1 Corinthians Week 7: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

¹ Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. ³ But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. ⁴ For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.

⁶ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. ⁷ For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

⁸ You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. ⁹ For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. ¹¹ To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; ¹² and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; ¹³ when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.

—1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Sermon Outline

1. Do Not Go on Passing Before the Time. (MULTILINE)
2. Don’t Go What Is Written in the Bible (MULTILINE)
3. Who You as Greater? What Do You Have That You Did Not Receive? (MULTILINE)
4. You are Famed, but We are Honor. (MULTILINE)
5. Kindly. (MULTILINE)

Weekly Study Guide

As we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians, we arrive at a passage that challenges us to reflect deeply on the nature of true Christian leadership, and to also reflect on the attitudes of our hearts. In 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, Paul begins this section by urging the Corinthians to view apostles and Christian leaders as “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (4:1). He redefines leadership not as a position of power or prestige but as one of humble servanthood. He says that leaders are entrusted with the truths of God, and their primary duty is faithfulness to Him rather than seeking the approval of others. Paul then focuses on the issue of judgment, reminding the Corinthians that it is the Lord who evaluates the hearts and faithfulness of His servants. He warns against arrogance and the tendency to place oneself in a position of judgment, urging the believers to wait until the Lord returns, when all things will be revealed (4:2-5).

Paul then confronts the spiritual pride that had taken root in the Corinthian church. They had begun to view themselves as wise, strong, and honored, while looking down on those who suffered for the sake of the gospel. Using biting irony, Paul contrasts their self-perception with the reality of the apostles’ lives, describing them as “fools for Christ’s sake”, “weak”, and “dishonored” (4:8-10). This stark contrast exposes the Corinthians’ worldly mindset. They had begun to equate success with comfort, wisdom with human philosophy, and honor with societal status. Paul, however, points to a different standard: the way of the cross.

One thing that stands out in this chapter is Paul’s use of sarcasm to make his point. It is sharp and intentional, exposing the arrogance and spiritual pride of the Corinthian believers. Several times in this passage, Paul contrasts how the Corinthian believers view themselves with the hardships endured by the Apostles. His sarcasm is not simply mockery; it is a method of correction designed to shake the Corinthians out of their complacency and redirect their thinking toward what it means to truly be a disciple. We may be taken aback by such an approach, but in an honor/shame culture, like that of the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds, this would have been especially effective.

One of the clearest instances of Paul’s sarcasm appears in 1 Corinthians 4:8, where he says, “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!” The Corinthian believers, puffed up with pride, saw themselves as spiritually superior, as if they had already arrived at a level of wisdom, wealth, and authority that made them self-sufficient. Paul’s exaggerated tone exposes their delusion. His words imply that their attitude is not only premature but entirely misplaced. The phrase “without us, you have become kings!” is particularly biting. Paul is highlighting the absurdity of their self-exaltation, considering that the very apostles who brought them the gospel were suffering and laboring under hardship.

Paul extends this irony in verses 9-10, where he contrasts the Corinthians’ self-image with the suffering endured by the apostles:

“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. 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.”

Here, Paul turns their arrogance against them, demonstrating how far removed from the true path of discipleship their thinking had become. The apostles—those whom God had chosen to establish His church—were facing hardship, persecution, and dishonor. Meanwhile, the Corinthians were acting as if they were already reigning with Christ in glory. His sarcasm exposes the gap between their expectations and the reality of the Christian life. By making such exaggerated statements, Paul forces the Corinthians to confront their assumptions. It serves to humble them, reminding them that true Christian leadership and faithfulness are marked by suffering, servanthood, and perseverance—not by worldly power or honor.

Paul’s message here is a powerful reminder of what it truly means to follow Christ. It is a call to humility, faithfulness, and endurance in the face of suffering. Paul encourages his readers to embrace humble servanthood, refrain from judging others, guard against spiritual pride, persevere through trials, and once again, promote unity within the church. It challenges us to abandon worldly perspectives and align our hearts with God’s values.

(MULTILINE)

Discussion Questions

1. In this passage, Paul asks, “what do you have that you did not receive?” Other than the incomparable gift of salvation, what is something God has given you that has had the most impact on your life? (MULTILINE)
2. In the first section of this chapter, how does Paul set up the coming harsh criticism he has for the Corinthians? Why do you think Paul’s use of sarcasm would have been effective here? What do you think verse 5 means? How is Paul confronting his readers’ pride in this passage? What are some examples? What contrast does Paul make in verses 8-9? Why would this be especially impactful? (MULTILINE)
3. What do we learn here about God as our ultimate judge? How does God’s judgment differ from human judgment? What do we see here about the sovereignty of God? Why do you think God chooses to use weakness and suffering for His glory? How does this actually work? What else do we learn about God from this passage? (MULTILINE)
4. What are some ways that our culture measures success in ministry today? Why do you think people so crave human approval, and how does Paul challenge this desire? How does the world’s definition of wisdom and power differ from God’s definition? Why do you think so many Christians today struggle with pride in their spiritual achievements? What does it mean to be seen as “fools for Christ”? Why do you think it is so difficult for Christians to be seen in that way? (MULTILINE)
5. What does it look like today to be faithful stewards of God’s truth? What are some ways we can trust God’s judgment instead of worrying about how others see us? How can we live with a mindset of humility, recognizing that everything we have is from God? What are some practical ways to serve Christ sacrificially, even when it means suffering? How should this passage shape the way we think about suffering in the Christian life? What specific attitudes or behaviors do you believe you need to change based on this passage? (MULTILINE)

Going Deeper

1. What does it mean when we use the phrase “the cost of discipleship”? How do we see this in the experiences of the disciples that Paul relates? What does it look like today? How do you react when you face suffering or persecution for Christ’s sake? How did the disciples react (v. 12)? How does this compare with our own natural tendencies? (MULTILINE)
2. On a practical level, what does it mean to be a servant of Christ? How might this show up in everyday life? What does it mean to be a steward? What does Paul mean when he says he is a steward of the mysteries of Christ? What are the stewardships God has entrusted you with? (MULTILINE)

Transformational Activity

Bible Study

In a most convicting verse, Paul admonishes his readers with the question, “what do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” Perhaps take this opportunity to do a deep dive into what the Bible says about boasting. What are the different ways this word is used? Is it always bad to boast? What should we boast in? Come back next time ready to share what God revealed to you.

Family Focus

Read this passage together as a family! 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Worth a Note: (vv. 1-5) Chapter four finishes out Paul’s thought from chapter three. He wants his friends to know how to view servants of God. Paul had been entrusted with something precious (v. 1). What was it? Who would judge Paul’s care of it (vv. 2-5)? ALL of us will stand before the throne of God and give an answer for our lives. Jesus’ sacrifice saves us, but God will also look over our lives on earth and reward us if we’ve loved, honored, and served Him. Everything we do matters to Him! 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is Paul talking about how people should regard the apostles in verse 1? How does that fit into the problems the Corinthians were having with factions? See 1 Corinthians 1:12. (MULTILINE)
2. As you read these verses (vv. 8-13), how could they help you live a bolder, more self-sacrificial life for the glory of Christ? (MULTILINE)
3. Discuss what this section teaches us about being faithful stewards of the gospel in our generation. (MULTILINE)

Memorize this verse together as a family this week:

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor (1 Cor 4:10).

Focused Family Prayer: Ask your family to share prayer requests and pray for one another. Pray for each other to be ‘sober-minded’ in how we assess ourselves and others.