Be strong in the Lord ~ 1 Corinthians 4.1-5

Meanwhile . . . back to Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth~

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4.1-5

”Most interesting, Holmes…” The word Paul used for servant in this text is “huperetes” which orginally meant a rower on the lower bank of a trireme--one of the slaves who pulled at the large sweeps which moved the great ships of war through the sea. 1 (notice in the photo, right above the water level, oars may be seen) Could this be a picture of Christ as the pilot who directs the course of the ship, while Paul and comrades, though out of sight, are keeping the ship moving from beneath?

Leaders should be about the Father’s business, and faithful. “That’s a relief,” some of you are thinking, “I do not call myself a leader—I’m off the hook.” Not so fast. Most everyone leads someone, don’t they? Do you supervise anyone on your job? Are you a baseball coach? ‘A sales rep? Are you a parent? Then you are meant to be faithful and reliable, and it is critical that you are trustworthy. If you say you are going to do something, follow through. And that means even if the way is rough.

I am in relationship with so many hurting people—loss of a parent, painful, ugly divorces, desperate need of employment, debilitating worry over the behavior of one’s children, and on it goes. Stand strong in the Lord, my friends. Three times in the first chapter of Joshua, the Lord told Joshua to ‘be strong and courageous', and that is what God says to you today—‘be strong and courageous—I am with you.’2 This song says it so beautifully. In the video, there is a frame with a notebook and a pen—ready for someone to pick up and pour her heart out in prayer to the Lord. Watch for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9cYcMbmbzk

Song “The Words I Would Say” by Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning, 
And I'm still awake, 
So I picked up a pen and a page, 
And I started writing, 
Just what I'd say, 
If we were face to face, 
I'd tell you just what you mean to me, 
I'd tell you these simple truths, 

Be strong in the LORD and, 
Never give up hope, 
You're going to do great things, 
I already know, 
God's got His hand on you so, 
Don't live life in fear, 
Forgive and forget, 
But don't forget why you're here, 
Take your time and pray, 
These are the words I would say, 

Last time we spoke, 
You said you were hurting, 
And I felt your pain in my heart, 
I want to tell you, 
That I keep on praying, 
Love will find you where you are, 
I know cause I've already been there, 
So please hear these simple truths, 

Be strong in the LORD and, 
Never give up hope, 
You're going to do great things, 
I already know, 
God's got His hand on you so, 
Don't live life in fear, 
Forgive and forget, 
But don't forget why you're here, 
Take your time and pray, 
These are the words I would say, 

From one simple life to another, 
I will say, 
Come find peace in the Father, 

Be strong in the LORD and, 
Never give up hope, 
You're going to do great things, 
I already know, 
God's got His hand on you so, 
Don't live life in fear, 
Forgive and forget, 
But don't forget why you're here, 
Take your time and pray, 
Thank God for each day, 
His love will find a way, 
These are the words I would say

Be strong in the Lord. Serve him well. Be faithful. Let his voice lead you. Do not let anyone’s words or actions deter you from what God has called you to do, or who he has called you to be. God alone is your judge, and let him be your justifier. You play to an audience of One, and he loves you madly.

Christine

podcast: www.pastorwoman.com

1 some thoughts from William Barclay 2 Joshua 1.6,7,9