Why Repentance?

 

“Why Repentance?”

ACTS 17:22-34 & 20:17-27 

Acts 17:30, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 20:21, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

SUBJECT: REPENTANCE

THEME: A Correct Understanding of Repentance Will Not Only Ensure a Genuine Salvation Experience, but It Will Also Provide a Necessary Step in Progressive Sanctification and Continuous Clean Christ-centered Living!

RELEVANCE: the neglect and oversight of a biblical teaching does not eliminate nor diminish its significance. Repentance has become a lost doctrine in fundamental circles in this positive thinking, high self-esteem generation. Unfortunately, churches and Christians have adopted a weak gospel presentation to avoid offense. Not even the average preacher has a sound biblical understanding of this great doctrine anymore. 

INTRODUCTION:  

Among the multiplied thousands of conversions which are reported annually by churches, evangelists, missionaries, and para-church organizations, only a small number result in biblical fruit. There are many ways this is manifested.

1.  There Is, First of All, the Problem of Unchanged Converts. Large numbers of those who "profess Christ" or "pray to be saved," show no evidence that they were truly born again by the Spirit of God. Their lives are not changed.

2.  There Is Also the Problem of Worldly Converts. Vast numbers of those who are said to be converted to Christ remain worldly. They love the same music and fashions, run with the same crowd, retain the same humanistic philosophies, and have the same carnal mindset as before they were "converted." The "Christian rock" music crowd illustrates this category.

3.  Further, There Is the Problem of Ecumenical Converts. They have no zeal for the truth and no distaste for error. They accept anyone as a brother or sister in Christ as long as he or she "loves Jesus." They do not carefully test spirits and doctrines. In fact, they despise and mock those who measure everything by the Word of God and who practice biblical separation. The Promise Keepers crowd illustrates this category.

4.  I Believe the Primary Problem is a Failure in Presenting the Gospel Message. Even us who believe the Bible and follow Christ have failed to place a proper emphasis on repentance in relation to Salvation. We have no problem with sharing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the basis of Salvation.  This we do well.  We have not failed to emphasis the need of the sinner to Believe and Receive the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Personal Savior.  Certainly, we do this consistently. But we have failed to emphasize repentance as the Lord Jesus and the Apostles did in their preaching and witnessing as a condition for salvation. Repentance and Faith are the conditions for a genuine conversion experience.

5.  I Am Also Afraid to Admit That Some Preach Another Gospel Altogether, Which Is Not the Gospel of Christ. They might refer to it as “Easy-Prayerism” or “Easy-Believism” which effectively disregards the extreme Holiness of God and the exceeding Sinfulness of all mankind. Therefore, there is no Godly Sorrow, and no Sense of Shame about our sinfulness, and certainly no Conviction by the Holy Spirit of God.  There is no wonder the Apostle Paul spoke of another gospel.  2 Cor. 11:3-4, says,  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Therefore, we need to revisit the subject of repentance and realize afresh the emphasis that God places on this important doctrine. Because a correct understanding of repentance will not only ensure a genuine salvation experience, but it will also provide a necessary step in progressive sanctification and continuous clean Christ-centered living! Our lives will literally change as we walk in repentance!

MESSAGE:

I.  WHAT DOES REPENTANCE INVOLVE?

QUOTE: “True Repentance Has a double aspect; it looks upon things past with a weeping eye, and upon the future with a watchful eye.” –Robert Smith   

"Easy-Prayerism" or “Easy-Believism” emphasizes faith and prayer. "Just believe. Don't worry about giving up things; that will come in time. Just pray this prayer." Bible evangelism, rather, emphasizes repentance.

 A.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF MIND (INTELLECT)

Matt 21:28-29, But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

     1. There is Broad-scale Rebellion Against the Expressed Will and Desire of the Father.

Many ‘Christians’ still seem to be living this way. 1)  God the Father says to Tithe their Income and some have effectively said “I will not.” 2)  God the Father says, to attend church regularly and some have said, “I will not.” 3)  God our Father says, You need to be Baptized according the Bible, and some have said, “I will not.” 4)  God our Father has said, to share your faith regularly and some have said, “I will not.” 5)  God has said that we should treat others the way we want to be treated, but some have said, “I will not.”    6) God our Heavenly Father has said, Seek Me and My Kingdom first in your life, but many Christians have said, “I will not.” This teaches literally that a noncompliant spirit toward divine directives is inconsistent with the Christian life and it not evidence of a genuine conversion.

