“The Measure of a Minister”
Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
Allendale Baptist Church, Allendale, MI
Pastor Jonathan DeCou
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
BIG IDEA: Practice what you preach.
“Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself…for your benefit…”
1 Corinthians 4:6a (NIV)
The Minister is a ________: The goal is _________. (v 1-6)
A Servant is __________. (v 1)
- A Servant is __________. (v 2)
- A Servant is __________. (v 3-4)
oThere is __________ judgment. (v 3a)
oThere is __________-judgment. (v 3b-4a)
oThere is __________ judgment. (v 4b-6)
The Minister is a _______: The goal is _________. (v 7-13)
- __________ vs. __________. (v 7-9)
- __________ __________ vs. __________. (v 10a)
- __________ __________ vs. __________. (v10b)
- __________ vs. __________. (v 10c-13)
The Minister is a _______: The goal is _________. (v 14-21)
- Paul __________ the family. (v 14-15)
- Paul __________ the family. (v 16-17)
- Paul __________ the family. (v 18-21)
BIG IDEA: Practice what you preach.
Read: Re-read 1 Corinthians 4:1-21.
Think: Contemplate the role of a minister (both professional and lay), and then ask yourself the following questions: What is the most menial job you ever had? What did you like or dislike about it? Do you see yourself more as an “under-rower” or the one calling the shots? How could Paul’s conscience be undependable (v 3-4)? Has your conscience ever differed with God’s evaluation of your life and conduct? How do you feel about the Lord “bringing to light” what is hidden and exposing the motives of our hearts (v 5)? How can we live so that what is revealed will be less surprising and embarrassing? What do you have that you did not receive from God? Of everything God has given you, what do you tend to take credit for yourself? How do we encourage others to imitate our lives on the one hand and then not follow after one leader or another?
Do: After reading this chapter, how would you respond to the phrase: “God wants you to be happy, healthy and successful?” In v 8-13 Paul rather sarcastically compares his situation with the Corinthians’, who have a mistaken idea of wisdom and power. Would you characterize your Christian life as more like the Corinthians’ or Paul’s? Why? A role model or mentor is someone you want to emulate. Who has fulfilled these roles in your life? In what ways do you still feel the need? Reflecting honestly on v 20, is your Christian life more a matter of talk or power?
