1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership—Paul addresses criticism by urging believers to see apostolic leaders as servants of Christ and trustworthy stewards of God’s mysteries. He teaches that authentic spiritual leadership is not about popularity or eloquence, but about faithfulness, humility, and the ability to endure judgment. Paul employs both correction and encouragement, emphasizing that faithful ministry is characterized by sacrifice, spiritual power, and a fatherly commitment to the church.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
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1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
1 Corinthians 4:1 – 4:21
Scriptures used in this lesson:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, 1 Corinthians 4:8-13, 1 Corinthians 4:14-21,
This chapter will be divided into four sections for teaching. The first section covers verses 1 and 2. It explains how to view the ministry of an apostle.
The second section includes verses 3 through 5. It discusses how to respond to judgment or criticism from others. The focus is on how to react when you are criticized, not on attacking others.
The third section looks at verses 6 through 13. This part covers apostolic chiding or sarcasm. Paul addresses charismatic Christians who are interested in spiritual gifts. He uses sarcasm to correct their errors.
The fourth section discusses the father ministry. Although it could have been combined with the third section, it is kept separate to highlight a different idea.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Introduction: The Challenge of Criticism and Division
In chapter four, Paul addresses people who are judging or criticizing him. These critics are followers of Apollos, Peter, or those who claim to be of Christ. They are the ones causing division by judging Paul. Paul has already discussed these issues in Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Now, in chapter four, he brings the discussion to a conclusion. He focuses on the problem of divisions and factions within the church.
How to See the Ministry of an Apostle
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
The first topic is the ministry of the apostle. It is essential to know how to recognize or understand if someone is truly an apostle. In verse one, Paul explains that apostles should be seen as ministers of Christ and as trustees of God’s secrets. The NASB translation says they are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Paul highlights two main qualities of an apostle. First, an apostle must be a servant to Christ. Second, an apostle must be a steward of the mysteries of God. These are the key things to look for in apostolic ministry.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Not all apostles performed miracles or started churches. However, all apostles served God and were trusted with the mysteries of the kingdom. The Apostles reveal these mysteries to others, and sometimes this leads to the formation of new churches. When you see someone with these two qualities, Paul says you can recognize apostolic potential in that person.
An apostle is first a servant of Christ. He is devoted to serving Christ, not people. An apostle cannot be manipulated by others. He may try to please people, but he always returns to serving Christ alone.
Many people are unaware of the pressure leaders face. Some may threaten to leave the church or withhold support if the leader does not preach what they want to hear. Others may suggest changing beliefs to attract more people. These pressures are difficult to comprehend unless you have experienced them firsthand.
I have shared some of my personal experiences with these challenges. Attempts to please people by preaching what they wanted did not work. People still left, stopped supporting, and were not satisfied. Ultimately, an apostle must focus on serving Christ and following His guidance. This is the only way that truly works.
The second key aspect of an apostolic ministry is being a steward of the mysteries of God. Some translations use the term “trustees” to describe this role. The word “mystery” comes from the Greek word “mysterion.” It means something that cannot be discovered by human intellect alone. An apostle reveals the mysteries of the kingdom of God. These are truths that people cannot figure out through their own reasoning. Paul explains in chapter two that God reveals these things by His Spirit, not through human effort.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
The apostolic ministry, therefore, is about opening up these spiritual mysteries. Apostles help others understand what God has prepared, but this understanding comes only through the Spirit of God.
In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus shares the mysteries of the kingdom through parables. The disciples asked Him why He used parables to teach. Jesus explained that understanding the mysteries of the kingdom was given to them, but not to everyone. Jesus talked about people with blinded eyes and plugged ears. Many people could not see or hear these truths. He told the disciples to be thankful that they were able to understand and receive these mysteries. Many others had wanted this understanding but did not receive it.
An apostolic ministry is marked by serving Jesus and not being controlled by people. Apostles may upset others because they refuse to compromise or do what people want. Their loyalty is to Christ alone.
The second key trait is being a steward of the mysteries. The word “steward” means someone who manages a household. A steward works under the master and is responsible for distributing resources. In a church, the apostle is accountable for everything that happens. This includes food, clothing, money, and all household activities.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
The apostle distributes the spiritual food, which is the word of God. He helps people understand spiritual truths, such as putting on the armor of God or renewing the mind. He also raises up ministries to serve the church. The apostle oversees all duties and services, not just practical tasks, but also spiritual roles.
