Servants of Christ - A Look at 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

In ministry there are several pitfalls that we must be careful to avoid. The first pitfall that we must avoid is taking compliments and successes to heart. If we are not careful we can begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. The second pitfall that we must avoid is taking negative criticism to heart. If we focus too intently on the criticism we will become crippled by doubts and discouragement. 

In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, the Bible gives us insight on how the minister is to view himself. 

1 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV) -- "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

In verse 1, Paul uses two terms to identify God's minister. First, he is a servant of Christ. For a servant there is no honor, and no rank, just the simple task of obeying the master. Second, he is a steward of the mysteries of God. A steward is someone who manages the affairs of another. For God's minister he is to take the revelation of God's Word and dispense it faithfully.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) -- "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."

In verse 2, the Bible tells us that the standard by which the minister will be judged is his faithfulness. 

1 Corinthians 4:3–5 (ESV) -- "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."

When it comes to the minister's ministry the only One who is worthy to truly evaluate his ministry is God. When it comes to others, Paul says that he isn't going to allow others to define the effectiveness of his ministry. He also says that he doesn't trust his own evaluation either. But when the Day of the Lord comes, He will reveal those things are unknown today and He will disclose our motivation for ministry.

The onlyproper motivation is that we would do everything "to the glory of God."