     2. Then There Was a Complete Change of Mind That Resulted in a Change of Course and Action. Now, that the sinner is repentant he begins to conform to the Fathers expectations and expressed will.  His life is no longer characterized by rebellion and refusal but instead with joyous compliance and obedience. 1) He is no longer trying to run the ladies on the side, he is faithful to the Lord and his spouse.   2) She is no longer trying to manipulate her husband to get her own way, she commits her case to God who judges fairly. 3) They are no longer trying to get away with irresponsible living but now trying to understand and comply with Bible expectations. 4) They are not ignoring the church’s ideals but instead seeking to follow its Bible principles and guidelines. 5) They are no longer looking to the World for answers and advice; they are studying the Word to secure the counsel of God on the matter. 6) They are no longer fascinated with themselves, but instead they are more concerned about serving others. 7) She no longer resorts to lying and covering up the truth, but instead is open, honest, and trustworthy. 8) He no longer resorts to cussing and profanity to accomplish objectives and push around his weight, he instead relies on quality leadership, good character, and morale discipline to influence others. You see there is conformity to the expressed will of the Father and not disregard and rejection of His plan for our lives.

 B.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF HEART (EMOTION)

2 Cor 7:9-10, Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 

Feeling sorrow, shame and embarrassment over our sin before a trice holy God is a natural emotional response when we are confronted with an absolute standard of perfection and right-ness. Extreme seriousness, and broken heartedness about the way we have treated a kind and loving God is a part of the repentance experience.

       1) Repentance Could Involve Tears, but not Necessarily.

       2) Repentance Should Involve Shame and Deep Regret Before God.  (Godly Sorrow)

       3) Repentance Should Involve Acknowledging Our Sin Against a Holy God.

       4) Repentance Should Involve Emotional Pain Because We Have Hurt the Lord.

             a. Some Folks are Sorry Because They got Caught in Sin.

             b. Some Folks are Sorry Because They Have Ruined Their Future.

             c. Some Folks are Sorry Because They Have Brought Shame to their Family’s Good Name.

            d. Some Folks are Sorry Because Someone Else got Hurt Because of Their Sin.

ILLUSTRATION: GOD WAS GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF MAN IN GEN 6:6. EVEN GOD EXPERIENCED EMOTIONAL REPENTANCE IN THIS CASE! Gen 6:5-6, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. The sinfulness of man had an emotional impact upon the God of Heaven.  He was sorry that man choose the way of sin instead of a relationship with Him!

   C.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF DIRECTION (WILL)

THE PRODIGAL SON DETERMINED TO RETURN HOME AND HE DID IN LUKE 15:11-24 (18, 20). This was a definite change of Direction, which is the ultimate end of true repentance.

            1. We Will Confess Our Sin to God, because of a Changed Attitude About Sin.

            2. We Will Forsake Our Sin, and View It as Awful.

            3. We Will Turn Unto the Lord and live to please Him.

ILLUSTRATIONS: 1) Consider Zacchaeus. He repented, and the evidence of this is that he gave half his goods to the poor and restored five-fold that which he had stolen through his tax collecting business (Lk. 19:1-10). We see restitution accompanying repentance. 2) Consider the idolaters at Thessalonica. They repented, and the evidence of this was that they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9-10). This was a complete about face!  3) Consider the Jews who heard the sermon Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost. They repented, and the evidence of this was that they gladly received his word, were baptized, and willingly joined themselves with the hated Christians (Acts 2:41, 47). We could go on and on. There is no Bible example of people being saved who did not evidence an eventual and sometimes drastic changes in their lives. Repentance is a change of mind and heart which results in a change of life.

            4.  The Bible Approach to the Sinner Is to Demand That He Repent and Turn to God. The Apostle Paul, in reviewing his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went about preaching to Jews and Gentiles both "that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 26:20). This is exactly the message which we are to preach today.

