2. WHAT IS WISE CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP? (PART TWO) 1 Corinthians 3:18-4:5

3. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. 21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come— everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

4. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. 21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come— everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Our propensity toward deception & foolishness requires us to proactively grow in God’s wisdom

5. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. 21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come— everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Boasting in human leaders is ultimately fruitless

6. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. 21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come— everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. We belong to Christ!

7. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

8. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. A wise Christian leader’s core identity is that of a servant-steward

9. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. A servant-steward’s ultimate goal is faithfulness

10. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. “Biblical languages have no word for honesty. Honesty is a Roman concept, and the word has roots in Latin, Old French, Italian, and Spanish. It has to do with commitment to an impersonal ideal. The biblical word is faithful, which requires a person to whom one is faithful. A servant is faithful to his or her master... One day the master will say, ‘Give an account of your stewardship.’” -Kenneth Bailey in Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes

11. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Beware of the counterfeit measure of “success”

12. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Beware of the counterfeit measure of “duty”

13. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Normally, faithful stewardship produces some external results

14. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. There are rare cases & rare fields of ministry that will produce little or no external results

15. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. A wise Christian leader has a good understanding of the role of evaluation/judgment

16. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Paul’s focus is upon not evaluating/judging the motives of others

17. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Paul’s focus is also upon not excessively evaluating/judging one’s own motives

18. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Jeremiah 17:9-10  The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? 10 I, Yahweh, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.

19. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Excessive motive evaluation leads to paralysis

20. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Excessive motive evaluation reveals perfectionism

21. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Excessive motive evaluation is a subtle satanic ploy

22. What is a biblical view of motive evaluation?  God wants to purify our motives  Our motives get purified over time as we act  We should ask God to reveal habitual problems

23. What is a biblical view of motive evaluation?  God wants to purify our motives  Our motives get purified over time as we act  We should ask God to reveal habitual problems Psalm 139:23-24  23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.

24. What is a biblical view of motive evaluation?  God wants to purify our motives  Our motives get purified over time as we act  We should ask God to reveal habitual problems Psalm 19:12-14  12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

25. What is a biblical view of motive evaluation?  God wants to purify our motives  Our motives get purified over time as we act  We should ask God to reveal habitual problems  Fixating upon & endlessly talking about our heart motives is not super-spiritual  Be on guard against the enemy’s desire to bring accusation  Trust God to deal with the motives of others

26. What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others? Matt. 7:1  Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. This is perhaps the most misinterpreted verse in the whole Bible!!!

27. What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others? Matt. 7:15-18  15 “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit.

28. What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others? 1 Tim. 6:3-4a  If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited, understanding nothing

29. What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others? 1 Cor. 2:15  The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything… 1 Cor. 5:3  For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present.

30. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

31. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

32. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong Judging true from false What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

33. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong Judging true from false Judging wise from foolish What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

34. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong Judging other’s motives Judging true from false Judging wise from foolish What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

35. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong Judging other’s motives Judging true from false Judging own motives Judging wise from foolish What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

36. Godly JudgmentUngodly Judgment Judging right from wrong Judging other’s motives Judging true from false Judging own motives Judging wise from foolish Judging others to condemn them What is a biblical view of judgment/evaluation of others?

37. Wrap-Up Questions  Are you intentionally growing in God’s wisdom?  Are you a servant-steward motivated by faithfulness to the Master?  Do you have a good understanding of evaluation/judgment?  Do you belong to Christ?