The Bible Project Daily Podcast The Correct View of a Leader in the Church. (1 Cor 3:6-4:5)
Welcome:
In this episode, we unpack Paul's teaching on what true leadership in the church looks like. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:6 to 4:5, Paul gives us three vivid metaphors to describe church leaders: gardeners, builders, and stewards. Through these images, we are reminded that leadership is not about status, showmanship, or superiority—it is about humble, faithful service to God. The Corinthian church was dividing over personalities and styles of preaching, but Paul resets the focus. It is God who gives growth, Christ who is the foundation, and the Lord who judges and rewards faithfulness.
Key Points:
- Leaders Are Gardeners (3:6-9):
- They plant and water, but only God gives the growth.
- Ministry is about patience and service, not celebrity.
- Leaders Are Builders (3:10-17):
- Christ is the only foundation.
- Ministry must be built with lasting, spiritual materials (gold, silver, precious stones).
- What is built will be tested by fire.
- Careless or corrupt ministry will result in loss or judgment.
- Leaders Are Stewards (4:1-5):
- They are entrusted with God's mysteries.
- Faithfulness is what matters most, not impressiveness.
- Final judgment belongs to the Lord, who alone sees and rewards rightly.
Reflections:
- Have you placed too much importance on a leader or preacher, rather than on Christ?
- Are you building your own ministry or spiritual life with materials that will last?
- Do you find encouragement in the truth that faithfulness—not success—is what God rewards?
Encouragement for Leaders:
- Be faithful with what God has given you, no matter how small or unseen it may seem.
- Don’t be consumed by comparison, criticism, or the applause of others.
- Your praise will come from God, in His time.
Encouragement for Congregations:
- Don’t idolize or tear down preachers; they are servants, not saviours.
- Be grateful for those who minister to you.
- Look beyond the personality to the gospel foundation they lay.
Application:
- Pray for your leaders.
- Examine your own heart for pride or comparison.
- Build your life on Christ, and serve with the right motives.
Closing Thought:
Don’t waste time evaluating everyone else’s ministry. Instead, be faithful. Serve humbly. Build wisely. And trust that your praise will come from God.
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