Sharper Iron — Advent with the Apostles: Faithful Stewards of God’s Mysteries

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Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

The city of Corinth was well-known for its problems, and the same could be said for the church in Corinth. Yet St. Paul writes to them as Christians. As he addresses their divisions over which teacher they follow, he clearly elevates Christ as primary. He and Apollos are servants of the one Lord, Christ; they are stewards of what He has given them. He names these mysteries, that is, all of the things that the Triune God has done in order to save sinners. Pastors still today are these servants and stewards, handing over the gifts of God to the people of God. Faithfulness is the key, not the individual personality. In this, God alone stands as Lord and Judge; no human court can give the verdict. As pastors and hearers alike rightly discern truth from error and rebuke sin and falsehood as necessary, they do so as those who are justified by grace through faith in Christ.

“Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in light of what Christ has done in His first coming in the flesh, they strengthen us to live and wait in hope for His second coming in glory on the Last Day.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

The Ministry of Apostles

4 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

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English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.