Servants of Christ

This is the way any person is to regard us: 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 trustworthy. But to me it is an insignificant matter that I would be examined by you, or by any human [b]court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I (D)am not aware of anything against myself; however I am not (E)vindicated by this, 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 disclose the motives of human hearts; and then (I)praise will come to each person 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 I.e., the appointed time of judgment

Faithful Servants of the Messiah

Think of us as servants of the Messiah[a] and as servant managers entrusted with God’s secrets. Now it is required of servant managers that each one should prove to be trustworthy.[b] It is a very small thing to me that I should be examined by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. For my conscience is clear,[c] but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who examines me. Therefore, stop judging prematurely, before the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is now hidden in darkness and reveal the motives of our hearts. Then each person will receive his praise from God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Or Christ
  2. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Or should be found faithful
  3. 1 Corinthians 4:4 Lit. I don’t know of anything against myself