(1Co 4:4) “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”  The truths taught through the writings by Paul are not his own personal ideas nor insights. They were directed and penned in response to the Holy Spirit’s direct speaking: (2Ti_3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration [the very breath] of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (also Gal 1:12)

(1Co 4:3) “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.”  The Holy Spirit is not saying we should not care about our testimony. He is saying we should be more concerned about what the Lord thinks than man. If we do right before the Lord our hearts will not condemn us when men misjudge us.

(1Co 4:3) “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.” A person is blinded to self’s flaws, much less the flaws of others. We wrongly judge others by the standard of self: (2Co_10:12) “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

(1Co 4:1) “Let a man so account of us, as… stewards of the mysteries of God. (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”   Did you know that there are warnings both in the New and the Old Testaments regarding adding to God’s Word and removing from it? (Rev 22:18) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” and(Deu 4:2) “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

(1Co 4:1) “Let a man so account of us, as… stewards of the mysteries of God. (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”  These “mysteries” are truths hid in Old Testament times revealed through the cross and giving of the Holy Spirit in New Testament times (Col 1:26 is just one ref in the NT).

(1Co 4:1) “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”  It is a great privilege to be a steward: a trusted servant that oversees the operation and treasures of his Master. I am at times saddened by the liberties speakers take with the plain Word of God. The Master will hold us responsible for our handling of His Word in feeding His flock.

(1Co 4:1) “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”  Minister: from a word meaning “to row”, thus one who rows the boat for another, thus a servant. Yes, ministers are to be given honor that are faithful to the revealed Word of God [the Bible] (1 Tim 5:17), yet each one is to serve others in spiritual matters in the Name of their Master.

(1Co 3:21) “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (22)  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; (23) And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”  Point: we are not to glory in self or others or the things of this world. We should glory in our Savior – our salvation!

(1Co 3:20) “And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”  (Psa_139:2) “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” The soul of man is plainly seen by our Lord. It is thoughts that lead to actions, so the Lord knows what we will do before we do it. In contrast, those who know and love the Lord pray: (Psa_19:14)  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

 (1Co 3:19) “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” Every person is to yield their will to that which the Lord God has revealed (the Bible). Yet, lost man puts what He thinks upon the throne of his heart. The saved can perceive this when one says, “My God is not like that.”  His “craftiness” binds him to death, for his self-will is sin.