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Servants of Christ

Let a man consider us in this manner, as (A)servants of Christ and (B)stewards of (C)the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required [a]of stewards that one be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human [b]court. In fact, I do not even examine myself. For I (D)am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this (E)acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore (F)do not go on [c]passing judgment before [d]the time, but wait (G)until the Lord comes who will both (H)bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and make manifest the motives of hearts. And then each one’s (I)praise will come to him from God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Lit in
  2. 1 Corinthians 4:3 Lit day
  3. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Lit judging anything
  4. 1 Corinthians 4:5 The appointed time of judgment

Paul’s role as an apostle

So a person should think about us this way—as servants of Christ and managers of God’s secrets. In this kind of situation, what is expected of a manager is that they prove to be faithful. I couldn’t care less if I’m judged by you or by any human court; I don’t even judge myself. I’m not aware of anything against me, but that doesn’t make me innocent, because the Lord is the one who judges me. So don’t judge anything before the right time—wait until the Lord comes. He will bring things that are hidden in the dark to light, and he will make people’s motivations public. Then there will be recognition for each person from God.

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