1 Corinthians 4
June 20, 2022
“I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (v3-4)
In response to the Corinthians belittling Paul’s ministry, he essentially says, ‘I know you don’t approve of me or my ministry. But I don’t ultimately work for you. I work for God. Therefore, it’s His approval that I’m living for!’ Paul lived his life playing for an Audience of One. This verse, though, is not a license to ignore counsel from people that God has placed in our lives. In fact, over the years, I’ve learned how important it is that I have people who will speak into my life and leadership: fellow pastors and elders, brothers in Christ, and most significantly, my wife. And yet, all that being true, I am first and foremost a servant of God (v1), and therefore, one who is accountable first and foremost to God, such that if people don’t like me, or don’t like something I say or do – I’m not undone by it – because they aren’t the ones who will ultimately judge me.
Lord, I praise You for the work You’ve done in me over the decades to free me from the snare of people-pleasing. What a joy it is to experience the peace and joy that comes from living from and living for Your approval. You know that I still like it when I receive praise from people. But like Paul says in v5, I’m resolved to live for the praise that comes from You. Help me to keep my eyes on that final day, so that I’m inspired to be a faithful steward of all that You entrust to me - so that I might one day hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mt 25:23)
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