“ENOUGH TO QUIT”

“A Sunday School Teacher once asked a class what was meant by the word “repentance.” A little boy put up his hand and said, It is being sorry for your sins.” A little girl also raised her hand and said, “Please, it is being sorry enough to quit.”

 D.  AN EASY--PRAYERISM GOSPEL WHICH FAILS TO DEAL PLAINLY WITH REPENTANCE HAS REPLACED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

"Easy-Prayerism" or “Easy-Believism” emphasizes faith and prayer. "Just believe. Don't worry about giving up things; that will come in time. Just pray this prayer." Bible evangelism, rather, emphasizes repentance. Yet, God says, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

That is what Paul required of his listeners, and that is exactly what we must require. Repentance was not just something preached by John the Baptist. No, it was preached far beyond his ministry. 

       1.  Repentance Was Preached by Christ. (Matt. 3:1,2; 13:1-5). He said, Lk 5:32, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Christ's goal in dealing with men was to bring them to repentance toward God…that they may know and experience the one they were made for originally.

       2.  Repentance Was Also Preached by the Apostles (Acts 2:38; 5:31; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). The Bible says that God is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Repentance is God's goal in dealing with sinners all over the world.

       3. Repentance Was Even Preached by Paul to the Gentile World.

Acts 20:20-21, And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, [21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was not a message to be preached solely By Jesus and John the Baptist to the Jews only.  This message of Repentance was to be preached among all nations merely beginning in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:46-48, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.   

       4. We Should Require Genuine Repentance Today in Our Preaching and Witnessing.

This means that we cannot have the attitude that we will deal with specific sin only after the person receives Christ. That is the philosophy of many. If the sinner brings up his love for liquor or his love for immoral relationships or his love for gambling, some think it best to delay dealing with such things until after that one has come to Christ. Sometimes this is the best policy, but only if the sinner is clearly under the conviction of the Holy Spirit regarding his sin and is clearly ready to turn to Christ. On the other hand, if the sinner is obviously still wanting to hold onto his sin, the personal worker must deal with the fact that he must turn from it. You can’t hold on to a pet sin or some favorite sin and trust Jesus Christ to save you at the same time!

E.  THE DEFINITION OF REPENTANCE.

Repentance is necessary for salvation, but repentance alone does not save. It means to change ones mind about sin to result in a change of action. Repentance is the turning away from the life of sin and turning to Jesus Christ in faith.  Repentance means a change of mind which results in a change of life. It means to turn to a holy God from our exceeding sinfulness. It means to bow before Jesus Christ as the Lord and God of one's life. Bible examples of repentance show a clear change in people's behavior. The change does not save us from sin, but IT IS the clear fruit of Bible salvation. This is an authentic conversion, which involves both repentance and faith.

F. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL MESSAGE TO A SINNER?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. ³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

     1.  Christ Died for Our Sins

The Death of Christ is significant because all sinners abide under the wrath of God and we were all sentenced to death. But JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED AND DIED IN OUR STEAD AS OUR SUBSTITUTE AND AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE! HE DIED FOR US!  Therefore if He took my death then I as a believer am no longer obligated to Death. That’s GOOD NEWS to the sinner!

Rom 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Also Ezek. 18:4)

              (1)   God Has Declared That the Proper Punishment of Sin is Death.

We all have sinned; we all tend to sin and God has condemned that tendency in us all.  Because we have sinned against God, we deserve death. Eternal death—this is separation from God forever in the Lake of Fire also the Second Death. (Rev. 20: 11-15)

              (2)  The Good News is that Jesus Christ Died for Us. 

He took the punishment for sin that we deserved.  He was completely sinless and could not sin, therefore He did not deserve death.  But He willingly died in our place and as our substitute.

2 Cor 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Pet 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isa 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The truth is that since Jesus Christ died for me and the penalty of sin was paid for everyone by Him then we who have accepted Him need not die for our own sin.  If  we accept His sacrifice for all sin, we receive to our sin debt the credit of death. We are no longer obligated to pay a debt that is paid in full by Christ. THIS IS GOOD NEWS!

