“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yes, I judge not my own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord (vs2-4).”
The Lord Jesus is man’s judge, so my life’s ambition is to please Him. Knowing that I shall be judged, not by what I think or people say, I labor to be found acceptable of God in Christ, examining myself to be sure I’m in the faith – “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (I Cor 11:27).
We are to make our CALLING and election sure, evidencing and assuring ourselves that we know God. We take the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ in its glory and all it does for men, and then we BELIEVE it, and by BELIEVING, we have life. Then, we examine ourselves to make sure that we’re living in harmony with scripture. Where we are not, we repent, lest we suffer wrath – “But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God” (John 3:21).
The fear of the Lord is GOD’S gift to us. We don’t have it naturally, and even believers need growth in this fundamental knowledge that God is to be obeyed. Until we FEAR the Lord, obedience is optional at best, and we shall eat of our ways. But, knowing the terror of the Lord, we PREPARE ourselves and persuade men, even if we are called crazy because of the passion we serve with.
We beg, weep, labor, and PREACH because God is going to judge the world, and part of SELF-preparation is getting others ready. Christ said, “Go you therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). You and I cannot RECEIVE the grace of God without God making us LIKE Himself in the salvation of men: this is the gift that He gives, so that SELF-examination and SERVING the Lord leads to loving people.
First, faithfulness is mandatory for ministers/stewards, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Cor 4:2). We must not be exciting, new, brilliant, popular, and many other things humans seek. But, we MUST be faithful to Jesus Christ and the gospel of His grace, proclaiming Him to be all in life and truth. He is the Savior of the world, so we preach, exalt, and honor Him, giving no glory to the flesh, no credit to ourselves, and all praise to God who saves by GRACE only.
Salvation by grace makes us weep tears of thankfulness, indebtedness, and joy. We REJOICE to see that we are REAL sinners, really rotten, and we’ve OBTAINED salvation by grace. He chose us, He died for the sins, and He came to us when we were venomous against Him. He washes our feet daily and pardons the DARKEST of transgressions. I thought recently what I often think with regard to forgiveness and indebtedness, “You don’t understand”. How can anyone understand the obligation that believers have to the Lord? Only by seeing how UTTERLY depraved we are… not were… that we ARE the chief of sinners and vilest of men… and for you and I to be saved, for me to be called to PREACH the gospel of Christ… is a privilege our brains cannot develop fully. But, we are OBLIGATED to honor Him who died for us, Him who taught us grace, Him who cleanses us from fall after fall, and He who makes us BETTER able to serve Him by the grace that DELIVERS us from sin.
Secondly, the apostle’s life was not one of ease, and neither is the life of faith – “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place” (I Cor 4:9-11). Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean that you’re on easy street. God will keep you and I weak, so that we can minister by the power of Christ. We will not have ability to SAVE ourselves, so when He saves us by grace, glory goes to Him. Don’t expect an easy life, and don’t think that high spirituality means that you look down upon others and enjoy yourself. God afflicts those He makes a blessing so that we bless others from a Christ that is real and STRENGTH that’s of God, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (II Cor 12:9). It can’t be head knowledge. And, since the world hates our gospel, we have trials, heartbreak, and woe. Yet, this is the path of faithfulness, as we ENDURE these things in love, humility, and by grace, rather than sin, “being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it” (I Cor 4:12).
Lastly, the gospel is God’s method of salvation, so do everything you can for it – “For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (I Cor 4:15). Paul labored, preached, and served because he BELIEVED the gospel was God’s power to salvation. And, when people believe this, then they LIVE to make it known. We go from hearers to DOERS of the word, making sure that someone else can hear too – “But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 2:22).
We spend our lives ADORNING the gospel, so that people will be drawn to the Lord, so that He will be honored, whether they come or not. We know that character matched with truth is what God uses to save; it is His weapon.
If the gospel is God’s power of salvation, then PREACH, live, and SERVE the gospel of Christ. Live that He be known in truth, following the counsel yourself.
