1 Corinthians 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul describes the role of apostles as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries, requiring faithfulness (vv. 1-2). He emphasizes that human judgment is insignificant compared to God’s judgment (vv.

Key verse

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.”
1 Corinthians 4:3 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 4:1–5 Role of Apostles as Stewards
1 Corinthians 4:6–8 Warnings Against Pride
1 Corinthians 4:9–13 Suffering of Apostles
1 Corinthians 4:14–17 Fatherly Admonition
1 Corinthians 4:18–21 Challenge to Arrogance

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Paul say is required of stewards?
Why does Paul mention 'the filth of the world' in v13?
In v6, what does Paul mean by 'not to think beyond the things which are written'?
In v20, how does Paul differentiate between 'word' and 'power' in God’s Kingdom?
When have you felt 'puffed up' as described in v18?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 4: 1 Corinthians 2, Romans 14, 1 Peter 4.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 5.