    2.   Christ was Buried to Put Away Our Sin.

The Burial of Christ is significant because Christ bore in His body our sin upon the tree, then that same sin riveted body was placed in a new tomb. This is conformation that Christ literally died. Therefore, our sins were literally paid for in His death. The beauty here is that when Christ rose from the grave He was no longer baring our sin! The question here is where is our sin? The answer is it’s GONE! Jesus is the Lamb of God that taketh AWAY the sin of the World!

Illustration: The Day of Atonement and the SCAPEGOAT is a good picture of Christ the sin barer taking away the sin of the people.

     3. Christ was Raised Again for Our Justification.

This is significant because the same one who died for my sin is alive today to save me. We can trust a Living Savior: a living Savior can call sinners unto himself. The resurrection of Christ is God’s endorsement of Christ’s ministry! Clearly, He is the only one that can by His finished work bring sinful man back into fellowship with a Holy God.

                1.   When a sinner trust Christ as their Lord and Savior, he is accepting the credit of  being alive because he is identifying with Christ’s Resurrection.  For the sinner who believes on Christ, there remains no more obligations to sin and death.  He is freed from such obligations so that he can serve his Lord with his new life.   (See Rom 6:4-13).     

                2.   Jesus Christ literally and bodily came forth from the grave. Acts 1:3, To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

1 Cor 15:5-8, And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

(Also see John 20:26-31)

QUOTE: “When the risen Christ appeared unto the discouraged disciples and revived their faith and hope, they went forth, under the all conquering faith in a risen and ascended Lord, and preached the story of His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again.” –Williams Evans

With this understanding this is the proper message for the masses. We as Gospel witnesses should know and understand the message that God has charged us to share. The better we understand it the more able we’ll are sharing it.

Ministers of Christ

Ministers of Christ

 

Reflection

Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.

1.  Think of someone who has served Christ for many years. In what ways has that person's example inspired you?

While no one should be placed on a pedestal or be compared by people in their evaluations, Paul clarifies how we should understand servants of Christ. I have had the privilege of witnessing a few good servants of Christ execute their various ministries devotedly as to the Lord Jesus. I need to be quick say it was not their ministry longevity, popularity, political savvy, or pulpit exploits that seized my considerations. Their level of commitment to Christ, and dedication in His will…to His plan, is what struck me as attractive or worthy of immolating. They were fixed on pleasing the Lord first and foremost. I have found such devotion to God, His plan, and the pursuit of God’s pleasure both stirring, correcting, motivating, and guiding through the years.   

Bible Reading

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–6.

In 1 Cor 3, Paul presented three pictures of the local church. Now he presents three pictures of the minister - a steward (1 Cor 4:1-6), a spectacle (1 Cor 4:7-13), and a father (1 Cor 4:14-21). He wanted his readers to understand how God measured and evaluated a Christian’s service. First Corinthians 4:6 explains Paul's purpose: “That no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” He would deal with misplaced loyalty rooted in pride!

It follows then that all who minister for Christ are responsible to Him.^[a]

In order that they might properly appraise Paul and the other apostles, he says that the saints should look upon them as servants or assistants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.^[b]

We must avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating men and their ministries. On the one hand, we can be so apathetic that we accept anybody who comes along. But the other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.

It is important to develop discernment, that we “try the spirits” their teachings (1 John 4:1-6; and note 2 John), but we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit in the process. In these three pictures of ministry, Paul presented three characteristics of a true minister of Jesus Christ

I.  Faithfulness - The Steward (1 Cor. 4:1-6)

II. Humbleness - The Spectacle (1 Cor. 4:7-13)

III. Tenderness - The Father (1 Cor. 4:14-21)

Discovery

Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.

2. Paul saw evidence of spiritual pride in the early church. Why did that trouble him?

A.  Here, the term “puffed up” is “spiritual pride” and refers to one Christian judging whether a fellow Christian is a good follower of Christ. Often that results in arrogance. Evaluating others tempts us with the attitude that we are better than they are. What are the long-term effects of this kind of pride?  Church splits, discouraged believers, loss of witness, etc.

