August 12, 2018 | Dr. Jeff Iorg
Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Christian leaders have two primary responsibilities.
What the Bible Says
- Leaders are considered “servants of Christ.”
- Leaders are considered “managers of God’s mysteries”
What the Bible Means for You
- You are responsible to serve Jesus.
- Servanthood is more an attitude than a specific action.
- Servanthood is fostered by two steps:
- Memorize Scripture (Philippians 2:5-11).
- Recognize the source of your accomplishments (1 Corinthians 4:7).
- You are responsible to share the gospel.
Christian leaders have one measure of success.
What the Bible Says
- Verse 2: “it is expected”
- Verse 2: “in this regard…be found faithful”
What the Bible Means for You
- Your success is measured by your faithfulness with the gospel.
Christian leaders have one ultimate evaluator of their ministry.
What the Bible Says
- v3 “of little importance…evaluated by you” – not judged by the church.
- v3 “by any human court” – not judged by courts (the public).
- v3 “don’t even evaluate myself” – not judged by his own standards.
- v4 “the One who evaluates me is the Lord” – judged by the Lord.
What the Bible Means for You
- You must learn to serve an audience of One.
- Your devotion to Jesus (brokenness to other influences) can be deepened by two experiences:
- Answer a call that contradicts your career path.
- Go through a profound personal crisis.
Christian leaders will be rewarded for their ministry.
What the Bible Says
- Verse 5: “bring to light…” – actions done in secret.
- Verse 5: “reveal the intentions…” – motives.
- Verse 5: “praise will come” – accountability leads to positive results.
What the Bible Means for You
- Being evaluated leads to positive rewards!
- You will be rewarded for the good things you did secretly.
- You will be rewarded for pure motives, more than impressive results.