1 Corinthians 4. Our text today continues the Apostle Paul’s commentary about how church leaders are all subcontractors who work for King Jesus, according to God’s gospel plans. He writes, this is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (4:1) Remember that stewards are like household managers; they are not the owner. Coming back to our subcontractor metaphor, subcontractors are not the owner of the home that is being built. Instead, they are responsible for organizing all available resources so that the building plan is accomplished according to plans laid out by the home builder. (The mysteries of God means the gospel.)

A good subcontractor needs to be trustworthy and reliable. Paul writes, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful (4:2). What the owner wants is someone who dependably does exactly what was asked of him; they follow instructions well.

The subcontractors are responsible for reporting back to the home builder, who may correct them or encourage them as appropriate. As Paul notes, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court… it is the Lord who judges me. When the Lord comes, He will bring to light… then each one will receive his commendation from God (4:3-5). Don’t miss the significance of this statement – Paul insists that all the clamoring voices that offer commentary on what he is doing are not the opinion that really counts. He is primarily accountable to God.

Imagine we are halfway through building this house and a home builders radio show deejay sets up shop in the front yard. Then people call in to the radio talk show to offer their opinions on how the home building process is going and what they like or don’t like. Random people are scrutinizing and commenting on the building process. How much attention do you think the home builder and the subcontractors should pay to everyone’s opinions?

Paul says – pay no attention! Politicians are constantly taking polls and adjusting their plans, so the opinions of outsiders are considered. Church leadership is not to behave that way – the church is not a democracy but has divinely appointed leadership that must exist above the fray. Leadership is a call to serve humbly as servants of Christ, but also in strength and certainty of conviction knowing that the mission of the kingdom of God must remain central.

Have you been part of a church community where the leadership was reliable and faithful? Thank the Lord for having blessed your congregation in that way! Have you been a voice that offered criticism and scrutiny of what everyone else was doing? Maybe you need to repent. What can you do to encourage and support your appointed church leaders?