When it comes to money, the apostle is responsible for teaching biblical principles about giving and managing finances. However, he may delegate the handling of money to others for practical reasons. The primary role of the apostle is to oversee the house of God and ensure everything is done according to God’s will.
Everyone should aim to be a servant of Christ, not someone who is manipulated by others. People may try to create divisions or turn you against each other. If you let yourself be influenced by people, you can end up caught in these situations. But if you focus on serving Christ, you avoid these traps.
You should also be a good steward of what God gives you. When God reveals spiritual truths or mysteries to you, you should share them with others. Hiding what God gives you, like the servant who buried his talent, is not what Jesus wants. You are expected to use and share what you receive from God.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
All believers have a ministry. Everyone preaches a message through their life, even if they don’t speak. Your actions and choices communicate something, either for God’s kingdom or for darkness. Every Christian is both a preacher and a steward of the mysteries of the kingdom.
Verse two explains the main requirement for a steward. The steward must be trustworthy. The King James Bible uses the word “faithful.”
Interestingly, the most essential quality in apostolic ministry is not being charismatic or having prophetic gifts. Eloquence is not required either. The fundamental trait is trustworthiness. This is what truly matters in a steward or apostolic leader.
About six years ago, I came to this city and tried out for the church. The people liked me and asked if I would be their pastor. I told them that we did not know each other well yet. I suggested we spend some time together to see how we got along.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
What I was saying was that we needed to find out if we could trust each other. We agreed to this plan. I continued my usual work, coming on Wednesdays and weekends. I asked them not to pay me during this time. Instead, we focused on fixing up the church building. We put in new carpet and repaired the pews. Our goal was to make the church a place people would be happy to visit and proud to attend. That is how we moved forward together.
When I suggested that we take time to get to know each other, not everyone believed it would work. Willis, for example, told Linda and others that it would not work. That guy isn’t going to stay here. He felt this way because he could not trust me yet. He had past experiences with other church leaders who did not meet expectations.
After six years of working together, things have undergone significant changes. Willis and I learned to trust each other. Now, when a situation comes up, Willis can almost predict how I will respond. I can do the same with him. This trust has developed over time, highlighting the importance of building relationships and trust in ministry. Trust does not develop instantly. It takes time and a proven track record. Trust is formed through building relationships and observing consistent behavior.
When choosing an apostolic ministry, trust is not based on eloquence or spiritual gifts. You cannot trust someone right away just because they speak well or prophesy. Trust must be earned over time. A steward or apostolic leader must demonstrate their trustworthiness through their actions and character.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
In our church leadership, I trust each of the elders. This trust comes from spending time together and working through situations. I can usually predict how each person will respond in different circumstances.
Other leaders, like Don, Pastor Tebow, and Doug, can do the same. They know each other well, having shared many experiences. Trust among leaders develops over time, not instantly.
In many denominational systems, trust is often disrupted. Sometimes, just as a leader gains trust, he is voted out. At other times, he leaves for a larger church. This cycle makes it hard to build lasting trust in ministry. Our eldership is different. I want to emphasize that our church leaders are trustworthy. The Bible instructs us to know and appreciate those who labor among us. This trust develops by spending time together and understanding each other.
To fully release apostolic ministry in our church, we must learn to trust our leaders. Trust is essential for effective ministry and church growth.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Sometimes, questions or doubts arise about how things are handled, such as church finances or decisions. These concerns do not arise often, but they do occur from time to time. It is essential to learn to trust your leaders. If you find you cannot trust them, you should seek leaders you can trust. Trust is crucial to ministry to have a lasting impact on your life. An apostolic ministry is needed because it helps reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God to you.
How to Respond to Judgment or Criticism
1 Corinthians 4:3-5
3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
The second section, covering verses 3 through 5, addresses how to respond to criticism or judgment from others. When we are criticized or judged, there are three courts of opinion to consider. The first court is the court of popular opinion. This is what others say about you. Paul points out that what people say about him matters very little. Different translations agree that it is a small thing to care about the opinions of others. The main lesson is that we should not place too much importance on what others say about us.