The apostle challenges the respect due to him on account of his character and office, in which many among them had at least very much failed: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (v. 1), though possibly others might have valued them too highly, by setting him up as the head of a party, and professing to be his disciples. In our opinion of ministers, as well as all other things, we should be careful to avoid extremes. Apostles themselves were, 1. Not to be overvalued, for they were ministers, not masters; stewards, not lords. They were servants of Christ, and no more….^[c]

B.  Pride distorts our view of ourselves and others. Spiritual leaders and believers alike could be guilty of spiritual pride -- Leaders for thinking about their faith, education and training elevated them above everyone else, believers for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your area or opportunity of service. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their ministry.

C.  QUOTE: “A popular game played by many Christians is that of evaluating pastors. All kinds of criteria are used to determine who are the most successful, the most influential, the most gifted, the most effective. Some magazines periodically make surveys and write up extensive reports, carefully ranking the pastors by church membership, attendance at worship services, sizes of church staff and Sunday school, academic and honorary degrees, books and articles written, numbers of messages given at conferences and conventions, and so on. As popular as that practice may be, it is exceedingly offensive to God.

First Corinthians 4:1–5 focuses on the true nature and marks of God’s ministers. It sets forth the basic guidelines and standards by which ministers are to minister and be evaluated. It deals with what the congregation’s attitude toward the minister should be and what the minister’s attitude toward himself should be. In short, it puts the minister of God in God’s perspective. Paul makes it clear that popularity, personality, degrees, and numbers play no role in the Lord’s perspective—and that they should play no role in ours.

The main point of the passage here still concerns the divisions over different ministers. The message is that servants of God should not be ranked at all, by others or by themselves. All who are true to Scripture in their preaching and living should be treated equally. Where there is sound doctrine and personal holiness there is no justification for ranking God’s servants. (Romans 16:17 and 1 Timothy 5:20, however, point out that where those two essentials are missing, there must be evaluation and confrontation.)” — John MacArthur

3.  We now understand that we should not “glory in men” from chapter 3.  But how should we view Christian servants?

It is vital that we understand how we evaluate Christian servants—pastors, evangelists, missionaries, ministers, full time Christian workers, and such. This is not dealing with how we view each other as average Christians, but how we view those in special ministries.

A.  They are Ministers of Christ. (1Cor. 4:1)

Paul answered the leaders of the various factions in the church when he called himself, Peter, and Apollos "ministers of Christ". The word ministers literally means "underrowers." It described the slaves who rowed the huge Roman galleys. "We are not the captains of the ship," said Paul, "but only the galley slaves who are under orders. Now, is one slave greater than another?"

B.  They are Stewards of God. (1Cor. 4:1)

Then Paul explained the image of the steward.

     1. A steward is a servant who manages everything for his master, but who himself owns nothing. Joseph was a chef steward in Potiphar's household (Gen 39).

     2. The church members are a part of the "household of faith" (Gal 6:10), and the ministers are stewards who share God's wealth with the family (Matt 13:52). Paul called this spiritual wealth "the mysteries of God." 

           — Paul and the other leaders had been entrusted with "The mysteries of God." This is God's sacred secret wisdom as revealed in the Gospel (1 Cor. 1:30; 2:7) -- the mystery of the complete plan of salvation.

           — These mysteries cannot be discovered or comprehended by human wisdom, but they have been entrusted to God's workers to be carefully and responsibly taught to others.

           — Some of the mysteries revealed in the N.T.

                    (1) the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 13:3-50; Mk. 4:1-25; Lk. 8:4-15). This describes "the result of the presence of the Gospel in the world during the present age, that is, the time of seed-sowing which began with our Lord's personal ministry and will end with `the harvest.' The result is the mingled tares and wheat, good fish and bad, in the sphere of Christian profession. It is Christendom" (Scofield).

                    (2) the Mystery of the Rapture (1 Co. 15:51,42; 1 Th. 4:16). The mystery revealed here is that those believers living at the time of Christ's appearance will be glorified and caught up without seeing death. "The O.T. prophets saw the return of Christ to the earth with His saints in power and glory, but not His coming to the air for the saints."

                    (3) the Mystery of the Local Church as the Body of Christ, Composed of Saved Jews and Gentiles of this Age (Ro. 16:25; Ep. 3:1-11; 6:19; Co. 4:3). "The O.T. does not mention anything about the founding of the N.T. Church by Christ, the component members of N.T. churches (Ep. 3:3-9), or the special relationship Christ has with His churches (Ep. 5:23-32; Re. 1:12,13,20)."

