The Trusted Messenger: Stewardship and Story

Introduction: More than a Tour Guide

Last week we were “Living Stones.” This week, Paul tells us our job title: Stewards. A steward doesn’t own the house; he manages the “mysteries” (the Gospel) inside it. But as Paul gets deeper into this chapter, he shows us that being a steward isn’t just about handing out information—it’s about a “Fatherly” investment in the lives of others.

Section 1: The Steward’s Accountability

1 Corinthians 4:1–7 (ESV)

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?

Discussion:

• Observation: Jack noted that “Stewardship” means responsibility for something you don’t own. If our salvation and our gifts are received (v. 7), why do we struggle so much with comparing ourselves to others?
• Reflection: Paul says he doesn’t even judge himself. How would your “fear of failure” change if you focused only on God’s approval rather than your own self-critique?
• Application: Verse 6 warns us “not to go beyond what is written.” Why is staying “within the lines” of Scripture actually a safety net for us when we are talking to others about our faith?

Section 2: The Steward’s Reality

1 Corinthians 4:8–13 (ESV)

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because 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 held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

Discussion:

• Observation: Paul uses heavy sarcasm here. The Corinthians thought they had “arrived,” but Paul points to his own hunger and ill-treatment.
• Reflection: Jack noted that it’s “not about what we have accumulated.” How does Paul’s list of hardships (v. 11-13) challenge our modern idea that being a “good Christian” means having a comfortable, “blessed” life?
• Application: In verse 12, Paul says, “When reviled, we bless.” When you are criticized for your faith, do you tend to fight back, or do you “bless and entreat” like Paul?

Section 3: The Steward’s Heart: Guides vs. Fathers

1 Corinthians 4:14–21 (ESV)

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 Timothy to you, 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?

Discussion:

• Observation: Jack highlighted that “Guides” (pedagogues) just took boys to school, but they didn’t teach or care for them. Fathers teach, care, challenge, and lift up.
• Reflection: Why is the world more likely to listen to a “Father” (someone who loves them) than a “Guide” (someone who just has the right information)?
• Application: Verse 20 says the Kingdom isn’t just “talk,” but power. What “experience” of God’s power (mercy, love, or a changed heart) have you had that you can share with someone else this week?

⚓ The Bridge: The Defense of the Hope (The 1 Peter Connection)

Paul was a “Father” who shared the Gospel out of love. Peter now tells us that when we make a “defense” of our hope, we must do it with that same heart—not as a debater (a Guide), but as a witness (a Father).

1 Peter 3:13–17 (ESV)

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Discussion:

• Observation: Notice that “defense” (Apologia) follows “suffering.” If we are “faithful stewards” through trials (like Paul in Section 2), how does that make our “reason for hope” more believable to others?
• Reflection: Peter says to do this with “gentleness and respect.” How does the 1 Corinthians warning against being “puffed up” (v. 6) help us stay gentle when someone is attacking our faith?

Weekly Challenge: Up, In, Out

UP (Intimacy with God): Identify one area where you are “judging yourself” or seeking “people’s approval.” Surrender that to the Lord this week and ask Him to help you value His opinion above all else.

IN (Investment in Community): Who in your life needs a “Father/Mother” in the faith rather than just a “Guide”? Reach out to one person this week to “lift them up” rather than just “giving them advice.”

OUT (Influence in the World): “The Kingdom is not talk, but power.” This week, don’t just tell someone the Gospel—show them the power of it by “blessing” someone who treats you poorly or showing “gentleness and respect” in a heated conversation.