This church has faced criticism. Many people have talked about it or judged it. However, this criticism is not important. It is a small thing. The people God wants to be here will come. God will send them if it is His will. We should not let criticism from others affect us. It is not something we need to receive or worry about. Criticism from others is a minor thing and should not dictate our actions or attitudes.
In the world, what others think is often seen as very important. People usually care about maintaining appearances and gaining approval. Churches and preachers can fall into this mindset, worrying about what others think. Paul teaches that what people say is a small thing. However, this does not mean he was unaffected by criticism. Paul felt hurt and wounded by the things people said about him. Still, he did not let criticism change his principles or the way he lived. He stayed faithful to his calling, even when it was painful.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
The lesson is to stop worrying about what people say about the church. Do not let criticism from others influence your direction or values. You should stop worrying about what people say about me or about you, because it is a small thing.
The second type of judgment is self-opinion or self-judgment. Paul says in the Phillips translation that he judges himself. The ASV says he does not even judge himself, but then it also states that he does judge himself. Paul did not find anything worthy of criticism in himself. His guiding principle was not based on what others said about him, nor was it based on his own opinion of himself. He maintained a balanced view, not letting external or internal judgments dictate his actions.
The Phillips translation suggests that Paul may not even be aware of his own faults. This connects to what Jesus said in Matthew chapter seven. Before trying to remove a speck from your brother’s eye, you should first take the log out of your own eye. This means that often, the faults we notice in others are more minor than the issues we have ourselves. It is a reminder to be humble and self-aware before judging others.
King David is a good example of this principle. David was quick to judge the man who stole a little ewe lamb and said that man deserved to die. But David did not see his own greater faults—taking Bathsheba and having Uriah killed.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
We are often the same way. It is much easier to notice someone else’s faults than to recognize our own. Paul, as the Phillips translation says, admits he might be unaware of his own faults. Because of this, you cannot rely on what others say about you, and you cannot rely on your own judgment of yourself either.
There is only one opinion that truly matters—the Lord’s opinion. Paul says the only true judge is the Lord. What God thinks about us is what counts, not what others say or what we believe about ourselves.
Paul discusses this further in 2 Corinthians chapter 5. He talks about being absent from the body and present with the Lord. He then mentions the judgment seat of Christ. Many Christians worry about this judgment, fearing their sins will be exposed. However, Paul explains that believers will be judged for the deeds they have done in their bodies, not for hidden sins. The focus is on what the Lord sees and judges, not on human opinions or self-judgment.
We will be judged for the deeds done in our bodies, not for our sins. Our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west. They are cast into the depths of the sea and never remembered again. God will not go against His word. At the judgment seat of Christ, He will not bring up our past sins. If we think He will, we are doubting the power of Jesus’ blood to cleanse us. The real focus at judgment will be on what we did for God’s kingdom while we lived in this body. Our actions and accomplishments for the gospel are what matter.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
At the judgment seat of Christ, the Lord will look at what you have done with your life. He will judge whether your works are like gold, silver, and precious stones, or if they are like wood, hay, and stubble. Jesus told a parable about talents to show this principle. The servant who used his talents well was praised. The servant who hid his talent was called wicked. You should find something to do in God’s kingdom. Use the gifts and talents God has given you. Serve others, pray for people, or help in any way you can. Do not hide your talents or waste your opportunities. True joy comes from serving in the kingdom.
What matters most is not what others say about you or even what you think about yourself. What matters is what you are doing for God. God will judge you based on your actions for His kingdom. This is the true measure, not your past sins, because the blood of Jesus has already cleansed those.
Paul also uses himself and Apollos as examples. He applies his teaching to both of them to illustrate his point. Paul sometimes employed sarcasm or strong language to convey his message effectively. He wanted the church to learn from their example and understand the importance of serving faithfully in the kingdom.
Paul mentions Apollos several times in 1 Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 1:12, he notes that people were dividing themselves by saying, “I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Paul does not claim a personal group, nor does he say Apollos or Peter have their own groups. He points out that each person is making these claims.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
In 1 Corinthians 3:4, Paul says that saying “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos” shows immaturity. The King James Bible calls it being carnal. In verse 5, Paul asks, “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul?” He answers that they are simply servants through whom people believed, as the Lord allowed.
Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 3:6, saying he planted and Apollos watered, but it was God who gave the growth. In 1 Corinthians 3:22, he lists Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, showing that all things belong to the believers, not just one leader.
In 1 Corinthians 4:6, Paul says he has used himself and Apollos as examples so the church would not become arrogant for one leader over another. He does not accuse Apollos, Peter, or himself of arrogance. Instead, he says the problem is with the people becoming arrogant.
In 1 Corinthians 16:12, Paul explains that he encouraged Apollos to visit the church, but Apollos was not ready to come at that time. Paul assures them that Apollos will visit when he can.
Finally, in Titus 3:13, Paul tells Titus to help Apollos and Zenos so they lack nothing. This shows Paul’s respect and support for Apollos as a fellow worker in ministry.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
After reading all that Paul wrote about Apollos, I reflected on their relationship. When I study, I often write, walk, and pray, letting the Spirit guide me. This process helps me understand what God is teaching.
Four things stood out to me about how Paul handled his relationship with Apollos. This is important because I have experienced tension with another minister in my own ministry. I wanted to know how to respond in such situations. Through prayer and study, I learned four key lessons from Paul’s example. These lessons help address and manage tension between ministers.
Paul always recognized Apollos as a genuine minister. He never called Apollos a false minister. Paul placed Apollos on the same level as Peter and himself, showing respect for his ministry. He never rebuked Apollos in front of the people.
Paul did not blame Apollos’ ministry for causing division. Instead, he corrected the people for polarizing around different leaders. Paul wanted the church to avoid favoring one minister over another. He taught that people should be planted where God wants them, not just where they have a personal preference.
The division among the people led to arrogance. Paul uses the term “puffed up” to describe their attitude. The people were inflating the importance of their favorite leaders, which led to the formation of groups and an increase in tension. This was not the fault of Paul or Apollos, but of the people who were dividing themselves.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul viewed Apollos as a brother and ensured his needs were met so that Apollos could continue to minister. Any tension that existed was caused by the people, not by the ministers themselves. If this division had continued, it could have caused even greater problems in the church.
For two years, I endured great hardship because people in the church took sides. They polarized around me and another minister, which led to separation and conflict. I am determined that this will not happen again in our church. There will be more ministry and new leaders raised up among us. If anyone starts to elevate one minister over another or create divisions, I will address it directly. Tension between ministries can happen, but taking sides and becoming arrogant is never the solution.
When problems arise, they should be handled with care and privacy. Using marriage as an example, if a father and mother have issues, they should not argue or fight in front of their children. Instead, they should discuss the problem privately, behind closed doors. If private discussion does not resolve the issue, the next step is to involve mediators. In marriage, this could be counselors, pastors, trusted friends, elders, or overseers. The mediators should not take sides but help both parties reach an understanding.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Regardless of the circumstances, the Bible must be the ultimate authority in resolving conflicts, whether within the home or the church. Most divisions are not caused by doctrine but by personality traits and character flaws. People struggle to accept differences and want others to be just like them. However, the body of Christ is composed of many different members, each unique and essential.
Divorce is not the answer, whether in marriage or the church. Divorce may bring some relief, but it does not address the underlying problem. The only way to truly resolve issues is for people to decide they will work through them and not give up. Long marriages, like George and Agnes’s forty-six years, show that sometimes you might feel like leaving, but you choose to stay and work it out. That decision to stick together is what brings real resolution.
In the church, you will not always agree with everything I say or do. You may not like my style or my actions. But instead of dividing or leaving, pray for one another and support each other. The church Paul describes is full of people who act spiritual and prosperous, but he reminds them that appearances are not everything. Paul uses sarcasm, saying the church members act like kings while he and others are seen as fools. He points out the contrast between how some see themselves and how they view others, urging humility and unity.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Apostolic Sarcasm and the Reality of Ministry
1 Corinthians 4:8-13
8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.
9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.
11 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;
12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;
13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
Paul begins to challenge the church with sarcasm. He addresses the attitudes of charismatic believers, particularly their emphasis on positive confession and self-importance. Paul contrasts their mindset by describing his own hardships.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
He says he is on display for God, seen as last and condemned to death. Unlike those who claim always to be the head and not the tail, Paul admits to being hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, and homeless. He works hard with his hands. When reviled, he blesses in return. When persecuted, he endures, and when slandered, he offers comfort. Paul calls himself the scum and the dregs of the world. Through this, he highlights the reality of true ministry and servant leadership, rather than pride or self-exaltation.
