How to Identify a Godly Leader (1 Corinthians 4:1-20) – Paul confronted the Corinthians about their focus and perspective. In the process he gave us some amazing principles and characteristics about being and identifying a godly leader:
- Views Self as a Servant (1 Corinthians 4:1)
1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Paul told the Corinthians that he and his team were to be considered servants and stewards. We must look for leaders who lead to serve others and not to gain power or prominence. Leaders do not gain position by taking it, but by earning it by meeting the needs of others.
- Walks in Integrity (1 Corinthians 4:2)
2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
Paul made it clear that he was expected as a steward of the gospel that he be trustworthy. We must find leaders that speak and walk with integrity. A person who speaks or acts in deception or is simply unreliable should not be considered for leadership.
- Evaluates Self by God’s Word (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court ; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted ; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts ; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
Paul made it clear that it was not the opinion of his audience nor his opinion of himself was how he was to be evaluated. God’s opinion and evaluation is the only one that matters. We want to seek leaders that are not satisfied with mediocrity even if it is enough to make their followers happy. We want leaders who are only seeking the applause of God.
- Uses Discretion (1 Corinthians 4:6)
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.
Paul used himself and Apollos as examples because he knew if he had called individuals out by name the congregation would have misused that information to single those people out. Leaders need to know what to say and how much to say. Leaders must recognize the limits of the people they are leading and exercise discretion.
- Impervious to World Values (1 Corinthians 4:7-11)
7 For who regards you as superior ? What do you have that you did not receive ? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.
9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death ; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ ; we are weak, but you are strong ; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.
11 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless ;
12 and we toil, working with our own hands ; when we are reviled, we bless ; when we are persecuted, we endure ;
13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate ; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
Paul made it clear that by the world’s standards and values he and the other apostles looked like failures. That did not stop him from continuing to pursue God’s call and mission. He told the Corinthians that they need to not let the world’s values affect their perspective. We need leaders who are not easily swayed by the values and temptations of this world.
- Says the Hard Thing (1 Corinthians 4:14-15)
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
Paul had to say some hard things to the Corinthians. He did not do this to make them feel bad, but to try to push them to a place of maturity. Leaders cannot be afraid to confront sin and immaturity in the lives of their followers. Leaders who are sheepish cannot be shepherds.
- Lives as an Worthy Example (1 Corinthians 4:16)
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.
Paul told the Corinthians to mimic him. He felt as though his life was one worth modeling. Leaders must be able to speak truth, but more importantly their lives need to be an example worth following.
- Disciples and Delegates (1 Corinthians 4:17)
17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
Paul raised up and grew Timothy into a leader. He was also willing to give Timothy responsibility and did not try to do everything himself. A leader must be raising up other leaders and must be willing to hand responsibility to them. Leaders who try to be heroes will fail.
- Deals with Issues (1 Corinthians 4:18-20)
18 Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power.
20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.
21 What do you desire ? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness
Paul was going to deal the issues and conflicts among the Corinthians. He was going to go to them and do what he had to. He longed to do it with love and gentleness, but would be more forceful if that is what would fix the problem. Leaders refuse to sweep problems under the rug. They will do what they have to solve problems even if it means confrontation and heartache.
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