1
So then, let a man regard 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 any human court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself.

4
For I know 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 bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will reveal the counsels of the heart. Then each one will receive his praise from God.

6
Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and to Apollos for your sake, so that from our example you may learn what it means: “Do not go beyond what is written,” so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

7
For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you had not received it?

8
You are already full, you are already rich, you have reigned without us. And I wish that you did reign, so that we also might reign with you.

9
For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world, 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 honored, but we are despised.

11
To this present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly clothed, beaten, and homeless;

12
and we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

13
being slandered, we answer kindly. We have become as the filth of the world, the refuse of all things, even until now.

14
I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

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
That is precisely why I am sending Timothy to you, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18
But some have become arrogant, thinking that I would not come to you again.

19
Yet I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills. Then I will know, not the words of those arrogant people, but their power.

20
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.

21
What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?

📖 1 Corinthians 4 – Christ’s Servants and Faithfulness

🧾 Summary of the Content

In this chapter, Paul emphasizes that the servants of God must be faithful, not seeking human praise. He rebukes the Corinthian church for their pride and sense of superiority, even though they have not suffered anything like the apostles. Paul reminds them that he has become their “spiritual father” and sends Timothy to admonish them to return to the pattern of life in Christ.

✨ Explanation by Section

1. God’s Servants Must Be Faithful (verses 1–5)

“What is required of such servants is that they be found faithful.” (verse 2)

• Paul teaches that servants of Christ are stewards of God’s mysteries.
• The chief measure is not success, but faithfulness.
• He does not judge himself or others — only God has the right to judge perfectly.

💡 Lesson: God sees the heart and faithfulness, not merely results or praise.

2. A Rebuke Against Pride (verses 6–13)

“What do you have that you did not receive?” (verse 7)

• The Corinthian church had begun to grow proud, thinking they had already “succeeded” spiritually.
• Paul rebukes them with irony: they think themselves rich and powerful, while the apostles suffer and are regarded as the scum of the world.
• Paul describes the hard life of the apostles: hungry, thirsty, beaten, slandered, and laboring hard.

💡 Lesson: Spiritual pride is proof of blindness to God’s grace.

3. A Spiritual Father’s Love (verses 14–21)

“For even if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers.” (verse 15)

• Paul states that he rebukes not to shame them, but as a loving father.
• He encourages them to imitate his life, not only his teaching.
• Paul sent Timothy to remind them of a way of life that is in keeping with the Gospel.

💡 Lesson: True discipleship is not only teaching, but also example and love.

📘 Main Teaching of 1 Corinthians 4

1. Servants of Christ must be faithful, not popular.
2. Spiritual pride destroys the growth of faith.
3. The life of the apostles was full of suffering, yet they remained humble and loving.
4. Discipleship must be accompanied by love and a life example.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of 1 Corinthians 4

This chapter reminds us to:

• Avoid judging the servants of God too early — only God knows the heart.
• Not rely on spiritual position or achievements as a source of pride.
• Value spiritual leaders who suffer in ministry, not only those who please the ear.
• Imitate the life of Christ through those who are faithful, not those who are popular.