Paul would not score well in terms of positive confession by modern charismatic standards. He did not always strive to appear strong, wealthy, or successful. Instead, Paul employed sarcasm and reality to address those who considered themselves spiritually superior or consistently prosperous.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
He pointed out that the Corinthian church was acting puffed up and self-important. Paul challenged this attitude by highlighting that authentic ministry is not about worldly success or constant spiritual highs. Real ministry and a real church are defined by personal sacrifice and a willingness to lay down one’s life to follow Christ and fulfill God’s purpose.
It is not about how impressive or spiritual a church appears, but about how much it is willing to give up for Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit and actual spiritual growth come through humility and sacrifice, not pride or self-exaltation.
For me, nothing is more important than having the Holy Spirit’s presence when we gather. I desire this above everything else. Without the Holy Spirit, our meetings have no real value. I want our church to fulfill its purpose. I hope it continues even after I am gone, reaching future generations if the Lord delays His coming. My desire is for this place to bring the kingdom of God to our area, changing lives and helping people truly understand God.
I long for us to seek God’s face, to know what He is like, to gain His heart, His eyes, and His presence. That is what truly matters for our church and its future.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul makes his relationship with the Lord very personal in Philippians 3. He repeatedly uses the word “I” to show how deeply this matters to him. Paul explains that, by worldly standards, he was impressive. He had all the proper credentials—he was a Hebrew, from the tribe of Benjamin, and zealous enough to persecute the church. Yet, Paul says he gave up all of that. He counts his past achievements as nothing but dung compared to gaining Christ. His main goal is not to be seen as important or “hot,” but to fulfill his true purpose in life—knowing Jesus and living for Him.
Worldly success is always relative. Churches and individuals are often judged by how successful they appear compared to others. For example, a doctor or businessman may have a large practice or business, but there will always be someone with a bigger one. If you measure yourself by these standards, you will always find someone more successful and may end up feeling like a failure.
Paul teaches that this is not the right way to judge yourself or the church. The Corinthian church saw itself as superior, but Paul challenges this attitude. He wants us to understand that we should not use worldly standards to evaluate ourselves or others. In Philippians 4, Paul says he has learned to be content in every circumstance. Contentment is a learning process. Paul emphasizes that true fulfillment does not come from comparing ourselves to others, but from finding contentment in our current situation.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul says in Philippians 4:12 that he knows how to live with little and with plenty. He has learned the secret of being content whether he is well-fed or hungry, whether he has abundance or is in need. He states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse is often quoted out of context. Paul means that, regardless of his circumstances—good or bad—he can still serve God and fulfill his calling because Christ gives him the strength.
People often react differently to their circumstances. Some are faithful and active when life is good, but disappear when things get tough. Others come to church and seek God when life is hard, but drift away when things improve. Paul teaches that true contentment and faithfulness do not depend on our situation. We are called to serve God in every season, trusting in Christ’s strength, not our circumstances.
Paul teaches that you must maintain your motives and principles, regardless of your circumstances. Whether life is going well or poorly, you have the strength to keep serving God. Your commitment should not depend on how you feel or what you are experiencing.
Some people are faithful only when things are going well; others seek God only when things are difficult. Paul says you must learn to serve God in every situation. Your motivation should not be based on feeling “hot” or “cold.” Instead, your goal should be to acquire Christ, fulfill your purpose, and do your part in the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul challenges the Corinthians, reminding them that steadfast faithfulness is serving God, regardless of whether one has much or little. This is the objective measure of spiritual maturity.
The Father Ministry: Spiritual Parenting and Correction
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.
17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
18 Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power.
The Test of True Apostolic Power
20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.
21 What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
Paul introduces the idea of Father ministry in verses 14 through 21. He tells the church that he writes not to make them uncomfortable, but to help them understand their relationship to him as spiritual children. He uses the language of warning and admonition, much like a father would with his own children.
Paul reminds them that, as their spiritual father, he has the right to warn and correct them. He compares himself to a father who can choose how to discipline—either with a rod or with gentleness. The choice, he says, is up to them. Paul’s goal is to guide and nurture them, not to harm or shame them.
