Sermon: Servants, Stewards, and Suffering

Sermon Date: 10/5/2025

Bible Verses:

• 1 Corinthians 4:1‑21

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Part I: Servants of Christ, Stewards of God’s Mysteries – 1 Cor 4:1‑5

1. Servants (Under-Rowers)

• Paul uses the word hyperetas – essentially an “under-rower,” one who doesn’t steer the ship but obediently rows under direction.
• As Christians, we are first and foremost servants of Christ (not our own agendas).

1. Stewards (Household Managers of the Mysteries)

• Steward (oikonomos) implies management, administration, responsibility.
• The “mysteries of God” are the truths of the gospel—once hidden, now revealed.
• A steward must be found faithful (v. 2) — that is the standard, not popularity or success.

1. Judgment and Timing (vv. 3–5)

• Paul says: he doesn’t judge himself, nor is he judged by men; the Lord is the ultimate judge (v. 4–5).
• We are cautioned not to jump ahead—God will bring to light what is hidden.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – all must appear before Christ’s judgment seat

Supporting Scriptures and Themes:

• Romans 12:1‑3 – presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, humility in gifts
• Proverbs 16:18 – pride precedes destruction
• Jeremiah 9:23‑24 – boasting only in understanding and knowing God

Key Application for Part I:

• Reorient your identity: you are a servant, not a celebrity
• Guard against pride in ministry or spiritual gifting
• Be faithful in your stewardship—small things count

Part II: Not Beyond What Is Written – 1 Cor 4:6–13

Here Paul confronts the Corinthians’ arrogance and the temptation to measure ministry by worldly standards.

1. “Not to think beyond what is written” (v. 6)

• He applies his example (himself and Apollos) so they don’t overreach.
• A warning: don’t exalt one teacher over another or claim superiority above what Scripture supports.

1. Beware of Pride (vv. 7–8)

• “Who makes you different? What do you have that you did not receive?” (v. 7)
• They were already “full,” rich, reigning—without Paul (v. 8).
• The danger of self-sufficiency in spiritual life.

1. Paradox of Apostolic Suffering (vv. 9–13)

• Paul describes the apostles as displayed as last, like those condemned to death (v. 9).
• “Fools for Christ’s sake… weak… dishonored… laboring” (v. 10–12) Enduring Word+1
• Though reviled, they bless. Though persecuted, they endure. Though slandered, they plead kindly (v. 12).

Supporting Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 11:16‑33 — Paul speaks more on the “foolishness” and suffering aspect Rev. Tim Ehrhardt
• 1 Corinthians 1:27 — God choosing the foolish and weak to shame the wise (ties to the paradox)
• Philippians 2:5‑11 — the humility of Christ, the paradox of exalting those who lower themselves
• 2 Corinthians 6:4 – recommendation of oneself in hardness, trials, etc.

Key Application for Part II:

• Do not measure spiritual maturity by visible success or acclaim
• Embrace the paradox: suffering can accompany ministry
• Walk humbly and serve sacrificially

Part III: Correction, Imitation, and Gentle Authority – 1 Cor 4:14‑21

1. Fatherly Correction (v. 14)

• Paul clarifies he does not write to shame them but as beloved children. The tone is corrective but pastoral.

1. Imitate Me (v. 16)

• Because he became their spiritual father through the gospel—he urges them to imitate him.
• This is not blind followership, but following a model of Christlike integrity.

1. Authority: Rod or Gentle Spirit (v. 21)

• He asks: “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?”
• Leaders carry authority—sometimes corrective, but always tempered with compassion.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Romans 1:16 — the gospel as power (motivating ministry)
• Ephesians 6:17 — sword of the Spirit (authority in God’s Word)
• Hebrews 4:12 — the Word is living and active, discerning motives
• Matthew 18:15–17 — Church discipline guidelines
• Galatians 6:1 – restore with gentleness

Key Application for Part