1 Corinthians 4:1-7, 14-21
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they 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. 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.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 4:1–7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 4:14–21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
St Paul has sent St Timothy to the people of Corinth to minister to them. Christ has placed people as stewards over his Church. These stewards are supposed to teach the people of God. They are not to become Christ or take Christ's place, but to help take care of the people of God.
God is the ultimate Judge. The steward is there to help warn people of Judgment. We all need to recognize that Judgment is coming. There is one who will judge the living and the dead. He knows all your sins. So we should not be arrogant and think that God will acquit us of all charges.
We are not acquitted of all charges, but Jesus Christ has taken our place in the dock. He sits in our place. Jesus Christ sits in the seat of judgment when he is upon the cross. He takes all the sins of the world upon himself and proclaims you innocent of all charges. You are forgiven or released from your sins.
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