Monday 16 February 2015

Psalm: Psalm110

Background

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is partly written inresponse to a request from the household of Chloe (1Corinthians 1:11) for advice concerning divisions in the churchat Corinth. In chapter 3, he tells the Corinthians that theythemselves are a temple for God, and so they are called to be holyas they build this house for God (1Corinthians 3:16). But who will be in charge of thehousehold?

In 1 Corinthians 3:21-22, Paul speaks ofdifferences of opinion as to which leader to follow - him, Apollos,or Cephas. He now sets out why the Corinthians should listen to allthe apostles, and not set them against one another.

The ancient Greek households had servants who were givenconsiderable authority. They were the house managers, or stewards,and they were able to act in place of the master - authorisingexpenditure, and making sure all things were in order bydisciplining other servants where necessary. Yet despite theirauthority, it was delegated authority. The authority still belongedto the master, to whom the steward had to give account (see Luke12:42-48 for a related parable of Jesus). But the fact that thesteward had this authority showed how much he was trusted.

So Paul says that he and the other apostles are God's stewards,looking after the mysteries of God (verse 1). So it doesn't matterwhich steward people follow, for all the stewards serve the samemaster. He doesn't want them to have to check him out - because hehimself will have to give an account to God. The implication isclear - if God trusts him, then they should trust him too. Notethat Paul says something very striking in verse 3: "I do not evenjudge myself". All he's concerned about is that God judges him tobe doing and saying the right things, as a faithful steward ofGod's message.

To Ponder

• To what extent are all Christians 'stewards of themysteries of God'?

• Your true nature is the way you behave when no one else can seeyou. How much do you trust yourself?

• If God trusts you, what does this say about the times when you'beat yourself up' by being your own worst critic?