A good father uses both discipline and gentleness. Paul acted this way as a spiritual father to the church, just as God does as our heavenly Father. God corrects those He loves, but He also shows meekness and mercy. Many want to ignore discipline and focus only on gentleness. Paul shows that both are necessary in true fatherly ministry. It is up to us which approach we receive—discipline or gentleness—based on how we respond.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul explains in verse 15 that while you can have countless teachers, you cannot have many fathers. He became their spiritual father through the Gospel. This means he has a unique role in their spiritual lives. Paul makes a clear distinction between teachers and fathers in ministry. Teachers are many and available everywhere, but a spiritual father is rare. Just as in natural life, you do not have many fathers—maybe only one or two. The same principle applies to spiritual life. You may learn from many, but only a few will be true spiritual fathers to you.
Last night, I spent time with my daughter, Bonnie, while my wife, Judy, was away in Florida. Bonnie and I went out together and enjoyed ourselves at a restaurant. During our time, I shared some thoughts with her about obedience and correction.
I asked Bonnie if she follows my instructions because she fears me or because she wants to please me. She thought about it and answered that she does it because she wants to please me. This illustrates the distinction between obeying out of fear and obeying out of love and a sense of relationship.
I believe God places a father ministry in each of our lives—someone we genuinely want to please. When correction comes from this person, it is not harsh or bitter. Instead, it feels right because our motivation is to please them, not out of fear or intimidation.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Receiving correction from a father ministry is not about being afraid of punishment or curses. It is about relationships and love. We respond to their guidance because we respect and want to honor them, not because they are more powerful or threatening.
For most of you, I am a teacher. You can have many teachers in your life, and that is not a bad thing. I am glad to have the opportunity to teach you and help you learn about God. For some of you, though, I am more than a teacher. I have become a father ministry because I have played a key role in your spiritual growth, and your perspective has changed. You receive correction from me not out of fear, but because you want to please me and grow in your faith. This relationship is healthy and good.
To those who see me only as a teacher, I am grateful that you allow me to share my knowledge with you. I value your willingness to learn. However, I urge you to recognize who your spiritual father is. Many Christians do not know who their spiritual father is, and as a result, they struggle to accept correction. You may receive instruction from many, but only a few can truly correct you. Paul’s message is that a true father in ministry can both instruct and correct you, and this is a unique and vital relationship.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
There are four ways to recognize a father ministry. First, a father ministry helps you face reality. It makes you aware of essential facts and offers both correction and mercy, depending on what you need.
Second, you may have many teachers, but only a few true fathers. A father ministry is the one from whom you can accept correction, not just instruction.
Third, a father ministry reproduces itself. Paul shows this by sending Timothy, his spiritual son, to the church. A true father in ministry raises up others who carry the same spirit and values.
A father ministry always reproduces itself. When you see my son or daughter, you see a part of me in them. The same principle applies to spiritual ministry. If I have fathered a ministry, you will notice a resemblance to my character and values.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4: How to Judge Spiritual Leadership
Paul illustrates this by sending Timothy, his spiritual son, to the church. Timothy reflects Paul’s teaching and way of life. He comes to remind the church of the ways of living in Christ that Paul teaches everywhere. This spiritual resemblance is a key mark of true father ministry.
The fourth mark of a father ministry is power. A true father ministry carries dunamis power. Paul says the kingdom of God is not just about talk, but about power. He uses the word “dunamis,” which means the power to bring real change. This kind of ministry has an anointing that transforms lives. It moves people from darkness into God’s kingdom. It helps them walk in righteousness, peace, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. This power is a clear sign of a genuine father ministry.
Paul tells the Corinthians that he plans to visit and see what they truly have. He wants to know if their faith is talk or if it is backed by real power. Paul is looking for evidence of genuine spiritual transformation.
I have discussed ministry extensively—how it can be hurtful, how you should view your leaders, and how to discern if someone is merely a teacher or a true father ministry. Paul speaks this way to the Corinthians because he loves them. He wants to help move their lives from darkness to righteousness, peace, and joy. A father ministry is not just about words. It carries an anointing that can genuinely change lives and bring people into the fullness of God’s kingdom.
1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Audio
1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Audio
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