                    (4) the Mystery of the Indwelling Christ (Ga. 2:20; Col. 1:26-27).

                    (5) the Mystery of the Incarnate Christ, of God manifest in the flesh (Col. 2:2,9; 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Ti. 3:16).

                    (6) the Mystery of Israel's Blindness, that Israel would be blinded and set apart while God called out a people for His name from among the nations (Ro. 11:25).

                    (7) the Mystery of Babylon (Re. 17:5,7). "The Babylonian system is seen throughout the O.T. narrative, but this final form of a one-world religion as a tool of the Antichrist (Re. 17:7) is N.T. truth."

                    (8) the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Th. 2:7). This is the revelation of the devil's program to bring in the antichrist; it is the revelation of the increase of apostasy throughout the church age.

                    (9) the Mystery of God (Re. 10:7). This mystery is in reality the long time span of this present age of man. "The mystery of God is the long delay of our Lord in taking the kingdom unto Himself and in establishing righteousness in the earth. The mystery of God is seen in these thousands of years ... God has allowed Satan to wrap his vicious slimy, filthy, cruel tentacles around this earth" (H.L. Willmington, The King Is Coming).

                    (10) the Mystery of Consummation (Ep. 1:9,10). This may be described as the mystery of eternity. (Some of the previous study is taken from Robert Sargent.)

     3. The responsibility of the steward is to be faithful to his master. A steward may not please the members of the household; he may not even please some of the other servants; but if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward. This same idea is expressed in Rom 14:4.

     4.  So, the main issue is not "Is Paul popular?" or, "Is Apollos a better preacher than Paul?" The main issue is, "Have Paul, Apollos, and Peter been faithful to do the work God assigned to them?"

           — Jesus had this same test in mind when He told the parable recorded in Luke 12:41-48.

           — If a servant of God is faithful in his personal life, in his home, and in his ministry of the Word, then he is a good steward and will be adequately rewarded.

     5.  Faithful—Trustworthy (1 Cor 4:1-2)

Paul and the other church leaders were "ministers of Christ" (4:1). Christ's true servants prove themselves through their personal character and the content of their teaching. Over a period, servant-leaders must demonstrate both aspects of their calling.

          — Paul knew that leaders in the church played crucial roles in God's plan, but he also knew the difference between ability and usability. The Corinthians were arguing over credentials; Paul wanted them to listen to those who were serving them in Christ's name.

          — He wasn't worried about his declining popularity. He was concerned about the true spiritual health of fellow Christians he loved.

          — How does someone get your attention as a Christian leader? Are you more impressed by a person's image or the evidence of personal integrity? What servant-leader for Christ has made the deepest impact on your life? Take time to thank God for that person.

4.  Is it right to judge the quality of another servant’s work for the Lord Jesus?  Explain.

It should be remembered that it is a virtue to be discerning (based on God’s own requirements), but it is never advisable to be harsh, fault finding, judgmental, and critical.

A.  A Servant of Christ Is Constantly Being Judged (Examined).

There is always somebody criticizing something he does. Paul pointed out that there are three judgments in the life of the steward.

   1. There Is Man's Judgment (1Cor. 4:3 A).

Paul did not get upset when people criticized him, for he knew that his Master's judgment was far more important. The phrase man's judgment is literally "man's day." This is in contrast to God’s day of judgment yet to come (1 Cor 1:8; 3:13).

   2. There Is the Servant's Own Self-judgment (1Cor. 4:3 B-4 A).

Paul knew nothing that was amiss in his life and ministry, but even that did not excuse him. Sometimes we do not really know ourselves. There can be a fine line between a clear conscience and a self-righteous attitude, so we must beware.

   3. The Most Important Judgment Is God's Judgment (1Cor. 4:4 B).

         A.  Certainly, God judges us today through His Word (Heb 4:12) and by the ministry of the Spirit.           

         B.  Sometimes He uses the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and confess sin (Matt 18:15-17).

         C.  But the main reference here is to the final evaluation when each Christian stands at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10). Then the true facts will be revealed, and the faithful servants rewarded.

