I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Welcome Session 7 Stewardship & Authority Chapter 4:1-21

4:1-6 The minister is a steward, faithfully responsible for the Master’s estate 4:7-13 The minister is characterized as a spectacle in humility 4:14-21 The minister is a father, tender towards his children I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Session 7 – Outline Stewardship & Authority

Discussion Groups Process Answer Discussion Group questions in time period. For this lesson: Questions 1 to 6. Use various Bible versions to clarify text. Note any points remaining unclear after group review. Confidentiality: personal comments acceptable, avoid private comments, maintain respect for group.

The Minister is a Steward Minister: “under-rower”, slave rower on lowest level of Roman Trireme

The Minister is a Steward Steward: chief slave, owns nothing, responsible for Master’s entire estate

The Minister as a Spectacle

Contrasts CorinthiansApostles Kings Prisoners Wise men Fools Strong Weak Honorable Despised

Love’s Way TreatmentResponse Reviling Blessing Persecution Endurance Slander Conciliation

The Minister as a Father Paul founded the church family at Corinth. Paul was an example to the family. Paul disciplined the family.

Stewardship & Authority

4:1-6 The minister is a steward, faithfully responsible for the Master’s estate 4:7-13 The minister is characterized as a spectacle in humility 4:14-21 The minister is a father, tender towards his children I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Session 7 – Outline Stewardship & Authority

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Next Session: Discipline Chapter 5, Verses