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Paul's Ministry and the Lord's Authority

1 Corinthians 4:1-21

4
Chapter 4
1 In this way let people reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required among the stewards that a faithful one be found. 3 But to me it is of least concern that I be examined by you or by a human day; but not even myself do I examine. 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, but I have not been justified in this; but the one examining me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not judge anything before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, who will both illuminate the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then praise will come to each one from God. 6 Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sake, so that in us you might learn "not to go beyond what is written," so that you might not be puffed up for one against the other. 7 For who distinguishes you? But what do you have that you did not receive? But if you also received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8 Already you are full, already you have become rich, without us you have reigned; and I wish you had reigned, so that we also might reign with you. 9 For I think that God has displayed us apostles last, as those appointed to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are glorious, we are dishonored. 11 until this very hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are struck on the face and are unstable 12 and we toil, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure, 13 When we are defamed, we encourage; as the offscourings of the world we have become, the filth of all men until now. 14 I write these things not to shame you, but I admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you have myriads of guardians in Christ, but not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus through the gospel I begot you. 16 I exhort you therefore, become imitators of me. 17 For this reason I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways that are in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 as if some were puffed up since I was not coming to you 19 But I will come to you quickly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?