Correct Outlook: Servant Role
Under-rower, Steward, and Fool: Join Me
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 CSB - A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.
OBSERVATION:
1 Corinthians 4 continues Paul’s discussion of maturity. Paul addresses the Corinthians' immaturity regarding who or what qualifies someone as an "Apostle." In a culture that exalts leaders above others, Paul emphasizes the opposite.
Unfortunately, not much has changed. Often, those meant to serve end up asking to be served. We should heed the words of Jesus.
Matthew 20:25-28 CSB - Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. "It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, "and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul uses the Greek word “hyperetas” to mean “servant.” It refers to a subordinate servant who functions as a free man.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 CSB - A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.
OBSERVATION:
1 Corinthians 4 continues Paul’s discussion of maturity. Paul addresses the Corinthians' immaturity regarding who or what qualifies someone as an "Apostle." In a culture that exalts leaders above others, Paul emphasizes the opposite.
Unfortunately, not much has changed. Often, those meant to serve end up asking to be served. We should heed the words of Jesus.
Matthew 20:25-28 CSB - Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. "It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, "and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul uses the Greek word “hyperetas” to mean “servant.” It refers to a subordinate servant who functions as a free man.
It literally means an “under-rower” in the sense that someone is a rower on a big galley ship. So, though it is not the most lowly word for a servant, it is certainly not a prestigious position. Under-rowers serve – David Guzik.
[An under-rower serves] Christ the master-pilot, helping forward the ship of the Church toward the haven of heaven. – John Trapp.
[The] under-rower [is] one who acts under direction, and asks no questions, one who does the thing he is appointed to do without hesitation, and one who reports only to the One Who is over him. – G. Campbell Morgan.
[An under-rower serves] Christ the master-pilot, helping forward the ship of the Church toward the haven of heaven. – John Trapp.
[The] under-rower [is] one who acts under direction, and asks no questions, one who does the thing he is appointed to do without hesitation, and one who reports only to the One Who is over him. – G. Campbell Morgan.
As under-rowers or servants of Jesus, we have a duty to be faithful stewards of the Word of God.
A steward was responsible for managing the household finances and food distribution, keeping precise accounts for which he was accountable to the master of the house.
We have received the Word of God, more valuable than any currency, and we are charged with the responsibility to share it properly and give an account of how we do so. It is indeed a monumental task. Yet, it comes with great blessings!
APPLICATION:
You might be wondering, “How does this relate to me?” “I’m not a pastor or church leader.” You are at your job or in your family.
You may not hold the title of “manager,” but you are called to be a servant and an “under-rower.” Your primary role is to serve your Master—Jesus—and through that service, you will be able to serve those who employ you. As servants, we should aim to be “found faithful” in our work. It should be common for employers of Christian workers to say they are “faithful, show up, serve the team, and do what they are hired to do.” Although this can be challenging, the reward of serving Jesus and those around us is great. The real question is, will we choose to do it?
It's in these moments that we can relate to Paul to some extent.
1 Corinthians 4:10, 13 CSB - We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! ... When we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone's garbage.
Not easy words to swallow, but when we look to Jesus, we, like Paul, can say.
1 Corinthians 4:16 CSB - Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
A steward was responsible for managing the household finances and food distribution, keeping precise accounts for which he was accountable to the master of the house.
We have received the Word of God, more valuable than any currency, and we are charged with the responsibility to share it properly and give an account of how we do so. It is indeed a monumental task. Yet, it comes with great blessings!
APPLICATION:
You might be wondering, “How does this relate to me?” “I’m not a pastor or church leader.” You are at your job or in your family.
You may not hold the title of “manager,” but you are called to be a servant and an “under-rower.” Your primary role is to serve your Master—Jesus—and through that service, you will be able to serve those who employ you. As servants, we should aim to be “found faithful” in our work. It should be common for employers of Christian workers to say they are “faithful, show up, serve the team, and do what they are hired to do.” Although this can be challenging, the reward of serving Jesus and those around us is great. The real question is, will we choose to do it?
It's in these moments that we can relate to Paul to some extent.
1 Corinthians 4:10, 13 CSB - We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! ... When we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone's garbage.
Not easy words to swallow, but when we look to Jesus, we, like Paul, can say.
1 Corinthians 4:16 CSB - Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness. – Oscar Wilde
Let that sink in for a moment!
Philippians 2:1-5 CSB - If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
What better way to give glory to Jesus than by taking on His servant's heart!
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me become a greater servant to You and others. When I am treated as such, remind me of Your great acts of service toward someone who was and is infinitely undeserving. Though I may seem like a “fool” to those watching from the outside, may they see whom I serve—You and You alone.
Philippians 2:1-5 CSB - If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
What better way to give glory to Jesus than by taking on His servant's heart!
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me become a greater servant to You and others. When I am treated as such, remind me of Your great acts of service toward someone who was and is infinitely undeserving. Though I may seem like a “fool” to those watching from the outside, may they see whom I serve—You and You alone.
“A servant is no greater than his master.” - Jesus
Posted in 07 - 1 Corinthians
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