2. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God [that is, things only disclosed by God]. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.

3. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

4. Theme God’s “Team Members” reliably use their gifts and grace to reveal Him.

6. A. Who Are We? How Should We Describe Ourselves? 1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ... We are shipman and He is our captain. We are teammates and He is our coach. We are legionnaires and He is our centurion.

7. B. What Is Our Role? What Is It That We Do For “Our Captain”? “Men ought to regard us…as those entrusted with…” We are trustees; we are stewards and caretakers. If we were on a farm we would be the plowmen, planters, nurturers and harvesters. If we were on a ship we would be raising sails, cleaning decks and repairing equipment. If we work for the FBI, we would be investigating crimes, catching crooks and guarding criminals.

8. C. What Do We Take Care Of? “…the secret things of God [i.e., things only disclosed by God].” He has disclosed to us to disclose to others: His Love: A love so great it deserves our worship of Him His Purposes: Rescue us from sin (its power and consequences) His Plan: Offer fruitful life and eternal life

9. 2. The Measure Of Our Lives God’s View Of Our Lives 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. The meaning of “Faithful” is best revealed by what it it actually does…

16. 3. The Appraisal Of Our Lives God’s Method For Determining Our Reward

17. A. He does not let us judge 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

18. B. Self-congratulations or Self- condemnation is “outlawed” It is a useless and sometimes destructive distraction to try to figure out who gets what! 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.

19. C. Check your motives, heart condition and secrets. Now this is a really useful task! Remember: “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”

20. Theme God’s “Team Members” reliably use their gifts and grace to reveal Him.

21. Our Challenge… Take time to figure out what God wants in any given situation. Ask Him for the grace to actually do the right thing. Then let Him be seen in you as you do it. This insures blessings for all both now and in eternity.