Therefore premature judgment, whether it led to the exaltation of some ministers (3:21) or to the humiliation of others (4:10), was wrong. Only at the divine bar would all the facts be known and even there grace will be displayed—each faithful minister will receive … praise.^[4]

         D.  The Lord will examine “the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” These refer to the inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know. Since final rewards will be based, not just on outward service, but on inward devotion (1Cor.10:31), only God can give the praise each deserves. See 1Cor. 3:12–14.

B.  QUOTE: “Servants should be consistent, not critical. Paul refused to pass judgment on the quality of his or anyone else's work for Christ, realizing that Christ would someday do this at the bema judgment seat. Until then, as a servant of Christ, his job was to remain faithful.”  — H. Willmington

C.  These Verses must Not Be Used to Cultivate a Self-righteous Independence of People. The local church is a family, and members of the family must help each other to grow. There is a place for honest, loving criticism (Eph 4:15). If the critic is biblically right, then he has helped us. If he is wrong, then we can help him. Either way, the truth is strengthened. A harsh and judgmental attitude is never sanction in the Word.

   1. Paul’s "therefore" in 1 Cor 4:5 alerts us that he is about to make a personal application of the truths just discussed. He closed this section with a threefold rebuke.

   2.  First, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging God's Servants at the Wrong Time (V. 5).

         — It is when the Lord returns that He will evaluate their lives and ministries, so wait until then. In fact, you cannot see into men's hearts; you cannot begin to judge their motives. Only God can do that. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Sam 16:7).

         — The Corinthians who were passing judgment on Paul were actually "playing God" and assuming to themselves the privileges that only God has. How often in my own ministry I have made this mistake! How easy it is to misread a situation and misjudge a person.

   3. Second, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging by the Wrong Standard (V. 6 A).

        — The Corinthians were measuring different men by their own personal preferences and prejudices. They were even comparing ministers with one another. The only true basis for evaluation is "that which is written" - the Word of God.

        — The Bible clearly reveals what kind of life and service is required of God's ministers. There is no need for us to devise new standards. Sometimes churches seeking pastors, ask for recommendations of candidates to them.        

        — Too often their "requirements" have gone beyond what God requires in His Word. Again, it is the problem Paul discussed in 1 Cor 1 and 2 - the wisdom of men versus the wisdom of God.

When the apostle says “I know of nothing against myself,” he means that in the matter of Christian service, he is not conscious of any charge of unfaithfulness that might be brought against him. He does not mean for a moment that he does not know of any sin in his life or any way in which he falls short of perfection! The passage should be read in the light of the context, and the subject here is Christian service and faithfulness in it. But even if he did not know anything against himself, yet he was not justified by this. He simply was not competent to judge in the matter. After all, the Lord is the Judge.^[5]

   4. Third, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging with the Wrong Motive (1Cor. 4:6 B).

        — Each group in the church was tearing down the other preachers in order to build up the man they liked. Their motive was not at all spiritual. They were promoting division in the church by being partisan to one man as opposed to the others. They needed to examine their own hearts and get rid of the pride - that was destroying the church.

        — God's servants are stewards of His truth, and the key test is: Have they been faithful to God by obeying and to teaching the Word of God? Not just faithful preaching, but faithful practicing as well.

        — The testimony of Samuel (1 Sam 12:1-5) and Paul (Acts 20:17) will bear witness to this truth.

 

Prayer

Father, forgive us for our arrogance; for acting as though we can accomplish great things on our own. We are nothing without you. Teach us to recognize our complete dependence on you and to surrender our desires and ambitions. Make our service more pleasing in your sight.

Journaling

Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.

 

What personal goals or desires do I need to reevaluate, in light of this passage?

 

Additional Questions

5. In what ways can we curb our appetite for prestige and power?

 

Ask the group what feeds our appetite for prestige and power, while you discuss how we can curb that appetite.

 

6.  When God gives us success in ministry, how can we guard against pride?

 

7.  How can we give God credit for the things he has accomplished through us?

 

You may want to ask for examples of public figures who have openly given God the glory for their success. Discuss what holds us back from being open about our faith.

 

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^[a] David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 512.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1757.

^[c] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2250.

^[4] David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 512.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1757.