Podcast Introduction

We’ll read 1 Corinthians 3-5, and I’m calling the episode “Nothin’ to be proud of.” 

Comments on 1 Corinthians 4 and 5

Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 4

In chapter 4 Paul is reinforcing his qualifications with the Corinthian church. They did not recognize his apostolic authority. So he is instructing them on his position, and how they ought to regard him.

He says that they should think of him and the other apostles as a servant of Christ. There are several different Greek words that we translate as “servant”. The word used here is “hyperetas”, which is a subordinate servant working as a free man. The more common Greek word is “doulos”, which is a common slave. 

“Hyperetas” literally translated means under-rower. Think of a big galley ship. They had many, many men who rowed, and an under-rower acted without question, under the direction to the one in charge. In the apostles’ case, they answered only to Christ.

Paul also said that the Corinthians should think of them as a stewards. A steward was the manager of a household. And in relation to the master of the house, the steward was a slave, but in relation to the other slaves, he was a master. Commentator Adam Clarke put it this way, “The steward… was the master’s deputy in regulating the concerns of the family, providing food for the household, seeing it served out at proper times and seasons, and in proper quantities. He received all the cash, expended what was necessary for the support of the family, and kept exact accounts, for which he was obliged at certain times to lay before the master.”

So after laying this out to the church at Corinth, Paul told them that it didn’t matter much to him that they had a low regard for him, since he answered to Christ, not him. Not that even his own judgement of himself mattered, but only the judgement of the One he served. 

I’m clarifying this at this point because without the proper understanding of the first five verses, one might think that it was wrong to judge anyone, and the next chapter clearly teaches that judging others is sometimes appropriate.

Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 5

You’ve heard it before, right? Someone is doing something that is patently wrong, and when they’re called on it, they drag out the “Judge not that ye be not judged” line. Or someone fails to take a stand on an immoral issue or person because they think it’s not up to them to judge.

Well, after hearing from Paul today, what do you say? Sounds pretty clear to me that Paul encouraged the people of the church at Corinth to get the sinning person out of their fellowship. I think that would be classified as judging. 

So then, what did Jesus mean when he told us not to judge? As is usually the case, it is helpful to look at context. The scripture is found in Matthew 7:1-5. Let me read it to you: 1″Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” 

So what Jesus was really talking about was hypocrisy, not judgement. As you know, He wasn’t very keen on hypocrites. That’s something even non-religious people have in common with our Lord. No one likes a hypocrite.

But to look at evil and call it evil is something that we are called to do often in Scripture. To call someone on their sin is right, if it is done with love and a goal to restore them to right living and fellowship. We want to bring them to repentance. James 5:20 says, “…let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

So the bottom line is this: Keep your account with God clear. As much as is humanly possible live your life in such a way that you will not be in danger of hypocrisy when you are called to confront sin. 

We read in Matthew 5:13-16 that Jesus said, 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

If we allow the kind of compromise, especially in our own lives, that was in the church at Corinth, how can we be salt and light in a lost and dying world? 

Chuck Girard Interview on the Lifespring! Podcast

The interview is here.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 3 ERV, Ch. 4-5 NASB

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