哥林多前书第4章：使徒的心志

 
GK611晨祷生命读经
07/08/2025
主讲: 郑伟健传道


引言：超越对与错的爱

一、为主托付而活（4:1–5）

1.⁠ ⁠忠心于主，不讨人喜悦（V1–2）
	
保罗自称为“基督的执事”、“神奥秘事的管家”，强调服事主的身份，不是为了人眼中的评价，而是为主交账。原文“执事”是“划桨的奴仆”，强调谦卑与顺服；“管家”是分配神家中丰富的人。我们是否活在人的眼光下？今天让我们重新立志，做一个忠心的“分粮人”。

2. 被主称许，胜于人断定（V3–5）
保罗不在意被人论断，甚至自己也不审判自己；他唯一在意的是主的判断。主会“显明人心的意念”，在那日作最终的审判与称许。面对批评或误解，我们是否常被击倒？主提醒我们：祂的称许才是最真实的奖赏。

二、从自高到舍己（林前4:6–8）

1.⁠ ⁠效法有限，不可高抬人（V6–7）
保罗指出，信徒不能把人看得太高，也不能靠属灵表现自夸；一切所拥有的，都是“领受来的”。原文“自高自大”是“被充气”，像膨胀的气球，虚而不实。我们是否不自觉在追星？或觉	得比别人属灵？我们要记得一切都是主所赐，我们不可自夸。

2. 看似丰富，却缺十架（V8）
哥林多信徒自以为属灵丰富，已经作王，不需要保罗；但这其实是属灵自满。保罗愿他们真作王，前提是生命能承载属灵的重量与十字架的磨炼。我们是否以为“我已经够了”？主问我：“你有没有十字架的生命？”

三、十字架上的印记（林前4:9–13）

1.⁠ ⁠权柄不是荣耀，而是卑微（V9–11）
保罗说使徒如“末后被列定死罪的囚犯”，成了一台戏被世人和天使观看。他形容自己的生活充满卑微：饥渴、赤身、受苦、漂泊。我们愿不愿意背十架呢？即使没有人看见、称赞，也继续为主前行？

2. 愚拙与软弱，仍然不退（V12–13）
即使被咒骂、逼迫、毁谤，保罗仍以祝福来回应、忍耐与劝勉。他说自己被看为“污秽”、“渣滓”，却仍忠心事奉。当我们被误解时，是不是很容易放弃？主呼召我：愚拙也不退、软弱仍	不放弃祝福。

四、为父的爱与权柄（林前4:14–21）

1.⁠ ⁠带出生命，而非控制（V14–17）
保罗提醒自己是“为父的”，用福音生了他们，愿意被效法，也差提摩太以榜样教导他们。属	灵权柄不在于控制，而在于“生出生命”。我们带人是“管理他们”还是“生他们”？主让我们带出真实生命，而非只是规范与要求。

2. 慈爱中，也有杖的提醒（v18–21）
保罗愿以温柔来见哥林多信徒，但也预备好用属灵权柄管教他们。神的国不在乎言语，而在	于圣灵权能的实际。我们是否害怕设界线？或只讲爱却不讲真理？主教我：在爱中管教，在	权柄中温柔。

总结：真正的属灵权柄，不是外在的位分，而是内在的委身。

使徒的心志，是忠心的、受苦的、被误解仍不撇下的。今天，主是否也呼召你，做一个在祂眼中“忠心良善的仆人”？


    

1 Corinthians 4: The Apostle's Resolve
GK611 Morning Devotion
07/08/2025
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Asher 

 Introduction: Love that surpasses right and wrong.

I. Living for the Lord's Commission (4:1–5) 

1. Faithful to the Lord, Not Seeking to please people (v1–2)
Paul refers to himself as ‘a servant of Christ’ and ‘a steward of God’s mysteries,’ emphasizing his identity as one who serves the Lord, not for human's approval, but to give an account to the Lord. The original text for ‘servant’ refers to a ‘rower,’ emphasizing humility and obedience; ‘steward’ refers to one who distributes the riches of God’s household.

Are we living under the gaze of others? Today, let us recommit ourselves to being faithful “distributors of the bread.”

2. Approved by the Lord, Not Judged by Man (v3–5)
Paul did not concern himself with being judged by others, nor did he judge himself; the only judgment that mattered to him was the Lord’s. The Lord will "expose the motives of the heart" and will give the final judgment and approval on that day.
When faced with criticism or misunderstanding, are we easily discouraged? The Lord reminds us: His approval is the most genuine reward.

 II. From Self-Exaltation to Self-Denial (1 Corinthians 4:6–8) 

1. Imitation is limited; do not exalt others (v6–7)
Paul points out that believers should not exalt others or boast about their spiritual achievements; everything we have is ‘received.’ The original text for ‘exalting oneself’ literally means ‘puffed up,’ like an inflated balloon — empty and insubstantial..

Are we unconsciously chasing after celebrities? Or do we feel more spiritual than others? We must remember that everything is a gift from the Lord, and we have nothing to boast about.

2. Seemingly Rich, Yet Lacking the Cross (V8)
The Corinthians believed themselves to be spiritually rich, already reigning as kings, and no longer in need of Paul; but this was actually spiritual complacency. Paul desired them to truly reign, but only if their lives could bear the weight of spiritual maturity and the refining of the cross.

Do we think, “I am already sufficient”? The Lord asks us, “Do you have a life marked by the cross?”

 III. The Mark of the Cross (1 Corinthians 4:9–13) 

1. Authority is not glory, but humility (v9–11)
Paul describes the apostles as “prisoners sentenced to death,” a spectacle for the world and the angels to watch. He describes his life as filled with humility: hunger, nakedness, suffering, and wandering.
Are we willing to carry the cross? Even if no one sees or praises us, will we continue to press on for the Lord even when no one sees or praises us?

2. Foolishness and weakness, yet not retreating (v12–13)
Even when cursed, persecuted, and slandered, Paul responded with blessing, patience, and encouragement. He said he was regarded as ‘the scum of the earth’ and ‘the refuse of the world,’ yet he remained faithful in his service.

When we are misunderstood, do we give up easily? The Lord calls me: even in foolishness, I will not retreat; even in weakness, I will not stop blessing.

 IV The Love and Authority of a Father (1 Corinthians 4:14–21) 

1. Bringing forth life, not control (v14–17)
Paul reminded the believers that he is like a father, having given birth to them through the gospel. He desires to be imitated and has sent Timothy to teach them by example. Spiritual authority is not about controlling others, but about bringing forth life.

Do we lead people by ‘managing them’ or by ‘bringing them forth’? The Lord calls us to bring forth true life, not just enforce rules and demands.

2. Loving, yet with the rod of correction (v18–21)
Paul desires to approach the Corinthians with gentleness, but he is also prepared to discipline them with spiritual authority if necessary. The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do we fear setting boundaries? Or do we only speak of love without speaking of truth? The Lord teaches me: discipline in love, gentleness in authority.

 Conclusion:  True spiritual authority is not an external position but an internal commitment.  

The apostle’s resolve was faithful, suffering, and unwavering even when misunderstood.  Today, is the Lord also calling you to be a “faithful and good servant” in His eyes?