Examples of Humility – 1 Corinthians 4

Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #137.  Today we’ll read 1 Corinthians chapter 4 together:  Paul wants us to think of him as a faithful manager and a father in Christ and suggests the apostles are examples of humility. 

Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast.  I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together.  Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should.  It’s just easier to do it with a friend.  So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud.  I’m so glad you’re here!

Welcome

I was chit-chatting with my friends after service on Sunday and out of the corner of my eye I caught an achingly familiar face that was also nearly unrecognizable to this Sunday school teacher’s sensibilities.  It was Joshua.  He moved to Arizona for college but was back for a visit.  How honored I was that he would take the time to greet me.  Admittedly, I was startled by this man standing in front of me when the picture in my heart will always be the skinny little, too-cool-for-school 4th grader.  In my mind, that was just yesterday.  

Wasn’t it?

Of course, Jacob immediately came into my field of vision, because, well…there was a time when they were connected at the hip.  To look for one would be to see the other.  But there was nothing there to resemble that goofy 10-year-old (oh, yes, I have pictures).  Only a rugged-looking young man who also is about to move to another state for the next chapter of his life.  

I love them both.  Shhh…don’t tell them.

Crazy but Wonderful

As a matter of fact, there is a throng of loved ones who have passed thru my Sunday school classes, children’s churches, Vacation Bible Schools, and church camps.  Some, thankfully, like Autumn, are still in the children’s department.  But others have flown like the squeaky voiced second grader who now expertly plays keyboard as part of the worship team.  I remember the starry-eyed girls like Kahealani, at church camp who are now moms themselves…good ones.  I’ve been doing this for so long.   I’m even friends with Emily on Facebook; a Godly woman who has three kids of her own now, one of whom just graduated high school.  But when we met, she and her blond curls were in the second grade at Christian Life Center children’s church.  Crazy.  But wonderful.

By His goodness, I pray that He has used me in some small way for His Glory in these kids’ lives.  I know for a fact that He has used each one of them to grow me.

1 Corinthians Chapter 4

The Faithful Manager

A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us — and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you!

For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

Paul’s Fatherly Care

I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Closing Thoughts

There’s not too much guess work in this short chapter.  It’s pretty clear that Paul is giving a good finger shake to his ‘children’ in Corinth.  We’re fortunate because he’s not after us but we would do well to learn from the lessons he’s teaching the Corinthians.  This is one of the first instances where we can appreciate just how gifted in sarcasm Paul is.  For a long time, I didn’t get passages like these.  Stumbling on those preconceived notions again, I guess.  Then I thought everyone in the Bible was all spiritual and pious.  Nope.  Nothing but real, live human beings to see here, warts and all.  When you get in sync with Paul’s scorn, it’s actually pretty funny.  Well…unless he’s talking about me.  Better pray. 

Prayer

Hey Father, a group of your real live human beings here.  We really do want to be humble and faithful before You.  We want to hear You say on that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Help us to be that, Lord.  Fill in the gap and be our strength.  Thank You that we are invited to come before You. Oh, and, Lord, I pray Your mighty and loving hand on each of those children who have paraded through my life.  Cause them to know that You know them intimately and that You are on their side and that You are that precious pearl that they should chase after for the rest of their lives.  Don’t let them go, Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Thank you for joining me here today.  I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here.  In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort.  Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us.  If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review.  Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you right here tomorrow.  Be well!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.