1 Corinthians 4:3-5, Steward’s Performance Apprasial

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 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. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

(a) Not by man (v3a)

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment:

The Apostle Paul was a humble servant of God, he was a steward who constantly examines himself before the Lord. Doubtless, he receives many criticism and discouragements for the good work that he has done. He does not stop serving because of these discouragements. He had to defend his apostleship from the attacks hurled upon him.

2 Corinthians 11:23-30 “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.”

He has been faithfully discharging his duty!

May God’s people emulate the Apostle Paul’s spirit for service. Amen.