1 Corinthians 4

Apostles as Servants

1 So when you all think of us, just know we are like Christ’s workers, handling the mysteries of God like they are treasures.

2 And what is required of folks like us, That we stay loyal and trustworthy, simple as that.

3 I do not care if you all judge me, or if any human court does. I do not even judge myself.

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not mean I am innocent. The Lord is the One who has the final say about me.

5 So stop judging stuff before it is time. Wait ‘til the Lord comes. He is going to shine a light on all the secrets and expose everybody is true motives. Then, everyone will get the props they deserve from God.

6 Listen, I am using Apollos and me as examples for you all so you can learn the lesson: Do not go beyond what is written. That way, you all will not get all puffed up, riding with one leader over another.

7 Who made you special, anyway, What do you have that you did not get from somebody else, And if you got it from someone, why are you acting like you came up on your own,

8 Oh, so you all already got everything, huh, You already rich, You all are kings now, Man, I wish you were, so we could reign with you!

9 It is like God put us apostles out here last, like folks on death row. We look like fools to the whole world, angels and humans both watching us.

10 We are fools for Christ, but you all think you are so wise in Christ. We are weak, but you all strong. You all got honor, but we are out here looking foolish.

11 Right now, we hungry, thirsty, homeless, wearing rags, getting’ beat down, and barely making it.

12 We work hard with our own hands, but when folks diss us, we bless them back. When they treat us dirty, we take it. When they talk down on us, we respond kindly.

13 We are treated like the trash of the world, the scum of the earth, and that is how it is, even today.

Paul’s Fatherly Warning

14 I am not telling you all this to make you feel bad, but to warn you like you are my own kids.

15 Even if you got 10,000 teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. I am the one who became a spiritual father to you all through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

16 So I am begging you all, be like me.

17 That is why I am sending Timothy to you. He is my loyal and loved son in the faith. He is going to remind you how I live for Christ, just like I teach everywhere I go, in every church.

18 Some of you all got cocky, thinking I am not coming back.

19 But trust me, I will be there soon, if the Lord allows. Then I will see what these cocky folks are really about, not just their talk, but if they got real power.

20 Because the kingdom of God is not about talk, it is about power.

21 So what is it is going to be, You want me to come with a stick, or with love and a gentle spirit, You all choose.