1 Corinthians 4:1–5, 9–20

Explore the Bible
Assistant professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Three Ideas for Encouraging Church Leaders
1 Corinthians 4:1–5, 9–20

Refuse to Be Critical (1–5)
The Corinthians were divided over which teacher to follow: Paul or Apollos. Paul contended that both he and Apollos were to be regarded as Christ’s servants. A servant carries out his master’s commands and desires. Therefore the Corinthians were not to judge between Paul and Apollos but to look past them to the One who sent them: Christ. This did not lessen the message of Paul and Apollos but actually made the message more important, as it came not from them but from Christ. This also meant that the church at Corinth could not disregard the message. It could not judge between the ministers but rather must accept the message that came from both of them. In the same way, Christians today should not criticize a minister’s message when it is biblical. A minister is to be a servant of the Lord, and hence, when he fulfills his task of preaching the gospel, those who hear the word cannot criticize him. To criticize the messenger is to criticize the One who sends the message: Christ. Christians are to judge sin — that is our duty. But judging whether someone is a good servant of God is not for us to do. Christ warns us against this in Matthew 7, and Paul brought it up on several occasions, notably in Romans 14. Judging another one of God’s servants is arrogant. God is the one who judges motives, not men. Therefore we are to do our best to encourage our church leaders, not criticize them by judging their motives. A pastor’s job is a weighty one, and parishioners should not seek to add to that heavy load. In fact, when we acknowledge our church leaders’ faithfulness, we bring them encouragement and lighten their load.

Recognize Their Service (9–13)
In these verses, Paul demonstrated his suffering on behalf of the gospel. A true servant of Christ walks the same path as Christ — through trials. Yet the Corinthians apparently felt differently about what it meant to follow Christ. Paul used a great bit of sarcasm in getting his point across. Focusing on how he exemplified true servanthood by living out the gospel with all of its trials, he spoke of the Corinthians’ wisdom, strength and honor, which was really “wisdom” of the world. Paul was trying to get the Corinthians to see that their way was merely the way of the world and the way of the cross was what they should be seeking. He contrasted his life to their lives to show them that a true minister of the gospel is not someone who is wise, strong or honorable by this world’s standards but someone who truly lives out the gospel. One who suffers for doing what is right is the true minister of the gospel, not one who tells his audience what it wants to hear.

Today the Church faces the same situation. There are many preachers on TV and in churches who preach a gospel of glory, one in which riches and prosperity are emphasized as the way of the Christian. This is not the way of the cross. The gospel’s emphasis is on obedience to Christ and following Him no matter the consequences. Therefore, when our leaders in the church are carrying out their responsibilities, we can encourage them when we recognize their faithfulness to the gospel.

Accept Their Guidance (14–20)
Paul was urging the Corinthians to imitate him. This was not an act of pride or arrogance; rather Paul wanted the Corinthians to follow his example in following the Lord. In fact, Paul sent Timothy in order to affirm this. Paul called Timothy his son whom he loved, which demonstrated their close relationship and affirmed that Timothy was in a position to know Paul intimately. Since Paul was the founder of the church in Corinth, he, as its spiritual father, sought its best interests. Timothy was sent to remind the church of Paul’s “way of life in Christ Jesus.” This is the standard he set for the church, the standard of living according to Christ’s teachings. Paul sought to guide the Corinthian church in his instructions, and he was worthy to do so because of his life in Christ. As Paul loved these Corinthians, so, too, do our pastors love their flocks. Thus we can encourage our church leaders when we are willing to accept their guidance and acknowledge their efforts will help us live for Christ.