Introduction: As a CHRISTIAN are you ready to stand before the Lord and be judged? Mind you, not to determine whether you go to heaven or hell but rather to be held accountable by how you used the gifts Jesus Christ has given you. After all, every believer has been imparted at least one spiritual gift to be used to serve our Lord (Rom 12:4-15). In this passage please notice the three different judges we face (1Cor 4:1-5).

1. We are Called to be ministers – servants! (1Cor 4:1) – “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

The word “ministers” is ὑπηρέτης : (hoop-ay-ret’-ace): it can mean an underling, a servant, or an attendant. It also can have to do with an officer, an attendant in a synagogue, or more specifically a minister of the gospel.

2. We are called to be Stewards! (1Cor 4:1,2) – “……and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

The word “Stewards” is οἰκονόμος: (oy-kon-om’-os). It literally means the manager of a household or guardian. In other words, every Christian has been given the responsibility to be a “steward” of the gospel. How are you doing?

3. We are being judged by others and ourselves, but also we will be judged by Jesus! (1Cor 4:3,4,5) – “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.”

Paul is saying that he recognizes that others will judge him. “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord” (1Cor 4:4).

But he is also reminding believers then and now that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Judge! The word “Judged” is ἀνακρίνω: (an-ak-ree’-no), which means to examine, or to investigate. 

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1Cor 4:5).

When Jesus will Judge us (at the Bema – Judgement Seat), He will test our motives. The word “Counsel” βουλή,(boo-lay’), can mean examine or deliberate wisdom.

Bottom line: Jesus knows us!