus declared that the kingdom of God is within every believer (Luke 17:21). His Holy Spirit transforms us into His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). So, while the Corinthians were using boastful words, Paul looked for life transformation. Talk is cheap; back up your talk with evidence of God's power working in you. E. Loving Discipline "What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?" (21) Many Corinthians evidently felt that Paul preferred to write letters rather than to confront them in person. They felt that his absence was a sign of weakness (18). 6 / 8

7 On the contrary, Paul wrote, I will show my face in Corinth again. And, your reaction to God's teaching will determine whether I come to discipline or to encourage. Intentionally, Paul deals with his "problem children" in Corinth as a Christian parent would deal with physical children: from a unique role as a Godly example, utilizing wise resources, from a spiritual focus using loving discipline. Application: 1. We can encourage church leaders by accepting and acknowledging their call and empathizing with their unique challenges. 2. We can further encourage church leaders by imitating the Godly example they live and teach. 3. We can finally encourage church leaders by walking the walk as well talking the talk. Leader Pack: Item 5: Poster: Lesson Outline Illustrator: (no Illustrator article) Notes: **You may access David's Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: y.org/ ; 7 / 8

8 Dates: 2010 Dates: 6/3-8/5 - MetroLIVE in the City; 6/4 - Children's Summer Kick-Off; 6/ Camp 456; 6/13 - New and Pros. Mbr. Orient.; 6/20 - Single Parents Event; 6/ Global Assoc of Hospitality Prof.; 6/28-7/2 - VBS; 7/4 - July 4 th weekend, 2 a.m. svcs. w/ SBS - no p.m. (Tony Perkins); 7/11 - Lord's Supper in services; 7/ Houston Project; 7/21 - Midsummer Night Thing; 7/ HUB Rush Week; 7/30 - Family Mission Day; 7/ Spamarama Missions Lock-in; 8/9 - Fuller Seminary Conf. with Dr. Reggie McNeal; 8/13 - Children's Back to School Bash; 8/15 - Promotion Sunday; 8/17 - FBA First Day of School; 8/18 - HUB Summer Rush Celebration; 8/25-11/17 - Fall Midlink; 8/29 - Summit Up. 8 / 8